Editor’s Picks: Leather Punchbag, Leica Smartphone and Hydrogen Car
From a pair of gold-plated sunglasses to the latest gin innovation from Portobello Road Distillery, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Why should watches get all the fun? This year, a new green trend has ticked into the world of timekeeping — with colourful chronographs and limited edition tourbillons sweeping wrists across the world. This week, the shade has made it one step further.
From Bennett Winch’s new luggage collection to a slick new suit from Tommy Hilfiger, we’ve rounded up some of the meanest, greenest new products to hit the market in the last seven days. And, whether it’s a suede passport holder or a gold-plated pair of sunglasses, we’re sure they’ll have you brimming with envy in no time…
Adventure awaits: Bennett Winch ‘The Cargo Set’
For over seven years, Bennett Winch has been solving luggage-related problems. From the brand’s ‘Watch Roll’ to its now-iconic ‘Suit Carrier Holdall’, the British artisans have become masters of their handmade craft. The latest launch, ‘The Cargo Range’, is a lightweight, leather-trimmed call to adventure; crafted from waterproof nylon and military grade cotton webbing.
Start your engines: Hopium Machina Hydrogen-Powered Car
Revealed in October last year, the Hopium Machina is blazing a trail in automotive innovation. Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, the vehicle can travel over 1,000 kilometres on a single tank, takes just three minutes to fill up and has a top speed of 143 mph. Pre-orders are currently being taken for a run of 1,000 cars — with each slot costing a relatively reasonable €410.
Frame it: The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear ‘Vicuña’ Sunglasses
Those bottle-green lenses may grab your attention at first — but it’s the frames you should be focusing on. Crafted from 24-carat plated gold, these round sunglasses are named after the fabric used by the ancient Incas to create outfits for kings. And they live up to that regal namesake; with other precious metals including rhodium and palladium also making up a royally luxurious design.
Salt of the earth: Portobello Road Savoury Gin
Another British brand at the forefront of its industry, Portobello Road Distillery is a hot-bed of juniper-infused innovation. The latest release to be bottled by the brand is this; the deftly decorated ‘Savoury Gin’. With botanicals of bergamot, rosemary, basil and green olive added to the mix, this slightly saline spirit is a joy on crisp summer evenings.
Point and shoot: Leica ‘Leitz 1’ Smartphone
Unfortunately, this is one solely for any readers based in Japan. But, thanks to the ‘Leitz’ 1’s 6.6-inch display, sleek design and waterproof credentials, we predict that Leica’s first smartphone will soon conquer the world market. The best feature? That 20 megapixel camera embedded into the phone’s back comes with its own silver lens cap. Smart.
Button it: Tommy Hilfiger Garment Dyed Suit
With bold peak lapels and a simple single-breasted jacket, this olive-coloured suit from Tommy Hilfiger is the perfect statement-maker for summer. The stretch cotton gives it breathability, the slim fit silhouette adds a trim, tailored look — and the signature shade ensures it walks that oh-so difficult line between smart and casual dressing.
Time out: Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze
Today, Tudor revealed perhaps the most rugged looking timepiece in an already rough, tough portfolio. This practical, darker take on the iconic style is a brown-and-bronze delight; with both a new case and bracelet rendered in the softly brushed metal. Elsewhere, the dial is framed with a brown and bronze unidirectional ceramic bezel — and it ticks with the COSC-certified manufacture Calibre MT5400.
Sharpen up: Alfredo Häberli x Caran d’Ache Fixpencil
Swiss stationer Caran d’Ache has enlisted Swiss-Argentinian designer Alfredo Haberli for its latest colourful collaboration. This bright orange mechanical pencil has a hexagonal aluminium body, a silver metal clip and a blue striated button with incorporated lead sharpener. Ideal for your home office.
Smooth operator: Heath Post Shave Repair Balm
The summer sun may seem like a godsend — but warm weather brings problems along with it. Our skin suffers the most, and shaving during summer only adds to the aggravation. Thankfully, Heath’s ‘Post Shave Repair’ is formulated with Aloe Vera and Shea Butter to keep every shave smooth.
Hit it: Paragon Studio Deluxe Leather Punching Bag
There’s something reassuringly retro about this punching bag from Paragon Studio. Dependable, functional and crafted from hardwearing natural materials, the cowhide and leather lace stitch together to offer frequent fighters the perfect piece of training equipment. Available in three, four or five-foot sizes, it’s also available in multiple, punchable shades of vintage leather.
Smooth landing: Montroi Suede Passport Cover
Why not celebrate your much-anticipated return to the airport with this soft, stylish passport holder from Montroi? Created in Italy, it features five internal card slots and a grey-green colour ideal for our first jet-setting globe-trotting adventures in over a year.
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
