I’ve kept quiet about luxury watches here… for now. But never say never (again?), as the saying goes. The truth is, there are reasons for this discretion. Frankly, these timepieces, as magnificent as they may be, are a prohibitive affair for the true connoisseur of the luxury lifestyle. It’s not just the initial cost—there’s also the matter of upkeep: six-year service intervals that demand the same level of care as a high-performance vehicle. Then there’s the changing landscape of wealth and status. Today’s top executives and high earners are shifting their focus elsewhere—into fitness, into Peloton showdowns, into the sleek lines of an Apple Watch Ultra paired with a physique honed to perfection. That, in its own way, tells a story just as compelling as any (insert luxury watch brand here).
For me, the essence of this Bond lifestyle lies in the gear, the attitude, the outlook on life, and adventure. The drinks. Above all, the confidence.
I’ve found myself pondering lately—why is it that one feels less like Bond, or the man on the cover of GQ, in an AllSaints jacket than in the equivalent piece from a luxury heritage brand? It’s all about the look and feel, isn’t it? For my part, I relish the idea of a rugged (within reason) holiday shirt and a leather biker jacket—so long as it’s crafted with quality, I feel every bit the man of action. Taking a cue (Q?) from David Zaritsky, it’s clear that the price tag doesn’t define the garment. It’s the man who makes the garment.