I like almost everything Australian Marc Newson designs, and when he focuses on haute horlogerie the outcome is usually fabulous – like the highly covetable Ikepod range. So when he collaborated with Jaeger-LeCoultre on a reinterpretation of their classic Atmos range of clocks the outcome was always going to be special.
It takes some considerable effort for me to pay attention to a watch; there is so much choice around it has to be something special.
The Black Pearl, designed by Switzerland-based HD3 Complication, definitely meets this standard.
A combination of steampunk exposed mechanisms and pirate and buccaneer-inspired elements, it features a mixture of intricate mechanisms and detailing, and chunky nautical fixtures.
Custom-engraved panels, a cannon hatch and a ship’s wheel-like dial complete the unique and extremely attractive piece.
Not content to produce elite sunglasses and watches, Oakley have turned their eye to their boots too. Oakley’s history with the armed forces goes back 20 years, and the latest product of that partnership is the Elite Assault Boot. Combining athletically inspired design features like a moisture wicking, low-friction lining, and a shock absorbent sole with unusual features like flame-resistant carbon, slash-resistant carbon CX and puncture-resistant Lenzing sole this is one hell of a boot – even if your hike is more rambling than duck and cover.
Oakley released their unconventional Timebomb, their first watch, over a decade ago and now there’s a sequel – the Elite Timebomb II. The elite version continues the unconventional approach with an all-titanium case and bracelet, mounted in unobtanium rubber to ensure a flexible fit. It’s powered by a Swiss 25 jewel automatic mechanical movement, with sapphire crystal and case-back to let you admire it. Add a carbon fibre dial and bezel and this watch looks like no other, with a functional, purposeful bent and stunning detailing.
The Los Angeles product design house Knot have developed a great new concept in watchmaking. Mixing military design cues with a simple clean aesthetic, this watch features three concentric rings for hours, minutes and seconds and a barrel date indicator. While it is just a concept I for one would love to see it make it to production…
For those of you who enjoy the simple beauty of natural leather and quality craftmanship, Billykirk is a brand that should be on the top of your shopping list. And when you combine that with the need for a simple bag for those times when you just need your laptop and not much else, Billykirk have the ideal solution – the Slim Laptop Case. Handmade in the US, this bag has a natural grace and simplicity to it – the kind of elegance that is so hard to achieve.
Oakley continues to innovate and push the limits, but the resulting products have not always made it to production due to their expense or complexity. They have therefore brought out the Elite range as a represention of the peak of their research and design. The Oakley Elite C-Six is the first product in this new range – these sunglasses are machined (in a continuous 24 hour process) from a solid block of carbonfibre and fitted with tungsten iridium polarized lenses. The result is not only an incredible aesthetic with a gorgeous matt finish to the machined raw carbon fibre, but also incredibly light-weight and protective eye wear.
Built as a unique one-off for the charity The Only Watch, the Freak Black Out is one of the most amazing watches ever made. First conceived and made in 2001, the Freak is one of the most innovative watch designs in the past century, and this latest edition is the best incarnation yet. The Freak is unique in that it has no hands – the movement itself revolves around to display the time – and the bezel and crystal therefore form part of the movement itself! It represents truly elegant engineering, as it does not only have fewer moving parts than the simplest watch, but also proudly shows off its function in beautiful form.
For all of us who love a game of poker with the boys and a snifter of something special to go with it, Ralpha Lauren made the Brabham – aptly called a vice box. This luxurious leather table top bar cabinet with compartments for your crystalware, decanter and poker chips and cards would definitely make a great centrepiece at our monthly card game…
One of Britain’s foremost leather designers, Bill Amberg has brought out the only belt you will ever need. Inspired by his love of old motorbikes, the Mobius Belt features a beautiful leather strap and a solid over-engineered brass and aluminium buckle. The inspired bit is that the belt comes completely disassembled in 15 pieces – incl. the allen wrench required for self assembly. I love the idea of combining a bit of DIY with fashion – and the build quality and engineering looks top notch, allowing the wearer to proudly show off the buckle they built.
