After concentrating on the Art Deco 867 collection at last year’s SIHH, for the 2013 edition Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry turns its attention to a democratisation of the Sporting World Time collection, with a new brushed stainless-steel version in dark blue tones.

The Sporting line was one of the debut collections presented at the SIHH in 2009, together with the Slim Classique and Stirrup models, and has evolved to encompass the Classic, Automotive and Chronograph models. The most recent models to be launched were the Sporting World Time pieces, inspired by Ralph Lauren’s love of travel and exploration, which have until now only been available with precious-metal cases in yellow and white gold and with classic white or black dials.

In the new model, the familiar 45-mm case, with its six visible screws fixing the bezel to the case, is in brushed stainless steel. It extends the collection and remains unmistakably Ralph Lauren with its transferred Roman numerals and railway-style minute track around the circumference of the deep-blue varnished dial.

The function after which the watch is named, the world time indicator, remains relatively discreet in the 6 o’clock position below the power reserve display at 10 o’clock and the date sub-dial at 2 o’clock and above an aperture in which the city corresponding to the second time zone is displayed. The day/night indicator, found in the 9 o’clock position on the sub-dial, is equally discreet. A simple press on the pushbutton at 10 o’clock is all that is needed to change the time zone, while a separate hidden corrector at 2 o’clock is used to correct the date.

This complication is driven by the RL 939 calibre movement, which was developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre for Ralph Lauren. The self-winding movement boasts a high-quality finish of Côtes de Genève and circular graining, as well as a 40-hour power reserve, and operates at 28,000 vibrations per hour. A cobalt blue alligator leather strap completes the vibrant blue aspect of the piece, which is water resistant to 100 metres.

Source: Europa Star December - January 2012-13 Magazine Issue

See the other SIHH 2013 previews in this issue:

• “Audemars Piguet: infusing a new way of thinking”
• Baume & Mercier’s seaside odyssey continues
• Roger Dubuis leads the way in self-sufficiency
• Cartier’s new manufacture chronograph
• Panerai’s celebration of classic yachting
• Piaget’s strident voice from a slender body
• Richard Mille’s support for road safety