Editor’s Picks: Chopard Alpine Eagle, Espresso Machine and ‘Kingsman’ Glasses
From an all-electric motorcycle from Stark to a pair of leather boots from Scarosso, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
There’s a distinctly vintage flavour to this week’s Editor’s Picks. From Cutler and Gross’ ‘Kingsman’ spectacles to Shackleton’s traditional sweaters, we’ve been harking back to classic fashions. We’ve also raised a glass to Delamain Cognac, and the French brand’s time-honoured, well-matured way of making fine brandy.
Elsewhere, you’ll find Aero, a luxury travel service provider inspired by the golden age of aviation, a new Chopard watch influenced by last century’s iconic ‘St. Moritz’ model and a retro-styled espresso machine. Take a look below…
Game on: Métier Playing Cards and Case Set
Nothing screams sophistication like a luxury board game. Whether backgammon or chess, we recently rounded up a selection of the best sumptuous sets money can buy — and this deck of cards from Métier, encased in subtly-grained leather and lined with Alcantara, is the ideal gaming accessory.
In focus: Opal C1 DSLR Webcam
With working-from-home set to continue into 2022, everyone is upgrading their Zoom kit. This, the first ever DSLR webcam, is a piece of pioneering hardware from Opal — with a 7.8mm 4K Sony sensor, brighter brights, darker blacks, and more than 5 times the resolution of a regular webcam.
Lead the charge: Stark VARG Electric Motocross Bike
In creating the ‘VARG’, Stark set out to prove that the most thrilling motocross bike in the world could run on electric power. With its sleek lines, 100 rides modes and 30% more power than a typical 450cc four-stroke engine, we’d say they’d succeeded.
Step ahead: Scarosso ‘Taylor’ Boots
Suede they may be, but these winter-ready boots can combat any weather — and they’ll do so in style. From Scarosso, the ‘Taylor’ boots add a gold-tone buckle to a classic ankle design, are lined with 100% leather, fitted with a solid rubber sole and finished with an almond-shaped toe.
Showing bottle: Delamain Cognac Pléiade Collection Plénitude 1991
The 350-litre ‘Roux’ barrels in which Delamain’s ‘Pléiade Collection Plénitude 1991’ is matured are crafted from oak grown in the forest of Tronçais. This deep, rich, flavourful wood infuses the brandy with aromas of almond, leather and pepper — complemented by notes of cashews, pears and marzipan.
Raising glasses: Cutler And Gross ‘Kingsman’ Spectacles
Following Kingsman tradition, the filmmaking team behind the franchise’s latest instalment (out on Boxing Day) collaborated with some of Britain’s best outfitters for character’s costumes and accessories. Our pick of the styles? These round glasses from Cutler and Gross; based on an Edwardian frame originally hewn from real tortoise shell for colour and strength.
On your bike: Rapha + Rocket ‘R58’ Espresso Machine
A caffeine-fuelled, pedal-powered collaboration between Rapha cycling and Rocket coffee machines has yielded this; a limited-run, handmade bit of kitchen kit with two independently operated boilers and a high-grade rotary pump. Unfortunately, they’re made to order exclusively for members of the Rapha Cycling Club.
Take flight: Aero Semi-Private Jet Flights
This new luxury travel service provider was inspired by the golden age of aviation. Offering direct, premium flights via private terminals, every journey is a pleasure with Aero — thanks to cabins with hand-stitched Italian leather seats, state-of-the-art lighting, and customs sound systems.
Time will tell: Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono
This fresh design of Chopard’s ‘Alpine Eagle XL Chrono’ is crafted from ethical 18-carat rose gold and ceramised titanium. Suspended on a stylish black leather strap — detailing with vivid, vibrant red stitching — there’s the same chronometer-certified chronograph movement with a flyback feature behind that ‘Absolute Black’ galvanic dial.
Dyed-in-the-wool: Shackleton ‘Centenary Hero’ Sweater
Inspired by the iconic jumper worn by Sir Ernest Shackleton over a century ago, when the famed and fearless explorer conquered the Antarctic, this classic roll neck sweater is detailed with a basketweave design. Crafted from ‘Geelong’ lambswool — one of the softest and most sought-after yarns in the world — it’s as sumptuous as it is sturdy.
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
