Thin Watch, Big Time: The Ralph Lauren Slim Classique Square Guilloché

Once upon a time, there was a word that described what every man aspired to be: a gentleman. Shockingly enough, virtues like subtlety and self restraint were prized as the hallmarks of a man worthy of the respect of his fellows (as well as the admiration of the ladies) and ostentation and look-at-me brashness just meant you still hadn’t learned that the speaking softly part of speak softly, but carry a big stick is just as important as the stick.

In memory of that time, and as a reminder that gentleman still means something worth striving for, we present for your viewing pleasure a timepiece from Ralph Lauren that virtually defines the word: The Slim Classique Square.  No brawny piece of overcompensation, this watch –the Slim Classique Square, at 27mm across, exudes the confidence that only comes from total mastery of the art of watchmaking.

The drop dead elegant, extra flat dress watch was, and still is among connoisseurs, considered one of the highest expressions of the craft, since a very thin movement is far more difficult to construct to high precision than a thick one.  At a mere 5.75mm thick the Slim Classique Square lies on the wrist with a grace that makes it the perfect punctuation mark for formal dress and well composed business attire, with engine turned guilloché on the bezel carried through in the pattern on the dial providing a subtle but  superbly controlled flourish.  Inside is a movement crafted by legendary extra flat watch constructor Piaget for Ralph Lauren.  And, of course, the Slim Classique Square doesn’t shout look-at-me in yellow or red gold, but seduces with the subtle glow of white.

Available as shown, in white gold with guilloché engine turning on the bezel and decoration on the dial, $15,200 at Ralph Lauren Flagship Boutiques.

Jack Forster is the Editor in Chief of Revolution Magazine, a quarterly publication celebrating the world of fine watchmaking, and he also manages Revolution Online www.revo-online.com the foremost information and discussion site on the internet for watch enthusiasts.

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