Rolls-Royce, a brand synonymous with hand-built excellence, has decided that its signature craftsmanship doesn’t have to stop at cars with six-figure price tags. Their latest creation moves from the garage to the game room with a chess set that oozes with the same meticulous attention to detail found in their Phantom and Cullinan luxury models.
AUTOMOTIVE DNA
Taking inspiration from their storied design language, Rolls-Royce crafted a chess set that somehow fits in with its automotive family. The leather-wrapped base curves upward from the center, directly referencing the signature “waft line” found in the marque’s vehicles.
Meanwhile, the playing surface is milled from solid aluminum, while each veneer square is laser-cut with obsessive attention to continuity. In true Rolls-Royce fashion, all veneer pieces come from the same wooden log, ensuring an uninterrupted grain pattern that will patina consistently over time. All of these subtle flourishes transform what could have been just another overpriced chess set into something distinctly Rolls.
MODERN MAGNETISM
If you’ve ever used your chess set as a piece of decorative furniture in your home, you know how frustrating it is to keep all those pesky pieces neatly aligned on the board between games. However, Rolls has designed its set to feature hidden magnets beneath the playing surface and inside each piece, keeping everything perfectly aligned during and after play.
For the set, the engineering team reportedly evaluated numerous magnetic configurations before settling on the final design to keep them securely on the table without restricting movement. Likewise, the storage compartments are also magnetized to prevent them from inadvertently opening.
UNTRADITIONAL TRADITION
The playing pieces themselves reject classical chess conventions in favor of a contemporary geometric design that reflect Rolls-Royce’s modernity. Referencing the tactile control elements of the marque’s vehicles, the pieces are crafted from ceramic-coated aluminum, after which they’re capped with polished stainless steel. For visual distinction, the opposing sides feature contrasting finishes: the black with a muted, matte surface and the white with a subtle gloss.
In chess, if the pawn traverses the length of the board, it gets promoted to queen. To accommodate, Rolls also equips each drawer with a second queen. Pretty cool!
Admittedly, chess diehards might find these stylized pieces harder to read than traditional designs. The abstract forms prioritize artistic expression over recognition, perhaps revealing this product’s true purpose as a statement piece rather than a serious tournament tool.
BESPOKE EXPERIENCE
Following Rolls-Royce tradition, extensive personalization options abound. The leather wrapping comes in thirteen different color choices ranging from conservative neutrals to eye-catching brights. Likewise, four different wood combinations allow owners to coordinate with their other luxury possessions.
The veneers create distinctive diamond patterns when viewed from above, adding another layer of visual interest. Small Flying Lady emblems discretely mark the set’s perimeter, serving as a subtle reminder of provenance for anyone who wasn’t already aware.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Rolls-Royce Chess Set
Surface Materials: Milled aluminum grid with wood veneer squares
Pieces Materials: Ceramic-coated aluminum with stainless steel heads, magnets underneath
Customization: 13 leather colors, 4 veneer combinations
Price: Undisclosed
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Available for commission through Rolls-Royce boutiques and showrooms, the chess set will likely be priced somewhere in the “if you have to ask” range. However, in true Rolls-Royce fashion, the company hasn’t disclosed the price.
Rolls-Royce Chess Set
Made with a pristine level of detail and luxury, Rolls-Royce debuts their garish chess set, offering the array of customizations you’d expect from the marque.
