A pair of shimmering new ladies’ watches have made a grand entrance into the Ralph Lauren world. The RL888 and 867 Deco Diamond models are both swathed in diamonds and evoke an elegant way of life. Here, as the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyscrapers, women dress up for dinner and gentlemen wear tuxedos with gracious ease. Because as always, every Ralph Lauren creation, be it a watch, evening gown or blazer, has a story to tell.
Ralph Lauren, who is very much involved in the design of all the Ralph Lauren watches to bear his name says: “My RL888 and 867 collections are inspired by my Madison Avenue flagships. I wanted to create exquisite, high-jewellery timepieces that celebrate that world of luxury.”
The Deco Diamond RL888 is a one-off creation that involved 600 hours of work in Ralph Lauren’s Swiss ateliers. A sun burst of diamonds beam out from the bezel, alternating with black spinels for a dazzling solar effect. The white gold bracelet is entirely set with 414 baguette diamonds and a further 13 brilliant-cut and a single rose-cut diamond bring the grand total count to 17.31 carats. The black and white symmetry has a strong air of Art Deco aesthetics while the playfulness of the Jazz Age is evident in the mix of Roman and Arabic numerals on the dial. And this is the one and only example that will be made, making it a truly unique diamond timepiece.
The square dial of the new 867 brings new dynamism to the geometric rigour we associate with the 1930’s and the New York skyline. The white gold watch is adorned with the sparkle of 44 baguette and one rose-cut diamond. Ink-black spinels mark corners of the diamond-set dial and a further four form an alternating pattern of white and black gems. The RL340 mechanical self-winding movement, manufactured by Piaget in Switzerland, powers this sophisticated watch and a lustrous black alligator strap completes the look. Ralph Lauren will produce eight examples of this version of the 867. Both watches will be available in store for the end of 2016, perfect for Christmas purchases.
