The Grandmaster’s Choice: Introducing the Rolls-Royce Chess Set
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a remarkable lifestyle creation: the Rolls-Royce Chess Set, a masterful fusion of luxury craftsmanship and the timeless strategy of chess. Designed to be displayed and enjoyed within the refined homes of Rolls-Royce clientele, the set embodies the same meticulous engineering, artistry, and personalization that defines the marque’s motor cars.
Inspired by the fact that many Rolls-Royce clients are avid chess players, the set was developed over the course of a year, involving extensive design, experimentation, and engineering. The result is not just a game, but a statement piece that combines utility with sculptural beauty — a true extension of the brand’s philosophy of occasion, experience, and excellence.
Theatrical Design and Hidden Engineering
The Rolls-Royce Chess Set captures the elegance and movement associated with the brand’s iconic vehicles. The leather-clad board rises subtly from the center, mimicking the “waft lines” of the cars. The board opens with a smooth, dramatic motion, revealing a leather-lined platform that gently elevates the sculpted, magnetized pieces into view — reminiscent of the graceful opening of Rolls-Royce’s signature coach doors.
Precision magnets beneath the surface ensure that the pieces remain perfectly aligned during play, enhancing the sense of control and exactness. After testing six different magnet types, the design team achieved a balance between grip and effortless movement. Each side of the board also conceals a discreet drawer containing an additional queen — a thoughtful inclusion for gameplay involving pawn promotion.
Framed in polished aluminum and adorned with a discreet Spirit of Ecstasy emblem on both sides, the board’s quality and attention to detail are unmistakable. The aluminum is machine-milled and then carefully finished by hand to create precise corners, while each wood veneer square is laser-cut and laid by hand from the same log to ensure consistent aging and visual harmony.
Sculptural, Monolithic Chess Pieces
The chess pieces are artistic forms in themselves, crafted from ceramic-coated aluminum and designed with clean, faceted lines. Each is set on a square base and topped with a jewel-like polished stainless-steel head. The tactile sensation of each piece echoes the solid-metal organ stops found in Rolls-Royce interiors — an intentional nod to mechanical beauty and sensory luxury.
The black pieces are finished in satin, while the white pieces feature a subtle iridescent sheen. Magnets inside each piece ensure stability on the board while allowing for fluid movement.
Luxury Customization and Materials
The Chess Set uses the same premium materials found in Rolls-Royce vehicles. Clients can choose from four veneer combinations, including high-gloss Blackwood and Ceramic White or Macassar Ebony with Royal Walnut, as well as open-pore options like Smoked Eucalyptus with Paldao. Customization extends to 13 leather color options, including vibrant choices such as Phoenix Red, Tailored Purple, and Lime Green, allowing owners to personalize the set to suit their home aesthetics or match their vehicle’s interior.
Now available for commission through Rolls-Royce showrooms and Private Office boutiques, the Chess Set is more than a game — it’s a sculptural centerpiece and a refined homage to strategic brilliance and luxury craftsmanship.
