From the over-the-top to the sleek and sophisticated, five gifts we’re adding to our wish list this holiday season.
Carl F. Bucherer opened as a watchmaker in 1888 and is still operating in Lucerne, Switzerland, creating timepieces of outstanding precision and beauty. Especially eye-catching is the ScubaTec dive watch that will keep the ocean out to depths of 500 metres. The distinctive blue face is enhanced with a rose gold and ceramic rotating dive-time bezel. About $13,000 at Palladio Jewellers.
Rimowa’s premium luggage has long been a hallmark of the truly seasoned traveller and nothing shrieks “jet setter” quite as stridently as a well-dented set of the prestigious German company’s ribbed aluminum cases. Introduced back in the 1950s and inspired by airliners of the period like the Junkers 52 with its corrugated aluminum skin, the luggage has a timeless appeal. Ranges of composite cases in various colours are available too, but the mostly-handmade aluminum haulers remain top-of-the-line with prices ranging from over $1,000 for a roll-aboard to $7-$8,000 for a complete set. At Rimowa Vancouver.
With the top down on the Mercedes-Benz SLC, it’s a fully open two-seater roadster but one touch of a console-mounted lever and it becomes a weather-tight and cosy coupe. The SLC boasts many of the detail features you’ll find on more expensive Mercedes-Benz sports cars and a generous trunk easily takes a couple’s luggage for a road trip. AMG variants have a twin turbo V-6 under the hood giving a lusty 362-horsepower. It might be the least expensive Mercedes sports car, but few will regard this beauty as “entry level.” From $59,700 at Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Leica has one of the most fabled histories in the entire world of photography, but that doesn’t mean the prestigious German camera maker doesn’t move with the times. The 24-megapixel sensor on the Leica TL2 is capable of producing gallery-level images thanks to Leica’s legendary lens-designing skills. Integrated Wi-Fi means that your images can be transferred to a smartphone, tablet or computer. You can also control your TL2 from a mobile device. With its wide range of interchangeable Leica lenses, the TL2 is a powerful tool for creating superb images. $2,440 at Broadway Camera Leica Boutique.
Any restaurant professional will confirm that the classic eight-inch to 12-inch chef’s knife, with its broad, curved, ultra-sharp blade and securely grippy handle, is the most versatile tool in the kitchen. To meet the demands of a very discerning market, Shun knives from Japan are superbly crafted in various steels with outstanding edge retention. Many come with distinctive Damascus-clad blades and hammered finishes. A variety of handles are available in the Shun range, including linen Micarta and several types of hardwood. Around $270 for a Shun Premier at Williams Sonoma.
180 years after they first opened their doors, Tiffany’s is launching a Home and Accessories collection. Inspired by the elegance found in everyday objects, the line blends form and function with such items as a hand-blown hourglass with a sterling silver base, a sterling silver and American walnut yo-yo and even drinking straws in rose gold. With its geometric detail, this 32-ounce Diamond Point Conical Decanter in Lead Crystal is sure to add beauty to your holiday table setting. $305 at Tiffany & Co., Tiffany.com
