Kong reports on Sincere Fine Watches' presentation of Ralph Lauren Fine Watchmaking in Singapore, offering a first-hand look at the brand's collections. He highlights the unique partnership structure and Ralph Lauren's direct involvement in aesthetic design, emphasizing the brand's focus on distinct visual identity backed by Richemont Group movements.
Recently Sincere Fine Watches has a press session to
present to the local press members an new addition to their house brands
- Ralph Lauren Fine Watchmaking. The afternoon began with a
presentation from a representative of Ralph Lauren followed by afternoon
tea and the viewing of the watches at the Buona Terra Restaurant.
A
recap of the session, and also my first experience to handle their
watches, knowing only their attractive 45mm Automotive with dial
inlaid with elm burlwood.
Entrance to the venue - Buona Terra Restaurant.
The set up ...
Shirley Sng, Marketing Manager, started the afternoon and ...
passed the floor to a representative from RALPH LAUREN.
He
gave an introduction of the company, brand and the person behind the
brand - Ralph Lauren himself, and a quick run through of the
collections.
Ralph Lauren working on site ...
The partnership, seemed to happen after an evening when both met in a dinner.
From the above slide, the company formed - RALPH LAUREN Fine Watchmaking is a 50/50 partnership.
Though
the company has access to some movements by various brands under
Richemont Group, it also has its own facilities performing the
decoration, assembly and encasing.
As of now, the internal of the
watches (movements) already has legitimacy, the focus is on the
aesthetic design, thus the main designer is no other than Ralph Lauren
himself.
The Ralph Lauren has six collections : the Stirrup
Collection, the RL67 Safari Collection, Sporting Collection, Automotive
Collection, Slim Classique Collection and 867 Collection.
Besides
the Automotive Collection, the other two collections which attracted my
attention are the Safari and Slim Classique Collections.
The new gunmetal finish Chronograph with a JLC movement is pretty attractive.
The Stirrup looks chic on lady's wrist ...
After presentation, a look at the pieces from this year four collections ...
The 45mm RL67 Safari Chronograph with brushed gunmetal finish steel with olive canvass strap.
According to the representative, the steel is specially treated to core, and not just a surface treatment.
Would
be great if the brand could prepare a case, cut and photograph the
cross section to illustrate the gunmetal treatment to the steel.
Chronograph pushers could be adjusted for better tactile feel.
The date could be omitted, as it is quite small to read for some (like myself).
The gunmetal finish should enable the watch to age gracefully, may even be more attractive with wear over time.
Another chronograph with a smaller diameter case at 39mm...
The 45mm RL67 automatic Tourbillon with micro-rotor with brown alligator strap.
Power reserve of 38 hours.
Case is stainless steel with brushed gunmetal finish.
Like the chronograph, the list price is quite attractive.
Next in the Safari Collection, a decent entry-level model to the world of Ralph Lauren.
A
chronometer grade time-only piece in 45mm stainless steel case. The
coating looks like the gunmetal finish in the picture, but it is
different.
Again, the list price is a draw!
This is one of the models from the Slim Classique Collection, the pieces are of gold or platinum.
The above piece is a 38mm Rose Gold model. Also available in 42mm.
The 'barleycorn' guilloche pattern on the bezel is a nice touch.
Since it is the Slim Collection, the movement within is from the master of extra-plate, Piaget.
The
thickness of the watch will depends on the models, and they are range
from 5.10 mm (for the above version) to 5.35mm for the bejeweled
versions.
Lastly, the Stirrup Collection. This collection has the envy
of many brands - an unforgettable iconic case shape, resembles a
stirrup (part of a saddle) which is a Ralph Lauren's signature and
at the same time a vivid expression of the brand's refined equestrian heritage.
Available
in various metals and bejeweled options, come in either time-only or
chronograph (in quartz, manual winding or automatic) with special shaped
straps or metal links.
The above is a rose gold version with automatic movement with 48 hours power reserve.
If the thickness of the case could be thinner, this collection can be very handsome and elegant.
Kong
This message has been edited by Kong on 2013-11-17 23:53:52
