Editor’s Picks: Brabus Motorcycle, Pizza Oven and Pickleball Paddle
From a pair of water-resistant sneakers from North-89 to a Bentley electrified by Lunaz Design, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
It’s a week of rebirth and resurrection. Whether it’s a 1961 Bentley given a new lease of electric-powered life, a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch with an updated dial or a reissued pair of mid-century American sunglasses, the past seven days have seen some iconic products break back onto the scene. From redesigned racquets to overhauled overcoats, take a look below…
Rain check: North-89 ‘No.1’ Water-Resistant Sneakers
With springtime showers around the cloudy corner, we’re looking to lace up some weatherproof sneakers. And what better kicks than these classic-looking trainers from North-89? Handmade in Porto, they may hail from a sun-soaked city — but will step to any inclement weather in style.
Endangered species: Vacheron Overseas Overseas Chronograph ‘Panda’ Wristwatch
The Overseas Chronograph has been out in the wild for a while. But this is a wholly new beast; with a frosted finish on its case and bracelet, a 263-part self-winding mechanical movement and ‘panda’ dial — featuring a silvery satin-finished dial with black sub-dials and a rich black seconds flange.
Power play: 1961 Bentley S2 Continental by Lunaz
Last year, when we took a spin around Silverstone Technology Park and visited Lunaz, we saw many British motors resurrected; from the Jaguar XK120 to the Aston Martin DB6. The latest icon to get this electrifying treatment is Bentley’s S2 ‘Continental’ edition — a sweeping, seminal piece of 60s automobilia.
Raise a glass: Cardenxe ‘Sotol De Desierto’
Named for the cathartic ‘Canto Cardenche’ — a singing style native to northeastern Mexico — this liquor puts its own spin on the country’s ‘sotol’ spirit. A blend of three varieties of Dasylirion grown in the desert, it has notes of prickly pear and cocoa on the palate, and a lightly lingering vegetal aftertaste.
Snowed under: Sease ‘Saslong’ Ski Goggles
These goggles, like the sotol above, have a world-renowned namesake; a downhill ski course in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains. All but rimless, they feature sophisticated leather detailing, polarised photochromatic lenses and extreme peripheral vision.
Soft touch: Niccolò P. Long-Sleeved Polo Shirt in Racing Green
Though it may be softly woven in one of the most British colours there is — the high-octane ‘racing green’ — this Niccolò P. polo shirt is knitted in Italy from double-jersey ‘Supima’ cotton, and finished with mother-of-pearl buttons from Australia. An international essential for spring.
Hit it: SelKirk ‘SLK Halo’ Pickleball Paddle
The fastest growing sport in the US has given racket developers the chance to flex their forearms and design brand new bats and paddles. With a carbon fibre construction, low-profile, lightweight edge guard and faux leather grip, this is the best of the bunch.
Playing with fire: Witt ‘Etna Fermo’ Pizza Oven
Whilst Scandinavia may not be known for its pizza-making acumen, this bit of inventive, fast-flaming kit from Denmark will out-crust even the best Italian ovens. How? It features a unique ‘U-shaped’ burner that surrounds the pizza, ensuring the most even, all-round cooking without having to turn the pizza halfway through.
Button it: Rodd & Gunn x Gilbert ‘Kingsholm’ Coat
The MVP of Rodd & Gunn’s partnership with sports titans Gilbert, this new wool coat is crafted from premium recycled fabric milled in Florence, and lined with a combination of Rodd & Gunn’s heritage plaid and bespoke Gilbert badges. Our favourite feature? The coat collar, with contrast fabric collar stand.
Back in the saddle: Brabus 1300 R ‘Edition 23’
This highly limited special edition is the follow-up to the exclusive Brabus ‘1300 R’ released last year. It’s got forged ‘Monoblock Z’ wheels built by the brand, high-end carbon body elements and a bespoke seat — as well as an exceptional LC8 V-Twin engine that’ll produce a rubber-burning 180 horsepower.
Look sharp: American Optical ‘Saratoga’ Sunglasses
He’s famously the best-dressed US President, but JFK’s sunglasses have been out of fashionistas’ reach for decades. Happily, this week, American Optical has reissued the tortoiseshell frames — brown lenses, diamond-shaped pins and all.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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Further reading
Editor’s Picks: Grand Seiko watch, Crockett & Jones shoes, Littlemill whisky and My Style Bags watch case
A bigger splash: The best RIB brands on the market
