In celebration of Italy’s famed Mille Miglia road race, Roland Iten has launched its new Driver collection featuring the gorgeous R8 MKII belt buckle.
The R8 MKII Driver Collection
As a major sponsor and indeed active participant in the event (racing in an historic 1953 Porsche 356 Pre A Coupé 1500 no less), I think it’s fair to say that the Mille Miglia holds some significance for the brand’s namesake and founder Mr. Roland Iten. A fast-paced race through northern Italy’s gorgeous county side, this is not an event for the faint of heart.
Arguably the same can be said for the new limited edition Driver collection. Comprised of just four, highly precise R8 MKII mechanical belt buckles, each engraved with the name of one of the main cities on the Mille Miglia 2014 route – Brescia, Padova, Roma or Bologna – this series is strictly for passionate enthusiasts only.
Crafted from solid gold and steel with a titanium architecture, the R8 MKII buckle features a five-axel construction comprising over 110 components, including moveable roller bearings, plates, levers and hinges, as well as a patented “double ardillon” tang to ensure a super secure grip of the leather strap.
It looks incredibly complex and believe me when I say it is but as with everything Iten creates it is also highly intuitive and easy to use. Custom fitted for the wearer, the R8 MKII buckle has two positions, allowing you to instantly tighten or loosen the belt by exactly 35mm with just one hand.
According to Roland Iten that is the same two-thumb measurement a Savile Row tailor traditionally incorporates into a bespoke suit for added comfort, and is perfect for when you’ve just had a big meal or are trying to manoeuvre in and out of a low-seated sports car and need just a little more breathing room.
As I said before only four pieces in total of this special limited edition Mille Miglia R8 MKII buckle will be produced, each with a retail price of CHF32,500 excluding taxes (approx. US$36,400.)
For more information on the R8 MKII buckle please visit the official Roland Iten website.
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