Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled an extraordinary Bespoke Chess Set, representing a modern interpretation of one of the world’s most prestigious strategy games. After a year-long process of design, engineering, and testing, this elegant piece—featuring sculptural ceramic-coated, magnetized pieces and concealed drawers—is now available to order through Rolls-Royce showrooms and Private Office boutiques.
Created using the same signature materials and techniques found in Rolls-Royce vehicles, the Chess Set reflects the brand’s distinctive approach to luxury and lifestyle. Designed with a spirit of hospitality and shared experiences, it captures the essence of Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke philosophy.
“Because we know many of our clients enjoy the game of chess, we envisioned a natural extension of the Rolls-Royce experience—an expression of the spirit of occasion and refined living that defines our brand,” said Nick Abrams, Accessories Designer at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“The Chess Set brings together the materials and precision craftsmanship familiar from our motor cars, and offers clients an elegant, beautiful, and authentic expression of our marque within their homes. It is at once a contemporary work of art and a fully functional, playable object.”
The set is designed to evoke motion and elegance. Its leather-covered base subtly rises at the center, suggesting fluid movement and echoing the graceful contours of Rolls-Royce vehicles. The game board itself is revealed in a single, smooth gesture—chess pieces rise slowly from their compartment, held in place by magnets, mimicking the effortless opening of a Rolls-Royce door.
Magnets beneath the playing surface ensure perfect alignment of each piece, delivering both accuracy and stability during gameplay. To achieve this, the design team tested six different types of magnets to find the ideal force—strong enough to hold, yet smooth enough to allow seamless movement.
Concealed drawers on both sides of the board open with a gentle touch and house an additional queen for pawn promotion. The board and piece holders are surrounded by polished aluminum frames, while the Spirit of Ecstasy, crafted in the same material, adorns both the front and rear of the board.
Each chess piece is precision-crafted with multifaceted geometry, transforming them into sculptural miniatures. The design team modernized traditional silhouettes, widening the base into squared forms. Cast in ceramic-coated aluminum, each piece contains an embedded magnet and is crowned with a gleaming stainless-steel head—reminiscent of the tactile metal organ stops found in Rolls-Royce interiors.
The black pieces feature a satin finish, while the white pieces shimmer with a polished luster. The weight and cool-to-touch feel echo the sensory quality of the marque’s handcrafted cabin components.
The game board showcases materials also used in Rolls-Royce interiors. Clients can choose from four different veneered wood combinations, each forming a subtle diamond pattern when viewed from above. Options include Ceramic White with Royal Walnut, Black Macassar Ebony, open-pore Paldao with Smoked Eucalyptus, and Blackwood with Obsidian Ayous.
Surrounding the playing surface is a continuous longitudinal wood grain for a unified, elegant visual.
For the ultimate customization, clients can personalize their Chess Set using a selection of 13 leather colors, all drawn from the brand’s signature palette: Cashmere Grey, Phoenix Red, Charles Blue, Forge Yellow, Iceland Moss, Scivaro Grey, Arctic White, Havana, Tailored Purple, Mandarin, Peony Pink, Black, and Lime Green.
These options allow clients to perfectly tailor both the external finish and the storage for the chess pieces to match their home décor and personal style.
