Watch of the Week – Ralph Lauren Ceramic Automotive

Fusing the elegance and sophistication of automotive design, with the intricate detailing and expert finish that Ralph Lauren is famous for, this unique timepiece is a real stunner.

The watch is inspired by Mr Ralph Lauren’s very own 1938 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic Coupe. He’s well-known for his exquisite collection of automobiles but the Bugatti may well be the most visually stunning of them all. The Ceramic Automotive watch channels this beauty and takes inspiration from the interior of the iconic car. Its distinctive outer elm burl wood dial imitates the wooden dashboard of the vehicle and the Arabic numerals are a nod to those found on the dials and gauges of the vintage motorcar.

The case of the watch itself is finished in a matte black ceramic material, which not only feels great against the wrist, but is also highly durable, not to mention stylish. The six screws that secure the outer bezel give it a masculine, industrial feel which, combined with the intricacy and elaborate nature of the dial, makes for a visually compelling timepiece.

From a technical perspective, the watch is far from old-fashioned, boasting a beige printed tachymeter scale, chronograph stop/start button and a self-winding mechanical movement. It comes complete in an alligator-embossed watch box and costs $14,500, which is a damn sight cheaper than a Bugatti.