Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67
The Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67 exudes style from every angle. Bearing the name of one of the most stylish individuals to walk the Earth, this time only watch will perfectly suit sartorially astute wearers seeking a retro look. US-based journalist, Meehna Goldsmith shares her thoughts.
Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67 – stylish clothes and a mechanical movement
Retro is in, baby. The Millenials and Zoomers are sporting vintage rock band t-shirts and trolling ebay for Walkmans. Catching the vibe, Ralph Lauren introduces the Polo Vintage 67. As you might expect from the house, the design is superb, but underneath the stylish clothes a mechanical movement provides the rhythm.
Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67 – a name with pedigree
Ralph Lauren needs no introduction when it comes to fashion. He’s been a fixture on the scene since he introduced his own tie line at the now defunct Beau Brummell tie maker. In the 1960s, ties were being cranked out with synthetic materials and a slim cut. Lauren chose to make his ties by hand using classic fabrics and executed them in a wider cut. They were an instant success.
Today, the Ralph Lauren empire extends into categories that include apparel, accessories, fragrances, home, hospitality – and watches. Watches? You mean like legit pieces of horlogerie? Yes, actually. Just because the Ralph Lauren brand is so dominant in the aspirational lifestyle segment, don’t dismiss its watches as purely fashion play.
Ralph Lauren – the aesthete
Many don’t know that Ralph Lauren the man also happens to have an eye and a passion for mechanics. His renowned car collection, considered one of the best in the world, includes a 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe, 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Volante Drop Head Coupe and a 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK ‘Count Trossi’. Lauren also has a wonderful collection of watches, including vintage editions of Cartier, Panerai and IWC pilot watches, among others. You can see Lauren has always been drawn to a timeless style.
Ralph Lauren – the unveiling of the first collections in 2008
In 2007, Polo Ralph Lauren and Richemont formed a joint venture to design, develop, manufacture and distribute products. The first results of that partnership saw the introduction of three collections of Ralph Lauren watches at SIHH 2008: the Stirrup Collection with an Equestrian Style; the Slim Classique Collection which embodied an Elegant Style; and the Sporting Collection described as a World Style.
Inspired by a glamorous era
For the Polo Vintage 67, Ralph Lauren references the 1920s and 30s, a time often known for its glitz and glamour. However, beneath the initial flash is a simplicity and elegance. The Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67 perfectly embodies these two tensions in a modern interpretation.
Railroad-style minute track
The opaline silver dial of the Polo Vintage 67 immediately garners attention. Bold Arabic numerals printed in black lacquer are accompanied by a railroad-style minute track. Below sits a prominent, recessed and snailed subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. Horological historians will recognise the classic layout of a pocket watch. The numerals, hours, minutes and seconds hands are coated in a rich black lacquer, matching the branding located below 12 o’clock.
Ralph Lauren watch
I’m not one for overly aggressive labelling, in general. I’m someone who prefers more stealth. Although the brand name “Ralph Lauren” and the model name “Polo” figure prominently on the dial, it feels well integrated into the design and not superfluous. In fact, I rather like it. The composition is framed in a 40mm stainless case that’s stepped and has a nice patina. The composition is finished with an onion crown. I’m a sucker for a good onion crown. They are so fun to wind.
La Joux-Perret 7380
Speaking of winding… the Polo Vintage 67 runs off a La Joux-Perret 7380, a manual-wind mechanical movement. But this isn’t just any movement. Once wound to capacity, the watch will keep time for 90 hours. The movement is on view through the sapphire crystal case back, where you can see decorative Côtes de Genève stripes and perlage.
It’s hard to resist
The Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67, which comes with an interchangeable burnished tan calf strap, offers up vintage flair in an au courant package – one that’s hard to resist, especially when you look at the price point.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67
- Reference: 472907334005
- Case: stainless steel (aged/distressed), diameter 40 mm; height 9.1 mm, sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
- Movement: Calibre 7380 (La Joux-Perret), manual-winding movement, frequency 21,600 VpH (3Hz), 21 jewels, power reserve 90 hours
- Strap: burnished tan calf strap paired with a stainless steel pin buckle
- Price: €2460 (RRP as of 31.10.2022)