Editor’s Picks: Leica camera, Bennett Winch watch roll and Tag Heuer smartwatch
From a personal underwater scooter for aquatic adventures to a pair of sophisticated suede sneakers, this is what we want this week
Words: Jonathan Wells
Feeling blue? Us too. But we’re leaning into the feeling. This week, we’ve chosen the best blue-hued products to channel our less-than-optimistic outlooks. And, at the very least, they’re distracting — from a wonderfully crafted pair of suede sneaker from Church’s to a damn fine denim-cashmere shirt from Turnbull & Asser.
We’ve even picked out a blue rugby shirt if you’re already missing sports fixtures — and who isn’t? Elsewhere, there’s an innovative watch roll, an underwater electric scooter and Leica’s latest instant camera. Not to mention a new fragrance, a pair of linen loafers and Tag Heuer’s latest connected smartwatch, with a steel bracelet and dial you can personalise to almost any colour — yes, even blue. Take a look…
Chambray’s the way: Turnbull & Asser Denim-Cashmere Shirt
Chambray is one of our all-time favourite fabrics. Lightweight, plain and woven, it’s like an easy, breezy alternative to denim — but looks just as strapping. Turnbull & Asser, who created a denim dress shirt last year — yes, ruffles and all — has now turned the textile into a 3-button-cuffed, Regent-collared work shirt. So, even if you’re working from home, you can still be the best-dressed in your office.
Roll it: Bennett Winch Watch Roll
Being obsessively protective of your watches never looked so stylish. From luggage design wizard Bennett Winch, this hexagonal Tuscan leather watch roll is moulded to a hardy Kevlar lining and secured by three sturdy solid brass poppers. Lined in olive Alcantara, your timepieces will never have felt so snug and — most importantly — safe.
Step on it: Church’s Boland Suede Sneakers
Another dose of debonair blue, Church’s Boland suede sneakers are classically designed and ideal for springtime. Even if you’re just kicking around at home, the half-moon stitching, contrast tongue and leather heel tab will look just as good when you’ve got your feet up as when you finally take those Church & Co. rubber soles back outside.
Make a splash: Underwater Smart Scooter
We’re soft touches when it comes to gadgets. Waft a 4K-enabled drone or a pair of self-lacing sneakers under our noses and we’ll reach deep into our pockets. The same can be said for this underwater smart scooter from techBAR. Bright orange, divable to 30 metres and with connectivity to a smart app, we’re going to splash out on this one — so we can splash into some exotic ocean as soon as the pesky travel ban is lifted.
Heaven scent: Czech & Speake Perfecto Fino Eau de Parfum
If being locked up has you yearning for adventure, then allow Czech and Speake to spritz a little globe-trotting and jet-setting into your life — via the bathroom cabinet. The British brand’s latest scent, Perfecto Fino, reflects the rich, complex, exciting yet tough world of Central America. Expect sharp wood, spicy floral scents and caramelised, charred bark to spirit you away.
Put the ‘smart’ in ‘smartwatch’: Tag Heuer Connected
Well hasn’t Tag Heuer stepped things up a gear? The latest edition of the Swiss brand’s smartwatch, the Connected, is a timepiece that brings together the beauty of fine watchmaking with the brains of a tiny supercomputer. That means, while it can track your heart rate, keep you right with a compass, tell you where you are with GPS and connect to your smartphone, it also would look just as at home under the neatest, most tailored tuxedo cuff.
Earn your stripes: Beaufort & Blake Shalfleet Rugby Shirt
Another bolt of blue, Beaufort & Blake’s Shalfleet Stripe Rugby Shirt is the ideal piece of smart-casual clothing to see you through self-isolation. Not only does its peached cotton construction afford it unrivalled levels of luxury, but that contrast chambray collar will trick you into thinking you’re still wearing a work shirt. Professional; comfortable.
Slip on: Loro Piana Summer Walk Moccasins
Available exclusively in Loro Piana’s New Bond Street boutique, the latest incarnation of the brand’s Summer Walk moccasins may just be its best yet. Crafted from linen and treated with Rain System technology to waterproof the raw, natural material, these shoes are finished with a distinctive chevron pattern. A subtle style statement, but a pair of head-turners nevertheless.
On the case: Globe-Trotter No Time To Die Trolley Case
Poor old 007, eh? Not only has Bond had his big finale pushed back to November, but he’s probably now on lockdown as well — self-isolating with a big vodka martini and a firmly holstered Walther PPK. Thankfully, if the man from MI6 did fancy a jaunt out, Globe-Trotter has him covered. The British brand’s No Time To Die range is fit for a superspy, and this classic Ocean Green, black leather-trimmed trolley case is the cornerstone of the collection.
Red notice: Leica SOFORT Instant Camera
With Leica’s vivid, instant camera, versatility is the name of the game. Unlike the Polaroids of old, this piece of kit has a programme suitable for every occasion — with options including Selfie, Macro, Party, People, Sport and Action. Beyond that, it’s a work of art in of itself; a squared-off slice of retro charm and vintage styling. Say cheese!
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
