The equestrian heritage of Ralph Lauren is appropriately captured by the house’s Stirrup collection of fine watches. The timepieces enjoy an iconic stirrup-shaped silhouette and reflect the noble and adventurous bond between horse and mankind. The Stirrup collection was launched in 2009 and it has, unsurprisingly, become an icon in the world of watchmaking all the while reflecting Ralph Lauren’s inimitable style for equestrian heritage. “I wanted to celebrate the grace and beauty of horse riding, an elegant equestrian heritage, but at the same time create something that would be iconic and timeless,” says Ralph Lauren. 

The Ralph Lauren Stirrup Small Timepiece. Photo courtesy Ralph Lauren Watches and Fine Jewelry. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette

As the Stirrup collection enters into its 15th year, the house has introduced two new models into the collection instilling it with additional elegance. The smart-looking  Small Stirrup and the Petit-Link are both set with one row of mesmerizing diamonds. 

The Ralph Lauren Stirrup Petite-Link. Photo courtesy Ralph Lauren Watches and Fine Jewelry. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette

The Ralph Lauren Stirrup Petite-Link embellished with one row of diamonds is outfitted with a case measuring just 23.30mm by 27mm, making it perfectly sized for the female wrist. Its supple chain-link bracelet is set with 84 stones weighing in at 0.72 carats. The white lacquered and polished dial is complemented by classic black Roman numerals, minute markers and sword-shaped hands, all encompassed by a beautifully curved sapphire crystal. “A watch for a woman is a piece of jewelry, it’s an heirloom,” says Mr. Lauren. 

Meanwhile the Ralph Lauren Stirrup Small Timepiece enjoys a 27.70mm by 29.30mm stainless steel case in the instantly recognizable stirrup shape and has an immaculately executed dial, with its Roman numerals and minute track, to the convex sapphire crystal and black oxidized sword-shaped hands. This Stirrup Small timepiece is outfitted with a case set with 60 stones for a total of 0.69 carats on a luxurious black calf strap with black stitching. A detail that equestrian fans will appreciate is the small leather flap that attaches the top of the watchcase to the strap, emulating the stirrup leather of a rider’s saddle. This unique interchangeable strap consists of a small tab and stud closure at the top of the watchcase, made to mimic the contour of a saddle. A wide selection of colored straps in alligator or calf leather are available in white, red and bright navy to marine navy. Both timepieces are powered by a Swiss manufacture quartz movement. The collection is available in Ralph Lauren flagship stores and at http://www.ralphlauren.com. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette