It’s springtime and some of you in the less temperate climates are preparing to emerge from some weather-induced torpor. We got you as you come back to the world, with a buffet of goods that can make you ready for a long, fruitful season of participation. A fashionable watch that stays dry in watery depths, some kicks that cop their style from premium cigars, a space-age espresso maker, a sizable, artfully crafted piece of luggage, some fine crystal sipping glasses, and a wood-fired pizza oven that will sit comfortably next to your grill are all on tap and ready for you. Summer starts early, you heard it here first.
Bell & Ross: BR 03-92 Diver Black & Green Bronze
$4,900
Lloyd Bridges would have loved this. With this classy, flashy timepiece, you can dip past 300 yards down and will know what time it is, literally, as it’s water resistant to that scary depth. They call it “100 percent nautical aesthetic,” while we call it pretty cool looking. The square case, green dial and rotating bezel, as well as the sapphire crystal, make this something you’ll be wearing on the boat. Man overboard, who cares?
The Majordome Puro Loafer
$740
Drawing design inspiration from the cigar world, these suede slip-ons come with a sun-grown hue for the exterior and a darker, oscuro shade for the interior leather lining. Even the saddle takes a cue from cigars, with the understated but smooth shape of a traditional cigar band.
Got some ideas of your own? These kicks are made to order and customizable but limited in production to 24 pairs this year. The producer, Majordome, is a Swiss-based operator that is up-and-coming. Teaming up for this project with Michael Herklots, co-owner of Ferio Tego Cigars, bodes well for the brand.
Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum Fragrance by Tom Ford
$295 (50ml)
We love the smell of tobacco in the morning. Or afternoon and evening for that matter. For that, Tom Ford delivers this warm and spicy scent with tinges of tobacco leaf, vanilla, and ginger. And check the vessel; the black flattened top and the squared, opaque/deep brown tinted bottle make it look like a chess piece. The fragrance is also cross-gender – in a Q & A forum, several women users weigh in to say it is “absolutely” fine for females. So Mother’s Day is in play.
Briggs & Riley Large Expandable Spinner Luggage
$870
We’ve already got the plane tickets piling up for the year and need something to haul stuff in. Enter this hefty, handy suitcase. Attributes include flexible compress/expandability, TSA-approved lock, and 360-degree, ball-bearing spinner wheels. The polycarbonate shell assures that it is as light as it can be for its size. That comes in handy as most international airlines are now limiting weight per piece of luggage. Spinner is available in black, plum, latte, and matte navy with monogram optional.
Breville Bambino Plus
$499
What we need is an espresso maker in 11 colors, shades up to and including red velvet cake and the bizarrely attractive, elaborately decorated Aboriginal culinary journey, which is part of Australian-based Breville’s “celebration” of that country’s indigenous people. Package aside, the Bambino Plus promises to deliver barista-quality performance using a stainless steel portafilter and a hands-free automatic steam wand that makes microfoam milk. For those with bleary consciousness in the a.m. the machine features a proprietary heating system that has it ready to roll in three seconds.
Spiegelau Willsberger Anniversary Whisky Glass
$79 (set of 4)
The original Willsberger series has been produced by Spiegelau for three decades. For this series, it is replicated and machine-blown, Spiegelau says, making this four-glass crystal set more affordable. The five-inch high, thin-walled glasses are convenient, dishwasher safe, and hold 12 ounces of your favorite brown liquor. These also feature a wide bottom, allowing it to disperse its notes upward.
XIKAR XI-120 Perfect Cigar Cutter
$84
The closed back helps prevent overcutting, while also catching those trimmings that end up on the floor, on the counter, and in any other places they can be a pest. The aluminum body comes in four shiny colors – black, blue, red, and silver – and is small enough to go anywhere. Finally, the patented double guillotine design features stainless steel blades that can cut gauges up to 60-ring.
Gozney Pizza Dome
$1,999
The pitch is succinct AND attractive: “roast, smoke, steam or bake. Super fast or low and slow. A wood-fired adventure, every time.” The pizza dome is a compact accomplice to your massive backyard grill, sitting just over two feet high and less than three feet wide. You’ll want to shell out for the FlexFuel model, which allows for both wood-fire and gas fuel. Both that and the gas-only model can cook up a 16-inch pie and feature three layers of insulation that heat up to 700 F in minutes.
