Depicting Ralph Lauren's Identity

It might not be an exaggeration to say that producing these dials is more difficult than any complex mechanism. This refers to the creation of dials using "fired enamel" (grand feu enamel), a technique passed down since the Middle Ages. Only a handful of watch brands actually produce dials using this method.

Ralph Lauren, who ventured into watchmaking in 2007 and launched their first collection in 2009, challenged themselves with this artistic watchmaking. The brand had already established a reputation for its exterior finishing techniques, including producing tourbillons and the beautiful guilloché decoration on the dials of the "Slim Classique" collection, as well as the vintage-inspired case finishing of the "Sporting" collection.

The manufacturing process for these handcrafted enamel dials is extremely complex. Enamel is applied to the dial as a base, and then a picture is hand-painted. Subsequently, powdered glass glaze is sprinkled on, followed by firing at high temperatures. However, the painting itself involves using a brush with a single hair, working under a microscope, and a continuous series of minute tasks. This stage alone takes approximately 80 hours.

Furthermore, high-temperature firing of enamel, much like firing high-quality ceramics, requires immense effort in temperature control and other aspects. Witnessing the process on video reveals a culmination of skills achievable only by seasoned artisans.

The dial of the resulting "Stirrup Enamel Dial Watch" vividly depicts a polo player, Ralph Lauren's symbol, in dynamic motion.

This watch, a true work of art that once again marks a new frontier for Ralph Lauren, is truly commendable.