Editor’s Picks: Ressence ‘AIT’ Watch, Gucci Jaguar XJ-S and Balblair Whisky
From a new Walkman from Sony to a pair of collapsible penny loafers from Cheaney, this is what we want this week…
This week, we’re getting technical. We’re winding up one of the most meticulously mechanical watches ever made, turning up the volume on the latest plug-and-play speaker system from KEF and loading up Sony’s new gold-toned Walkman with our summer’s top tracks.
Elsewhere, there’s a designer thread also running through the week’s Editor’s Picks — whether it’s a vintage Jaguar designed by Gucci, Chanel’s most iconic men’s fragrance or a gardening set created by Dior. So tool up, switch on and have a look at the best new gear of the week below…
Best foot forward: Cheaney 'Tori' Collapsible Penny Loafer
As we step out and jet off on summer holidays, it pays to streamline our suitcases. And the perfect way to kick off this ergonomic endeavour is by buying a collapsible loafer. From Cheaney, these bold blue slip-ons are some of our favourites; semi-lined, fitted with a flexible sole and standing on a stacked leather heel.
Turn it up: KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi System
The latest plug-and-play speaker system from British audio brand KEF is the company’s best ever. Featuring the new ‘W2’ wireless platform, comprehensive connectivity options and functionality with the handy KEF app, you can plug a TV, laptop, console or turntable into the ‘LSX II’ — and be awash with pristine, natural sound in no time.
Shifting gears: 1987 Lynx Jaguar XJ-S V12 by Gucci
Although Jared Leto’s Italian accent may have left a little to be desired, the method actor did manage to capture Paolo Gucci’s desire to be different in Ridley Scott’s 2021 Oscar-baiter. This Jaguar, created in 1990, was styled by the would-be designer; fitted with blue lacquered burr elm woodwork, crocodile-effect armrests and a steering wheel in-laid with semi-precious ‘lapis lazuli’ stones.
Raise a glass: Balblair 25 Year Old Whisky
Balblair, in Easter Ross, has been distilling whisky since 1790, and the company’s mastery of the craft has recently been celebrated; committed to film in a short piece titled ‘Precious Time’ by photographer David Eustace. So raise a glass of this 25 Year Old Single Malt — matured in ex-bourbon casks, finished in Spanish oak butts and brimming with toasted oak and liquorice aromas — and give it a watch.
Music to your ears: Sony Signature Series ‘NW-WM1ZM2’ Walkman
The ‘Walkman’ has come a long way. Since its compact cassette inception in 1979, the flagship portable audio player has become one of Sony’s most high-volume sub-brands. The latest addition to the ‘Signature Series’ is this, a high-resolution, streaming-compatible piece of gold-coloured kit with Native ‘DSD’ file support and a S-Master HX digital amplifier.
Frame job: TBD Eyewear ‘Donegal’ Sunglasses
Named for the thick, rigid tweed woven in Ireland, these frames from TBD Eyewear are similarly, suitably durable. Cut from acetate in Italy, the square-shape sunglasses have tortoise-shell patterning, green lenses and are delivered in 100% sustainable packaging. The case and cleaning cloth are also recycled.
Dig deep: Dior Gardening Set
It’s summer; time for some decadent, distinguished digging in the garden. Thankfully, if you’ve got a penchant for luxury landscaping, Dior is on gardening-gloved hand with this designer set in black-grained bull calfskin. Inspired by Dior’s iconic saddle bag, it features a hand rake and a spade, both engraved with the brand’s logo on their handle ends.
Rough diamond: Patricks ‘FS1’ Face Scrub
Now this is opulent. Equal parts luxurious and luxuriant, this powerful face scrub combines an innovative blend of both volcanic sand micro particles and crushed diamonds. That’s right — real, genuine, sparkly diamond dust has been brought in to sluice any dead skin cells or ingrown hairs from your face — and leave you with a fresh, clear complexion.
Time will tell: Ressence ‘Type 5 AIT’ Watch
Vividly, vibrantly yellow, the ‘Type 5 AIT’ is a collaboration with brand partners Art In Time, and the pioneering watch perfectly illustrates the Belgian watch manufacturer’s contemporary approach to design. Only 12 examples will be made — and each displays time on a single, flat plain surface, much like words on a piece of paper.
Dive in: David Gandy Wellwear Swim Shorts
He may be most famous for emerging from the rippling sea with his rippling muscles (in advertisements for Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘Light Blue’ aftershave), but now David Gandy has designed his own ocean-ready swim shorts. Woven with UV protection, sustainable fabric and a breathable mesh lining, they’re your new summer staples.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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