A note on links: This guide carries affiliate links. If you buy through one, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I have spent extensive time with every item on this list and most of them I live with daily.
A signpost to all the things I normally talk to my friends about.
Each pick balances function and polish. Nothing here is on the list because it photographs well. It’s here because it earns its place in a drawer, a wardrobe or a wrist, and keeps earning it.
Everyday Carry
1. Minimalist Wallet — Ridge Wallet Titanium (£125)
A slim profile requires intentional carry. Lightweight construction, and a philosophy of only what you need and nothing you don’t.
One of the best things you can do is buy things that feel purposeful, will last a really long time and are mission ready. This is not the only wallet out there, but if you need ONE to rule them all — something you’re not afraid of damaging — the titanium construction is top notch at an accessible price point.
2. Multi-Tool — Victorinox SwissChamp, Black (£70)
33 functions in pocket-sized form. From cutting loose threads to opening bottles, it handles daily problems without fanfare. Q Branch ingenuity — prepared for anything without looking like a try-hard.
This is the icon for a reason. Everyone else in this space is reinventing the wheel.
3. Reusable Water Bottle — Chilly’s Series 2, 1L (£42)
Hydration prevents energy crashes and embarrassing cramps. Vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. Staying sharp requires staying hydrated — Bond never loses an edge to preventable fatigue.
I’m on a fitness journey at the moment and Chilly’s has always been a worthy companion.
4. Wireless Earbuds — Beats Studio Buds +, Black & Gold (£179)
Active noise cancellation for deep work. Transparency mode for situational awareness. Pocket-portable without compromise, and communication clarity in high-stakes moments — whether that’s a client call or a podcast recording.
I’ve always been an AirPods or luxury headphone guy. The thing is, you need something that just works but doesn’t scream “I have an iPhone.” The Apple association matters WAY more when you’re US based. Beats is like Tudor — you get the polish and the fit and finish, without the attention. For fitness this is the choice.
Wardrobe Foundations
5. Classic White T-Shirt — Sunspel Plain Cotton T-Shirt (£60)
I first got into Sunspel via the CDG x Sunspel lines, but this has been my ride or die for a long time. Fits under blazers or stands alone. The foundation of versatile style.
Daniel Craig put Sunspel on the map of the general male consciousness in Casino Royale with the Riviera polo. But you need something to accompany you in any space. Casual elegance — the simple tee as statement piece, not afterthought. Ridiculously soft, and it gets better with wear.
6. Dark Denim Jeans — Nudie Jeans (£105)
YMMV, but I recommend a Lean Dean. Swedish denim philosophy — buy once, repair forever. Good denim moulds to your body without you needing to bathe in them. I’m into the lifetime repairs, which honour an anti-disposable ethos. Timeless style isn’t trend-chasing. It’s finding what works and making it yours.
These are my staple jeans, and almost all that I wear in jeans. Across different fits, styles and washes, these are a constant. They wear and wash fantastically, and they’re the only jeans I’d be comfortable buying thrifted. Get some selvedge and they’re yours for a long time.
7. Winter Coat — Arc’teryx Thorium SV Parka
Canadian technical outerwear engineered for extremes. 750-fill down, water resistant, wind-resistant. Top function, top aesthetic. I think this is what Bond would actually buy.
Before buying an Arc’teryx, I had three experiences wearing different jackets of theirs. Once in a friend’s full parka in an all-out sprint to save dinner during a snowed-in Friendsgiving power outage. Once to try on for size in a swanky restaurant. Once to compare my Rab Microlight Alpine to my friend’s Cerium. Not long after, I bought my Thorium SV. In deep teal.
Grooming & Leisure
8. Electric Trimmer — Braun Series 9 Pro+ (£315, on sale)
German engineering applied to daily grooming. Precision trimming for quick maintenance, wet/dry versatility for maximum efficiency. Meticulous grooming isn’t vanity — it’s discipline on display.
I’m known to be a double-edged safety razor guy, but that’s for a slow Sunday shave of leisure. This is my mission-ready, quick go-to trimmer to keep me looking sharp. No irritation whatsoever.
9. DE Safety Razor — Mühle R89 (£36)
Chrome-plated brass, textured and tactile closed-comb design for forgiving yet close shaves. Pairs with any double-edge blade. Built to last decades, not months.
This is your traditional wet shaving ritual. Slowing down to do one thing exceptionally well. You can go open comb if you like — if it’s your only method, I’d recommend it. Either way, you will feel a new type of refreshed. Astra blades are best for a less aggressive ride.
10. Shave Cream — Geo F. Trumper’s Almond (£20)
Established 1875, London barber. Glycerin-based lather protects skin. The almond scent is subtle, not overpowering, but an absolute joy to the senses. Lasts six months or more.
Think Skyfall’s shaving scene. Literary Bond used Eucris in a traditional shave soap. It’s lovely, but the cream is more appropriate for the heavy leather ritual. Efficiency and quality over speed.
Always use a good bowl and invest in a good brush. There’s a point of diminishing returns, so think Bevel — or go for an icon with a Simpson badger brush. Old dog, new tricks.
11. Go-To Whisky — Cardhu Gold Reserve (£50)
If it’s unavailable, switch to bourbon: Wild Turkey 101 or Woodford Reserve. If they can’t offer any of these, you’re in the wrong place for whisky.
A whisky road map eliminates decision paralysis and awkward fumbling about with the menu. It’s not sexy. The goal is taste without pretension — know what you want and ask for it confidently. Neat preferably, or with water, but be careful here. I order with “one single cube”.
Home & Work
12. Ergonomic Office Chair — Herman Miller Mirra 1 or 2
TriFlex back support adapts to movement. A 12-year warranty from the greatest manufacturer of all time. Prevents back pain from desk work and retains resale value. Optimal performance requires an optimal environment — no compromises on daily tools.
You spend too much time in your chair to be uncomfortable or not be in love with it. People will argue about the comfort of the Mirra 1 versus the 2. It’s swings and roundabouts. Skip the rabbit hole, buy within your budget and comfort level. I’ve sat in both and there is no definitive better choice.
Why not the Aeron? I love the Aeron, it’s iconic. But the most beautiful chair in the Herman Miller line-up is Yves Béhar’s Sayl, and I still kick myself for selling mine. The thing is, the ergonomics on the Mirra are way better and up there with the Aeron. You need a perfect blend of form and function — this does the trick.
13. Home Office Weapon of Choice — Mac mini
Desktop power without laptop compromises. Clean desk aesthetic. Separates work location from distraction devices, and it’s highly energy efficient. The right tool for the mission — and the only proper desktop computer you can take to a vacation rental.
I’m not a laptop guy anymore. I don’t want to work on a small screen or on the train. Most of what I need to do on a laptop, I can do on my phone. Unplug.
Watches
14. Luxury Watch — Rolex Explorer I
36mm case, 3-6-9 dial, tool watch purity. Designed for Everest, refined for daily wear. Holds value, gains character, versatile across all situations. I own the previous-gen 39 with less lume on the dial. Now that it’s only 36 or 40mm, I recommend the 36.
Understated capability — it never announces itself. This and the 36mm Oyster Perpetual are my go-to steel Rolex picks for just about anyone. This is what we mean by rugged luxury. If you’ve scoffed at the price and the registry of interest process, consider the next option.
15. Rugged Luxury Watch — TAG Heuer Formula 1
Black, yellow and carbon fibre. Grab-and-go quartz chronograph accuracy, 200m water resistance, sapphire crystal, and a tough 43mm case built for daily abuse. The fixed ceramic bezel and bold legibility give you true motorsport DNA without babying it. Swiss brand cachet at an accessible price.
A reliable daily driver that covers gym, travel and weekends. Battery-powered means zero winding drama and always on time. Quartz is underrated, and this offers attitude while not trying to be a diver.
TAG’s F1 line is pure pit-lane energy, and Dalton-era Bond did wear TAG Heuer. So you get a subtle Bond-universe nod without the Omega or Rolex premium. We also like the retro re-issues of this line, but they’re more of a summer hype piece, especially the Solargraph variety.
Lifestyle & Adventure
16. Portable Bluetooth Speaker — JBL Flip series, Black (£130)
Compact but powerful. Beach, home gym, travel companion. IP67 waterproof rating, 12-hour battery life. Sound quality exceeds size expectations, and it’s a stylish design while doing the job.
I’m all about brand verticals. They signal quality and allow you to buy the way you like. JBL is a Harman Kardon brand and it sounds every bit the name. The Flip is my wife’s go-to for dance classes and the series has served her well for quite some time. There are other options in this space, but none fit the bill across as many settings as the JBL Flip.
17. Sunglasses — Curry & Paxton, The Ronnie
British independent eyewear. The Ronnie’s round silhouette suits angular faces. Acetate frames, Carl Zeiss lenses. Supports independent English manufacturing.
When you think Bond eyewear, you think Persol and Tom Ford, who established Bond’s eyewear standards. When you think Curry & Paxton, you think Michael Caine and The Italian Job. That would be enough, but Curry & Paxton is actually a Bond brand — Sean Connery sported them in Thunderball. If you want a direct tie-in to the sixties spy craze, go for the Sean or the Yvan. If you’re defining your own legend, and face shape, consider the Ronnie.
18. Non-Smart, But Still Cool Trouser — N.Peal 007 Combat Trousers
An official Bond collaboration. Technical, with a tailored cut. Articulated knees, reinforced stress points. Looks refined, performs under pressure.
A brand with literal 007 heritage, worn in the No Time to Die combat outfit. Style that functions. Pockets, so many, and straps, and confidence-inspiring zippers. It feels rugged but looks the part. I wear these way too much, and even at the price my wife has encouraged me to buy multiple pairs. They’re a conversation piece, but they don’t require you to talk about Bond. That said, if you pair them with the braces, expect to talk about your outfit.
19. Notebook — Moleskine Classic Soft Cover, Black (£22)
Fits in a suit coat pocket. The soft cover flexes with movement. Acid-free paper for archival quality, elastic closure to prevent page damage. Analogue thinking in a digital age — capture ideas without notification interruptions.
It fits in my suit coat pockets without stretching things, and it feels like a lovely place to journal as well. From the boardroom to hillside coffee in the Brecon Beacons, Moleskine has been a welcome companion.
I have spent extensive time with every item on this list. Most, I live with daily. Each pick balances function and polish. Elevate your day elegantly, without a fuss.
Own less, own better.
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