Editor’s Picks: Ineos Grenadier, Giant Globe and Japanese Chef’s Knife
From a bottle of the finest rye whiskey to a new photobook charting the history of James Bond, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
We love tough stuff. Stuff tough enough to withstand a good battering, a sound thrashing and many unforgiving years of use. Stuff like Ineos Automotive’s new practical, turbocharged, British-made beast; the Grenadier.
Or a handcrafted, unbreakable Japanese chef’s knife. Or one of Tudor’s hardy diving chronometers. Or a motorcycle helmet from Hedon. Even hard liquor, like a bottle Sazerac Rye — one of the punchiest whiskeys we’ve ever uncorked. Tough stuff is worth the investment. Just take a look below…
Feeling blue: Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight “Navy Blue”
You’d think it would be a betrayal of the Black Bay name to cast a watch in navy blue. The two hues are, after all, sworn enemies on the colour spectrum. But Tudor’s latest chronometer benefits greatly from its new blue shade. With fabric and synthetic “soft touch” straps also available in navy, there’s a maritime, military spin to the Swiss watchmaker’s latest timepiece — inspired by the French Navy, the Marine Nationale.
All mixed up: Sazerac Rye Whiskey
Ever had a Sazerac cocktail? They’re criminally under-poured in Britain compared to the States. But this eponymous rye whiskey, named for the New Orleans coffee house where the cocktail was born, is the perfect introduction to the drink. From the Buffalo Trace distillery, mix this sweet, spicy rye with sugar, bitters and absinthe to create your new favourite pour.
Turn it up: Aerosystem AeroFrame HD1 Speaker
It may look like the scandalous Scandi lovechild of a wardrobe and some scaffolding, but Aerosystem’s striking speaker is a must-have piece of audio equipment for summer. It’s entirely wireless, has Bluetooth connectivity and uses digital signal processing algorithms (no, we’ve no idea either…) to enhance every tune you pump through it.
Play it safe: Hedon Hedonist Creme Open Face Helmet
Who says you can’t make a style statement with your safety equipment? Crafting helmets from very light carbon fibreglass and trimming them in genuine calf leather, Hedon sure don’t. Each of these Hedonist helmets are made to order, and feature stud fastenings in copper, brass or gunmetal for an added retro touch.
Throwing shade: Rimowa X Garrett Leight Sunglasses
Yes, that Rimowa. You may know the brand from the badge on your suitcase, but the next time you roll up to the airport, we’d suggest packing a pair of their new sunglasses, too. A collaboration with Garrett Leight California Optical, these timeless, all-metal frames are light-wearing, hand-crafted and designed specifically to survive any adventures this summer may throw your way.
See the world: Bellerby & Co Giant Globe
Because who wouldn’t want to own the largest handcrafted globe in the world? From London globe-masters Bellerby & Co, the Churchill series will be limited to 40 globes — each of which will stand at two metres high and have a diameter of 127 centimetres. That’s big. And, before it’s set on its wooden base, you must decide on exotic, wanderlust-stoking colour scheme — anything from Glacial Blue to Mint Cassini.
Built to last: Ineos Grenadier
What’s that coming over the hill? Is it some sort of retro-fitted, practical G-Wagen? A beefier, more utilitarian take on the old Defender? Nope, it’s the new truck from Ineos. Built just off the backroads of Wales, and slapped with a patriotic name, the Grenadier is a turbocharged return to the SUVs of old. Entirely functional, endlessly useful and oddly beautiful, it’s a £40,000 treat.
Shaken, not stirred: Bond, Photographed By Terry O’Neill Book
Since Terry O’Neill died late last year, there’s something even more nostalgic about this impressive book. A collection of photographs taken on set of some of the greatest Bond films — from Live and Let Die to Goldfinger — O’Neill’s iconic, playful and historic images are accompanied by a number of essays on the world of James Bond by BAFTA-longlisted film writer, James Clarke.
Sharpen up: Hinoki E1 Chef’s Knife
Finished in ‘Obsidian Black’ and crafted with a handle of tactile walnut, Hinoki’s all-purpose chef’s knife will have your fresh produce quaking in its boots. A quality slicer and dicer — and a thing of beauty itself — this is the ideal introduction to the razor sharp world of Japanese knives. It’s made in Seki, Japan by a family with over 400 years of bladesmithing lineage, and will continue to make the cut for years to come.
Soft touch: Luca Faloni Ocean Blue Silk-Cashmere Polo
If you were hoping to jet off to Northern Italy this summer, we feel your pain. Thankfully, we’ve also been feeling Luca Faloni’s new super soft silk-cashmere blend — and it’s done much to temper our disappointment. Crafted in Piedmont, this soft, fresh new material has been masterfully whipped up into a long-sleeved polo; complete with mother-of-pearl buttons and shirt cuffs.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out our last 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
