Ralph Lauren White Gold Slim Classique - Box and Booklets (Ref. 867), 2000s

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History and Significance Ralph Lauren's earliest serious watchmaking efforts were far more ambitious than the fashion name on the dial might initially suggest. Rather than treating watches as simple accessories, the collection leaned heavily into traditional Swiss watchmaking and paired it with the visual language that had defined Ralph Lauren for decades. The Slim Classique 867 is one of the clearest examples of that approach. Its square profile and highly graphic dial draw heavily from the geometry of Art Deco design while still feeling distinctly modern. The 867 name itself comes from Ralph Lauren's historic 867 Madison Avenue flagship in New York. That connection is fitting because the watch feels less like a conventional Swiss dress watch and more like an extension of the architecture, tailoring, and decorative arts that inform the broader Ralph Lauren world. The square case frames the dial almost like a piece of graphic design. Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, and the railroad-style minute track are layered together in a way that should feel busy, yet the symmetry keeps everything remarkably controlled. What really elevates the Slim Classique is what sits behind that design. The manual-wind movement comes from Piaget, a manufacture with an extraordinary history of producing thin movements for elegant watches. That choice allowed the 867 to maintain the slim profile that its design demanded rather than compromising the proportions with a thicker caliber. It is an important distinction because the movement was chosen to support the design rather than simply fill the case. Writer's Thoughts The 867 is one of those watches that becomes much more interesting once the assumptions surrounding the name on the dial disappear. There is real thought behind the proportions, typography, movement, and overall execution. The silver dial against white gold is particularly good because it allows the unusual layout to provide all of the personality without relying on color. It feels more like a tiny piece of Art Deco design than a conventional dress watch. There is also something great about how committed Ralph Lauren was to making this properly. Using a manual-wind Piaget movement in a slim white gold case is not the easy way to make a fashion watch. The reference 867 has the substance to match the design, and that makes it far more interesting than its relative obscurity suggests. Add the original buckle, box, tag, and booklet, and the entire package captures an unusually ambitious period of Ralph Lauren watchmaking. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Ralph Lauren Model: Slim Classique 867 Reference: 867 Year: 2000s Case Material: 18k white gold Case Size: 27mm Dial: Silver dial with Roman and Arabic numerals Movement: Manual-wind Piaget movement Strap/Buckle: Leather strap Buckle/Clasp: Original Ralph Lauren buckle Contents: Original box, tag, and booklet Condition Case: White gold case presents attractively with signs of wear consistent with careful use. Dial: Silver dial presents beautifully with crisp printing and a clean overall appearance. Hands: Hands remain clean and well preserved. Crystal: Crystal presents well overall with light signs of wear. Strap/Buckle: Leather strap presents with signs of use. Buckle/Clasp: Original Ralph Lauren buckle remains present and presents well.