Black Limited Edition by Alejandro Alcocer Rolex GMT Master II

Designer and watch fanatic Alejandro Alcocer advances his range of limited edition custom matte black Rolexes with the repurposing of a vintage GMT Master II. Alleged to have originally released in the 1960s exclusively for the Royal British Army, this updated wristwatch continues to awe even the most novice of watch collectors. The made in Switzerland GMT Master II features a 904L stainless steel base with Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) matte black carbon coating, a Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC)-certified chronometer, a high-contrast display with luminous markers and a bidirectional rotating 24-hour graduated bezel. Further details include a layer of Diamond-Like Coating (DLC) for added strength, an oyster-styled bracelet with flat three-piece links, a Swiss automatic (self-winding) movement and acrylic crystal. Alcocer only made 50 of these beauties and retailer SSENSE was lucky enough to get its hands on number 48. Pick it up here before someone else with $20,000 USD to spare beats you to it.

Ecoalf - Carry goods

Ecoalf introduces their new additions to their Spring Summer 2013 Bag lineup with a selection of goods that will ease well into the collections of many. What originally started out as a sustainable fashion brand has got us looking at their new range of duffels, backpacks and laptop cases. The range of functional quilted backpacks and water repellant totes made from plastic bottles and fishing nets are priced from $215 – $250. Ecoalf is now available at Barneys and Bloomingdales stateside as well as Oki-Ni, YMC, Harvey Nichols in Europe.

History of Audemars Piguet Timepieces

In 1875, Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet joined forces to produce watches with complex mechanisms. Based in La Brassus in the heart of Vallée de Joux in the Swiss Jura region, Audemars Piguet has been creating and marketing under its own name a range of Haute Horlogerie watches. 

Through World War I and the Great Depression the company managed to develop and despite the harsh economic situation at that time, mainly due to the production of ultra thin and ladies wristwatches. However, despite their survival through this difficult period, production was severely hit. In 1932, they produced only 2 watches compared to nearly 2000 in 1920, resulting in the workforce being reduced.

Today, the company, along with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, is sometimes claimed to be one of the "big three" Swiss watchmakers. Every timepiece manufactured in-house is still made using the old-fashioned hand-made technique. Currently you can find many of these beautiful Audemars Piguet timepieces on Chrono24.

In my opinion, when this company was founded in 1875, much of the craftsmanship included hand-cranked lathes to turn the and create many of the components inside the timepiece. Audemars Piguet has maintained that same craftsmanship on today's models. Piguet are also know to be some of the most complex and sophisticated mechanisms in the timepiece world. Their mindset to create a limited number of pieces is, they see hand building these more of an art form than anything. The artisans assemble and disassemble each pieces three times before completing the assembly and shipping it off.

Fidelis Co. - Fidelis Field Notebook

Fidelis Co was founded of the mindset that in today’s demanding and challenging world we must demand and expect more from the tools we carry and things we use. Fidelis, born from the experiences of our founder Tim O’Neil—a United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer—took a long range view of the things we offer, design and manufacture; knowing that it is not acceptable to have a product fail in your time of need because too often the cost of failure is too great.

The Fidelis Field Notebook really caught my eye a while back when i was checking out Tim's brand. I've always been a sucker for military gear or even products i used while in the military. One of my favorite notepads to this day is the Rite in the Rain notepad. Rite in the Rain managed to come up with notepads that wouldn't go soggy or not allow you to write due to the weather conditions. Pair this notepad with the Fidelis Field Notebook and you have a perfect Pair. Fidelis' notebook features my favorite 1000D Courda fabric that can handle being tossed around, rubbed against tough terrain without it tearing or ripping. Fidelis mixes the military's olive drab with one of the symbolic colors of the United States Marine Corps. Red. Go grab one of these awesome notebooks here.

Hellbrand Leatherworks - Leather iPad Mini Case

Sized perfectly for the iPad mini. Cut outs at the top for easy access. Available in English Tan Dublin, Black Chromexcel, Natural Chromexcel, Brown Chromexcel, or Pebble Grained Football leather.

Grab one here.

Rothco - Carry Goods Picks

MOLLE 3 Day Assault Pack - MOLLE (pronounced molly, as in the female name) is an 
acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is used to define the current generation of load-bearing equipment and rucksacks utilized by a number of NATO armed forces, especially the British Army and the United States Army. The system's modularity is derived from the use of PALS webbing as rows of heavy-duty nylon stitched onto the vest to allow for attachment of various MOLLE-compatible pouches and accessories. This method of attachment has become a 
de facto standard for modular tactical gear, replacing the ALICE system used in the earliest modular vest systems. The 3 day assault packs were made to be big enough to carry sustainment gear, extra ammo, IFAKs, and all manners of tactical elements.

Vintage Washed Helmet Bag - Made from canvas, these bags were designed for aviation units to put their flight helmets into and other various gear.

Backpack Duffel Bag - This bag was based on the standard issue military duffel that all branches of the military use to transport their gear, uniforms, footwear, etc. Its a top loaded made from Cotton Canvas (original being made from Nylon)

AÃRK COLLECTIVE - Iconic Graphite Timepiece

The Iconic is a statement. Influenced by industrial and avionic instruments, it is raw, tough and precise. With solid form and proportions, it’s a utilitarian piece built for durability and aesthetic beauty; its endurance and strength are paramount.

At the core of the Iconic lies a 1:10 chronograph Japanese Quartz movement. Its dial is designed for both function and symmetry, with acid-etched details and a rotating bezel that can keep track of elapsed time. A 3mm Italian calfskin leather band complements the durability of the case, and softens with each wear for every day comfort. The 316L Aircraft-grade stainless steel has been PVD ion plated, which, combined with the 42mm diameter construction, ensures the Iconic will remain strong and intact.

Buy one HERE

Tod’s 2013 Spring/Summer Double Stripe Selection

There’s signature flair about every great piece. The Swoosh; the apple; the sportsman atop his horse. Such branding makes pieces unique and also ensures a certain quality. To this, Italian luxury label Tod’s introduces a new range of men’s bags for Spring/Summer 2013: the Double Stripe Selection. This collection of handmade pieces includes carry-ons, briefcases and portfolios, each distinguished with two bold stripes along the sides. Of course, bags by Tod’s are made with premium Italian leather, constructed to withstand the demands of every day use, yet also crafted to compliment the refined gentleman who dares to rock one. The pieces are fully customizable at Tod’s retail locations in New York and Los Angeles. Look for the Tod’s Spring/Summer 2013 Double Stripe Selection on the brand’s web shop or at their U.S. and European brick and mortar storefronts.

Tanner Goods - Field Camera Bag

Tanner Goods field camera bag is constructed from the same heavy weight waxed filter twill as their other bag collection. They've put these bags through the ringer in testing and think you'll approve of the result. 

Lined in heavy, felted wool, the interior sleeve can be arranged in various forms allowing for a customizable pocket layout.

Blender Agency x Prohunter Rolex Military Submariner

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Oslo-based fashion showroom Blender Agency commissioned a limited edition Rolex Military Submariner design from custom watch master, Prohunter. Agency owners and Rolex collectors Magnus Thorud and Kyrre Alver collaborated to create the watch, which features a sleek update to the original 1972 design. The 40mm case is coated in black carbon with special military ceramic inserts from Switzerland. Along with the Rolex crown, the custom black bezel insert includes white logos from Blender and Prohunter, surrounded by the full 60 minute markers. Finishing the works of art are the classic G10 straps, available in black, green or custom camouflage. Each watch back is engraved with the edition number, from 1 to 10, and “BLENDER AGENCY 10th.” These treasures are available only by request to the Blender Agency.