In the tranquil heart of West Sussex, the iconic British marque Rolls-Royce extended its legacy of craftsmanship and refinement into the world of luxury leisure with the unveiling of the Rolls-Royce Chess Set. A sculptural masterpiece designed not merely for play, but to embody the spirit of hosting and the tactile elegance that defines the Rolls-Royce lifestyle, the Chess Set is a remarkable convergence of function, form, and prestige.
Unfolding in a singular theatrical gesture, the Chess Set is engineered with the same reverence for detail that characterises every Rolls-Royce motor car. The base—leather-clad and subtly contoured—rises gently from its centre, evoking the waft lines of the marque’s legendary silhouettes. A seamless opening mechanism lifts the leather-lined holder into view, revealing magnetised chess pieces that appear to float with gravity-defying precision across the board.
Each element speaks of innovation honed over a year of experimentation and refinement. The playing surface, framed in hand-polished aluminium, is set with veneer squares laser-cut from a single log to ensure uniformity in grain and ageing. Beneath the board, hidden drawers offer space for additional queens—an elegant solution born of practicality and forethought.
At the heart of the set are its chess pieces: monolithic forms extruded from traditional profiles and sculpted from ceramic-coated aluminium. Each piece is weighted, faceted, and crowned with polished stainless steel—a nod to the tactile delights found in a Rolls-Royce cabin, particularly the famed solid-metal organ stops. The white pieces shimmer with an iridescent glow, while the black pieces hold a satin-smooth sophistication, creating a visual and physical contrast that elevates each move into a ceremonial act.
Materials and finishes are curated from the marque’s palette, offering an array of four veneer options and thirteen Rolls-Royce leather colours. From the icy elegance of Arctic White to the opulence of Tailored Purple or the bold verve of Forge Yellow, clients are invited to personalise their Chess Set in harmony with the aesthetic of their residence.
Nick Abrams, Accessories Designer at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, reflects on the inspiration behind the creation:
“Knowing that many of our clients enjoy chess — often at an extremely high level — we were inspired to create our own Chess Set as a natural evolution of the sense of hosting and occasion that defines the Rolls-Royce experience. Incorporating the materials and meticulous craft our clients know and love, the Chess Set is both a contemporary work of art and a practical, playable game.”
Indeed, the Rolls-Royce Chess Set transcends its role as a board game. It is an heirloom-worthy object, crafted not only for strategy but for admiration. Each element has been meticulously designed to echo the Rolls-Royce philosophy: to create experiences that are intuitive, luxurious, and deeply personal. Available now through Rolls-Royce showrooms and Private Office boutiques, the Chess Set represents the marque’s latest statement in lifestyle curation—where every move is intentional, and every detail a celebration of excellence.
