CRAFTING THE SAFARI RL67 CHRONOGRAPH
A TIMEPIECE ANCHORED IN RALPH LAUREN'S LIFESTYLE
It was back in 1984, that Ralph Lauren premiered his first Safari collection, one year before the release of Out of Africa. Anchored in this tradition of adventure and Ralph Lauren's iconic lifestyle, the Safari RL67 captures the lure of travel in Africa, creating a blend of rugged exploration and elegant refinement. With its maverick use of materials, this watch embodies a world of contrasts, artfully merging design, innovation and craft.
Each watch is a one-of-a-kind piece thanks to the unique handcrafted finish on the steel case. A special chemical and thermal treatment, traditionally used for gunmetal, transforms the steel's silver sheen to a rugged, blackened surface that speaks to the brand's heritage and evokes a wilderness-ready sense of adventure. More than just an aesthetic enhancement, the treatment that the stainless steel undergoes actually increases its durability, making it harder than the conventional steel used in ordinary watchcases.
Available in either 39mm or 45mm, the Safari RL67 is powered by a self-winding chronograph movement made for Ralph Lauren by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The watch is presented on a distinctive weathered olive green canvas strap.
SAFARI RL67 CHRONOGRAPH, AN INNOVATIVE PROCESS
This innovative finish is achieved through a precise, challenging and time-consuming process that blends state-of-the-art technology with time-honored methods. Ralph Lauren has adapted a treatment used in traditional gun making and brought it to a level that exceeds today's watchmaking requirements and constraints.
Individually handcrafted, high-precision tools are used in the multistep process that gives the timepiece its distinctive face. Each component of the watch—from the case and bezel to the crown, buckle, pushers and screws—is successively sandblasted, micro-blasted, brushed, polished and chamfered.
Gunmetaling offers the ability to obtain both satin and matte effects, with subtle shading from cloudy anthracite to darkened black. This produces a unique aged appearance and results in a timepiece of exceptional character and technical perfection.
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GUNMETAL PROCESS - MAKING OF
STEP 1 - PREPARATION
The watchcase and its components in stainless steel are laying aside the made to measure tools developed especially by the craftsman. At each stage, the dimensions of the components are checked.
STEP 2 - SANDBLASTING
The watchcase and its components are alternately sandblasted and microblasted by hand using an air pistol. This technique gives a deep grey matte finish to the piece.
STEP 3 – GUNMETAL TREATMENT
The RL67 watch case during the chemical and thermal treatment.
STEP 4 – GUNMETAL TREATMENT
A special chemical and thermal treatment, traditionally used for gunmetal, transforms the steel's silver sheen to a rugged blackened finish.
STEP 5 - POLISHING & BRUSHING
Working with meticulous precision, the craftsman utilizes a range of specialized brushes and diamond pastes. By alternating between polishing and brushing, a subtle, aged look is achieved.
STEP 6 – ASSEMBLY
Every single stage requires the same attention to detail as traditional watchmaking.
