Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a private bespoke collection inspired by the celestial phenomenon of a solar eclipse, named the Black Badge Ghost Eclipse. This limited collection comprises only 25 units worldwide.
The Eclipse collection, crafted based on the bold expressive spirit of the Black Badge, incorporates elements inspired by the mysterious and dramatic natural event of a solar eclipse throughout its exterior and interior. It captures the interaction of light and darkness, re-enacting the wondrous moment when the moon completely obscures the sun.
The exterior of the collection features a color named ‘Lyrical Copper,’ which captures the mystifying light created by total solar eclipses. Though it appears very dark due to the inclusion of copper powder pigments, it reveals rich and dramatic colors that change with the light.
The lower part of the Pantheon grille and the brake calipers, decorated in mandarin color, evoke the intense and oscillating sunlight during the solar eclipse. The same mandarin hue is also applied to the hand-painted coachline, illustrating the transition from sunlight to darkness as the moon gradually covers the sun.
The starlight headliner, created specifically for the Eclipse collection, features a unique animation technique. When the door is closed and the ignition starts, the ‘stars’ on the starlight headliner dim, mimicking the moment when the moon’s dark silhouette completely obscures the sun’s brilliant light during a total eclipse.
The circle of 940 stars represents the vivid corona surrounding the moon’s black outline, with 192 stars surrounding it to depict the supernatural spectacle of stars visible during the day only during total eclipses. This animation lasts for 7 minutes and 31 seconds, matching the duration of the longest total solar eclipse.
Additionally, the illuminated fascia decorated with 1,846 laser-engraved stars represents the entire process of a total solar eclipse, requiring 100 hours for this intricate work. The bespoke timepiece on the center fascia features a brilliant-cut 0.5-carat diamond that symbolizes a dazzling beam of light seen just before and after the moon obscures the sun, known as the ‘diamond ring’ effect.
This necessitated a modification of the geometry of the bezel, marking the first time a raw gem has been integrated into a Rolls-Royce watch bezel. The diamond underwent rigorous adhesion testing, including climate change tests from -30 degrees to 90 degrees Celsius, to secure it firmly. The timepiece is finished using an etching technique that reveals the bright metal beneath the dark aluminum border, and this stunning piece was created through over 14 design iterations.
The interior space captures a rare experience when the sun is completely obscured during a total solar eclipse, enveloping the surroundings in a golden twilight, reminiscent of witnessing a sunset from 360 degrees. The leather seats, combining mandarin and black colors, feature unique art pieces created from over 200,000 individual perforations. Portions of the mandarin-colored leather are dyed black to harmonize with the lighter lower section of the seat, providing an unmatched sense of depth and elegance.
Moreover, bespoke illuminated tread plates, a bespoke umbrella with mandarin piping, and an indoor vehicle cover engraved with the collection name add to the exclusivity.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, “The Black Badge Ghost Eclipse is inspired by the rare and fascinating natural phenomenon of a total solar eclipse and reflects the rarity and beauty of the Rolls-Royce private collection. The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective has once again enhanced the brand’s ambition and excellence, showcasing intricate details and modern craftsmanship through this collection.”
Meanwhile, all 25 units of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Eclipse collection have already been assigned to clients around the world.
