The latest addition to Ralph Lauren’s Automotive watch collection, which is inspired by Lauren’s passion for rare and vintage automobiles, is the Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton Steel. In design terms, the watch is pretty much alike its skeleton predecessor from 2015 - the Ralph Lauren Skeleton Automotive. Both models are inspired by Mr. Lauren’s 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe, combining the designer’s love for fine watchmaking and the world of classic automobiles. There are only two Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantics in the world, and one of them, worth the estimated $40+ million, belongs to Ralph Lauren’s collection.
A new steel version of the Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton features a skeletonized movement that is fully revealed in the absence of a dial. Like a vintage car with its hood opened, the watch provides a glimpse at its inner workings. While its skeletonized predecessor, the Ralph Lauren Automotive Skeleton, had a black PVD-coated and bead-blasted finish on the case and movement, the new version features steel in its natural color. The small seconds appears at its traditional position, at 6 o’clock, offset by the Ralph Lauren’s logo at 12 o’clock. Instead of those beige-tinted luminous hands of the RL Automotive Skeleton, the new version features a pair of black oxidized hands that stand out nicely against the steely backdrop.
The stainless steel case of the watch measures 44.80mm by 11.20mm, and is sealed against the ingress of water to up to 50 meters of depth. The case is topped by the unique wooden bezel, emblematic for the Ralph Lauren Automotive collection, which is made from Amboyna burl wood – a material used for interior decoration of some of Ralph Lauren’s vintage cars, including the dash of the Bugatti 57SC. The six screws securing the exotic bezel are a nod to the rivets securing the chassis of a car.
The case-back is open-worked to reveal the manually wound Caliber RL1967, developed by IWC exclusively for Ralph Lauren, and skeletonized by Val Fleurier branch of Richemont. The movement beats at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, providing about 45 hours of power reserve.
The Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton Steel is available with two bracelet options: a brown alligator leather strap, and a 3-link steel bracelet. The watch is priced at $34,200, which makes it more affordable than its $50,000 predecessor. For more information, please visit ralphlauren.com.
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Once again, Ralph Lauren derives his inspiration from the world of luxury classic cars, and presents the original Automotive Chronograph, which is inspired by the instrument panel of its creator’s legendary 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe. Laurent’s passion for cars has often been reflected in his creations, and details from his epic 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC have already appeared in past watch and furniture collections. The new Ralph Lauren Automotive Chronograph pays another tribute to one of Laurent’s favorite cars, the champion of the l...
