Editor’s Picks: Leica Camera, Coffee Roaster and Ducati Motorcycle
From a pair of Aurélien suede loafers to a tweed baseball cap from Ralph Lauren, this is what we want this week…
This week, we’re boldly going where no men’s magazine has gone before. We’re plunging down into the ocean’s depths with an inimitable, indestructible underwater drone. We’re tearing up to top speeds of over 260 kph with Ducati’s latest limited edition motorcycle. And we’re stepping out into the unpredictably wild weather of spring — with a little help from Hemingsworth.
Elsewhere, we’re hitting 116 decibels with the newest KEF speakers, diving to 660 feet with Seiko’s vintage-tinged stainless steel ‘Prospex’ and snapping away on Leica’s latest ‘Reporter’ camera; reinforced with protective Kevlar armour. Because it’s a dangerous world out there, gents. Thankfully, from sturdy boots to baseball caps, we’ve rounded up the gear you need to tackle it below…
Back in the saddle: Ducati XDiavel Nera Edition Motorcycle
It certainly looks the part; like ferocious Italian passion machined onto two speedy wheels. This latest Ducati limited edition has a leather seat sewn by esteemed furniture-maker Poltrona Frau, two-tone gloss black and flat black livery and a 1.3-litre V-twin tuned to churn out 152 horsepower. But act fast; only 500 opulent units will be made.
Turn it up: KEF ‘Blade One Meta’ HiFi Speakers
There’s no sound like it. New from KEF, the ‘Blade One Meta’ speakers feature four robust, low-frequency drivers — perfectly integrated to deliver clean, immaculately controlled bass. And, if you’re an admirer of that design, know that function came before form; with the complex parabolic curves of the acoustic cabinet dictating the speaker’s shape.
Time will tell: Seiko Prospex 'Black Series’ SPB257J1
Limited to just 550 watches, this 1970s-inspired Seiko is one of three new additions to the brand’s ‘Black Series’. With a restrained colour palette (save for that flurry of LumiBrite-coated orange), it’s a handsome tool watch; with 200 metres of water resistance, a screw-down crown and anti-reflective coating.
Hats off: Ralph Lauren Tweed Baseball Cap
Leaning into the preppiness, Ralph Lauren has gone full tweed with this latest baseball cap. Cut from wool-blend, herringbone-patterned fabric, it’s been finished to the highest, yuppiest standards with a brass buckled leather strap on the back — and would look just as good pitchside as it would paired with a matching blazer.
Make the call: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Smartphone
A couple of years ago, the ‘built-in stylus’ style of phone looked to be a gimmick. But Samsung have persevered, pioneered — and given the novelty a new lease of practical life. The brand’s latest flagship smartphone features not only one of these tiny, surprisingly handy pens, but also a vast 6.8-inch screen, 8K video recording and a 108-megapixel camera.
Deep dive: FiFish V6 Expert Underwater Drone
Whether you’re jetting off to your superyacht this summer, or heading out on a research expedition, this submarine drone should be the first gadget packed in your suitcase. With six thrusters for 360-degree movement, a 4K camera and five hours of battery life, it’ll beautifully capture live beneath the waves (swimming to depths of 328 feet).
Slip-on: Aurélien Suede ‘City Loafer’
With spring about to be sprung, you’re probably on the lookout for some transitional togs. We’ve stepped into these suede loafer-boots from Aurélien; half-Chelsea, a little bit Chukka and with the slip-on ease of a classic loafer. What’s more, they’re perfectly versatile, utterly comfortable and lined in leather for any chilly March marching ahead.
Full of beans: Sandbox Smart R2 Coffee Roaster
A major upgrade on the ‘R1’ model, this latest caffeine-fuelled innovation from Sandbox further simplifies the home-roasting process for coffee enthusiasts. A quartz heating tube and detachable drum are key to its quiet operation, and a built in vapour extractor ensures that your beans don’t get too smoky before you sip.
Point and shoot: Leica Q2 ‘Monochrom Reporter’ Edition Camera
Another must-have for reporters and researchers, the latest from Leica bulks up its already sturdy ‘Q2 Reporter’ camera. Launching next week, the new edition may have a monochrome sensor, but it still features the protective, ultra-robust Kevlar armour in place of the Q2’s traditional leather trim — and is complemented with a perfectly practical matte green finish.
Zip it: Hemingsworth 'Sirocco' Windbreaker Jacket
Trying to combat the cold? New to the Gentleman’s Journal Shop, this simple-but-effective windbreaker from British brand Hemingsworth is the idea clean, casual and sharp option to stay warm this winter. With button cuffs, gusseted vent and signature side adjuster belts, it’ll ensure you stay snug til the frosty season passes.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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