Live Pics: Ralph Lauren Watches & Fine Jewelry Bows To The New Polo Vintage 67
The American designer’s passions and influences are well-known by now. Of course, there is his love of the American West; but there is also his love of the golden era of motoring, where open-air roadsters and wooden steering wheels were the hallmarks of the day. This new timepiece captures that free-wheeling essence.
Here’s a word you won’t find me using very often – jaunty. Perhaps it’s a bit innocent and iconoclastic for today, but when we got to see and handle the new Ralph Lauren Watches & Fine Jewelry Polo Vintage 67, that’s the descriptor that stuck with me.
From the patina of this watch’s “distressed” 40mm stainless steel case, stirrup lugs, silvered dial, burnished tan calf strap, and polished pin buckle, this is a timepiece that would eagerly ride on your driving-gloved wrist without a hint of irony or corniness, with or without an under-bund. Because, well, jaunty.
Style and Substance
Ralph Lauren watches are supposed to get everything right in terms of how they look. But the level of horological finesse and detail on the Polo 67 cannot be ignored. Sporting a manual-wind La Joux-Perret Calibre 7380, visible through the open case back, the movement features 90 hours of power reserve and is adorned with exquisite Côtes de Genève and perlage finishing. So, it more than checks all of the watchmaking boxes for a timepiece under $3,000. It is also water resistant to 5 bar or about 150 feet.
Meanwhile, the elaborate onion crown, large-serif Arabic hour markers, grooved “azured” small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, black lacquered hands, and vintage-inspired box sapphire crystal add to the authentic heritage qualities of the Polo Vintage 67. The Polo logo, perhaps, might be a little large for some, but that’s all part of the fun.
Simply put, it looks and wears like an intriguing heirloom timepiece. And, for those of us whose families lack a great uncle Waldo who tore up country roads in his open-air roadster while clad in a duster and driving cap to will us his period gear, this watch presents a jaunty bit of business, indeed. There’s that word again.
Pricing and Availability
The Ralph Lauren Watches & Fine Jewelry Polo Vintage 67, the latest addition to the brand’s Polo Collection of timepieces, is available at select Ralph Lauren stores and on the brand’s website as you read this for $2,700.
(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)