Ralph Lauren Slim Classique Review

219 · 2010-12-20T14:16:10Z

Explore the Ralph Lauren Slim Classique, a watch blending vintage aesthetics with modern appeal. Andrew H reviews its design, Piaget movement, and value.

219

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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Andrew H (219) offers a captivating on-the-wrist review of the Ralph Lauren Slim Classique, drawing parallels to the timeless elegance of 'The Great Gatsby.' His article explores how this watch, despite its modern creation, embodies a vintage aesthetic that transcends eras. Andrew's detailed examination highlights the brand's commitment to serious watchmaking, distinguishing it from mere fashion timepieces.

In 1972 the producers of The Great Gatsby decided to ask a young designer to put together the wardrobe for the 1920’s era; something timeless and yet recognizable as the ‘roaring twenties’. Ralph Lauren produced a seamless vision of what Gatsby’s world would have looked like. If Ralph Lauren had been designing watches at that time, and if I had been Nick Carraway, then I could imagine that at the end of the story, the watch on Nick Carraway’s wrist would be…

I looked at my watch and stood up.
“Twelve minutes to my train.”
I didn’t want to go to the city. I wasn’t worth a decent stroke of work, but it was more than that – I didn’t want to leave Gatsby. I missed that train, and then another, before I could get myself away.
“I’ll call you up,” I said finally.
“Do, old sport.”
“I’ll call you about noon.”
We walked slowly down the steps.
“I suppose Daisy’ll call too.” He looked at me anxiously, as if he hoped I’d corroborate this.
“I suppose so.”
“Well, good-by.”
We shook hands and I started away. Just before I reached the hedge I remembered something and turned around.
“They’re a rotten crowd.” I shouted across the lawn. “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.”
Scott Fitzgerald. “The Great Gatsby”, p.123.

And that is the nature of Ralph Lauren design, the watch looks, feels, and is in some senses manufactured from the 1920’s, but looks as modern as it does antique for today’s wrist. The designs are ‘timeless’. This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2010-12-20 14:42:21 This message has been edited by MTF on 2010-12-23 02:37:14

Key Points from the Discussion

The Ralph Lauren Slim Classique's timekeeping was impressive during a month-long consignment, maintaining accuracy against an atomic clock with minimal deviation.
The watch competes directly with established alternatives like the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony and Piaget Altiplano, justifying its price point through traditional guilloché craftsmanship and engine-turned surfaces.
Ralph Lauren, an acknowledged watch collector, launched his brand with the intent of creating serious, enduring timepieces, not transient fashion watches, leveraging Richemont Group workshops for high-quality production.
The manual wind ultra-thin movement in the Ralph Lauren Slim Classique is most likely a Piaget 430P, a common practice within the Richemont Group where Piaget and JLC often 'influence' or produce movements for sister brands.
While acknowledging the watch's impressive craftsmanship, one contributor expressed a lack of personal excitement, citing the proportions of the Roman numerals and a perception of the watch being 'too mature.'
A strong counter-argument questions the legitimacy of a clothing brand entering high-end watchmaking, comparing it to a Picasso painting with a Ralph Lauren brand, and advocating for traditional watchmakers to remain at the forefront.

The Discussion

219

Dec 20, 2010

g The watch was on consignment to me for a month. I wound the watch every day, first thing in the morning. I did not adjust the time once in the month and simply let the watch run through the hours and minutes of the day. I have a clock that is synchronized with the UK atomic clock via a radio signal and the RL Slim Classique was timed against the atomic clock at the first and last of the day, and then also at random moments in between. I have to say that the RM Slim Classique’s timekeeping prop

219

Dec 20, 2010

The price point for this watch puts it in direct competition with known and loved alternatives such as the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony and the Piaget Altiplano. I would argue that this is a worthy competitor for all the reasons mentioned. The additional size to the bezel (for an ultra-thin) and the work required from the engine turned surfaces makes the watch an attractive proposition. The movement is basically the same as others, so what separates this watch out is the engine-turned work on t

foversta

Dec 20, 2010

I really like the guillochage of the bezel: it gives a very unique touch to this elegant watch. For me, the best of the RL collection. Fr.Xavier

mrsnak

Dec 20, 2010

"Fashion for the masses" but this is so tastefully articulated...

patrickmaniac

Dec 20, 2010

In bold? Thanks for review and pics Cheers PAt

playtime

Dec 20, 2010

your remarks concerning the dial and bezel, and how their tactile nature plays with light, were especially illuminating. Hopefully I'll have a chance to visit the Ralph Lauren boutique tomorrow.... Jason

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