Saddle Up: Ralph Lauren Introduces Two New American Western Models Integrating Piaget Movements
Last month, Ralph Lauren enjoyed an extraordinarily successful Spring 2025 fashion show in the Hamptons at New York Fashion week, attended by the likes of Usher, Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour. Hosted at the Khalily Stables, an equestrian complex in Bridgehampton, the collection was, as always, infused with references to the brand’s equestrian history. While widely known for its much-loved Polo Ralph Lauren ‘Preppy Bear’-themed jumpers, socks and watches, Ralph Lauren is now expanding its rather macho American Western collection, which also features round and skeleton models as well as pocket watches, with the launch of two new cushion-shaped models with sultry black dials. Both versions house an automatic Swiss movement manufactured by horology house Piaget.
Hand-crafted cushion cases
The two new American Western editions are housed in either an 18-carat rose-gold or antiqued sterling silver case. Their design picks up on distinctive character of vintage rodeo and concho belts that have long influenced Mr. Lauren’s designs. These elements first appeared in his Santa Fe-inspired women’s runway show in the 1980s and continue to be integral to his Double RL accessories today. For this watch model, Ralph Lauren reimagined the organic motifs traditional to Western belts in a sophisticated cushion-shaped silhouette. The 42 mm cases, which have a sturdy 10.60 mm height, were aged and hand-engraved in New York City. Variations in engraving and patina underline the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, while also making each model quietly unique. Both cases are water-resistant to 50 m.
The spirit of Western style resonates with a rugged elegance and authenticity that people connect with. It embodies a sense of honesty and enduring appeal.
— Ralph Lauren, designer
New black dials
Meanwhile, the new dials now appear in contemporary lacquered and polished black for the first time. The novel colour is accompanied by off-white printed Roman & Arabic numerals and a matching minute track. The time is indicated by Breguet-style hour and minute hands as is often typical of Ralph Lauren timepieces. Thus, a blend of fine Swiss craftsmanship and iconic Ralph Lauren style come together as one.
A Piaget movement for the Ralph Lauren American Western watches
While many might initially dismiss Ralph Lauren as a fashion house producing fashion watches, a closer look reveals quite the contrary. Launched in 2008, Ralph Lauren’s Watches and Fine Jewellery department combines high quality Swiss manufacture movements with Ralph Lauren’s most iconic inspirations – from the equestrian elegance of the Stirrup watches to the Safari and Automotive collections. This brings us to the movement powering the new three-hand watches, which are produced by revered Swiss horology house Piaget while carrying the name ‘calibre RL514’.
The calibre RL514 is known for its precision and reliability, offering a 40-hour power reserve while beating at a frequency of 3 Hz. Ever ones for craftsmanship, the Ralph Lauren watches’ calibre also exhibits traditional Swiss finishing, including vertical Côtes de Genève (Genevan stripes) as well as perlage (circular graining). This is the same movement used throughout the American Western collection for several years, making it an enduringly practical choice for these hardy western-style watches.
Straps, price, and availability of the American Western watches
The two new American Western watches are accompanied by with burnished vachetta straps meticulously hand-tooled in Texas, while the sterling silver or rose-gold pin buckles are hand-engraved and aged in New York City. The black calfskin straps are complimented by brown lining for a rustic ‘Americana’ aesthetic. The American Western collection is distributed through select Ralph Lauren boutiques as well as a number of retailers worldwide. The price of the sterling silver edition is 27,000 euros, while its rose-gold sibling has a price tag of 45,000 euros.
As an author who has spent over twenty years writing about mechanical wristwatches, being tucked away for two hours in a shadowy wine cellar in Cologne’s old town with thirty potential watch clients is truly exciting. It’s not just the rare wines they savoured together – including a Bordeaux from 1988 – but the open…
The 37th edition of the America's Cup will take place between August and October. This year, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, supported by Panerai, will once again be competing in the world's oldest sailing regatta. With the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech, Submersible GMT Luna Rossa Titanio and Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa Experience…
Ulysse Nardin presents the Freak One Navy Blue, a new model in this unconventional collection. The watch features a striking design and innovative technology. Let’s take a closer look at what this timepiece has to offer. Case The case of the Freak One Navy Blue measures 44 mm in diameter and is made of titanium…
Chopard has released a new edition of the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin, first introduced in 2016 to mark the 20th anniversary of the manufacture. The 43 mm watch with a perpetual calendar is now available not only in stainless steel, but also in an 18-carat rose gold case. The new stainless steel edition has a…
Hublot launches the third iteration of the Essential Grey series, which this time includes two Classic Fusion models. The Essential Grey series features a model each year that Hublot completely dresses in grey. The respective model is available exclusively online and is aimed at Hublot enthusiasts. The Essential Grey series previously included the Big Bang…
The Swiss watch company Oris pairs up with the independent Japanese brand Momotaro Jeans. From this collaboration, a special steel and bronze version of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five emerged, with an indigo blue Momotaro denim strap with two white ‘battle stripes’, the denim manufacture’s signature. Named after a Japanese folklore hero, Momotaro was launched in…
Although the El Primero Chronograph celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019, Zenith is launching another Revival edition of the original El Primero. Namely, the Zenith Chronomaster Revival 'Manufacture Edition' showcases a previously unseen dial – until now. According to Zenith, a box of old dials from the legendary El Primero A386 was found in the…
TAG Heuer is celebrating its 160th anniversary by revamping its TAG Heuer Carrera chronograph watches. The four sporty, redesigned Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm models are as follows: black dial with black ceramic bezel (CBN2A1B.BA0643), blue dial with blue ceramic bezel (CBN2A1A.BA0643), green dial with stainless-steel bezel (CBN2A10.BA0643), or black dial with black bezel, plus…
Roger Dubuis is introducing another Blacklight Edition model, the Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone Monobalancier. Although the novelty remains true to its line with Roger Dubuis' signature skeletonised dial, the new Hyper Horology watch is already a true pioneer of the collection thanks to its implementation of a novel synthetic process. The case The case of the…
TAG Heuer and Porsche unveil the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana. Limited to 255 pieces, this watch honours Porsche’s 1954 victories in the Carrera Panamericana. It also celebrates the enduring partnership between TAG Heuer and Porsche, inspired by the legendary race. The watch features a tourbillon movement and a design reminiscent of…
In 1950 the first Memovox model started Jaeger-LeCoultres history of mechanical watches equipped with an alarm. The Memovox Polaris model from 1968 has now inspired the Grande Maison for its Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection, which is derived from the looks of its predecessor in a variety of watches and functions. Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox watch from 1950 During the years of economic recovery…
In addition to this year’s blue novelties, Montblanc is also presenting two new 1858 models inspired by Minerva’s heritage and rooted in the spirit of mountain exploration. They combine vintage design codes that are reminiscent to the original Minerva chronographs and pocket watches from the 1920s and 1930s. Hence, the dials highlight striking colour contrasts…
The models composing the Classique collection are pieces of timeless aesthetic that symbolise the ultimate Breguet style. The new rose gold Classique Extra-Plate 5157 is a symbol of class and a timeless addition to the collection. Its self-winding movement with silicon balance spring is housed in a 5.45mm case with delicate fluting on the caseband,…
