Last year marked the debut of Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry, and the brand's presentation at SIHH 2010 proves that one of the biggest names in fashion is determined to make its mark in the horological world.
'Watch aficionados greatly appreciate our serious approach to watchmaking,' says Guy Chatillon, chief executive officer of Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry. 'We plan on entering the Asia-Pacific this year and further consolidating our position in the industry.'
With 20 points of sale in 10 countries, the joint venture between Ralph Lauren and Richemont SA aims to double its distribution network this year to between 40 and 50 points of sale, including one in Macau that opened in January this year. A Ralph Lauren flagship store is scheduled to open next month in Saint Germain, Paris, and plans for a watch salon within the store are under way.
In addition to expanding its reach, the brand is also strengthening its existing collections with 11 novelties and 34 references.
'Our main objective this year is to target new customers by reinforcing our three collections - Slim Classique, Stirrup and Sporting,' Chatillon says.
The Slim Classique collection is a tribute to the art of guilloche engraving and features six additions this year.
Staying true to the collection's signature guilloch? dial and bezel from last year, the novelties also feature the same ultra-thin 2.1mm movement (made by Piaget for Ralph Lauren), but in a smaller 38mm case in white gold or rose gold.