Men’s Style | Watches | Motoring

A MAN OF SUBSTANCE IS A MAN OF STYLE

This limited edition Gods Glitch handmade crushed velvet Bomber Jacket is lined with cosy quilted jersey for a pleasant feeling. The heavyweight fabric is both sturdy and long-lasting. We love it! £750.

www.GodsGlitch.com CNCPT Knightsbridge London

David Gandy Wellwear’s latest drop combines the familiar comfort of sweats with the utilitarian qualities of classic workwear – The Easy Set – made from smooth interlock jersey.

Easy Jacket, £160 Easy Tapered Pant, £140

www.davidgandywellwear.com If you know about aviation, the name Kittyhawk will not be unfamiliar. The Curtiss P-40 was one of the most important WW2 allied aircraft. Just like the “nose art” of those legendary WW2 aircraft, this MB&F Pièce Unique HM4 ‘Kittyhawk’, bears a hand-painted shark mouth and eyes, along with aged time and power reserve dials, £POA. www.mbandf.com

Carl Friedrik has partnered with F1 Racing Team Scuderia AlphaTauri to create this custom carry-case. In a nod to Scuderia AlphaTauri’s signature colours, it boasts a sleek navy shell and white branded detailing on the Italian leather handles, £345. www.carlfriedrik.com

This exclusive Gods Glitch Duffle Bag is handmade in the UK and is made of 100% Nappa leather. It represents success and strength and is perfect for a short trip or weekend getaway. Limited edition with only 30 pieces available, £950. www.GodsGlitch.com

This travel-size telescope from Swarovski Optik (ATC & STC 17-40X56)

is ideal for the man who wants to go bird-spotting or any other wildlife! Weighing only 980g and compact in size - only 28.5cm - makes it the smallest model the luxury brand produces. Both ATC/STC models connect to the Swarovski Optik VPA phone adapter allowing you to quickly connect to your smartphone and take photos, £1,820. www.swarovskioptik.com The flagship store of the premium sportswear brand Castore has opened in the heart of Knightsbridge. They utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions. Featured is their 2022 collection.

www.castore.com

A MAN OF STYLE

IS A MAN OF ADVENTURE (and planet friendly!)

Always focused on performance and heritage, Lapierre bikes and Alpine Cars share common values that translate into this exceptional carbon fibre bike with a unique design and a racing spirit. Limited to 110 pieces, £9,000. www.lapierrebikes.com Urbet Electric Motors is a Spanish electric mobility brand founded in 2017 in Marbella. The Urbet Lora S electric motorbike has a 360 km range with 24 HP of maximum power and a naked design with neo-retro line, £11,500.

www.urbet.es

Time travel is possible with this new watch, available in both blue and black, from Swiss-Italian Panerai. By simultaneously displaying the local time and your home time, you are never lost for time. £8,800 www.panerai.com

Horology Highs

The purchase of luxury timepieces has grown exponentially over the past three years, despite a global pandemic; indeed according to Watches of Switzerland, annual global sales until May 1st 2022 at both auctions and in boutiques rose 40% to $1.28bn. So here we showcase some of the best new watches of the year to add to your wish list. Words: Josie Goodbody

ROLEX YACHT-MASTER 42 The latest iteration of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master comes in a very grown-up looking 18ct yellow gold. As well as a chromolight display and a bi-directional rotating bezel, with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert, since 2019 the YM42 has been fitted with Calibre 3235 - so, 70 power hours! Oh and it’s waterproof to a 100 metres. £23,850 www.rolex.com

A. LANGE & SÖHNE 1815 RATTRAPANTE PERPETUAL CALENDAR A new addition to its 1815 family, the Rattrapante features one of the most sophisticated of complications: the eponymous chronograph, rattrapante. This refined wristwatch has a platinum case and is limited to only 200 pieces. £POA www.alange-soehne.com

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING

To celebrate 50 years of its iconic Royal Oak, two new Royal Oak Selfwinding sets in 37mm and 41mm, have been launched. Each watch is set with 800 sparkling, baguette-cut coloured gemstones, to recreate a rainbow when all the pieces are put side by side. Choose from ruby, emerald, sapphire, amethyst, pink tourmaline, blue topaz, orange spessartine, yellow chrysoberyl, tanzanite, and tsavorite or take the full rainbow! £POA www.audemarspiguet.com

HERMES ARCEAU LE TEMPS VOYAGEUR 38MM

Hermes epitomes the spirit of travel and here interprets its DNA (travel, riding and dreaming) into the design of this unique watch, meticulously made for the international traveller. Available in blue, black, or white and created in platinum and titanium or entirely in steel, its round case reveals a new reading of the hours of the world. £17,500 www.hermes.com

BULGARI SERPENTI SPIGA In December, Bulgari celebrates its emblematic Serpenti motif, with an immersive exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. The viper inspired motif appeared in 1948 with a watch bracelet; this new model sees the serpent swirl about the wrist in a black ceramic bracelet to the curved case with 18ct rose gold bezel, crown and black lacquer polished dial. An ideal accessory for the exhibition! £7,550 www.bulgari.com

CARTIER ‘BASEBALL’ PEBBLE

Known for its mastery in ‘shaped watches’, Cartier’s newest model is based on a design from the London branch’s 1972 archives. Limited to 150 pieces, it has a 18ct yellow gold circular case with a tilted square dial; the strap is in beige calf leather, with a gold pin buckle. £40,000 www.cartier.com

PIAGET POLO GREEN DATE

The Piaget Polo Date has gone back to nature with a new model rendered in a gorgeous green hue. The 18k rose gold case stands out exceptionally against the dial’s green godrons pattern and the green alligator strap. £25,300 www.piaget.com

PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA 5524R PILOT TRAVEL TIME

Patek’s pilot watches first appeared in the 1930s; this updated model from the 2018 launch of Calatrava Time Travel shows dual time zones by way of two 12-hour hands, one of which can be ‘hidden’ when on home turf, rendering the watch easier to read. £44,760 www.patek.com

Azzy Asghar test drives

THE ELECTRIFYING ALL-NEW HYBRID McLAREN ARTURA

Okay, I’ll put my cards on the table from the very start. My Editor had allowed me two pages for the car review, but looking at the stunning photos of this McLaren ARTura – even she realised that to do it justice we had to showcase the beauty of this car across a photo-led spread. After all – a picture is worth a thousand words!

This is the awesome McLaren Artura. McLaren’s first seriesproduction High-Performance Hybrid supercar focuses more than half a century of the company’s racing and road-car experience and expertise into a next-generation supercar that blends groundbreaking technology with McLaren’s dedication to performance and driver engagement.

The Artura’s beauty is more than skin deep – although just looking at the curves on this car makes you drool – the low-nose, cabforward, the high-tail stance is pure supercar, the awe accentuated by their signature dihedral doors which are more spaceship than supercar!

The all-new Artura is the result of every attribute inherent in a McLaren – a car created with dedication to the driver, incredible design, unrivalled performance, dynamic excellence and engineering innovation and now electrification which brings even faster throttle response and lower emissions.

All-new from the ground up, the Artura presented McLaren engineers and designers with new opportunities to innovate. Primary challenges were how to preserve McLaren’s super-lightweight engineering philosophy when adding hybrid powertrain elements including an E-motor and battery pack.

The Artura sits on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) which sets a new standard for McLaren’s advanced flexible chassis design. The new platform is a carbon fibre monocoque using McLaren pioneered composite technology from Formula 1 racing.

At the heart of the Artura’s powertrain is McLaren’s all-new, 2,993cc twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. With a power output of 585PS – nearly 200 PS per litre – and 585Nm of torque. Power ‘off-the-line’ is phenomenal and sees the Artura achieve 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in just 3.0 seconds, with 0-200km/h (0-124mph) taking 8.3 seconds and 0-300km/h (0-186mph) 21.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 330km/h (205mph).

The Artura is designed with full Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) capability and can be charged to an 80% charge level in just 2.5 hours with a standard EVSE cable. The batteries can also harvest power from the combustion engine during driving, tailored to the mode selected.4

Out of the darkness, comes the light... the hybrid McLaren Artura

McLaren cars have always been renowned for two things: supercar performance and engaging the driver at the wheel. This is truly evident in the Artura. A supercar that’s actually incredibly relaxing and easy to drive as a daily car, yet has the power to be unleashed on any track.

Artura is no less of a revolution on the interior, with the cockpit centred more than ever around the driver. The driving mode selection which retains separate Powertrain and Handling controls has been moved to the instrument binnacle, which is, in turn, mounted to the steering column and adjusts with the steering wheel to further enhance driving ergonomics. Consequently, the steering wheel is kept clear of unnecessary switches, but the driver is still able to adjust driving modes without taking their hands away from the wheel.

There are four Powertrain modes, including an E-mode for 31km (19 miles) of emission-free, electric-only driving, Comfort mode is ideal for everyday driving, and for greater speed and power, there are the Sport and Track options. The McLaren Artura also debuts an all-new Clubsport seat, which uniquely combines the range of motion expected of a moveable backrest with the lightweight and support of a bucket seat. Innovative yet uncomplicated, the whole seat pivots as one through an elliptical arc when adjusted, combining under-thigh support, seat height, and backrest in one movement.

An all-new McLaren infotainment and connectivity system utilises two highdefinition screens. A stealth mode on the main binnacle hides non-essential content, reducing distractions and allowing the driver to fully concentrate on the road ahead.

The Artura is priced from £189,200 for the standard specification model. There are three further interior specifications: Performance, which has a sporting, functional aesthetic; TechLux, where the focus is on the technical luxury that the name suggests; and Vision, which displays a more avant-garde and adventurous look and feel.

Every McLaren Artura comes as standard with a five-year vehicle warranty, a six-year battery warranty, and a 10-year body perforation corrosion warranty.

This peace of mind only reinforces what you already know. This is a car built by one of the pioneers of supercars and is as structurally sound as it is incredible to drive and beautiful to look at – even six pages isn’t truly enough! v

Tech Savvy

APPLE WATCH HERMÈS Silver Stainless Steel Case with Gourmette Metal Double Tour

Wear the latest tech on your wrist with this stylish Apple Watch Hermès in beautiful stainless steel with supple noir leather, £1,739.

www.apple.com

RIEDEL

Amadeo Decanter - Menta

This unique, handmade decanter is characterised by a mint colour, giving it a new, modern aesthetic. Boasting a beautiful but challenging design, a standard 750ml bottle of wine will fill to the decanters widest point allowing maximum aeration, £550.

www.riedel.com

Aesthete

LALIQUE

Bacchantes Bowl

This vase bowl has become a lasting symbol of Lalique’s celebrated style and its meticulous detailing, carved by the hand of a craftsman, adds a playful use of light and dimension, £2,550.

www.lalique.com

HOW We’d SPEND IT!

High-Roller

LINLEY Vice Box

Ideal for those who enjoy playing poker whilst indulging in a casual drink and a fine cigar, the Vice Box has been carefully crafted in walnut and can be personalised, £13,995.

Fashionista

DIOR Explorer Tote An ideal bag for a weekend getaway or all day long as you’re on the move. Crafted in Dior oblique mirage blackgrained calfskin, £1,900.

www.dior.com

Scribe

MONTBLANC Great Characters Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition 99

Inspired by the Woodstock Festival in 1969, the pen is engraved with Jimi Hendrix’s songs on a sold white gold plaque and the solid white gold forepart is engraved with his signature, £33,500.

Editor’s Pick

Early Riser

LA PAVONI

Esperto Edotto Lever Coffee Machine The perfect gift for the ultimate barista experience, La Pavoni’s unique coffee machines not only produce the ultimate espresso but are a work of art, £1,649.95.

www.shop.smeguk.com

Interior Designer

DIOR Toile de Jouy Chair Using the motif that adorns Monsieur Dior’s first boutique, this chair crafted in beechwood is the perfect statement piece for any room, £POA.

www.dior.com

Connoisseur

CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY Taoscán Collector’s Edition

The world’s first and only Port & Chestnut whiskey, ingeniously and innovatively crafted. Matured in American Oak Bourbon and Sherry Oloroso, split and finished in Tawny Port and Chestnut, £1,200.

www.craftirishwhiskey.com

OUR LUXURIOUS SELECTION OF GIFTS FOR THE…

Epicurean

OFFICINE GULLO

Fiorentina 48 Range Cooker Dress your kitchen up in 24-carat gold with this elegant range cooker in pastel blue and gold finish.

Luxury Gamer

JONATHAN ADLER Kensington Backgammon Set Crafted in couture lacquer and featuring a classic two-toned blue case this beautiful backgammon set is a cool cocktail table accent, £425.

uk.jonathanadler.com

Music Lover

QUIET MARK

Yamaha Silent Guitar

No matter where you are - play a tune with this cutting-edge design Silent Guitar by Yamaha, £807.

www.quietmark.com

CHRISTIAN

The lion from Harrods

If you’ve never come across the incredible story of Christian the Lion... where have you been? Christian was originally acquired by Harrods from the now-defunct zoo park in Ilfracombe and subsequently bought by John Rendall and Ace Bourke for 250 Guineas (approx. £265).

The friends took him back to their furniture shop – Sophistocat – where they both worked on the King’s Road in Chelsea. Above the shop was a flat where Christian was able to roam freely or in the shop where he had his den in the back. As the lion grew the pair knew it was time for Christian to return ‘home’. That story is one of legends and the accompanying documentary and YouTube videos have been viewed by millions.

We meet Derek Cattani – who was there from the very beginning and the man who captured so many enduring images.

This is his story of ‘How I met Christian the Lion...’

In the 60’s and 70’s The King’s Road in Chelsea was a mecca for fascinating people and party invites, and it was at a Chelsea party where I first met John Rendall and Ace Bourke. I was a young Fleet Street photographer working for the Daily Mail always on the hunt for an interesting picture story. When I heard their story about buying a lion from Harrods and taking it for walks down the King’s Road, I just knew I had to meet this lion cub.

A few days later, I was invited to Sophistocat pine furniture shop in the World’s End, Chelsea where John and Ace worked to meet Christian. He was then a three-month-old cuddly cub with the most amazing eyes and sharp teeth and I realised that I would have to get to know this beautiful little cub if I was to get good photographs, so instead of grabbing my camera and shooting away I just sat in the corner of his large den which was a room at the back of the furniture shop and watched him, and waited. Eventually, curiosity overcame him, and after a short while, Christian inched his way towards me and then pushed his head onto mine. John explained that this was a sure sign of welcome so over the following weeks I made regular visits and slowly gained Christian’s trust, and John and Ace’s approval of my patient attitude towards Christian. They saw that I was not just after a snarling one-off picture of him for a newspaper feature, so they offered me the job as Christian’s official photographer, which I immediately agreed to.

Christian soon accepted me as one of his `human pride`. To him my camera was just a normal attachment to my arm and not something to be afraid of or chew and being a very inquisitive playful lion everything had to be investigated. I could now spend long periods being with him, he would just ignore the fact I was there capturing his next move. Some of my favourite moments were of him in John and Ace’s flat taking over the TV lounge, sitting in his favourite cool place next to the bathroom sink or just hanging out around the flat – surely a unique location for photographing a lion. As Christian gained in size so did the cost of his meals and to get some cash flow to contribute, John, Ace and I came up with a few fun picture stories which we could sell to the now eager Fleet Street press. The Easter chicks feature was published as a centre page spread in the Daily Mail with magazines in Europe also publishing the photographs. We never pushed Christian to do anything he didn’t naturally want to do. Playing with a football in Moravian Close a high-walled vicarage in Chelsea, was his favourite pastime, I was fortunate to have captured a shot of Christian making a friendly tackle on John which won me a first award in the World Ilford photo competition that year, as were fun car trips down the King’s Road, his gentle nature allowed him to be with children and friends alike.

It was my good fortune to be invited to go with John, Ace, Christian, and a film crew to Kenya to document the first stage of his rehabilitation with George Adamson, the world-famous conservationist, and being part of his London pride we all gained comfort of being together in such a strange and wondrous land. Christian had to adapt to the harsh bush surrounds, stoney, and thorn-covered ground, a world away from the smooth carpets of the flat and grass play areas.

For me, Christian gave me such a lasting love of animals and especially the beauty of the beautiful wild lion that he was to become.

I am now a director of LionAid, a charity specifically set up to save the African wild lion prides. When I was in Africa there were some 250,000 reported sightings, and now the latest estimate is some 15,000, a tragic decline for such a magnificent animal through no fault of their existence.

Prints are available for sale in support of LionAid: www.christianthelionprints.com

For further information on LionAid: www.lionaid.org

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