Ralph Lauren Watches History: The Menswear Titan Takes On Timepieces

Ralph Lauren may be new on the watch scene, but the company boldly entered the scene with high-end watches. The iconic designer works with some of his favorite watchmakers to create his ambitious collections

Simply continue in order to learn about this brand’s history from the start, or follow the links below:

• Rise Of An American Designer Giant
• Ralph Gets Into Time: First Watches
• A Wealth Of Influences

Rise Of An American Designer Giant

Though now represented in every niche of men’s fashion, Ralph Lauren himself got his start with ties. In fact, when his fashion career began, it was almost by chance.

In 1964, Lauren was completing his Army basic training, and nearly went to Vietnam, but he sustained a leg injury. It was serious enough for a discharge, and he returned home.

Once back home, he took Baruch College business classes, selling ties to fellow students, and worked at various menswear retailers. Ralph was keenly observant when it came to fashion, and others could not ignore this.

Therefore, in 1967, he was ready to launch his first Ralph Lauren tie collection. He started this with help from his employers at Beau Brummell.

Afterwards, obtaining a $30,000 business loan, he expanded in 1968 with the visionary Polo line, his full menswear collection. Soon, his tantalizing synthesis of retro-dignified Interwar English aesthetics with frank Americana proved a show-stopper.

Ralph Gets Into Time: First Watches

During the next few decades, the brand became an influential international trendsetter. Ralph himself came to love watches, therefore, he looked to expanding into his own timepieces in the 2000s.

Because his favorite watchmakers were Richemont brands, such as Cartier and Panerai, he went to Richemont’s chairman Johann Rupert.

Since 2004, Ralph Lauren has partnered with Richemont to create watches in Ralph’s inimitable style.

Watches are important to Ralph, therefore the development took enough time to arrive at a look he was happy with. Finally, in 2009, the Stirrup, Slim Classique and Sporting Collection watches made their debut at the watch show SIHH.

Ralph Lauren watches use movements from Richemont’s high-end manufactures like Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cartier and IWC. Besides these reputable names, Richemont’s behind-the-scenes movements-only manufacturer Val Fleurier supplies movements for some watches.

A Wealth Of Influences

The movements within these watches may come from Richemont’s well-established brands, but the design is classic Ralph Lauren. Consistent with the brand’s influences, modern haute horlogerie blends with Art Deco elements, equestrian imagery and 1920s & 1930s automobiles.

Lines like the Stirrup and the 867 Tuxedo, for example, seem an intersection between 1920s ballrooms and spirited horseback adventure. Specifically, elegant rectangular cases mix with the buckles, stirrups and saddles of a polo match or open-range Western adventure.

Automotive-themed watches take cues from the founder’s personal collection, especially his 1930s-era Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe. This luxury car exudes class in its unmistakable curved contours, therefore the brand’s first Automotive Watches seek to emulate it.

The black curving lugs, black leather strap and hardwood bezel in the Automotive Skeleton reference this car, for example. The most striking outer component is perhaps the amboyna burlwood bezel set against black, analogous to the hardwood steering wheel.

Meanwhile, the intricate skeletonized Val Fleurier automatic movement inside serves as the counterpart to the finely-tuned engine of Ralph’s Bugatti.

The Safari series, on the other hand, goes for a rugged 1940s-to-1960s style. These watches use straps and cases with weathered appearances together with khaki tones rather than white.

These color and design decisions suggest an explorer’s watch beaten by harsh savanna sunlight during long excursions. Variants are also available with 1960s-era jungle camouflage.

Learn More About Ralph Lauren Watches

Beginning with his original polo player imagery, Ralph Lauren’s designs bring with them a romantic narrative of adventure and refinement. His brand’s timepieces also contribute a personal touch, with references to his own watch and automobile collections.

Watches are a prevailing personal interest of Ralph Lauren himself, therefore this brand won’t easily fade away. Rather, its visual identity will continue to evolve, while taking cues from Ralph’s various inspirations.

These watches allow him to combine the time-honored craftsmanship of his favorite watch brands with his own discerning designer’s eye. You can find information on his brand’s timepieces on the official site.

But if you’d like to keep reading Bespoke Unit’s informative articles, just use these links:

• Go to the Bespoke Unit Watch Homepage
• See our list of in-depth watch reviews
• Read about other Richemont brands
• Finally, to round out your Ralph Lauren ensemble, see our fragrance review of Ralph Lauren’s Polo Blue