Wishlist: What we want this week
From turntables to table tennis tables, this is what we want this week
With only 99 units planned for production, the Maybach G650 Laundaulet adds an open-top off-road model to the luxury sub-brand. An impressive AMG V12 bi-turbo engine is capable of producing 630 hp – with a staggering thousand newton-meters of torque.
Forty-five centimetres of ride height coupled with a low-range gearbox emphasises the sheer driving experience, and other features include folding tables, cooled or heated cup-holders, and two 10-inch entertainment systems. With the burning question being that of price, we’ll have to disappoint – as it currently remains a secret.
At Baselworld 2016, Seiko presented a limited edition automatic chronograph with an enamel dial. For us, it was love at first sight, which was further heightened a few days ago when Seiko announced the launch of its new Presage Collection – using the same enamel dials and a range of Seiko’s fine mechanical calibers.
There are four models, using three different calibers with up to 50 hours of reserve time and 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second). All draw their design inspiration from two landmark Seiko creations. The collection will be a permanent addition to the current range, and will be available from September 2017. Seiko have set retail prices in Europe from 1,100 Euros.
And just when you thought the good old ping pong table was losing its place in your entertainment room, Railyard Studios have conjured up this beauty. Built using salvaged and reclaimed rail pieces, the Railyard Ping Pong Table is part gaming table, part historical record.
The side rails were produced in 1904 by the Tennessee Coal & Iron Company, while the ITTF regulation “netting” rail was manufactured in 1943. The sturdy base is made from large oak and hickory timbers, sourced from the same plant that made the ties for the rails above. This one-of-a-kind piece is finished with an authentic railroad date nail from 1921 and arrives with a traditional regulation net, four paddles, and a box of ping pong balls.
The luxury trunkmaker never fails to perfectly partner exquisite craftsmanship with timeless design. And their latest Cartable collection is no exception.
Spacious enough for your laptop and folders, yet stylish enough for any after-work social occasion – this bag has got us admiring its calf leather ombre in ‘Encre’ blue. The new season, subtle ‘VVV’ stamping on the bottom-right discretely abbreviates Volez, Voguez, Voyages (Fly, Style, Travel) and serves as a gentle reminder of every gentleman’s travel priorities.
Toyota Motors president Akio Toyoda has taken to the seas with his debut Lexus yacht. And what a yacht this is, powered by a pair of 5.0L V8 engines producing 880 total horsepower – enough to hit speeds of up to 43 knots, helped along by CFRP construction and fibreglass build.
This 42-foot, eight passenger vessel has the same combination of power and luxury as the company’s cars, and the cockpit is home to a colour touchscreen that lets the pilot monitor and control all aspects of the ship. With high-end finishes of leather, wood, and glass, there’s no doubt that you’ll experience the same comforts as Lexus’ land-based machines.
Vinyl has made a strong comeback in recent years, and last year’s SL-1200G lauded the return of the heralded Technics turntable, albeit at a seriously high price. The latest, updated SL-1200GR borrows heavily from its predecessor, using a cordless direct-drive motor with rotor magnets placed on both sides to eliminate rotation irregularities.
The platter is a two-layer affair, with die-cast aluminium and deadening rubber on its entire rear surface, and an aluminium tonearm manually assembled and adjusted by Japanese artisans. The result is a neat and sophisticated turntable that ensures audio enthusiasts can enjoy music with the rich, robust sound of analogue records.
A serious bicycle speaks volumes about the discerning gent, and Williamson Goods & Supply Wheelmen Bicycle is proudly accented with copper-plated steel, black python and crocodile skin. Cranks and stems and other parts are nothing but the best: Nova, Nitto, Hub, Paul Components.
The mudguards are hand-hammered by Velo but, with only 30 being produced, you may not want to attempt the Tour de France and risk crashing this one-of-a-kind feat in design engineering. Gentlemen, we advise you to buy now rather than later.
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