Left: The black cushion dial model for the Ralph Lauren’s American Western Watch Collection in pink gold. Right: The black cushion dial model for the Ralph Lauren’s American Western Watch Collection in sterling silver. Photos courtesy Ralph Lauren. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette

New York, New York —Ralph Lauren’s American Western Watch Collection rapidly became one of those ionic collections. And the house recently announced a new addition to this luxury-looking collection with a stunning and highly original black cushion dial model.The new black cushion dial watch embodies the authentic spirit and 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 model, Mr. Lauren re-imagined the organic motifs traditional to Western belts in a sophisticated cushion-shaped silhouette, crafted from antiqued sterling silver and paired with burnished vachetta leather straps. “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,” commented Ralph Lauren.

Master artisans from around the world were brought in by Ralph Lauren to ensure the highest quality and authenticity in each component of the watch. The leather straps are meticulously hand-tooled in Texas and burnished in Italy, while the metal cases and buckles are hand-engraved and aged in New York City. Complementing these artisanal touches are Swiss-made movements, ensuring each timepiece is unique and dedicated to ultimate craftsmanship. Variations in engraving and patina make each watch a one-of-a-kind expression of this commitment.

The cushion case, measuring 42mm by 10.6mm, is powered by a mechanical movement crafted by Piaget exclusively for Ralph Lauren. The self-winding caliber RL514, known for its precision and reliability, features 26 jewels and offers a 40-hour power reserve. The black dial, a new addition to the collection, adds a contemporary twist to the vintage-inspired design, maintaining the distinctive combination of Roman and Arabic numerals and Breguet-style hands that are hallmarks of the Ralph Lauren brand. The timepiece is available with a sterling silver or rose gold case. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. https://www.ralphlauren.com/