Among Ralph Lauren’s “talking pieces,” the playful Polo Bears surprise and are eagerly collected. But his unique style also extends to collections such as The American Western Watch Collection, which never go unnoticed. Richly adorned and decorated, these pieces stand out with a bold, distinctive aesthetic inspired by the spirit of the Great American West. The brand presents two additions to the collection: a turquoise dial paired with a cushion-shaped case. The first in sterling silver, and the second in rose gold—on an engraved calfskin strap. Two creations infused with the American style so beloved by their founder, Mr. Ralph Lauren.
A rodeo between New York, Texas, and Italy
The strap pays tribute to the vintage rodeo belts the founder loved to wear. The fine calfskin is engraved and hand-tooled in Texas, then patinated in Italy. A whole facet of American culture is transposed into this essential component.
The case metal? Engraved and aged by New York jewelers. The motifs, reinterpreted by Ralph Lauren, echo the traditional organic designs used in the American West. The cushion shape was already used in the collection, a reminiscence of the past century. The first cushion cases appeared before the First World War, before developing further—and offering the advantage of not rotating around the wrist (source: Forum à Montres).
Turquoise, between legend and beauty
A turquoise crowns the decorative richness of the American Western—chosen by Ralph Lauren himself and placed on the dial. The stone, extracted in America of course—many mines being located in the Southwest—is deeply rooted in local culture and craftsmanship. Its blue-green shades, veined with yellow-green, symbolized water and sky, used to adorn jewelry, in ceremonies, or as a medium of exchange. It embodied prestige and power: the Apaches believed that a vase filled with turquoise was found at the foot of the rainbow. Among other beliefs, its power was said to be so great that riders would not wear it while riding, for fear of tiring their horse (source: indianartsandculture.org). Native American concha belts were also adorned with turquoise.
To power these singular watches, the maison called upon Piaget, a movement manufacturer, which produces the RL 514 self-winding calibre expressly. With a 40-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, vertical Côtes de Genève, graining and perlage, its mechanics embody Swiss watchmaking expertise.
The price? 26,000 CHF in sterling silver and 44,000 CHF in rose gold—for a watch that makes no apologies, adorned with an ancestral stone, New York engraving, and leather decorated in Texas. The American Western is available in a non-limited edition—ready to gallop in the dust, against a backdrop of sunset.
