Hands-On with the Next Generation Of Ralph Lauren's Polo Watch

One of the characteristics of many items created by Ralph Lauren is that they effortlessly blend into a wide variety of surroundings but always with style. This can also be said of the Polo Watch, of which Ralph Lauren is launching a new generation.

Quite frankly is the new Polo Watch a bit much, combining a bold variety of colors that shouldn't look good together, but in the end make this watch so much fun. While this timepiece lives on the edge of fashion and watchmaking, it is convincing in both. The 42mm case is well made, and with a thickness of 12.35mm very wearable. With a water resistance of 10 ATM/100 meters/328 feet it is a bonafide sports watch, which means that you can keep it on when you go from the beach to the boat to scuba diving and back.

Its looks will also easily mingle with each of these activities. While it may look a bit wild at first, there is a method to the madness. The green bezel is of anodized aluminum, and white ceramic is superior, I think that when the bezel fades a bit over time, this watch gets even more of a beach look, further enhancing its character. The dial combines a matte outer ring with an azure blue center that has a circular decoration. This gives it play of light and offers a nice backdrop for the bold hands. They are treated with Super-LumiNova, just as the hour markers. The bold orange strap makes it so that nobody won't notices that you are wearing a Polo Watch, but it can also be easily spotted by lifeguards when you are in need of help. While this is also a bit much, I have to admit it is also a bit of a guilty pleasure, as I enjoyed it more than I care to admit.

The caseback is closed, polished, and features the Ralph Lauren logo. I am actually happy that they did this, because despite the fact that it is equipped with a mechanical movement, I still think a closed caseback for a sports watch makes more sense. This Ralph Lauren is powered by the tried and trusted Sellita SW200, which lacks nothing, although the 38-hour power reserve is a bit on the modest size. As the Polo Watch is aimed at people with an active lifestyle, and the SW200 is an automatic caliber that won't cause much of a problem.

While it is a pity that Ralph Lauren is introducing a watch that captures the summer feeling so well at the end of the season, it will ensure that you are good and ready for next summer. The new Polo Watch is next to the variety featured in these pictures also available with a blue dial and blue bezel combined with a red strap. Both versions cost $1,690 and are available as of now at RalphLauren.com and at select Ralph Lauren stores.

For more info, visit Ralph Lauren, here.