Introducing The Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Watch Collection

In celebration of Ralph Lauren’s 50th Anniversary, the Polo Bear Watch Collection merges the time-honored traditions of Swiss watchmaking with a beloved icon from the world of Ralph Lauren. This collection marks the first time Ralph Lauren has designed timepieces specific to his Polo brand.

The Polo Bear debuted in 1991 as 200 limited-edition bears produced by Steiff, the famed German toy manufacturer, and dressed in miniaturized Polo Ralph Lauren apparel. In the years since, this stylish bear has appeared as embroidery, prints, and patches on a variety of items, from neckties to sweaters. The four bears commemorated in this collection are Flag Bear, Martini Bear, Preppy Bear, and Spectator Bear—each inspired by Ralph Lauren’s own way of dressing and the signatures of his timeless designs.

Flag Bear

Flag bear’s namesake sweater originated on the runway in 1989—the same year Ralph appeared in an iconic advertising image wearing the sweater with his favorite denim jacket and jeans.

Martini Bear

This debonair bear—complete with boutonniere and embroidered velvet slippers—captures the rakish confidence of Edwardian gentlemen and 1930s Hollywood movie stars, some of the inspirations behind Ralph’s love of the timeless tuxedo.

Preppy Bear

The Ivy League look defined many of menswear’s most enduring elements, such as the repp tie and navy blazer, yet it was Ralph’s way of bringing them together that epitomized the spirit of preppy style.

Spectator Bear

Spectator Bear’s sophisticated nonchalance—mixing a camel hair overcoat, sweatshirt, and saddle oxfords for a day at the stadium—represents the blend of classic sport and youthful style at the heart of Ralph’s vision of Polo.

The bears are hand-printed on lacquered creamy white dials, accompanied by oxidized black Breguet-style hands. In honor of the first piece Ralph Lauren designed—the necktie—each watch can be customized with interchangeable straps crafted from necktie silk twill patterns—including three tartan patterns woven in Italy and three repp stripes woven in England—as well as options in French calfskin or exotic alligator.

Swiss-Made Movement

The stainless steel round cases measure 42mm by 10.4mm and are powered by a Swiss-made, caliber RL300-1 movement. The mechanical self-winding chronometer runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, featuring 25 jewels with an approximate 42-hour power reserve. The movement is hand-finished with vertical Côtes de Genève stripes and circular graining, known as perlage. These fine details are visible from the exhibition case back, which includes a commemorative 50th Anniversary plaque set over the rotary.