Introducing the GJ50: All the gear you need this year

Stuff. There’s a lot of it. And, from smaller purchases — like an age-old bottle of brilliant Scotch, to bigger investments — like that car you always dreamed of, sorting the good from the bad can be an arduous task. 

But that’s where Gentleman’s Journal steps in. Our editors spend their days in the pursuit of the best products the world has to offer, and — from grooming gadgets to magnificent motors — we’ve built up quite the bank of recommendations. Below, we’ve rounded up the 50 best products every man should aspire to own; all the gear you need this year…

The undisputed king of laptops; the ultimate tech-packed tool for creatives and businessmen alike. With a Retina display, touch bar and over 500 gigabytes of storage, it’s the lightning-fast apple of our eyes.

Functional, compact and stylish, this piece from Charles Laurie London was created with on-the-go business meetings in mind. It’s lightweight and slimline — with compartments to fit either a laptop or A4 diary.

Coated in platinum and crafted from precious black resin, this ‘Meisterstück’ pen is identical to the Montblanc models introduced in 1924. With a solid gold, rhodium-coated nib, it’s mightier than any sword (or ballpoint).  

If inspiration comes easy, feel free to skip this one. But, if your weekdays would be perked up by some famous faces, choose one of Sonic Editions’ timeless, black-and-white prints to smarten up your working space.

Sharpen up your knife selection with this versatile cutter from British-based Blenheim Forge. A Japanese Blue Paper steel blade sits in a walnut and copper handle to guarantee the sliciest, diciest chops of your culinary career. 

Never underestimate the fiery, fierce power of a cast iron skillet. Le Creuset certainly doesn’t — and this enamel-coated, bold black option is a French-made, fat-draining workhorse. Steaks don’t stand a chance. 

We’ve sorted this into our ‘Kitchen’ category, but it’ll prove its mettle everywhere. With fifteen functions — including a wood saw and scissors — this versatile Victorinox tool is iconic for a reason. 

James Bond’s coffee machine, don’t you know. But this La Pavoni espresso brewer is more than just a pretty chrome face. It also has a steam tap for Cappuccinos, safety thermostat and ergonomic wooden handle.  

Now these bring the noise. Whether you’re plugging these speakers into your television, stereo or home cinema system, KEF’s LS60 speakers allow you to stream from any source and connect to any home audio devices with audiophile-grade power.

Every gentleman should learn the art of poker. And what better set to help hone your skills than this limited edition from Alexandra Llewellyn? With exquisite marquetry and 500 chips, you’ll be catching perfect in no time.

Designed inside and out for the discriminating audiophile, Shinola’s limited-edition turnable features a built-in phono preamplifier, a belt driven pulley and a think leather platter mat to support your records.

Combining traditional rangefinder photography with innovative, contemporary camera technology, this Leica — with its rugged good looks — it as much an objet d’art as a handy tool. It features a Maestro III processor, 64GB internal memory and full-frame BSI CMOS sensor.

Your home needs a mid-century armchair. And what better example of the sophisticated style than this striking Sternzeit chair? With steel suspension and slim, tapered armrests, the woods and fabrics can be customised.

A finishing touch for your coffee table, this bold book is filled with ideas and inspiration for where to escape, explore and unwind. Featuring 18 slow travel itineraries that invite you to set sail at a leisurely pace.

It needs no introduction. With extended range plug-in electric hybrid and mild hybrid options available, the latest model employs luxurious leathers, sustainable soft materials and bespoke finishes to create the best Range Rover ever.

Having silently motored its way out of Britain, Maeving’s retro-styled bike may only have a top speed of 45mph — but that quilted leather saddle, quiet running and 80-mile range more than makes up for it.

This ‘flying’ boat employs hydrofoil technology to skim above the waves, and features a range of up to 57 nautical miles on one charge — at a cruising speed of 22 knots.

With a powerful Shimano motor and up to 15.5 mph pedelec support, this sporty, elegant e-bike is a perfect companion for gentle off-road terrain and off-road trips.

This three-year plan from the global business aviation company includes 25 to 49 flying hours per year, and you can request to roll over up to 20% of your hours to the following year should you need to fly less.

As the brand itself professes, this is ‘an electric truck built for whatever you call a road’. It has two e-motors on each axle for all-wheel drive, 400 miles-plus of guilt-free motoring and more horsepower than a Ferrari F8.

So finely-made and beautifully-crafted is this pear-wood tool kit, even DIY detractors will be scouring the house searching for things to fix up. It contains 24 premium tools, including a hammer, chisel and two wrenches. 

The world’s most versatile live-fire outdoor oven, the ‘Dome’ can roast, smoke, steam or bake. The Dual Fuel model even offers you the convenience of a built-in gas burner, allowing you to easily switch between fuel types and reach 500°C.

Ettinger’s bestselling product since it was introduced in the 1930s, this bridle leather wallet features six credit card slots, two note pockets and two slip pockets — and has a vegetable tanned panel hide interior.

Another item on this list soon to be used by James Bond, Bennett Winch’s innovative holdall propelled the British brand to the pinnacle of the luggage industry. Its unique two-piece design makes it a must-have for those who travel. 

The ‘Whangee’ cane handle has become an indicator of strength, tradition and taste. Lightly scorched, the handle supports a cloth canopy sourced from Italy — and is stitched together here in dependably rainy Britain. 

Combining a minimalist design with high-tech features and top-of-the-range optics developed together with Carl Zeiss, these retro-styled goggles have a spherical lens construction to maximise your peripheral vision.

Knitted in Northern Italy from 100% two-ply cashmere, this perfect piece of smart-casual clothing features a durable zip crafted from ruthenium. It’s fitted, comfortable and luxuriously soft.

Stamped with Tod’s iconic monogram, fitted with side elastic inserts and finished with a rubber outsole featuring the brand’s statement embossed rubber pebbles, these suede boots will walk well in every occasion.

Tough enough to brave the great outdoors, yet equally suited to city wear, this most classic of Barbour’s inimitable waxed jackets features a 100% cotton lining in Barbour’s iconic tartan print and a multiway zip.

Built on a single leather sole and cut from the finest water-repellent ‘Repello’ black suede, this collaboration between Crockett & Jones and Gentleman’s Journal is an open-stitched, waxed and stained shoe that can stand up to anything a modern man might kick its way.

The perfect pair of everyday sunglasses. The square lens shape, with rounded edges, makes these frames acceptable for all face types — and the saddle bridge sits comfortably with the contours of the brow line.

This lush, patinated bronze watch will bring a dashing new satin-brushed spirit to your watch collection. Inside, its movement built with a non-magnetic silicon hairspring, variable inertia balance and a ‘weekend-proof’ 70-hour power reserve.

A mainstay of any man’s wardrobe, the lace-up boot has established itself as a timeless, practical piece of style. From Cheaney, this leather design has a slightly vintage feel and a Goodyear-welted sole.

Featuring a monobloc tonneau-shaped case topped a white gold ‘Maltese’ cross on the case and a grooved bezel, this timepiece has an integrated strap that stays true to the marque’s sporty spirit.

A Senturion Watch can be synchronised with most leading supercars, with that big red button — fitted beneath the rose gold case and diamond-encrusted bezel — starting your motor with a simple push.

Designed in tribute to the early bags of Mulberry, this elegant backpack features handy pockets, belt and buckle strap detailing and a signature logo — ideal for the boardroom, and perfectly practical, too.

Another smart-casual staple for every modern man, this waistcoat is crafted from a luxurious 100% Italian, buttery soft cashmere, and features the British brand’s signature stand-up collar and smart jet pockets.

And it doesn’t have to be this design. In fact, visit New & Lingwood and you’ll while away hours perusing all the opulent options on offer. And, once you do invest, your robe will become your signature, statement piece. 

It will deeply hydrate and repair complexions and minimise fine lines, thanks to a blend that includes hyaluronic acid – a sugar molecule that keeps the skin plump – and a patented Micro Molecular Collagen Peptide.

From the dry spell of winter to the harmful heat of summer, Heath’s inimitable face wash promises to solve every exfoliating, cleansing conundrum from your hairline’s edge to the bottom of your beard. 

Made by hand and released in small batches, Aberlour A’bunadh has achieved cult status among whisky enthusiasts, and uses soft spring water from nearby brooks to create its supple flavour. Expect flavours of ginger, bitter dark chocolate and spicy dried fruit.

You’ve got your whisky; now you need a gin. Monkey 47’s botanical bottling is slightly different to your usual junipery gin — but will still mix the perfect Martini, Negroni, Southside or Singapore Sling. 

A Riedel rocks glass shows you mean business. Crafted from crystal, these were created by spirits specialist Zane Harris — and have hefty bases, ridged patterning and a generous diameter that can accommodate even the largest ice cubes.

This award-winning, air-displacing decanter works by sealing away any excess air, which slows oxidisation and preserving your wine when it’s fully closed. Then, the long funnel reawakens every subtle note and aroma of the wine when poured.

Sparkling with notes of apple, pear and peach, this new Louis Roederer Cristal 2014 has a zesty mouthfeel and rich, decadent aromas of brioche, toast and almond on its finish. The perfect bottle to buy — and keep for a special occasion.

Swirled into tonic, this greeny blue-bottled option from Berry Bros. & Rudd is among the best gins; brimming with juniper, citrus and spice, it took two years of work from master distillers and top mixologists to perfect.

From the Kentucky-based distillery, this aromatic whiskey delivers notes of peppery spice with every sip — flavours tempered by silky butterscotch and flashes of bright, fresh-feeling citrus.

Every home bar needs a seriously expensive bottle — the sort that’ll knock any visiting enthusiasts off their (already unsteady) feet. This expression has notes of dark fruits, candy and orange peel.

Every self-respecting gent needs a fine cocktail shaker. And these stainless steel bar essentials don’t come finer than this; crafted in mirror polished stainless steel and inspired by the glamorous 1920s in New York, the David Linley’s ‘Manhattan’ shake is well worth the investment.

And, finally, we bow out in a puff of flaming, fiery smoke. A lighter is as multipurpose as the Swiss Army Knife above — but nothing says ‘showmanship’ like flaming a Blue Blazer with a retro dunhill gold lighter. 

Want more lists of great gear? Here are the 50 best brands in Britain…

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