Ralph Lauren's Automotive Collection is comprised of luxurious watches based on a Bugatti race car. The idea that watches and sports cars have a similar design heritage root is displayed through high quality materials, precise performance, and intricate craftsmanship. The Automotive collection draws inspiration specifically from Ralph Lauren's own car, the 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupé.
The Ralph Lauren Automotive collection's 'Automotive Skeleton' timepiece is priced at $50,000 USD and has elements of steel and brass gears, a large balance, black oxidised hands, stainless steel encasing, and a Amboyna Burl bezel. Amboyna Burl is a norble hardwood material that has intricate swirls which require a hand-cut process. Another notable timepiece from the collection is the '45 mm RL Automotive' piece priced at $16,500 USD with matte black dials to recall the car's glowing gauges and Arabic number details.
Image Credit: Ralph Lauren
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Luxury Car-influenced Watches
- Opportunity for luxury watch brands to collaborate with automotive companies to create high-end timepieces with materials and design elements inspired by sports cars.
- Precise Performance Timepieces
- Emerging market for watches that offer precise timekeeping abilities, similar to the performance of high-end sports cars.
- Craftsmanship Meets Automotive Design
- Opportunity to merge intricate craftsmanship techniques with automotive design principles to create unique and luxurious timepieces.
Where This Applies
- Luxury Watches
- Luxury watch brands can explore collaborations with automotive companies to create innovative timepieces.
- Automotive
- Automotive companies can leverage their design heritage to create luxury-oriented products like watches, that cater to their clientele.
- Jewelry
- High-end jewelry brands can incorporate automotive-inspired design elements and materials into their watch collections, attracting car enthusiasts and luxury consumers.
