Editor’s Picks: Driving Simulator, 007 Defender and Krug Champagne

From a bold brass pencil from Wingback to a limited edition Japanese ‘Sakimaru’ knife from Blenheim Forge, this is what we want this week…

With Land Rover’s latest ‘007’ edition Defender and a sleek, superspy-worthy driving simulator from Pininfarina, we’ve put our pedals to the metal for this week’s Editor’s Picks. And what metals they are. From the jet black alloy of the Defender to the simulator’s lightweight custom shell, innovative compounds and materials run through this week’s round-up like molten metal itself.

There’s the new Audemars Piguet ‘Offshore’, with hands and hour-markers in white gold. There’s a sophisticated solid brass pencil from independent design studio Wingback. There’s even a limited edition Damascus steel sushi slicer from Blenheim Forge. Read more below, and discover the new products that prove metals’ mettle…

Bond moment: Land Rover Defender V8 ‘Bond Edition’

If No Time To Die had barrelled onto our screens back in early 2020, the new Land Rover Defender’s starring role would have been something of a sneak peek. As it stands, the British brand has had time to tinker with the now-released motor; and this week unveiled a new all-black 517-horsepower model, with blue brake callipers and illuminated tread plates. The best feature? Those puddle lamps, which project the ’007’ logo onto the ground.

Land Rover Defender V8 ‘Bond Edition’

Land Rover Defender V8 ‘Bond Edition’

£105395.00

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Bubbling up: Krug Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition

There’s a delectably delicate feel to Krug’s 169ème Édition. On the nose, you’re treated to profound aromas of white flower, pear and subtle biscuit. The palate itself is elegantly effervescent; offering up lemon rind and a welcome — if unexpected — salinity. And the finish? Sparkling, dry and life-affirmingly long.

Krug Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition

Krug Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition

£174.00

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Turn back time: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph

The original ‘Offshore’ from Audemars Piguet was a 42mm watch. This latest addition to the range — a collection that now features variations up to 48mm — returns to that first, slightly smaller case size. And it’s all the better for it. In simple stainless steel, but boasting a revised blue dial with matching rubber pushpieces, it’s a water-resistant, bells-and-whistles delight.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

£36300.00

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Zip it: Private White V.C. ‘The Classic Twin Track’ Jacket

Perhaps the most tactful, tactical piece in Private White V.C.’s latest collection, this limited edition version (only 50 will be made) of the British brand’s ‘Twin Track’ jacket celebrates a decade of the iconic design. With bellow pockets, adjustable copper-stud belt and two hand-polished zips, it’s ready for anything.

Private White V.C. ‘The Classic Twin Track’ Jacket

Private White V.C. ‘The Classic Twin Track’ Jacket

£795.00

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Smooth operator: Hawkins & Brimble Shaving Gift Set

When’s the last time you had a proper shave? A real lathery, luxury, take-your-time trim? At Gentleman’s Journal, we’re firm believers in brushing on shaving cream and committing proper time to this morning ritual. Thankfully, Hawkins & Brimble is on hand to help you do the same. And, with its well-crafted bristle brush and moisturising shaving cream, the brand’s ‘Shaving Gift Set’ is the perfect place to start.

Hawkins & Brimble Shaving Gift Set

Hawkins & Brimble Shaving Gift Set

£27.00

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Sketch out: Wingback Brass Mechanical Pencil

In this work-from-home world, it pays to take some time away from screens. So close your laptops, turn off your tablets and go manual for a moment; using a pleasingly tactile tool such as this new mechanical pencil from Wingback. With a retractable lead sleeve, balanced weight and aerospace-grade brass construction, it’ll unlock levels of inspiration and creativity a computer never could…

Wingback Brass Mechanical Pencil

Wingback Brass Mechanical Pencil

£85.00

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Deep dive: Aubin ‘Portloe’ Submariner Jumper

Aubin is all about history and heritage. And the British brand (which relaunched this week at 15 Newburgh Street in Soho) took a deep dive into the fashion archives to create this ‘Portloe’ jumper. Inspired by the knitwear worn by British naval submariners, the design was initially woven from coarse, thick wool. This style-skewed update, however, uses the considerably more comfortable merino from Scotland’s William Lockie mill.

Aubin ‘Portloe’ Submariner Jumper

Aubin ‘Portloe’ Submariner Jumper

£169.00

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Slice and dice: Blenheim Forge Japanese ‘Sakimaru’ Knife

How’s your homemade sushi game? Traditional ‘Sakimaru’ knives, designed for making clean and precise cuts for sushi and sashimi, are must-haves for akami aficionados. This latest limited edition from Blenheim Forge has a blade crafted from nickel and steel — and a handle hewn from 5,300-year-old East Anglian oak. Perfect for top-notch nigiri.

Blenheim Forge Japanese ‘Sakimaru’ Knife

Blenheim Forge Japanese ‘Sakimaru’ Knife

£660.00

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Start your engines: Pininfarina ‘Leggenda’ eClassic Driving Simulator

How’s about this for a games room centrepiece? The first of nine simulators hand-made by Italian coach maker Pininfarina, the ‘Leggenda’ is intended to replicate the thrill of driving a collector car. Inspired by the curves of the Cisitalia 202 — a two-seat grand-tourer from the 1940s — it has a Nardi wooden steering wheel, manual gear lever, three-pedal configuration, and vintage Hanhart chronometer integrated into the dashboard.

Pininfarina Leggenda eClassic Driving Simulator

Pininfarina Leggenda eClassic Driving Simulator

£95000.00

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Father of invention: A Life, by James Dyson

At the beginning of his career, James Dyson built 5,127 prototypes of his iconic, cyclonic vacuum cleaner in just four years. It’s a baffling fact — and one of many incredible, innovative revelations in the magnate’s latest memoir. Compelling and dramatic, it’s the perfect late summer read for aspiring entrepreneurs and budding businessmen alike.

Invention: A Life, by James Dyson

Invention: A Life, by James Dyson

£21.99

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Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…

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