Ralph Lauren: Three Watches, One Signature Style
Vintage ’67 in Gold, Polo Bear Tuxedo, and 888 Automatic
Since 1967, Ralph Lauren has been shaping the fashion world with his unmistakable blend of American casualness, British elegance, and classic style elements. Since 2008, the brand has also applied this aesthetic to high-quality timepieces. Swiss movements—including those from renowned specialists such as La Joux-Perret—provide the mechanical foundation. Three current models demonstrate the diverse ways Ralph Lauren interprets his vision of style: The Vintage ’67 combines yellow gold with a black lacquered dial; the Polo Bear Tuxedo features a pair of festively dressed bears on the dial; and the 888 Automatic embodies classic elegance with a Swiss automatic movement.
Vintage ’67: Gold, Lacquer, and a Long Power Reserve
The polished 18-karat yellow gold case measures 40 millimeters in diameter and is 9.1 millimeters thick. A box-shaped domed sapphire crystal emphasizes its historic character. Beneath it, cream-white Arabic numerals and hands stand out against a glossy black lacquered dial; the small seconds sub-dial at six o’clock features a circular pattern. The black alligator leather strap is interchangeable and fastens with a gold pin buckle.
The movement is noteworthy: The Vintage ’67 is powered by the mechanical Caliber 7380 from La Joux-Perret. The hand-wound movement operates at three hertz and offers approximately 90 hours of power reserve. The sapphire crystal case back reveals Geneva stripes and perlage. The nearly four-day power reserve is fitting for a watch that deliberately limits itself to hours, minutes, and a small seconds hand.
It is water-resistant to 5 bar. With a price of 23,500 euros (including taxes) in the eurozone, the Vintage ’67 is clearly positioned as a luxurious dress watch. Its appeal lies in the balance between its materials and its understated design: the gold is prominent, yet the dial remains simple.
Polo Bear Tuxedo: Ralph and Ricky in Their Festive Outfits
The new Polo Bear Tuxedo features two figures on a cream-colored lacquered dial: the pair of bears, named Ralph and Ricky, dressed in festive attire. The 3D-printed motifs add depth to the illustration; red hour and minute hands provide a bold accent. A black second hand and black Arabic numerals ensure the time is clearly displayed.
The polished stainless steel case measures 38 millimeters in diameter and 9.9 millimeters in height. A domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inside protects the dial, and the case back is solid. Inside, the watch is powered by the Sellita RL200 automatic movement, which operates at 4 hertz and offers approximately 38 hours of power reserve. It is water-resistant to 5 bar.
A replaceable black grosgrain strap with Alsavel lining and a stainless steel pin buckle echoes the textile theme of evening wear. The price is 1,800 euros, including taxes. The design defines the watch’s appearance; technically, it remains a simple mechanical three-hand watch.
888 Automatic: Classic Dial with Swiss Automatic Movement
The new model, known as the 888 Automatic 39 mm, features a polished stainless steel case and a silvery opaline dial with a central guilloché pattern. Roman numerals, Arabic numerals on the outer scale, and black Breguet-style hands characterize the classic dial. A flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inside covers the dial.
The automatic RL300-1 caliber is manufactured by Sellita. It operates at 4 hertz and offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. This sets the new model apart technically from the quartz versions within the 888 family. A interchangeable black calfskin strap with Alsavel lining and a stirrup-shaped stainless steel pin buckle completes the model.
It is water-resistant to 3 bar and costs 2,900 euros.
