Editor’s Picks: Heinz Vodka Sauce, ‘Airless’ Basketball and Chevrolet Camaro
From a specially tuned performance Polestar to a holographic videoconferencing booth, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
This week, our Editor’s Picks are taking a load off. They’re as fine and floaty as new releases come; a wealth of lightweight launches that include a prototype ‘Airless’ basketball from Wilson and a sprightly springtime jacket from Aubin. There’s a pair of slight, light boots from Cheaney, a trim titanium spin on one of IWC’s new wristwatches and a retro reissue of a resoundingly 1980s record player. Take a look below…
Lead the charge: Polestar 2 BST Edition 230
Only 230 of these electrifying EVs will be built — so expect them to move. And they’ll drive even faster than they sell, thanks to a twin-motor powertrain tune-up, 25mm lowered ride height and bespoke Ohlins dampers. We particularly like that special new shade of green — ‘Nebula’ — finished with a slick central stripe.
Zip it: Aubin ‘Quibell’ Harrington
Why is the ‘Quibell’ so named? Could it be for Baron Quibell — a politician and peer who began his career as a contractor? That would make sense, as you won’t find a better-built jacket in Britain. With its cotton twill construction, cord-top collar and gold zips, this Harrington is as hardy as lightweight coats come.
Full swing: Tangerine ‘Hunter’ Pickleball Bag
For the past three years, Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the US. And, since it first swung onto the scene, a distinctly vintage thread has run through every game, championship and tournament. This year, the sport’s retro feel has been stitched into a series of handsome kit bags from Tangerine, each with dual paddle holders and nylon mesh linings.
Jump ball: Wilson Airless Basketball Prototype
In 2018, Wilson Sporting Goods began putting sensors in basketballs to let players know when it was time to replace their equipment. But the latest innovation to bounce onto the brand’s court is slightly more lightweight. Relying on a 3D-printed structure of small hexagonal holes, this ‘Airless’ prototype basketball uses research-grade materials to replicate the bounce of a traditional ball.
Time will tell: IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Wristwatch
Unveiled this week at Watches & Wonders, the latest timepiece to tick out of IWC Schaffhausen’s headquarters is a Grade-5 titanium twist on the new Ingenieur Automatic 40. Powered by the IWC manufactured ‘32111 Calibre’, the grey dial — as well as the black hands and appliqués — serve to further accentuate the characteristic matte grey look of the titanium.
Face the music: Audio-Technica ‘Sound Burger’ Turntable
Earlier this year, to celebrate its 60th anniversary, Japanese brand Audio-Technica spun out a new, updated version of its much-loved 1980s ‘Sound Burger’ turntable. It sold out almost immediately. But, next month, further stock of the limited editions will land — all with the same lightweight design, Bluetooth compatibility and 12-hour batteries.
Shifting gears: Chevrolet Camaro Collector’s Edition
The first Camaro roared to life in 1966. Now, almost six decades down the road, the final model of car’s sixth generation is set to shut off its engine. To mark the milestone, Chevrolet will add a special ‘Collector’s Edition’ package to the 2024 Camaro RS and the SS.
Slip on: Cheaney ‘Godwin’ Chelsea Boot
Will we ever never reach for our Chelsea boots come springtime? Likely not. Especially when the well-heeled designs are as effortlessly, elegantly rugged as Cheaney’s ‘Godwin’ boots. With oak bark tanned leather soles, in-channel stitching and fiddle waists, they’re versatile enough to take you from city streets to countryside — and back again.
On the sauce: Heinz x Absolut Tomato Vodka Sauce
Available to pre-order now (and in Waitrose from mid-April), this spirited collaboration has been a long time coming. Riffing on the classic ‘Penne Alla Vodka’ dish, condiment powerhouse Heinz has teamed up with Absolut to create jars of pasta sauce – brimming with basil, cheese, tomato and the Swedish brand’s fresh, fruity spirit.
Pick up: Logitech ‘Project Ghost’ Video-Conferencing Booth
And, to wrap up this week’s Editor’s Picks, a glimpse into the future. Developed by the Swiss-American computing brand, Logitech’s clandestine ‘Project Ghost’ promises to revolutionise video-conferencing. Using an elaborate array of sensors and cameras, it’ll create a 3D hologram-like projection of you — and beam it into the other caller’s booth. Zoom, this is not.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
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
