A chessboard can be a surface with 64 squares. At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, it becomes a miniature piece of furniture instead: the chess set opens in a single movement, while hidden compartments for the pieces come into view. At the launch in April 2025, the manufacturer itself described the experience as part of the design. [1]
An opening with choreography
What is unusual lies in the details that are normally invisible. The sculptural pieces are made from ceramic-coated aluminium and held in place by magnets. According to Rolls-Royce, six different magnet types were tested to find the right balance: a move should feel precise, while the piece still stands securely. The piece drawers are arranged so that they lift the pieces into view when the set is opened. [1]
The board has a diamond pattern in veneer. In the darker version, Rolls-Royce uses Obsidian Ayous and Blackwood among other woods. An open-pore finish leaves the grain visible and tangible. [1]
Luxury without an engine
The manufacturer states that development took a year, and that customers at launch could choose between 13 leather colours. This makes the chess set an example of how a car brand’s craftsmanship moves out of the car and into the home. Press images show the object’s form and surfaces, but they do not say anything about what it feels like to play with; we have not handled the set ourselves. [1][2]
The details beneath the surface
The board’s aluminium grid is machine-milled and then refined by hand to give its corners precision. The veneer squares are laser-cut and placed individually; Rolls-Royce says the wood for each set comes from the same log so the grain and ageing remain consistent. A discreet drawer on either side holds an extra queen for a pawn promotion. It is a practical detail easily missed in the polished press photographs.