Today was opening day of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH 2012) in Geneva, and so today we begin with exclusive coverage of the important pieces from the show. At the Ralph Lauren booth, the timepiece that’s getting the most buzz is the new Ralph Lauren Safari RL67 Sporting Chronograph.

Based on the popular 2011 RL Sporting Black Ceramic Sporting Chronograph, the Safari Chrono RL 67 features a rugged washed out grey brushed gunmetal-like finished steel case. I’ve never seen a finish quite like this in watchmaking. Furthermore, instead of a metal bracelet, Ralph Lauren opted for a more rugged olive green canvas strap (with black leather backing and steel buckle).

Powering the Safari Chronograph RL67 is a manufacture quality Jaeger-LeCoultre 751/1 automatic column-wheel chronograph movement, with an upgraded 65-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through a smoky tinted sapphire crystal case back and features Geneva stripes and perlage. Available in 39 mm or 45 mm diameter.
The price is $8,850 for the 39 mm and $9,800 for the 45 mm.