Editor’s Picks: German bubble car, a smart showerhead and an Omega Speedmaster
From a bottle of Oliver Proudlock's shiny new saké to Samsung's innovative rotating television, this is what we want this week...
Words: Jonathan Wells
They said 2020 would feel like the future. We were promised AI-assistants, flying cars and holograms (seriously, where are all the holograms?). Films from Real Steel to Pacific Rim told us that 2020 would see a new wave of technology, a new age of digital living. And what did we end up with? A new Motorola Razr…
But don’t feel too cheated just yet. We’re only a week in, and things are already looking more modern. The new decade has brought with it some of the best gadgets we’ve seen in quite some time; from a smart showerhead and breakthrough in motorcycle technology to a television for the forward-thinkers. So, although flying cars might not have taken off just yet, we’ve got the next best things…
Power to the people: Courant Catch:2 Wireless Charger
Sometimes, it seems as if there’s only one charging cable in the Gentleman’s Journal offices — and we’re constantly left scrabbling to charge our phones and AirPods. But no longer. Thanks to Courant’s sleek, sophisticated black leather slab, the Catch:2, we’ve found the ideal electrifying deskmate to ensure we never run out of juice. And, thanks to its nifty support of two devices at one time, you can ensure your smartphone and headphones are always supercharged.
Space age: Omega Calibre 321 Speedmaster
In 1965, when astronaut Edward White became the first American to walk in space, he was wearing Omega’s storied Speedmaster ST. The latest timepiece from the brand honours that famous model, and borrows its style cues as inspiration. You’ll see those familiar Moonwatch hands on a black step dial, a polished bezel ring in black ceramic, and a third generation style case almost identical to White’s. A worthy tribute.
Wine and shine: Four Fox Saké
Say it out loud. Do you get it? Enjoyed at the Gentleman’s Journal Christmas drinks party in December, Oliver Proudlock’s first foray into the drinks world is high-shine, tongue-in-cheek and exceedingly fresh. The water is sourced from Tsunan, Niigata, for unrivalled purity; which means that this rice wine is best served straight up — or on the rocks. Even if you’re doing Dry January, why not get a bottle in? It’ll give you something to look forward to…
Small but mighty: Artega Karo-Isetta
Bear with us. It might not look like the most ‘Gentleman’s Journal’ car you’ve ever clapped eyes on, but this German bubble motor has been leaving rave reviews in its pint-sized wake. A retro-styled pocket rocket, the Karo-Isetta has a terrible name, but a brilliant gambit: it’s a minuscule electric car made to negotiate tight streets and overcrowded cities in an eco-friendly, cheerful way. And it’s a breeze to park, too.
Go for a spin: Samsung Sero
How long, in this age of watching Netflix on our phones, will it take before we see our first portrait-orientated series? We’d wager not long at all. IGTV and TikTok are already toying with the vertical format, and now Samsung has become the first television manufacturer to take the portrait plunge. The Sero — Korean for ‘vertical’ — can rotate, giving viewers the chance to watch a traditional screen or a tall screen. It sounds kooky and looks a little odd — but we’re convinced it’ll catch on.
Shine on: Rolex Day-Date 36
When the Day-Date launched back in 1956, it was hailed as a major innovation. Today, the latest model in the range, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36, is just as pioneering. The novel dial design features a concentric gradient, the case remains a paragon of practicality and the calibre 3255 that makes it tick is a new-generation symbol of modern watchmaking. Add to that diamonds and a striking green ombré hue, and we’re sold.
Clean sound: Kohler Moxie Smart Showerhead
Harman Kardon make the best speakers in the world. Don’t believe us? Just ask Google, who tasked it with making a smart speaker. Or Apple, who used its speakers in certain iMacs. Or Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Jaguar — who all have Harman Kardon sound systems in their cars. Now, you can bring the British brand’s clarity and crisp sound into your bathroom with this Kohler showerhead. Voice-activated and cleanly designed, it’s the perfect way to remix your morning routine.
Good spirits: Georg Jensen Sky Hip Flask
Whether you’re hitting the slopes this winter, or heading out into the fields on a shoot, you’ll need something sippable to keep yourself in good cheer. And what could be a better spirit-raiser than a choice spirit? We recently tested several celebrity-owned spirits, and we’re now on the hunt for a hip flask good enough to store them. We could have found it, too — in Georg Jensen’s slick, modern stainless steel asymmetric offering with a brown leather strap.
Electrifying: Truvor Carbon Fibre Electric Scrambler
Scramblers are exciting at the best of times; the promise of adventure and all-terrain off-road-tripping. But when you find one crafted from ultra-light carbon fibre and driven by an all-electric powertrain, that excitement shifts up another gear again. So allow us to introduce this handsome, pared-back beast from Truvor — with a range of 150km and top speed of 100kph. Just imagine the adventures.
Hell for leather: Hestra Alpine Wool & Leather Gloves
If we’ve got one niggle with modern skiwear, it’s that it looks a little too tactical — lots of dark colours and synthetic materials. Where are the days of avant-garde après-fashion and traditional style? We’ll tell you where. Squarely on the doorstep of the Hestra fashion house, where you’ll find these Alpine ski gloves. Traditional and classic in appearance, don’t be deceived — the Swiss wool blend and elasticated cuffs are more than a match for any modern mountainwear.
Looking for more of the best gear to take you into the new decade? 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
