ralph lauren designs watch based on 1938 bugatti type 57SC atlantic coupe

ralph lauren designs timepiece based on 1938 bugatti type 57SC atlantic coupe
all images courtesy of ralph lauren

during SIHH in geneva, ralph lauren unveiled the RL automotive skeleton as part of the ‘automotive collection’, a series of timepieces which demonstrates the connection between two worlds in which precision, style and high performance go hand in hand — that of watchmaking, and that of the world’s greatest vehicles. based on one of the rarest cars of all time: ralph lauren’s 1938 bugatti type 57sc atlantic coupe, the open-worked, hand-wound mechanical watch uses a combination of materials, including rare hardwoods, to emulate the richness and clarity of the bugatti’s dash, and features wooden bezels in amboyna burl wood.

the RL automotive skeleton is the first open-worked movement ralph lauren has ever presented

 the depth of the caliber RL1967 movement is accentuated with a black finish on the plate and bridges

steel and brass elements of the gear train, as well as the large balance oscillating at 18,000 vibrations per hour and the sword-shaped, black oxidized hands are coated with a beige ‘super-luminova’ finish, further enriching the visual experience. the composition is framed by a lustrous amboyna burl bezel.

ralph lauren’s 1938 bugatti type 57sc atlantic coupe 

the exotic hardwood, which must be expertly cut and finished to expose its richly detailed swirling grain patterns, has a long history of use in luxury automotive interiors. it forms a strong bridge between the automotive and horological worlds, and highlights the watch as a true celebration of ralph lauren’s love of beautiful machines.