Editor’s Picks: Electric Bike, Sweatproof Face Mask and Coffee Machine
From a Turnbull & Asser shirt worthy of Wall Street’s finest to a pair of earphones eager to run a marathon, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Ready to return to some semblance of normality? We know we are. And we’re tooling up to make the transition as easy as possible. That means a new — and punchy — coffee machine, like the Esperto from La Pavoni, to ensure we get out of bed. It means a natty new bicycle to dodge any crammed commuter transport, like Riese & Müller’s latest electric-assisted model. And it means a face mask (don’t ever forget the face mask!), such as this new, highly innovative sweatproof offering.
And then there’s work shirts for the office, headphones for the commute, a new watch to keep track of time — all rounded up below…
Full of beans: La Pavoni Esperto Coffee Machine
The Italians, if you hadn’t realised, know a thing or two about coffee. And La Pavoni are experts among experts. The European brand’s handsome, sophisticated machines are so highly regarded that they’ve popped up on screen in the Bond films and The Talented Mr Ripley — expressing the richest, most creamy espressos in the business. The Esperto, with its wooden grips and dainty dials, may be their best yet.
Turn it up: Ruark Audio R3 Music System
You know the drill with Ruark by now — quality audio and flawless sound, all wrapped together in a dapper, upscale design. The R3 is no different. With support for Spotify and Amazon Music (and also Tidal, though god knows why…), this multi-format audio system will turn ears when people hear it — and heads when they clock that rich walnut veneer.
Button it: Orlebar Brown Thunderball Stripe Shirt
Stripes are in this year, if you hadn’t got the memo. James Bond knew, of course — 55 years early, in fact. This new Orlebar Brown short-sleeved shirt is inspired by the one Connery’s 007 donned during a visit to the villainous Emilio Largo’s Bahamanian estate in Thunderball. Sporting a Capri collar, cotton and linen blend and mother of pearl effect buttons, it’s a summer piece fit for a superspy.
Face the music: Beoplay E8 Sport On Edition
If Ruark have your sound sorted within the walls of your home, trust Bang & Olufsen to keep the standards up outside. A new collaboration with Swiss sports brand On, this limited edition of Bang & Olufsen’s first truly wireless sports earphones, the Beoplay E8 Sport On Edition, is introduced alongside On’s latest elite-level competition shoe, the excellently named ‘Cloudboom’.
Time to shine: Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix self-winding
The Swiss watchmaker really knows how to channel a retro aesthetic. With a sepia-brown dial and calfskin strap, Vacheron Constantin’s Fiftysix self-winding is topped with a box-type crystal typical of 1950s timepieces — and holds its meticulous self-winding movement within a 18 carat pink gold case. On the reverse, you can spy Côtes de Genève decoration and an oscillating weight inspired by the Maltese cross.
Greed is good: Turnbull & Asser Contrast Collar Shirt
If you’re less of a Bond — and more of a cut-throat city man — you should ditch 007’s short-sleeved stripes above and opt for this business-meaning contrast-collar shirt from Turnbull & Asser instead. It wouldn’t look out of place in the wardrobe of Patrick Bateman or Gordon Gekko. All you need is some bright red braces and a Huey Lewis album to really set it off…
Grass is greener: Toadi Robotic Lawnmower
Now this may look like little futuristic robot friend — and trust us, that’s mostly what drew us to Toadi — but the innovative, autonomous lawnmower is actually a Kickstarter success story. With over double his target reached, the crowdfunded lawn robot will soon be trimming grassy gardens the world over. And, with us all returning back to work full-time, we’re happy he’s here to pick up the slack.
Bottled it: The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old
Good lord, Macallan know how to make a whisky. This new Double Cask 18 Years Old, the latest expansion of an already stellar range, has a rich amber honey tone, notes of dried fruits, ginger and toffee — and a warm oak spice finish. It may be the most complex bottling of the collection, but our recommendation couldn’t be simpler; buy it.
Take a breath: The Black Mask Company
Who isn’t excited to get back into gyms? We know we are. And you know who else is? David Haye. In fact, the former world champion is so keen to restart his workouts that he’s created a gym-proof, sweat-proof, exercise-proof face mask. The Black Mask Company is now selling reasonably priced high-tech face coverings with anti-bacterial properties. Snap up one for just £12.50.
On your bike: Riese & Müller Cruiser E-Bike
Earlier this week, we rounded up the best bikes for new, two-wheeled commuters. From folding to hybrid, we gave our recommendations — but we left out the Riese & Müller Cruiser E-Bike. We were so taken by the German manufacturer’s model that we believed it deserved a shout-out of its own. And, with handlebar smartphone dock, hydraulic rim brakes and a Bosch Performance Line motor, we’re sure you’ll agree.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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Further reading
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