Editor’s Picks: Connolly Toolkit, Leather Cigar Case and Oculus Quest
From a revamped, recharged take on the Jaguar XK120 to the latest limited edition Omega Seamaster, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
‘Leather-bound’. One little hyphenated adjective guaranteed to add class and weight to anything you’re trying to sell. Got a rare book? Not interested unless it’s leather-bound. Taking a silver hip flask to the slopes? I wouldn’t bother unless it’s swathed in the stuff.
And then there’s all the other things elevated to elegance by leather. Car upholstery, for one. A pair of handcrafted shoes, for another. A fold-over, brass-buckled shotgun slip, if you really need a third.
Our point is that leather can be an indicator of quality. And, this week, we’ve seen a lot of the stuff — used to craft everything from toolkits to sneakers, cocktail boxes to bike seats. Long live leather, we say — because there’s really nothing else like it…
Puff of smoke: Rapport ‘Brompton’ Three Cigar Case
Case in point — literally. This handsome little cigar case is the perfect poster boy for quality leather. Stitched together from premium, crocodile-embossed hide, your three favourite cigars will sit safely inside on a wooden board, tightly tucked into place with a strap made from — you guessed it — leather.
Start your engines: Caura Car Management App
There’s a lot to remember when you own a car. MOT, road tax, vehicle insurance, parking, toll and congestion charges can blur into one, and you’ve soon forgotten to pay one of the myriad charges associated with your four wheels. Thankfully, Caura, a helpful new mobile app, streamlines the dozens of serves you need to run your vehicle — meaning you need never face a fine again.
Kick it: Car Shoe Suede Sneakers
Speaking of driving, Car Shoe have launched a sneaker suited perfectly to the autumn season. Crafted from suede (there’s that lovely, lovely leather again) and blessed with a soft rubber sole, these lightweight kicks are the perfect way to stay stylish in colder weather — but still keep a spring in your step.
Pedal pusher: Ducati e-Scrambler
When Ducati launched its e-Scrambler, the trekking e-bike created in collaboration with Thok E-Bikes, many people were deterred by the bright yellow frame. Gladly, the Italian brand have calmed the colour down — with a new ‘Matte Grey’ edition launching this month. Kitted out with a Shimano Steps E7000 motor and Pirelli Cycl-e GT tyres, it’s one slick city runaround.
Deep dive: Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Nekton Edition
Not heard of Nekton? They’re a non-profit research foundation committed to the exploration and protection of the world’s oceans — and are, quite literally, trying to save the world. What luck, then, that they’ve partnered with Omega to create a limited edition Seamaster. With a black ceramic dial and titanium bezel, it’s a timepiece we could see on the wrist of another Seamaster enthusiast — not to mention fellow world-saver — James Bond.
Turn it up: KEF LS50 Meta Speakers
Available in four matte finishes — we’d choose the Royal Blue Special Edition — these new speakers from audio wizards KEF are pushing some serious boundaries. The world’s first loudspeakers to use revolutionary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), they internally absorb 99% of unwanted sound — giving you exceptional depth, detail and the lowest sound distortion of any speaker in their class.
Raise a glass: Ralph Lauren Kipton Mixologist Box
How do you make a cocktail box even classier? Make it a leather-bound cocktail box, that’s how. From Ralph Lauren Home, this Kipton Mixologist Box contains the brand’s iconic Garrett Polo Player crystal barware, brass coasters and a silver plated Wentworth Nut Bowl. But our favourite touch? A set of brass polo mallet cocktail picks.
Kitted out: Connolly Maxi Toolkit
We’d wager that even the most work-shy mechanic wouldn’t be able to resist the charms of Connolly’s leather toolkit. Designed by Sebastian Conran, it’s as stylish as hardware comes — with everything from screwdrivers and spanners to a miniature hammer poised to help you with even the hardest task. And that beautifully tanned leather case? A triumph.
Lace up: Mulo Dark Blue Sneakers
Because who can have too many blue suede sneakers? Like the Car Shoe kicks above, these Mulo shoes are crafted from a navy waxed suede. But what stands these sneakers apart is the sole. Not only are Mulo’s sneakers exceptionally comfortable — with a cushioned footbed and arch support — but that simple white band is also stylishly unassuming, and will slot seamlessly into the bottom of almost any outfit.
Plug in: Oculus Quest 2
Virtual reality has been a godsend to many tech enthusiasts over lockdown — allowing users to escape the cooped-up confines of their houses and travel to the far-flung reaches of this — and other — worlds. And Oculus is the gold standard in VR hardware. Get excited, then, for the Quest 2 — the second generation of Oculus’ all-in-one system. It’s got seamless graphics, 3D cinematic audio, and is considerably cheaper than its predecessor.
Power up: Electric Jaguar XK120 by Lunaz
“Indisputably the most beautiful electric car in the world.” That’s how electric car conversion company Lunaz Designs describes its revamped and recharged take on the Jaguar XK120. And we’re not going to argue with them. With a 375bhp electric powertrain and such timeless vintage looks, the past has never looked so futuristic.
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
