Editor’s Picks: Leather Chess Set, Steak Knives and Off-Road Lamborghini
From a pair of leather sneakers from Tod’s to a cask-aged gin from The Netherlands, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
This week has seen much fine-tuning and fixing-up, with brands overhauling, modernising and improving their wares to bring us something new and fresh. Take Lamborghini, for example — and its hardy off-road spin on the already astounding Huracán. Or Seventy One Gin, a tastebud-teasing twist on your usual botanical bottlings.
Add to that a revolutionary watch from Audemars Piguet’s ‘Code 11.59’ collection, a Smythson chess set cut from cross-grain leather and a jetski that hovers above the waves, and you’ve got a bunch of the most updated, renovated releases of the year. Take a look…
Back off track: Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
‘Beyond the concrete!’. That’s what the Italian carmaker proclaimed when it rolled out this chunky-tyred, ground-clearing, muscular twist on the average asphalt-going Huracán. And they’re not wrong. It’s got a ‘Rally Mode’, bulky wheel arches and greater suspension travel to ensure it’ll successfully tackle every terrain.
Brush up: Russell & Bromley ‘Algonquin’ Trappeur Derby
So sumptuously stitched are these shoes (in a choice shade of chocolate) that they look good enough to eat. But you’d be better off lacing them onto your feet; fitted as they are with smooth brown suede uppers, comfortable leather linings and contrast detailing. The best bit? Those crepe soles (again, not the food). Instead, a ridiculously sturdy rubber sole — perfect for winter walks.
Garden variety: Grand Seiko ‘SBGY027’ European Exclusive
Though it may have echoes of the James Bond gun barrel about its delicately embossed dial, this European exclusive model from Grand Seiko actually takes its inspiration from ‘Karesansui’, the uniquely Japanese style of garden in which landscapes of mountains and water are evoked using swirls of white sand. With a 72-hour power reserve and black leather strap, it’s a meditative marvel.
Good as gold: Seventy One Gin
Seventy One Gin is formulated with an incredible attention to botanical detail. It’s infused with damask rose and grapefruit, flavours that bolster the central aroma of ‘Queen of the Night’, a cactus from Southern Mexico. Aged in select oak casks — which give the gin its golden colour — expect a a heady, fragrant bouquet.
Making waves: Valo ‘Hyperfoil’ Jetski
Unveiled by the by California-based startup last week, this futuristic personal watercraft borrows technology from eFoil surfboards — and applies it to water scooters. Fully electric, it can soar above the water at a height of 60cm once you hit a certain speed, and carry on to a top speed of 58mph. Unfortunately, production models won’t hit the waves until 2024.
Step out: Tod’s Sneakers in Suede
In a suitably seasonal shade of green, these trainers from Tod’s have smooth suede uppers and slick leather trim. On the contrast-colour soles and heels, you’ll find the luxury Italian label’s signature ‘pebble’ detailing. And, to keep everything snug and secure, there’s a pair of tough laces in that same shade of green.
Button it: SIRPLUS Harris Tweed Overcoat
Handwoven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland from pure virgin wool, Harris Tweed is a timeless, traditional fabric that SIRPLUS has stitched into a classic overcoat. With a relaxed, single-breasted silhouette (with curved raglan seams for ease of movement) and hiding two interior jet pockets, it’s a versatile style to fit every dress code.
Time will tell: Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet ‘Starwheel’ Wristwatch
Over three years after the launch of Audemars Piguet’s first Code 11.59 release — and with more than 30 models buckled into the slick sub-brand’s range — here comes the ‘Starwheel’. With a wandering hours complication, 18-karat white gold case and a star-spangled dial, it’s the most advanced, avant-garde model yet.
Soft touch: Aurélien ‘Extrafine’ Rollneck
If you’re going to double down on one fabric this winter, make it ‘Cashwool’. An exceptionally fine fibre — as shiny as silk, as soft as cashmere — this material is sourced from selected Merino sheep, and Aurélien has used it to create the most reliable rollneck jumper in our wardrobes. In navy, it’ll span occasions, seasons and more.
English Opening: Smythson Collector's Chess Set in Panama
As the Christmas break approaches, it’s time to whip your openings, attacks and gambits into chess-winning shape. Thanks to Smythson, and this new cross-grain calf leather board, bearing intricate pieces hand-turned from maple and walnut, you’ll have the perfect bit of marquetry-made kit upon which to perfect your plays.
That’s rich: Delamain Pléiade Révélation Cognac
Exceedingly exclusive — only 460 bottles were ever made — this Delamain Cognac is not only sourced from a single vineyard, but also from a single cask. And it’s the perfect bottle for Christmas, brimming as it is with luxurious, sweet-scented flavours of rich cherries, muscat, figs and baking spices. Raise a glass.
A cut above: Paul Smith x Allday Goods Steak Knives
Made in Britain, these handsome steak knives’ handles are crafted entirely out of Paul Smith’s plastic waste (old, broken tubs previously used to store fabric swatches). What’s more, the British designer has drawn the doodle engraved onto the blades of every 150 limited edition set of four.
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
