Editor’s Picks: Ford Bronco, Pixel Buds and House of Lords Whisky
From a full-grain leather backpack from Aspinal of London to a short-sleeved cricket shirt from N.E.Blake & Co, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Hey, we can admit when we’re wrong. And this week, we’ve been proved all shades of wrong. We never thought we’d covet a big American SUV — and then the new Ford Bronco rolled into view. We said we’d never relinquish our briefcases — but then Aspinal of London launched an excruciatingly handsome new backpack. We believed that AirPods would never be bettered — but then Google one-upped Apple.
So prepare to have your preconceptions similarly smashed us — and take a look at this week’s Editor’s Picks…
Buckle up: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda GT Rose Gold
Parmigiani Fleurier’s dress watches have long been revered among collectors for their elegance and fine craftsmanship — even Prince Charles wears the Swiss brand. This, the Tonda GT in rose gold, is the latest display of in-house manufacturing prowess combined with founder Michel Parmigiani’s master watchmaking talent. A reimagining of the Tonda collection, expect a more casual shape and sportier, everyday timepiece.
Step on it: Car Shoe Canvas Sneakers
True, it may be more renowned for driving loafers — but Car Shoe is anything but a one-trick pony. These casual summer sneakers drive home that point, with a classic profile, canvas construction and light rubber sole. And, while you may not be walking them down Cannes’ Croisette, or across some far-flung beach this year, they’ll still become a mainstay of your summer wardrobe.
Button it: Turnbull & Asser Orange Checked Linen Shirt
Most of us know Madras as a dish. But, before 1996, the Indian city of Chennai went by this evocative, sun-soaked name. Shirtmaker Turnbull & Asser has used that lost locale as inspiration for its latest collection, whipping up pleated trousers and twill blazers to see you through summer. Our pick? This bold ‘Holiday fit’ checked shirt, crafted from sustainable French linen and sporting a laid-back revere collar.
In the bag: Aspinal of London Reporter Backpack
Back to work, you say? Well alright then — but only if it gives us an excuse to buy a few new ties, take our trusty Derby shoes for a reheel, and invest in the best backpack money can buy. That’d be Aspinal of London, then — whose full-grain leather Reporter backpack is the ideal commuting companion. With a zipped pouch, two slip pockets and leather drawstring fastening, it’ll make your return to the office a pleasure.
Crack the code: CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding
If you subscribe to Gentleman’s Journal, you can read all about one of Audemars Piguet’s most ambitious projects in the latest issue. But the Swiss watchmaker is bringing innovations thick and fast, with this new CODE 11.59 Selfwinding also catching our eye this week. With a contemporary double curved sapphire crystal, 18-carat pink gold case and smoked lacquered blue dial with sunray patterned base, it’s an aesthetically inventive treat.
Howzat!: N.E. Blake "Goochie" Short Sleeve Cricket Shirt
If there’s one thing Henry Lloyd-Hughes loves more than acting, it’s cricket. When we spoke to the Brit earlier this year, he regaled us with the starched-white tale of his great grandfather — a passionate sportsman who founded N.E. Blake & Co. Almost a century on, and the brand has its latest garment; a wide-collared, super soft, top-pocketed cricket shirt. But can you guess the record breaking batsman for whom it is named?
Off-road: 2021 Ford Bronco
At Gentleman’s Journal, we’re not usually ones for big, brash American SUVs. You can keep your Hummers and Escalades, thank you very much. But Ford’s new Bronco — a reimagining of the classic after a 24-year break — has turned our heads. Not only does it look rather fetching, in a rugged, retro adventurer sort of way, but it’s also mechanically quite impressive; with a nifty seven-speed manual gearbox mated to a turbocharged 2.7-litre V6.
Order: House of Lords Blended Scotch
We know everyone’s been talking about Buckingham Palace Gin this week — even Gentleman’s Journal cover star Ryan Reynolds weighed in on the release — but we’re more interested in this new whisky. Blended specially for the House of Lords, the blend has notes of dried apricots, heather honey and soft smoke — and will finally give us, the lowly subjects, the chance to drink as the peerage do.
Sounding out: Google Pixel Buds
And the battle for tech supremacy rages on. Finally, here comes Google into the wireless audio arena, waging war against Apple’s AirPods with rich audio, clear calls and purported all-day battery. Among the features that will allegedly bring Google out on top? Custom-designed 12mm dynamic speakers. Sweat and water resistance. And — and this is the game changer — real time translation direct into your ear. That’s impressive stuff.
On the run: NOHrD SprintBok Curved Manual Treadmill
We’re all pushed for space. Now we’re working from home, our desks are spilling into our kitchens, which are spilling into our sitting rooms, which are spilling into our bedrooms. And that leaves barely any space for a home gym. Thankfully, this treadmill from WaterRower is a work of art in of itself — and you’ll be proud to show it off. Powered by your own energy, it comes in a selection of woods, from cherry and ash to walnut and oak. And the best part? You’ll burn 30% more calories in comparison to an electric treadmill.
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
