Review: Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton

«I’ve always been inspired by automotive design — the materials, the lines, but also the power and functionality. Cars are like art — moving art — an accomplishment in mechanics and precision.» - Ralph Lauren. Details from the automotive world extend throughout the timepiece, from the amboyna burl wood bezel to the black alligator strap that is reminiscent of the rich interior of Mr. Lauren’s Bugatti. Even the Arabic numerals emulate those found on the car’s iconic gauges.

Dial

At 12 o’clock is a matte black galvanized subdial, with an azurage patten with a luminescent RL logo stamped on top. At six o’clock is a decentralized seconds subdial with white Arabic numerals and an azurage pattern. Hours and minutes are indicated by matte black oxidized sword-shaped hands, which are coated with a beige luminescent treatment for increased low-light visibility.

The movement components are visible, including the mainspring, and gold colored wheels, free-sprung balance wheel, hairspring, and cap jewel that holds the balance pivot in place. Unlike most Swiss watches in this price range, the components do not have bevelled and polished edges, which is maybe due to having a fully blacked out movement. It would have been nice to see additional finishing at this price point, though.

Case

Crafted in black gunmetal steel, the RL Automotive Skeleton’s shot-blasted case has a matte satin finish. Topping the case is an exquisite bezel that is made of amboyna wood, hand-cut and finished by an expert craftsman to reveal the intricate patterns and depth of color in its rich, twisted grain. The “bombé”-shaped bezel is hand-set with six functioning screws.

This writer prefers a case that is no greater than 42 mm, and thin. The RL Automotive Skeleton achieves good wearability  at 45 mm in diameter x 11.5 mm thick, although I personally think a little less diameter would be even more attractive. Although, it is all relative to the wearer. And besides, the length, which is 55 mm, is probably more of an indicator of comfort and proportion than diameter anyways. The interhorn lug width is 24 mm. Weight is 95.9 grams.

The screws on the outside of the lugs look good and mesh with the overall theme. The caseback is sapphire, with six screws to secure it in place. A shiny black alligator leather strap, reminiscent of the rich interior of Ralph Lauren’s flagship Bugatti, complements the watch.

Movement

Ralph Lauren’s entire collection is powered by Swiss mechanical movements that are supplied by Richemont, or outside movement makers such as Sellita. It is worth noting that the Richemont Group owns part of Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry Co., as part of a joint venture between the fashion label and luxury group. And accordingly, Richemont brands IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Piaget supply the movements for many of the Ralph Lauren timepieces.

In this case, the RL Automotive Skeleton is powered by caliber RL1967, a renowned IWC hand-wound mechanical movement that has been customized by Val Fleurier for Ralph Lauren. The bridges of the movement have been blackened to match the overall theme of the watch, and the main plate has been artfully cut away, to reveal the intricate mechanics underneath. The manually wound caliber RL1967 runs at a frequency of 2.5Hz (18,000 vph), and has a 45-hour power reserve, as well as a unique indicator evocative of a fuel gauge on the movement side.

Overall, the movement is excellent, however, with no Geneva stripes, circular graining, or chamfered edges – purists will surely question the price point. Despite the lack of traditional embellishments, the aesthetic is still very pleasing.

Verdict

After wearing the RL Automotive Skeleton around New York City, and showing it to people at cocktail parties and dinners, I can say it was very well received. Why? It is a distinctive timepiece the echoes the Ralph Lauren design codes. Furthermore, the amboyna burl wood bezel, with its signature irregularities, is stunning. And the fact that it is powered by a renowned IWC hand-wound movement is further reason to take a look at this watch. The price, for a non-complicated watch, from really almost any watchmaker, is on the high side. But if you desire a unique piece that people will recognize, talk about and that nobody else will have, it is worth a look.

The Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton timepiece is currently available for purchase at select Ralph Lauren boutiques.

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