Clearly Classic

While chronographs with minute and second hands now represent the “automotive style watch,” Ralph Lauren offers a more elegant option. Back in the 1930s, opening the hood of a car allowed a view of the engine, carburetor and valves in action. Watches, too, once commonly featured a clear back casing that allowed you to admire their engineering in motion. These timepieces are as beautiful on the usually-hidden-from-sight side as they are when viewed traditionally to see the time. When it comes to the 45mm Steel, the clear sapphire case allows full view of an 18,000 vibration-per-hour mechanical movement. Clearly inspired by the dashboard and gauges on Lauren’s Bugatti, the dial is framed by a Amboya burled wood bezel, highlighted by a flat-black dial and Arabic numerals finished in Super-LumiNova for easy, low-light visibility. A stainless steel case provides protection for the delicate inner workings while an alligator strap keeps it secured to your wrist; RalphLauren.com.