Automakers are increasingly launching products beyond vehicles, from fashion and gadgets to household items. This strategy not only keeps their brand in the public eye but also offers potential customers a way to experience the marque’s identity and design language before purchasing a car. Recently, in a surprising move, Rolls-Royce unveiled a chess set that continues its tradition of grandeur and elegant design.

The set showcases meticulous craftsmanship. The board is made from aluminium, topped with a diamond-patterned veneer finish and a leather-lined holder that elevates to reveal the pieces — each magnetically held in place. Magnets hidden beneath the playing surface ensure the pieces stay perfectly aligned during play while still allowing them to glide smoothly across the board. Discreet drawers on either side conceal an additional queen, a nod to functionality and luxury. Of course, no Rolls-Royce creation would be complete without the Spirit of Ecstasy, here rendered in polished aluminium and subtly attached to the front and back of the board.

The chess pieces themselves are sculptural forms made from ceramic-coated aluminium, each with a square base and hidden magnet, topped with a polished stainless steel head. Rolls-Royce describes the set as the product of a year’s worth of design, engineering, and experimentation. It’s available in four veneer finishes and a selection of 13 leather colours, though pricing remains undisclosed. Interested buyers must place a direct commission through Rolls-Royce showrooms or boutiques.