Posts filed under Fashion & Style

Experience: Tod's Fold Over Leather iPad Case. Perfect Protection in a Very Stylish Way.

Tod's is very well known for making some of the best and most iconic driving shoes in the world. Their leather goods along with their drivers hold a great reputation among watchlifestylers that enjoy the good life. Founded in Italy in 1920 by Dorino Della Valle as a small shoe making company out of his basement —just like other very reputable shoe companies—, Tod's has now become a synonym for the highest quality and superior handmade leather goods. 

The Tod's fold over leather iPad case is an accessory that every watchlifestyler needs. Just like the beautiful Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch pictured here, this iPad case will make a statement wherever you go. Embossed with the Tod’s logo on the front and the inside, the case protects the iPad screen with elegance and style. Just like on all other Tod's products, the leather is of the highest quality with a nice full-grain texture.  

The back of the case features a sturdy flap where one can insert the front folding panel and turn the protection case into a convenient stand. This is especially useful for when you guys are spending countless hours reading our content or posting on the online watch forums. 

In case the irony of spending almost the same amount of cash on this case as you would to buy the device is the least of your worries, then it's time for you to get one of these cases and look good next time you are flying across the country on one of your business trips.

Available in a variety of colors. Sticker Price $495 USD. For more info on Tod's click here.  

Experience: Hancock Hidden Placket Raincoat. A Handmade Scottish Classic with Timeless Design.

Thomas Hancock’s interest in rubber seems to have originated from a desire to make waterproof fabrics to protect the passengers on horse-drawn carriages. By 1819, Thomas Hancock began experimenting with rubber solutions and a year later he patented his first invention: elastication for use in clothing.  In 1825, he began working with Charles Macintosh to manufacture his 'double textured' fabric and on November 21, 1843, Hancock took out a patent for the vulcanization of rubber using sulfur —8 weeks prior to Charles Goodyear in the U.S.

The Hancock Hidden Placket raincoat is a waterproof garment with a very classic shape. Handmade in Scotland with waterproof vulcanized rubber cotton, the Hidden Placket raincoat is a three-quarter length trench that features a hidden four button front closure and a 3-button opening on either side for convertible venting at the hips.

This raincoat looks good with any outfit and has a timeless design —just like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak on our wrist— that won't look outdated in a couple of years. 

The lining features beautiful black and white illustrations of the 'Siphonia Elastica' plant giving tribute to the elastic, gummy substance obtained from the milky sap of several plants of tropical South America, especially the euphorbiaceous tree 'Siphonia Elastica'. The brand's labels are carefully stitched to the inside and all interior seams are covered with glue to waterproof them. Perfection is the only way to describe the craftsmanship behind this raincoat.

The attention to details on this garment is superb and it clearly shows the hard work that was put into its design and elaboration. From the beautiful branded buttons to the cuffs and every seam on it, this raincoat is just one of a kind. 

The Hancock Hidden Placket raincoat is available in a variety of colors and it's a garment made to meet the refined and demanding taste of most watchlifestylers. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300ST and this raincoat are a perfect match and there's no other watch that we've worn with it that looks any better.

For those of you interested in learning more about how this amazing coats are made, below we have included a video that was produced by Hancock and that shows the careful and delicate handmade process that these garments go through. After watching this video, you will understand why these garments are so unique.

Only sold through a very limited number of retailers in the U.K, U.S., Hong Kong and Japan. Sticker Price $1,065 USD.

For more info on Hancock click here.  

Experience: Vilebrequins and Audemars Piguet Timepieces. Royal Oak Offshore Diver and Royal Oak 15400 in Cancun.

Honestly, there's no better beach combo than wearing your Vilebrequins along with your Audemars Piguet watches by the sea. This time, we are reporting from the beautiful beaches of Cancun, Mexico. The only thing we could've wished for is that the weather had been better.

Vilebrequin was launched in Saint-Tropez in 1971 right before the iconic Royal Oak was launched in 1972. Inspired by surfer’s trunks, the design takes shape, very different from the traditional 'swim briefs' of the time. Colorful, original and made out of spinnaker canvas, these swimwear dries quicker than others in the sun and wind.  

Every time we visit the Mexican beaches, the staple look among Mexican watchlifestylers are Vilebrequins and Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks –just like the ones pictured here.

For those that still think twice about getting their Royal Oaks wet in the pool or the beach, just relax and keep in mind that the Royal Oak 15400 is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters —good enough for a day at the pool or the beach.  

Now, if you feel that the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400 might be too delicate for a day at the beach, you could always bring with you that gorgeous Royal Oak Offshore Diver that you also own –perfectly suited for the beach, the pool, snorkeling and serious offshore diving.

The classic 'Moorea' Vilebrequins —pictured here— are very comfortable and they feature side pockets and a handy back cargo pocket, just in case you want to bring your room key with you.

Next time you decide to take your APs to the beach, make sure you pair them with a few pairs of Vilebrequins for the ultimate beach look. No other swimming trunks will make you look better and classier than the iconic classic 'Moorea' Vilebrequins.

One last thing to mention, is that Vilebrequin is the only brand that offers a Father & Son collection for those watchlifestylers that have kids and want them to look like their 'Mini-Me'. 

For more info click here.  

Experience: Hôtel Costes Red. As Parisian as Any Fragrance Gets.

If you consider yourself a real watchlifestyler, it is very likely that you love lounge music and especially the Hôtel Costes music collection mixed by Stéphane Pompougnac. This fantastic hotel is located in the epicenter of Paris along Rue St.-Honoré and around the corner from the Place Vendôme— right where the Richard Mille flagship boutique is located.  

If you are visiting Paris, make sure you stop by the Hôtel Costes at night and enjoy one of their amazing cocktails at their bar. Right around the corner, you'll stumble upon the Richard Mille boutique.

The Hôtel Costes Red fragrance is as Parisian as any cologne gets and is a perfect reflection of the Parisian lifestyle with notes of gin and tonic and exotic spices including coriander, white pepper and juniper berries amongst others. The red accents on the Richard Mille RM028 Americas Limited Edition Diver, inspired us to write about the Red fragrance.

The fragrance is very manly with similar notes to some of Tom Ford's fragrances with strong character. The most noticeable notes include rosewood, incense, musk, laurel and lavender. This fragrance is not only very unique and sophisticated but one that only a handful of watchlifestylers wear. It's refined scents are magnetic, virile and captivating. A perfect fragrance for a crazy night out.

Hôtel Costes Red Fragrance Sticker Price starts at 50,00 € —Richard Mille RM028 not included in the price.

Richard Mille RM028 Americas Limited Edition Sticker Price $82,000 USD.

For more info on the Hôtel Costes click here.

Experience: Elie Bleu Leather Case Humidor. Elegant, Functional and Beautiful.

This elegant leather carrying case by Elie Bleu is a must have for watchlifestylers and cigar aficionados. This pocket humidor comes with the same superior craftsmanship as other Elie Bleu products. The case features extra soft full grain leather with Elie Bleu markings in gold, an interior bakelite structure with enough room to fit two 'robustos' and a removable humidifying unit that slides completely out for easy refilling. 

The carrying case is composed of two pieces that fit with one inside the other; therefore, the length of the cigars to be stored in it is not an issue as the sliding cover will adjust to the length as necessary. The case measures 6" long when fully closed and 2.25" wide. The interior of the case measures 1.6" wide x 0.75" deep, perfectly fitting two tubes of Habanos Romeo No. 1 by Romeo y Julieta.

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The refillable humidifying unit is made of aluminum in burnt orange —color varies depending on the era of manufacture— with the traditional Elie Bleu markings. The unit measures 4.3" x 0.9" and it only takes 20-30 seconds to fully load it with distilled water after dipping. After fully moistened, the humidifying unit will maintain your cigars at an optimum humidity level for two to three days while traveling.

If you like to travel with your cigars in style or you are just looking to bring them along to dinner in a stylish carrying case, make sure you add one of these Elie Bleu cases to your cigar paraphernalia. Whether you are smoking cigars at the Cohiba Atmosphere Lounge in Cancun or at the rooftop of the Molino Stucky in Venezia, this is one little gadget that will be of great use. The case is also available in green, red and black.

Sticker Price $395 USD. For more info click here.

Experience: Hermès Courchevel Constance H Belt. A Must Have in Any Watchlifestyler's Wardrobe.

The Hermès Courchevel Constance H belt is a must have for watchlifestylers. This beautiful reversible belt in black and tan featuring the iconic signature 'H' buckle will add a touch of class and style to any outfit. Discreet, elegant and well crafted, this belt is a true synonym of style.

Established in 1837, Hermès has specialized in silk, saddles, leather, accessories, parfums, ceramics and prêt-à-porter with the highest quality and outstanding craftsmanship. Its logo, since the 1950s, has had a carriage pulled by a horse.

Born in Germany, Thierry Hermès was the son of a Frenchman. Thierry and his family relocated to France in 1828 and in 1837, he established Hermès as a harness workshop dedicated to serving noblemen in Paris. He created some of the finest wrought harnesses and bridles for the carriage trade. Thierry's son, Charles-Émile Hermès, took over management in 1880 and established the well known shop at 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré where it remains today and where the new leader introduced saddlery and retail sales.

The Hermès Courchevel Constance H belt is available in different color combinations and different buckle finishes, shapes and sizes. One great thing is that you can buy the buckle and belt strap individually. Our favorite combo —the one pictured here— is the reversible black and tan leather strap with the classic brushed finished buckle. The size of this particular buckle is 2.4" x 1.5". This belt looks great with jeans, dressed pants or a bespoke suit.

If you are a versatile watchlifestyler that enjoys wearing black or brown shoes, then you definitely need one of these belts to properly match your outfit of choice. The watch to go with this 'H' belt is up to you. The one thing that we can assure you is that this belt goes well with any watch and its very popular among Audemars Piguet collectors.

Sticker Price $1,100. For more info click here.  

Experience: Tiffany & Co. Watch Box. Perfect Box For Most Timepieces.

An important part of our watch collecting lifestyle is to find the right box or boxes to safely keep our precious timepieces at home or while traveling.

During our watch collecting life, we've owned several watch boxes in all shapes and forms and from several reputable brands. Nevertheless, the Tiffany & Co. watch box is one of the best that we've ever owned. This fine grain leather box made in Italy is available in two different sizes —with four and eight watch compartments— and in two elegant colors —black and brown.

This box is nicely crafted and quite light, making it the perfect travel companion for those watchlifestylers wanting to bring several timepieces with them. One thing that we absolutely love about this box over other boxes, is the fact that you can lock it. It comes with a very elegant Tiffany & Co. plaque lock —in palladium plated solid brass — and two handsome looking keys with a traditional Tiffany blue inlay.

 

This box features four compartments that are deep enough to keep an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and also wide enough to store over-sized watches like most Panerais, Zenith Pilots, IWCs and Bulgaris amongst other brands.

Based on our experience with these boxes, we would say that watches with a case size of up to 48 mm —like the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 GMT— will properly fit with the pillows in the compartments. The width of the dividers between each compartment is a little bit over a quarter of an inch; therefore, there's no need to worry about over-sized crowns touching the case of the watch in the compartment next to it.

The interior of the box and the watch pillows are perfectly lined with a soft and nice ultra suede in light beige color and the sides of the pillows are covered with the same black leather as the rest of the box. The box also features a small pocket inside the closing lid where you can store straps or polishing cloths and there's plenty of room between the lid and the area where the watches are sitting. The lid also includes a Tiffany & Co. plaque at the very top and all hinges are not visible as they are fully covered by leather.

Lastly, it's important to mention that these boxes are a steal and you'll be paying a very reasonable price compared to other options out there.

The size of the four compartment box is 6" W x 8.75" D x 3.75" H.

Sticker Price $950. For more info click here.  

Experience: Salvatore Ferragamo Amos 3. Right Hue of Blue Matching Our Royal Oak.

The Salvatore Ferragamo Amos 3 shoes are the perfect balance between a casual and dressy shoe. Fitted with tassels —very trendy this season after being long gone for more than a decade— , these lambskin suede shoes are comfortable, classy and ready to make a statement on your next yacht or sailboat ride. Additionally, their color matches the blue dial on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300 perfectly. A match made in heaven.

Salvatore Ferragamo launched its shoe company back in the early 1900s. Salvatore made his first pair of shoes at age nine for his sisters to wear at their church confirmation. After studying the art of shoemaking in Napoli, he opened a small shoe store in his parent's home. In 1914, he moved to Boston —where one of his brothers worked at a cowboy boot factory— and then to Santa Barbara, California in 1919 to open his own boot shop, quickly becoming the 'Shoemaker to the Stars'.

In 1927, he moved back to Firenze, Italy and established the company as we know it today. Ferragamo is still a family owned business and is one of the most renowned luxurious shoemakers in the world. A synonym of comfort, design and luxury.

The Amos 3 shoes are richly colored loafers in decadent lambskin suede and adorned with front tassels. The shoes are fitted with a combination of leather and rubber soles and a boat shoe lace with grommet accents as a finishing touch. Sticker Price $495.

The shoes are perfect for boating or just relaxing 'al fresco', especially in the company of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with blue dial. For more info click here.

Experience: Bally Freenew. Swiss Timepieces Go Better with Swiss Shoes.

Bally was founded in Switzerland in 1851 by Carl Franz Bally and his brother Fritz. Carl Franz was trained in the family ribbon-making business and expanded his focus to shoe making after being inspired by the quality of the Parisian shoe makers.

Carl Franz Bally dedicated his life to designing the perfect shoe and to giving back to the community of Schönenwerd —where his products were made. He was a champion of social projects; opening schools, parks and swimming facilities for workers and townspeople. During his lifetime, Schönenwerd was transformed from a sleepy farming village into a bustling town making up to two million pairs of shoes annually.

Considering that innovation has always played a very important role in the history of Bally, it's worth mentioning that they are responsible for developing a series of advanced materials —including rubber components— for the moon boots worn by Neil Armstrong during his first walk on the moon. Additionally, when Sherpa Tenzing Norgay took his final steps to conquer Mount Everest on May 29, 1953 he made the journey in a pair of Bally Reindeer-Himalaya boots, forever linking the Swiss brand to this amazing moment in human history.

After more than 160 years, the brand remains committed to rigorous Swiss craftsmanship, high quality, style, comfort and elegance.

The Bally Freenew sneakers are not only as comfortable as other Bally shoes, but they are also very stylish and modern looking. This shoes are leather lace-up sneakers with fabric stripes on the sides. The collar around the ankles is padded for superior comfort and the soles are made of high quality rubber with a wooden insert around the heel area. Something else to love about this shoes —besides the Swiss flag detail on the back near the heel— is how versatile they are as they can be worn with casual clothes or even a more formal attire. They are available in crocodile leather and in a variety of colors to meet the most demanding taste and match your Swiss fine timepieces. 

Sticker Price $395. For more info click here.   

Experience: Audemars Piguet, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. The Perfect Rose Gold Trifecta.

Today, we decided to feature a rose gold trifecta composed by three amazing pieces that we know any watchlifestyler lady would love to own. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ladies 57th Street Limited Edition —with rose gold accents on the dial—, a set of Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra rose gold earclips and a Cartier Juste un Clou rose gold with diamonds bracelet.

Let's start with the elegant Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ladies 57th Street Limited Edition. This Audemars Piguet ref. 26282SK.ZZ.D101CR.01 was released in 2009 to commemorate the opening of the new New York City Audemars Piguet boutique and exclusively available at that flagship location. Available in a limited edition of 150 pieces, this stunning Ladies Royal Oak Offshore comes with a 37mm case in stainless steel, black alligator hornback strap with off-white contrast stitching, deployant buckle, rose gold accents and rose gold Arabic numerals on the dial and a diamond encrusted rubberclad bezel with 32 diamonds totaling 1.25 carats. The sticker price for this beauty, only $33,000. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

In order to properly coordinate with the rose gold accents on the watch and with the rose gold bracelet, you also need to add a set of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection earclips. The VC&A Alhambra collection, has been a synonym of class since the 1960s when it was launched. The Vintage Alhambra earclips ref. VCARN9T400 in rose gold, have a timeless design and go perfectly fine with just any outfit —casual or dressy. To find more about the earclips click here.

Lastly, let's talk about the Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet which is also another classic from a previous era. Originally designed in the 1970s, the Juste un Clou is the expression of a rebellious nature and the reflection of self-belief. Although this bracelet has been a classic for more than forty years, it's still very modern looking and quite trendy nowadays. The Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet is also available sans diamonds and in other precious metal variations. For more info on the bracelet click here.    

Now, if you prefer an even more timeless look on your wrist, you could always go with a Cartier Love bracelet instead of the Juste un Clou. The picture below, shows how good it looks next to the Audemars Piguet watch. Maybe you can also give it a try. 

Three timeless classic designs that make a perfect rose gold trifecta, don't you think?

Experience: NATO Straps or Rob Montana. Your Choice.

Change is always good. Fitting your watches with NATO or vintage leather straps adds versatility and creates a completely different look to coordinate with your attire. This time, we fitted different NATO straps to several 1675s and the result was very interesting.

The NATO strap adds some character but it also turns the strap into integral part of the color scheme of your attire. Additionally, NATO straps reinforce the overall vintage look of a vintage Rolex timepiece. When it comes to leather straps, one of our favorites due to its rugged appearance is Rob Montana. This rugged leather strap gives the watch a unique and outdoorsy look.   

Now, which do you prefer? Are you a NATO type of guy or more of an urban woodsman?

Vintage leather or NATO is up to you and the personality of your vintage watch. 

For more info on Rob Montana straps click here.  

Posted on April 12, 2013 and filed under Fashion & Style, Rolex.

Experience: Hermès Tricolor Kelly Bag and a Discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Date-Day-Moonphase in 18K Yellow Gold

TriColor Kelly bag in Jaune, Vert Cru and Blue Thalassa.

The Hermès Kelly bag renamed after actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly is a classic just as the now discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Date-Date-Moonphase triple complication ref. 25594BA.

This gorgeous Royal Oak in 36mm and solid 18K yellow gold is a perfect example of a watch that goes well with everything. One of our watch lifestylers wears this watch on a daily basis due to its versatility and the neutral color of its dial. Because of the smaller size of the case—when compared to today's standards—this watch has the perfect size for any female watch lifestyler wanting to make a wrist statement.

This watch originally fitted with caliber 2224/2825 will help you keep track of the day, date and lunar phases during your hectic monthly schedule.

Now, If you consider buying a Royal Oak like this one to turn it into your daily beater, just make sure that you have the matching Tri Color Kelly bag to go with it.

For more info click here.  

Experience: Hermès Ties. The Blues.

When it comes to ties we know there's only one name and it's Hermès. Its silk, its designs and patterns, the shape and length of their ties and the way they look when knotted, is just unmistakeable. One can spot an Hermès tie half a block away. Just as one that knows can spot a Royal Oak in the distance.

Established in 1837, Hermès has specialized in silk, saddles, leather, accessories, parfums, ceramic and prêt-à-porter with the highest quality and outstanding craftsmanship. Its logo, since the 1950's has had a carriage pulled by a horse.

Born in Germany, Thierry Hermès was the son of a Frenchman. Thierry and his family relocated to France in 1828 and in 1837, Thierry Hermès established Hermès as a harness workshop dedicated to serving noblemen in Paris. He created some of the finest wrought harnesses and bridles for the carriage trade. Thierry's son, Charles-Émile Hermès took over management in 1880 and established the well known shop at 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where it remains today and where the new leader introduced saddlery and retail sales.

One of the many qualities of an Hermès tie is its timeless design, just like that of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Both have stood the test of time and today a 40 year old Hermès tie looks as good and as classic as a Royal Oak. For more info click here.

Experience: Color Combos with Audemars Piguet

In case you were wondering how well checkered shirts go with Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore watches. Some of our favorite combos.