Editor’s Picks: Leica camera, Chopard table clock and Bollinger electric SUV
From a crystal clear transparent speaker to a chess set from fashion giants Ralph Lauren, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
This week, we’ve got a few surprises up our sleeves. There’s an expensive Bollinger on this list; but it’s not a bottle of champagne. There’s a new release from Ralph Lauren; but it’s nothing to do with well-tailored style. There’s even a Chopard here; but, you guessed it — it’s not a watch.
Instead, this week we’ve found the best limited editions and exclusive releases that put a spin on the brands that we’ve come to rely on. There’s a Leica that pays homage to the world of film, a Scotch whisky housed in a sustainably sourced walnut box, and a similarly eco-friendly, ultra-boxy SUV. Take a look…
Give a dram: Glen Scotia 45 Year Old
Now here’s a treat. First filled in bourbon barrels in December 1973, this sweet Scotch was re-racked in 2011 before being bottled this year. Only 150 bottles have been presented in beautiful hand-crafted walnut, leather-lined boxes — so you better move quickly if you want a taste of the caramel, mango and pineapple notes, and to savour the long sea salt and cinnamon finish.
Need for speed: Chopard Stainless Steel Table Clock
Chopard’s watches are world-famous. The Alpine Eagle collection was the latest to catch our eye, but this automotive-themed table clock may have just shifted gears and overtaken it in our affections. Designed in a dashboard style, the clock integrates a thermometer and hygrometer in its sleek palladium-finished stainless steel body — with accents in anthracite grey leather.
Statement sound: Transparent Speaker
This speaker takes crystal clear sound to a whole new level. Crafted from tempered glass panels, fitted into an aluminium frame, it has been designed to be as much an interior object of interest as it has a great piece of technology. And a great piece of technology it undoubtedly is; with a class D amplifier built in, 100W output and Bluetooth compatibility.
Checkmate: Ralph Lauren Fowler Leather Chess Set
There must be something about the darkening nights that has us hunkering for a good board game. Just a few weeks ago, we included Skyline’s chess set in our Editor’s Picks — and this week comes the turn of fashion giant Ralph Lauren, whose Fowler leather chess set is handmade, features precisely cut leather tiles and nickel and gold-plated brass pieces. We can’t wait to get playing.
Time to reflect: Troubadour Explorer Apex Rucksack
Lightweight, versatile and unerringly stylish, this new rucksack from Troubadour is the ideal option for commuters as the days become darker. With a strip of reflective material sweeping rakishly across the bag, it’ll keep you safe at night — and the padded inside pockets will keep your laptop and gadgets safe, too. As always, Troubadour have thought of everything; and it’s also waterproof.
Off-road: Bollinger B1
There’s nothing of the cork-popping Bollinger we know about this truck. The ultimate utilitarian vehicle, this beautifully boxy car is the new all-electric release from American carmaker Bollinger, and it’s in a class of its own. A few of the specs? 614 horsepower, 75 minute charging time, 14 cubic feet of storage capacity and 15 inch ground clearance. Impressive off-roading stuff.
Buckle up: TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition
All year, TAG Heuer has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of its iconic Monaco model. Each of the five new watches launched have been inspired by the design spirit of a different decade; and this final model of the five pays tribute to the second decade of the twenty-first century. That means a charcoal sunray dial, two rhodium-plated sunray sub-dials, a black leather strap and tons of effortless style.
Lace up: Russell & Bromley Tommy Boots
‘Tommy’ was a nickname given to British armymen, and these black leather boots from Russell & Bromley have a real touch of the military about them. Expertly handcrafted from rich black calf leather, and detailed with English derby lacing, the soles are overlaid with leather for longevity and imbued with a reliable ruggedness even the most style-conscious soldier would be proud of.
Lights, camera, action: Leica ASC 100 Edition
Leica is no stranger to limited editions. Even past Gentleman’s Journal cover star Lenny Kravitz has had a crack at creating one. But this latest offering, cast in a chic Art Deco black and gold colourway, is one of our favourites. A tribute to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Society of Cinematographers, it features a black leather-look surface, engraved black chrome and a gold anodised finish. Happy snapping.
Looking for more great gear? 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
