Introducing: The Ralph Lauren Polo Watch Collection

September 17, 2020

At the end of last year, Ralph Lauren launched a collection of watches featuring the signature Polo Bear on the center of the dial. Those watches were a more conservative C if not vintage leaning C time-only offering with a distinctive two o'clock crown. Today, the brand is releasing a diver-inspired collection, only this time, the well known Polo logo C icon of the brand's Polo line of clothing (and originator of the "Polo" shirt) C takes center stage. Whereas last year's release featured the Polo Bear in different outfits, now the jockey and horse are displayed in different colored attire. This new collection of watches is offered in quite a few different dial colors, case materials, and straps C including a bracelet. Initial Thoughts The Ralph Lauren Polo line was conceived in 1972, and to say that Polo has now become a household name, or part of the cultural zeitgeist, would be an understatement. We now refer to a certain type of shirt as a "Polo", the same way we call a tissue, "Kleenex" or a soda, "Coke." These watches showcase the power of that line, with a large paint-like rendering of the Polo logo situated prominently on the dial. These are no date, 100m water resistant dive-style watches, featuring white Arabic numerals, a red seconds hand, and the word Polo where a conventional diving lume pip would be. In all, there are four models, or variants offered: a lacquered green dial, a lacquered navy dial, and two lacquered black dials C one in stainless steel, and the other in a matte black PVD coating.? Across the four dial and case options are a variety of straps to choose from. There is a leather strap with ecru stitching, a cotton madras strap, and a leather NATO-style strap in three colorways, printed with Ralph Lauren's "Sport" logo C a prominent fixture on 90's Ralph Lauren apparel. Aside from the straps, there is also a bracelet offering both in classic stainless steel and black sandblasted stainless steel. The watch is powered by the RL200 movement C made by Sellita C featuring vertical Co?tes de Gene?ve and perlage, and viewable through an exhibition caseback. The Ralph Lauren Polo Collection, sized at 42mm and featuring a signed crown with the Polo horse motif, is available now.It is worth noting that Ralph Lauren, the man, is a well-known watch guy. (You can find out why in Ben Clymer's exclusive 2015 interview with him here.) It is part of Panerai lore that Lauren gave the fledgling brand a huge boost shortly after its relaunch by wearing an Angelus-powered Panerai Radiomir on the runway at the end of one of his fashion shows. It was Lauren's love of watches that led to the Polo Ralph Lauren / Richemont Group joint venture creating the Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co. in Switzerland in 2007 and to the Ralph Lauren brand's foray into luxury mechanical watches. Lately, however, the Ralph Lauren brand has extended its focus to fashion watches. New high-end luxury watches are in the product pipeline, though, the company says.? The Basics Brand: Ralph LaurenModel: Polo Watch CollectionReference Number: 472836826003 (green dial), 472836829001 (blue dial), 472836827001 (black dial), 472836830001 (black dial PVD case)Diameter: 42mmThickness: 12.35mmCase Material: Stainless SteelDial Color: Green, Blue, and BlackIndexes: ArabicLume: YesWater Resistance: 100mStrap/Bracelet: Leather Strap, Leather NATO-style strap, cotton madras strap, stainless steel bracelet, and sandblasted stainless steel bracelet. The Movement Caliber: RL200Functions: Hours, minutes, secondsPower Reserve: 38 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4HzJewels: 26Chronometer Certified: No Pricing & Availability Price: Range from $1,650 to $2,150 depending on configuration. Availability: ImmediatelyLimited Edition: NoFor more, click here.