Ralph & Ricky Bear Watch by Ralph Lauren
The Ralph & Ricky Bear Watch features a charming, slightly playful depiction of two bears on its dial, walking hand in hand. Inspired by the enduring romance between Ralph Lauren and his wife Ricky, the bears are stylishly attired in RL garments. Behind the highly legible dials, convenience is conferred with a Swiss automatic movement, making the watch ideal for daily wear.
Ralph and Ricky, an inspiration since 1964
Most adults seek companionship, someone to share life’s ups and downs. A soulmate makes life just that little bit sweeter. Ideally, a lifelong partnership is, well, lifelong, albeit the pressures of modern-day life can sometimes thwart some of the best-laid romantic plans.
Ralph Lauren, the legendary American fashion designer and businessman, married his wife and muse, Ricky back in 1964 and they have walked hand in hand ever since. Now, Ralph’s eponymous brand has just unveiled a watch depicting two bears, Ralph & Ricky, strolling together, wearing RL attire.
The bears holding hands was inspired by a photograph, taken in 1996, of the couple walking together on their estate in Bedford, New York. The story of Ralph & Ricky Bear predates the aforementioned photograph. Back in 1991, the famous luxury brand released 200 limited-edition bears produced by Steiff, the legendary German toy company. Unsurprisingly, the bear was attired in a sartorial ensemble conceived by Mr Lauren. The lovable bear subsequently appeared on a variety of items including ties, the very fashion item that ignited Ralph’s remarkable career.
Ralph Lauren Watches & Fine Jewellery
Today, the Ralph Lauren nomenclature can be seen gracing a multitude of goods, including clothes, footwear, sunglasses, fragrances, furniture, tableware and, most pertinently for ESCAPEMENT readers, watches.
The firm’s timepieces embrace the brand’s American-dream optimism and Ralph’s extraordinary design prowess while at the same time incorporating Swiss watchmaking expertise. Similar to Ralph Lauren’s clothing, where the Polo, RLX and Purple Label collections meet the desires of a diverse clientele, the company’s horological portfolio is also multifaceted. For example, the Automotive collection is inspired by Ralph’s love of cars, the Stirrup collection is influenced by the equestrian world and the Polo branded products celebrate the ultra-glamorous sport beloved by the upper echelons of society.
Ralph & Ricky Bear Watch – a Polo branded product
Returning to the Ralph & Ricky Bear Watch, it features the fashion mogul as a bear attired in a double-breasted jacket wearing jeans with Ricky sporting a loose-fitting Flag sweater, sporting prominent RL branding. The definition of each dial element is breathtaking, achieved using 3D printing, an approach the brand has used on previous occasions.
The traditional poire-style hour and minute hands, presented in a bold red lacquer, converse with plump Arabic numerals to convey meaning. In contrast, the black central sweep second hand is supremely slender, stretching outwards and floating above a classical Chemin de fer.
The case is presented in highly polished, stainless steel and measures 38mm in diameter. Behind the solid caseback, engraved with Ralph & Ricky, sits an automatic Swiss movement, the Caliber RL200. The watch comes supplied with an interchangeable navy calf leather strap, allowing the owner to easily swap it for an alternative at some future point without the need for tools.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Ralph Lauren Polo Ralph & Ricky Bear Watch
- Reference: 472920689001
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 38 mm; height 9.9 mm, sapphire crystal to front and case back engraved with Ralph & Ricky
- Functions: Hours, minutes, centre seconds
- Movement: Calibre RL200, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz), 26 jewels, power reserve of approximately 38 hours
- Strap: interchangeable navy calf strap paired with a stainless steel pin buckle
- Price: €1600 (RRP as of 1.2.2023)