The new Polo Vintage 67 offers a timeless aesthetic and 90 hours of power reserve for under $3K (Live Pics)
Zach BlassFashion brands wading into the world of watchmaking generally elicit scoffs from watch connoisseurs. But there are “fashion watches” and then there are quality watches fashioned by brands known for fashion. Just look how far Bulgari – previously associated with their jewellery and fragrances – has come over the last few decades. Ralph Lauren is another powerhouse name in the world of fashion, and for years they have put forth their watch creations to mixed reviews and success. But most watch wearers do not realise just how seriously Ralph Lauren has taken watchmaking over the years. Partnered with Richemont, these days there are Ralph Lauren watches that are very much “if you know, you know” watches. Watches with distinct aesthetics that utilise movements from storied movement manufacturers like Jaeger-LeCoultre and Piaget. So, while it may come as surprise to some, the new Polo Vintage 67 is a serious value-driven contender for those looking for a watch under $3,000 USD.
Its stainless-steel case is intriguing visually thanks to its “distressed polished” finish. The distressed finish appears somewhere between brushed and matte to the eye, and gives it an aged sense befitting of its Vintage 67 nomenclature.
At 40mm in diameter, with short lugs that result in an inferred compact lug-to-lug span, when I had a brief moment to try it on I felt the 50 metre water-resistant case almost wore like a 36 or 37mm watch – again driving home vintage sensibilities. It is also welcomely thin, clocking in at a slender 9.1mm in thickness. Intriguingly, the Polo Vintage 67 case has thin and scalloped case flanks – which is not particularly a vintage-driven characteristic. But, I do think it looks really good.
As a vintage-driven watch, the dial does a great job of delivering timeless and classic vibes. Its opaline tone has a very subtle aged creamy hue to it, and it is complimented by thick, black-lacquered Arabic numerals and a black-printed railroad-style outer minutes track. At 12′ you have large Polo Ralph Lauren branding, perhaps the only visual tell the watch is made in modern times, and 6′ you have a sunken and concentrically textured sub-seconds register.
The Polo Vintage 67 is offered on a burnished tan calf-leather bund strap, which effectively provides two looks with one strap. To give it a kind of classic aviator feel, you can keep the bund on. But, if you want to fully enjoy its slender case profile with more formal attire you are free to remove the bund pad. Also, it has a 20mm lug-width. So, I think, considering its highly versatile aesthetic, it is safe to declare the Polo Vintage 67 a total strap monster.
I have largely focused on the handsome vintage aesthetic, but internally is where you get a ton of tech that makes this watch very competitively priced. With an ETA movement, nobody would have blinked. But its usage of a decorated La Joux-Perret 7380 movement, which is visible beneath a sapphire caseback and offers 90 hours of power reserve, is definitely going to make watch lovers perk up and pay attention.
Overall, based on a brief first impression, I really do not have any major criticisms to offer. Some will probably express their desire for a lumed dial, but I think its fully black spade handset and lusciously lacquered Arabics, and the dressiness they offer, is a welcome tradeoff. Vintage, versatile and with decent specs, to get a household fashion name with the tech to back it up at this price point is a very solid deal if you ask me.
Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67 pricing and availability:
The Ralph Lauren Polo Vintage 67 is available now for purchase. Price: $2,700 USD
| Brand | Ralph Lauren |
| Model | Polo Vintage 67 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm x 9.1mm |
| Case Material | Distressed polished stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Dial | Opaline |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Strap | Burnsished tan calf leather bund strap with steel buckle (20mm/18mm) |
| Movement | La Joux-Perret 7380 |
| Power Reserve | 90 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, sub-seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | $2,700 USD |