The Best New Gadgets and Hi-Fi Releases of 2025 (Updated)

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Including Marshall’s reimagined amplifiers, LG’s next-gen TVs and Klipsch’s affordable soundbar.

As usual, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off the new year in a big way: tons of exciting new tech and gadgets were announced, from next-gen TVs to charging accessories galore. We also saw laptops with expanding screens, as well as transformative Dolby Atmos soundbars.

But the product release cycle keeps on keepin’ on, though actually keeping track of every new gadget and hi-fi release is a tall order for even the most dedicated enthusiast.

Catch up below and don’t forget to bookmark for later. This is a rolling list and routinely updated throughout the year.

TAD-ME1TX Bookshelf Speaker SystemTAD

TAD ME1TX Bookshelf Speaker System

TAD, or Technical Audio Devices, is a Japanese hi-fi maker known for its extremely high-end and expensive loudspeakers. To date, its smallest and most affordable speakers, the bookshelf-sized ME1, cost $15,000 — and the ME1TX is a new-and-improved version of the entry-level speakers. They feature updated drivers and a more rigid cabinet design and promise overall improvements over their 2016-released predecessor.

Audio Pro A28 wireless speakers in walnutAudio Pro

Audio Pro A28 Wireless Speakers (Walnut)

Released in 2022, the Audio Pro A28 is a bookshelf-sized active speaker system with numerous wired and wireless connections — you can use it as a sound system for your turntable or TV and stream music to it over Bluetooth Wi-Fi. To date, The Swedish audio company has only offered its A28 speaker system in two finishes, black or white, but now has now introduced a third walnut finish, which takes inspiration from vintage audio gear.

Onkyo Icon amplifiers 2025Onkyo

Onkyo Icon Series Amplifiers

In recent years, Onkyo has been best known for its AV receivers, but the heritage Japanese audio brand is returning to its roots by releasing a line of amplifiers aimed squarely at audiophiles. The upcoming Icon series consists of the Icon P-80 network preamplifier, M-80 power amplifier, and A-50 network integrated amplifier. All are expected to ship later this year.

Amazfit Active 2 smartwatchAmazfit

Amazfit Active 2

Amazfit’s second-generation Active looks poised to become one of the best budget-friendly smartwatches. It’s packed with sensors and features for health, sleep, and fitness tracking. Its large circular OLED display can be brightened up to 2,000 nits. Its superb 10-day battery life is significantly better than that of any current Apple Watch.

Sonos Era 100 Pro (Pair)

The Sonos Era 100 Pro is the same wireless speaker as the Era 100, but it lacks a USB-C port for power and instead supports Power over Ethernet ( PoE) — it can get power and data through a single ethernet cable. This makes it easier for commercial setups, like in restaurants and offices, as it doesn’t require a separate power cable. The Era 100 Pro is not available for purchase by consumers; instead, businesses must contact an approved Sonos installer. They are also sold in pairs.

FiiO K17 headphone ampFiiO

FiiO K17 Headphone Amplifier

The FiiO K17 is a gorgeous headphone amplifier for headphone enthusiasts. It features the same high-quality dual-DAC combo (AK4191/AK4499EX) as the flagship $1,000 streamer, S15. It’s unique because it has a 3.93-inch touchscreen display and streaming capabilities. It supports high-resolution Bluetooth streaming with support for LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive. It also plays audio from digital and analog sources, such as a turntable or CD player.

Onkyo Creator Series speakersOnkyo

Onkyo Creator Series

Onkyo has released a new Creator Series featuring two sets of affordable powered speaker systems, Creator GX10DB and Creator GX30ARC. Both support Bluetooth streaming and numerous wired connections — including a built-in MM phono preamp — and thus are designed for plug-and-play solutions for your desktop or a basic audio system. Aside from size and price, the main difference is that the larger GX30ARC has an HDMI-ARC connection, allowing them to work as TV speakers.

Samsung S95F OLED (2025)Samsung

Samsung S95F QD-OLED

The Samsung S95F is the company’s flagship OLED TV for 2025. Like its predecessor, the S95D, the S95F features the company’s matte anti-glare glass, making it one of the best OLEDs for brightly lit rooms. But the S95F has an even brighter OLED panel — in fact, Samsung claims it’s the “world’s brightest” OLED TV — and, thanks to an improved refresh rate that maxes out at 165Hz, it promises to be an even better TV for gamers.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 wireless earbudsAudio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 are midrange wireless earbuds decked out with premium features, including active noise-cancellation and transparency modes, wireless charging and pretty stellar battery life. However, the most interesting thing about them is that they are integrated with what the Audio-Technica calls Magnetic Switch” technology. This allows the earbuds to magnetically snap together and power off without the charging case. This allows you to leave the charging case at home and not worry about the earbuds dying or getting lost.

Technics EAH-AZ100 earbudsTechnics

Technics EAH-AZ100

To celebrate the Japanese hi-fi brand’s 60th anniversary, Technics released a new pair of flagship noise-canceling wireless earbuds. They’re the successor to the company’s previous flagship buds, the EAH-AZ80, but the 2025-released EAH-AZ100 have been redesigned (they’re smaller) and all-around improved. The most significant upgrade is that they sport the company’s proprietary fluid magnetic drivers, which promise to deliver a more accurate sound with an even wider soundstage.

Klipsch Flexus Core 100Klipsch

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The Flexus Core 100 is an affordable 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar that leverages Klipsch’s loudspeaker technologies and Onkyo’s amplification (the same parent company owns the two). When it was initially released in 2024, Klipsch only offered it in black, but now it’s released a more premium version with a light grey and walnut finish.

Moft Invisible StandMoft

Moft Invisible Stand

Moft’s Invisible Stand is a new-and-improved version of the company’s 2019 Laptop Stand. Like its predecessor, the Invisible Stand has an origami-inspired design that folds flat and thus easily slips into a laptop sleeve. However, it differs in that it has a non-adhesive design with an anti-slip base. It also has a sturdier build with built-in magnets to support two viewing angles (for typing and drawing).

FiiO Snowsky Retro NanoFiiO

FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano

The FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano is a tiny portable DAC/amplifier designed to boost the audio quality of your wired headphones. It has dual Cirrus CS43131 DACs and 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced jacks, allowing it to support various wired headphones. It also supports Bluetooth and can be used wirelessly, essentially making your wired headphones wireless. Obviously, it’s meant to look like a tiny Sony Walkman. It even has a tiny display that can show an animation of a small cassette tape playing.

Anker 140W chargerAnker

Anker 140W Charger

The Anker 140W Charger is a 140-watt wall adapter capable of simultaneously charging four devices via its four USB ports (3x USB-C, USB-A). While Anker has offered several such wall adapters with a built-in screen that displays charging information, this model is among its smallest and most portable. Additionally, all four ports are located on the bottom (as opposed to the side), helping it stay balanced and more easily fit cables when located in tight spaces (like behind a desk or couch).

LG Ultrafine 6K MonitorLG

LG Ultrafine 6K Monitor (32U990A)

The newest addition to LG’s beloved line of Ultrafine monitors looks like a bonafide rival (and likely significantly more affordable option) to Apple’s Pro Display XDR. Admittedly, details about this 32-inch monitor are pretty scarce at the time of writing, but it claims to be the world’s first 6K display that supports Thunderbolt 5 (making it an ideal partner for Apple’s newest Macs with M4 Pro chips). It also features a Nano IPS Black panel, helping it deliver a picture with excellent contrast and color accuracy.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung’s 2025 lineup of Galaxy smartphones consists of three models. The 6.2-inch Galaxy S25 and 7.7-inch Galaxy S25+ are largely the same aside from size, featuring the same designs, displays and cameras as last year’s Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+. The big upgrades being that they pack next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processors and more advanced AI features. The flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra is mostly the same as its predecessor, too, but has a slightly bigger screen with curved edges. It features the same processor and AI upgrades as its smaller siblings.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6Lenovo

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6

Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is the world’s first laptop with a “rollable” display — with a press of a button, its 14-inch landscape display can expand upward to become a 16.7-inch vertical display. The Windows laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor and has 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD. It was revealed in 2023 as a concept design, but it’s finally coming to market in 2025.

Marshall Modified Series and Studio 900 Series of AmplifiersMarshall

Marshall Modified Series and Studio 900 Series Amplifiers

Marshall reimagined some of its most iconic guitar amplifiers in two new series. The Modified Series consists of two amps, the JCM800 Modified and 1959 Modified, which are factory-modified versions of its classic JCM800 and 1959 amplifiers. For years, Marshall has modified its vintage amps for artists, but this is their first time making them for consumers. And the Studio 900 Series consists of the Studio 900 Head and Studio 900 Combo, which are smaller, “more practical” versions of its JCM900 amplifier, which was released in the 90s and used by some of the most popular rock, punk and metal bands of that era.

Acoustic Energy 300 Series loudspeakers (2025)Acoustic Energy

Acoustic Energy 300 Series Loudspeakers (2025)

The British loudspeaker maker has revamped its mid-range 300 Series of loudspeakers, which was initially released in 2018. The 2025 models have improved acoustics thanks to an all-new mid-woofer and soft-dome tweeter, the latter of which borrows technology from AE’s highest-end Corinium floorstanding speakers. There are four different loudspeaker models in the updated line: AE300² (stand-mount), AE309² (three-way floorstanding), AE320² (four-way floorstanding) and AE307² (center channel).

Korg Handytraxx play turntableKorg

Korg Handytraxx Play

The Handytraxx Play is the most entry-level of Korg’s new line of Handytraxx portable record players. And it’s specifically designed for DJs.According to the brand, it features “cutting-edge digital effects, a built-in looper, and high-quality controls that make it possible to physically play with records on the go.” Its control panel can be flipped around, thus accommodating both left- and right-handed DJs.

CalDigit Element 5 HubCalDigit

CalDigit Element 5 Hub

The CalDigit Element 5 Hub is the company’s first Thunderbolt 5-enabled hub. It has nine total ports — including six USB-C (four of which support Thunderbolt 5) and three USB-A — that can distribute up to 90 watts of power. When paired with a Mac, it can support up to dual 60K (at 60Hz) or dual 4K (at 240Hz) external displays. Additionally, that Element 5 Hub is notably more compact than other Thunderbolt 5-enabled hubs.

Panasonic Z95B OLED TVPanasonic

Panasonic Z95B OLED

Last year, after more than a decade-long hiatus, Panasonic started selling TVs in the US again. The Z95A was its standout flagship OLED TV, and it was really well-reviewed by critics. This year, in 2025, the Panasonic Z95B is the successor to the Z95A. It features a new four-layer OLED panel — the same as LG uses in its 2025 OLED TVs — and promises to deliver an even better picture. Also notable is that it features a Technics-tuned Dolby Atmos system, complete with side- and up-firing speakers, which will have you asking: “Do I really need a soundbar?

Kanto Audio UKIKanto Audio

Kanto Audio UKI

The Canadian audio brand has made some of our favorite powered desktop speaker systems in recent years — the Ora4 ($400) and Ren ($600) are two recent examples — and the UKI aims to continue that trend. The speakers have a range of wired connections, so you can hook them up to your computer or turntable. And they support streaming via Bluetooth. Most notably, the two-way speakers stand just 6.5 inches tall and a pair costs $199, making them one of the company’s smallest and most affordable powered speaker systems.

Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo Hybrid Instant CameraFujifilm

Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo Hybrid Instant Camera

Fujifilm’s Instax Wide Evo is a hybrid film camera and successor to the 2022-released Instax Mini Evo. The main differences with the Wide Evo are that it’s bigger, more expensive and supports the company’s Wide format instant film, and thus can print photos that are twice as wide as the Mini Evo. The camera features a 3.5-inch LCD display that lets you view and edit photos before printing. Its built-in memory can store roughly 45 images, but it does support microSD cards for increased photo storage. And the camera also can double as a smartphone printer — you just need to download the free companion app.

LG 2025 OLED TVsLG

LG 2025 OLED TVs

LG has once again revealed its 2025 lineup of OLED TVs ahead of CES — it consists of the B5, C5, G5, and flagship M5. Compared to their predecessors, these next-gen models have similar designs but pack improved processors, upgraded gaming features, and advanced AI capabilities. Regarding picture quality, the biggest improvements come to the higher-end G5 and flagship M5, which have new “four-stack” OLED panels that promise to deliver a picture three times as bright as the company’s new B5 OLED.

Audioengine B1 Bluetooth transmitterAudioengine

Audioengine B1 Music Receiver (2025)

Audioengine B1 (2025) is a next-gen version of the company’s original Bluetooth music receiver. It looks identical to past models, but Audioengine has upgraded it in two key ways. First, it supports aptX Adaptive, a next-generation Bluetooth codec that can play higher-quality wireless audio. And second, it also features an upgraded ESS-9018K2M DAC, which the brand says upsamples audio to 32-bit/96kHz.

Samsung The Frame ProSamsung

Samsung The Frame Pro

The Frame Pro is an ungraded version of Samsung’s super popular The Frame TV. Like its non-Pro sibling, The Frame Pro is a lifestyle TV that hangs on your wall and, thanks to a framed border and an ability to display artwork when idle, blends into your home. However, the difference is The Frame Pro has Samsung’s newest Neo QLED display with mini-LED backlighting. This promises to improve its contrast and brightness greatly and thus deliver the best possible picture ever in a The Frame TV.

Insta360 Flow 2 ProInsta360

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro

Insta360’s Flow 2 Pro is an upgraded version of the company’s Flow Pro smartphone gimbal that was released midway through 2024. The second-generation model has a sturdier and more rigid build, making it easier to capture more creative shots. It has a built-in selfie mirror so you make sure you’re in the frame while vlogging. It has more advanced subject-tracking capabilities. And, like its predecessor, it supports Apple DockKit.

Samsung HW-QS700F soundbarSamsung

Samsung HW-QS700F

The HW-QS700F is a first-of-a-kind Dolby Atmos soundbar for Samsung. It has an innovative “convertible” design that, along with a built-in gyroscope, allows it to adapt its sound to where and how it’s placed. The sensor detects how the soundbar is positioned — either horizontally on a tabletop or vertically wall-mounted — and then changes the jobs of its speaker drivers accordingly. When switched from a tabletop to being wall-mounted, its front-firing drivers and up-firing drivers change roles and vice versa the other way.

TCL QM6K 2025 TVTCL

TCL QM6K QD-Mini LED TV

The TCL QM6K is the company’s new premium entry-level TV for 2025. It delivers excellent picture quality — thanks, in large parts, to being integrated with the company’s Mini-LED backlighting technology — at a very affordable price tag. Additionally, each model has a built-in Onkyo 2.1 sound system and thus should sound good on its own (although you’ll probably want to upgrade to a soundbar in time). It comes in six sizes ranging from 50-inches to the 98-inches (absolutely huge); the popular 65-inch model starts at just $1,000.

Creative Labs Pebble Nove desktop speakersCreative Labs

Creative Labs Pebble Nova Speakers

The Pebble Nova are the biggest, best, and most expensive desktop speakers in Creative Labs’s popular Pebble line. They are similarly designed, with a spherical shape that features coaxial speaker drivers, but each speaker is roughly twice the size of other Pebble models. They output 50 watts of power (100 watts peak) and promise significantly better sound with much beefier bass.

FiiO JM21 Portable audio playerFiiO

FiiO JM21

The FiiO JM21 is the Chinese audio brand’s most affordable portable hi-fi player to date. It packs dual CS43198 DACs and supports high resolution up to 32-bit/384kHz (including PCM and DSD256). It has dual headphones, 3.5mm and 4.4mm (balanced). It runs an Android operating system and supports streaming apps like Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal. It has built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to use your wireless headphones or earbuds, too.

Dynaudio Symphony Opus One soundbarDynaudio

Dynaudio Symphony Opus One

The Dynaudio Symphony Opus One is the Danish hi-fi maker’s first-ever soundbar. It’s massive and powerful, featuring 24 speakers inside and outputting up to 1,500 watts. Additionally, it’s designed to look like mid-century furniture, with its standout feature being its 72 vertically positioned motorized fins — each individually carved out of Japanese white oak — that open and close depending on whether the soundbar is being used or not.

Belkin Stage PowerGripBelkin

Belkin Stage PowerGrip

Belkin’s Stage PowerGrip is a MagSafe portable battery that, interestingly, is shaped like a camera grip, making it easier to hold while capturing photos and videos. Unfortunately, there’s no built-in shutter button. The pack has a 10,000mAh capacity and can wirelessly charge your iPhone at 7.5 watts. It also has an integrated USB-C cable for charging a second device.

DJI Flip droneDJI

DJI Flip

The DJI Flip is a lightweight, entry-level drone designed for beginner pilots and vloggers who want to record high-quality videos — it has a large 48-megapixel sensor and can capture 4K video at 60fps. It’s a drone that takes off right out of your hand and is super easy to fly, which can be done with or without a controller (the latter you’ll need for full manual control). It also has advanced object avoidance features for the company’s higher-end drones. Besides its relatively affordable price tag, Flip’s standout feature is its unique foldable design, where its four large propellers collapse downward into a travel-friendly package.

Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical KeyboardSatechi

Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Keyboard

The Satechi SM3 is the well-known Apple accessory maker’s first full-sized mechanical keyboard. Like its predecessor, the Satechi SM1, it has an aluminum enclosure, tactile keys, backlighting, and the ability to work wired (via USB-C) or wirelessly (via Bluetooth 5.0). But the SM3 has a 108-key layout, complete with a numeric keypad, and promises to be a bigger, more comfortable typing companion for your Mac (or Windows) computer.

Swippitt smartphone charging systemSwippitt

Swippitt Instant Power System

Swippitt is a modular smartphone system consisting of a hub (the oversized toaster-looking thing) and Swippitt’s specialized smartphone cases. Each case has a built-in battery that, when low, you place the entire smartphone into the hub’s opening (top); it then swaps out the old battery with a fully charged one in seconds. This way, you never have to wait for your smartphone to charge.

Astrohaus Freewrite WordrunnerAstrohaus

Astrohaus Freewrite Wordrunner

The Freewrite Wordrunner is a unique mechanical keyboard specifically designed for writers. It features an electromechanical “wordometer” that keeps track of how many words you type; an electromechanical sprint timer for writing sprint sessions; and a function key row populated with keys specific for writing (like “Find,” “Replace,” “Paragraph Up” and “Paragraph Down”). It can be used wired (USB-C) or wirelessly (Bluetooth), and is compatible with Macs and PCs. It will run as a Kickstarter and, if you put $1 down now, it ensures you’ll get the keyboard for the lowest Early Bird price.

Moft Find My Snap-on Phone Stand & WalletMoft

Moft Find My-Enabled Snap-on Phone Stand and Wallet

As its name gives away, the Moft Find My-Enabled Snap-on Phone Stand and Wallet is an updated version of the company’s existing MagSafe-compatible minimalist wallet that works with Apple’s Find My network. It looks and works the same (albeit slightly thicker), but you can use the Find My app on your iPhone to find it if it gets misplaced. It has a four-month battery life and supports wireless charging, so you can wirelessly charge it with the same puck/stand you use to recharge your iPhone.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 headphonesBeyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is the renowned German hi-fi brand’s new flagship active noise-canceling headphones. They pack the same Stellar.45 driver as Beyerdynamic’s studio headphones line (including the DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X). They support Dolby Atmos head tracking technology and are Apple MFi certified, thus promising to deliver an incredibly immersive spatial audio experience. And they have an excellent 50-hour battery life.

Dell 32 Plus 4K QD OLEDDell

Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED

The Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED is a 31.5-inch monitor with a gorgeous 4K OLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate. The most interesting thing about it, however, is that it supports spatial audio with AI-driven head-tracking. So, no matter where you are in front of the monitor, its speakers will aim its audio directly at you so that you’re always positioned in the “sweet spot.” It’s like Apple’s Center Stage, but instead of making sure your face is always in the frame during video calls, it does that with audio so what you’re listening to always sounds its best. It’s a cool feature for those who don’t always like to wear headphones.

Klipsch Music City Party SpeakersKlipsch

Klipsch Music City Party Speakers

The Klipsch Music City Party Speakers are large portable Bluetooth speakers that feature RGB lighting (you can customize the light patterns via a companion app) and include a microphone for karaoke. Each speaker packs a horn-loaded tweeter — a Klipsch staple — and promises to pack a bass-heavy punch. The three speakers are named after US cities: Klipsch Vegas ($299, center), Klipsch Miami ($549, right) and Klipsch New York ($699, left).

Komutr EarbudsArtronic

Artronic Komutr

Artronic’s Komutr are budget-friendly wireless earbuds with a pretty ingenious feature. Their charging case is a MagSafe-compatible accessory that can magnetically snap to the back of your iPhone. This is convenient and makes the earbuds and charging case more difficult to misplace. The lid of the case also works as a kickstand.

Lenco LS-570WA turntableLenco

Lenco LS-570WA

The Lenco LS-570WA is a plug-and-play all-in-one record player system. It features a belt-drive turntable with a moving-magnetic cartridge, a switchable phono preamplifier, and a powered four-speaker system capable of outputting 80 watts of power. It also has built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to stream audio when you want to take a break from vinyl.

JLab

JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition

The JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition are the budget-friendly audio brand’s most advanced (and expensive) over-ear headphones to date. They pack “high-fidelity” 32mm dynamic drivers and can play LDAC high-resolution audio files. They have adaptive active noise-cancellation and, interestingly, support wireless charging via the included magnetic charging pad.

Victrola Wave turntableVictrola

Victrola Wave

The Victrola Wave is the budget-friendly audio maker’s new entry-level hi-fi turntable. It has built-in Bluetooth and supports aptX Adaptive and aptX HD streaming. Most interesting, it supports Auracast, a new-age audio-sharing feature that allows sources to stream audio to countless other supported audio devices. So the Wave can stream vinyl to any Auracast-ready speakers and headphones in your home.

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8 New Pocket Knives and Multi-Tools You Might Have Missed

Fascinating drops from Böker, Spyderco, Al Mar and other beloved brands highlight this roundup of sharp and shiny objects.

boker brlw meteorite damasteel half foldedBöker

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Just because SHOT Show is in the rearview mirror doesn’t mean the momentum of the knife and multi-tool industry has slowed down all that much, believe it or not.

This list will catch you up on all the weird and wonderful products we’ve seen lately, including some brand-new gems as well as under-the-radar finds that are equally compelling, if not more so.

To catch up on other notable knife and multi-tools, check out our rolling roundup of the best new knives and EDC releases of 2025.

tenable knives fenrir embedTenable Knives

Tenable Knives Fenrir

The Fenrir is a functional EDC knife with bold aesthetic lines, featuring a large belly and sharp point that make it versatile for everyday use. Multiple deployment options and versatile ergonomics ensure it’s a pleasure to handle.

Kansept Orion knife on gray backgroundKansept

Kansept Orion

Designed by JB Stout, the Orion has one exceptionally unusual feature: blade machining that harkens to the kinds of dimples found on high-end Japanese chef knives. Of course, there’s also a lot outside of that to love, like its high-end blade steel, titanium frame lock handle, triple deployment methods and much more.

Al Mar x Tops SERE Operator knife laying on tactical gloves and sheathAl Mar Knives

Al Mar x Tops SERE Operator

A revival of one of Al Mar’s most iconic knives, this version was made in tandem with the tactical experts at Tops. It retains its fan-favorite shape and form, including its signature spear point blade, 154CM steel and iconic handle. This is one instance where we’re glad to see little has changed, as this legendary military training knife was already practically perfect.

Böker Plus Lefti knife on gray backgroundBöker

Böker Plus Lefti

Böker and US designer Chuck Gedraitis have come together to reimagine an iconic locking mechanism, the Walker Liner Lock, by making it ambidextrous for the first time ever. It’s a super simple, clever change—there’s a liner lock on each side of this EDC knife’s handle, but one is pinned by a screw—but it’s also effective and so seemingly obvious, it’s a wonder nobody has tried it before.

Spyderco Slym knife on gray backgroundSpyderco

Spyderco Slym

An exclusive offering based on Italian designer Michele Pensato’s fan-favorite Skinny knife, this lionSteel x Spyderco knife is, in a word, gorgeous. It also boasts elements — like a Reeve Integral Lock and inlayed titanium handle — that harken to one of the most legendary knives of all time, the Chris Reeve Sebenza.

Boker BRLW Meteorite Damast embedBöker

Böker BRLW Meteorite Damast

Böker reaches for the stars with this unique high-end Barlow knife. The ball-bearing clip-point blade, hand-forged by Chad Nichols from meteorite Damascus, a composite of real iron meteorite and carbon steel, entrances with its “Mosaic Crossed Damascus Pattern.” Other highlights include a meteorically textured titanium handle, integrated framelock and milled titanium pocket clip.

crkt daktyl embedCRKT

CRKT Daktyl Slide Lock

With a unique deployment mechanism that recalls Ed VanHoy’s mind-bending Snap Lock Folder, the Daktyl is one multi-functional conversation piece. Not only is the blade is a formidable 3.05 inches but also the hole at its base opens up into a carabiner for easy clipping and it doubles as a bottle opener.

Al Mar Havana Clipper Cigar Cutter on gray backgroundAl Mar

Al Mar Havana Clipper

This tiny EDC knife — which measures up at just 4.66 inches in total — comes from a legendary brand in the tactical space. But this isn’t a tactical knife. It’s a compact EDC knife with a really clever hidden power. See that cutout in the handle? That’s for cutting cigars. It’s not just a novelty, either — the materials stack up, making this a great all-around knife alongside its hidden functionality.

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The Original ‘Scratchproof’ Watch From the 1960s Just Got a Very 2025 Update

Swiss watch brand Rado bills itself as the Master of Materials, and while a few higher-end brands probably have a more legitimate claim to that title — namely Hublot and Richard Mille — Rado’s history of materials innovation goes back far further than either of those brands has even existed.

The material with which Rado is most associated is ceramic. The brand’s Ceramica in 1990 was the first watch to have both a ceramic case and bracelet, its metallic-like High-Tech Ceramic debuted in 1986 and back in 1962, Rado debuted the DiaStar as the “world’s first scratchproof watch.”

We know now that there is no such thing as a scratchproof watch, but the DiaStar came pretty close. While not made of the now ubiquitous zirconium oxide ceramic found in contemporary watchmaking, the original DiaStar’s case was made of highly scratch-resistant tungsten carbide, and most sources still credit the Diastar as the world’s first ceramic watch.

Rado still makes several versions of the DiaStar today, and the brand just launched a new version that takes the 1960s watch and gives it a makeover that seems tailor-made for the watch industry in 2025.

a rado watch on a persons wrist
Is Rado kicking off 2025 with an unexpected sleeper hit?
Rado

Small and Colorful, Still Tough As Nails

Prior to this new release, Rado’s current catalog contained just three DiaStar references with cases made of Ceramos, the brand’s proprietary tungsten carbide alloy that is the closest you can get to a vintage DiaStar case today.

Those versions were all 38mm automatics and comprised a special 60th-anniversary edition with a faceted dial and mesh bracelet, a two-tone gold PVD model and just one standard version with a blue dial.

Some of Patagonia’s Best Ski and Snowboard Apparel Is Hugely Discounted Right Now

With ski season getting into gear, it’s the perfect time to score early deals on top-notch jackets, pants and bibs.

patagonia powderPatagonia

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

When it comes to snagging ski and snowboard deals, we typically advise shopping during late spring, when prices on all the previous season’s gear get seriously slashed.

However, Patagonia’s recently announced winter sale has us breaking that rule, because a ton of great stuff is already deeply discounted — as much as 50% off — and if you pounce now, you can still rock it for the better half of this ski season.

Below you’ll find some of our favorite deals on snow jackets, pants and bibs, all 30 percent off and available in a range of sizes and colors.

Happy pow chasing.

patagonia mens insulated powder town jacket embedPatagonia

Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket

This do-it-all jacket comes complete with a 2-layer H2No Performance Standard shell, Thermogreen insulation and a taffeta liner. A PFAS–free DWR finish keeps you dry, while a two-way adjustable hood, adjustable hem and pit zips enable fine-tuned climate control. 

patagonia mens snowdrifter jacket embedPatagonia

Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket

Thanks to recycled 3-layer stretch fabric featuring waterproof-breathable H2No Performance Standard protection, this streamlined jacket can take  you smoothly from the resort to the skin track. Other compelling qualities include a two-way adjustable hood, low-profile powder skirt and pit zips.

patagonia mens untracked jacket embedPatagonia

Patagonia Untracked Jacket

This backcountry-ready jacket optimizes both your uphill and downhill experience. It boasts 3-layer 100% recycled nylon Gore-Tex ePE performance fabric with a soft-knit interior backer, enabling you to move freely while staying protected from the elements. An adjustable hood and hem, watertight zippers, smartly placed pockets and pit zips round out the premium features.

patagonia mens powder town pants embedPatagonia

Patagonia Powder Town Pants

Made of durable, waterproof, breathable 2-layer H2No Performance Standard shell fabric, these pants are compatible with any Patagonia snow jacket thanks to a webbing loop on the rear yoke that attaches to the powder skirt. The waist is adjustable, gaiters help to keep out snow and mesh-lined leg vents on the outer thighs make it easy to dump heat in a hurry.

patagonia mens stormstride pants embedPatagonia

Patagonia Stormstride Pants

This ultra-active waterproof snow shell pairs well with the backcountry-ready jackets above. It’s optimized for uphilling thanks to stretchy 3-layer  3-layer H2No Performance Standard fabric and generous zippered thigh vents, plus gaiters, scuff guards and easy-access cargo pockets.

patagonia storm shift jacket embedPatagonia

Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket

One of Patagonia’s best snow jackets boasts 2-layer GORE-TEX ePE fabric and a body-mapped zigzag fleece lining, delivering storm protection and moisture wicking so you stay high and dry. An adjustable hood and hem plus easy-to-reach pit zips ensure optimal comfort and climate control.

patagonia snowdrifter bibs embedPatagonia

Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs

These bibs are perfect for backcountry touring thanks to light, stretchy 3-layer H2No Performance Standard shell fabric that is waterproof and breathable and a soft polyester knit interior backer helps wick sweat without compromising movement. The bibs also feature detachable suspenders for easy entry, a drop-seat design — with side zips that double as vents — for answering nature’s call, and pockets on the thighs and chest for stashing essentials.

Looking for even more deals? You can shop the full men’s and women’s winter sales using these buttons.

From Our Partners

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Yeti’s Bag Brand Just Revamped Its Already Excellent EDC Backpacks

Last year, Yeti purchased the cult-favorite bag brand Mystery Ranch. Since then, there has been some mystery (pun intended) about what will happen to the newly acquired pack purveyor, including rumors that Yeti might eliminate it almost entirely.

If its latest releases are any indication, this beloved brand still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Most interestingly, Mystery Ranch relaunched its In and Out backpacks with a pair of new EDC-ready takes. Now, they’re better than ever.

Mystery Ranch In and Out Backpacks expanded and packed on green-yellow gradient background
Both sizes of revamped In and Out backpacks compress to about the size of a water bottle.
Mystery Ranch

Pack it up, pack it in

As mentioned, the Mystery Ranch In and Out bags aren’t technically brand new. The originals were released in the late 2010s. However, these new ones have a host of improvements that make them superior to the original.

They’re still extremely packable, compressing to about the size of a water bottle. However, unlike similarly packable bags, these have more comfortable contoured shoulder straps alongside a sternum strap for additional security, stabilization, and improved ergonomics.

Furthermore, they’re extremely lightweight. The larger of the two (25L) weighs under a pound, while the smaller one (18L) weighs just 0.8 pounds.

Buffalo Trace’s Wild New Bottle Is Unlike Any Whiskey It’s Ever Made

To find out, Wheatley selected two different types of hops common in beer-making — Saaz noble hops, a European variety common in Bohemian beers, and the American Zythos hops, which are known for their tropical flavor profile — and infused them into raw rye bourbon whiskey distillate for 30 minutes.

a buffalo trace whiskey bottle next to a glass of whiskey on a bar
The bottle seeks to discover what a hops-infused whiskey would taste like.
Buffalo Trace Distillery

This hop-infused distillate was then redistilled and aged in charred white oak casks for 11 years and seven months before being diluted to 90 proof and bottled as the 26th entry in the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection.

So what does a hoppy whiskey-like spirit taste like? Well, I haven’t tried it myself, but we can get a pretty good idea based on the distillery’s tasting notes.

Thanks to the eleven-plus years of aging, the hop aroma and hop flavors are evident while providing a balanced bitterness that blends well with the spirit’s oaky whiskey character

Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace says the spirit has an especially hoppy nose with citrus and herbal notes like you’ll find in certain beers, along with the vanilla and oak scents typical of an aged whiskey.

On the palate, the liquid is said to be citrus-heavy with herbal and oak undertones, while the finish is clean and crisp. Honestly, this sounds more beer-like than anything to me, so I’d be curious to experience this one firsthand.

This Space-Inspired Watch Has an Astronomical Complication

Spaceone’s Tellurium cements the upstart brand’s mission to make Haute Horlogerie affordable.

SpaceOne Tellurium WatchSpaceOne

For those not already familiar, SpaceOne was founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Guillaume Laidet and independent watchmaker Théo Auffret as a neo-futuristic watchmaking workshop dedicated to making stunning Haute Horlogerie affordable.

SpaceOne’s second release, the Tellurium, features an in-house complication — developed and assembled in the brand’s Paris workshop — centered on a heliocentric Tellurium-type planetary wheel linked to a simple calendar, indicating the date (jumping) and current month (sliding). Its 42mm titanium case defies established geometry, resembling a smooth, silver pebble, curved on both sides and topped by a domed sapphire crystal. The dial is made of mesmerizing aventurine.

While the SpaceOne is not the first brand to offer a timepiece with a telluric complication, it may be the first to do it at such an approachable price point (€2,990) and in such a groundbreaking, futuristic design. The Tellurium is available in Blue and Black Titanium; each colorway is limited to 200 pieces.

SpaceOne Tellurium WatchSpaceOne

Spaceone Tellurium

From Our Partners

Spyderco Does Its Best Chris Reeve Impression with a Gorgeous Gentleman’s Knife

Although this year has only begun, Spyderco came out of the gate swinging for the fences. Visit the brand’s site, and you’ll find a wide selection of what the Glesser-run outfit will release in 2025.

While the New Product Reveal has much to love, one particular EDC knife caught my eye. The Spyderco Slym is a gorgeous gentleman’s knife that draws reasonable comparisons to one of the most legendary folding knives ever.

Spyderco Slym knife on gray gradient background
With sleek lines, impressive materials and outstanding mechanisms, the Slym is a welcome surprise.
Spyderco

Real recognize real

The Chris Reeve Sebenza is an EDC knife that needs no introduction. Since its first release in the late 1980s, it has consistently appeared on best-of lists. It’s also one of my favorite grail-worthy heirloom pocket knives.

Comparing anything to the Sebenza raises lofty expectations. Even so, the Slym boasts numerous aspects that remind me of the legendary Reeve-designed knife.

The most obvious is the R.I.L. (Reeve Integral Lock), an integrated version of the fan-favorite frame lock designed by Chris Reeve himself. The Slym’s titanium handle, with its carbon fiber inlay, also resembles the Sebenza’s.

Sonos Just Quietly Released a New Speaker for Bespoke Audio Systems

The advanced mount is designed to work on various surface materials and features an indexed ball joint that offers up to 30° of pan and tilt range as well as a full 360° of rotation. 

Installers likewise have the option of hiding or exposing the necessary ethernet cabling. There’s even a locking base plate to prevent theft and the option of using a detachable hook for extra mounting stability.

The Era 100 Pro also supports new zone audio features

Picture of a stylish modern restaurant dining room with Sonos Era 100 Pro speakers mounted high above the windowsSonos

Alongside the unique hardware, Sonos is introducing a new software zoning feature that gives buyers more control and flexibility over dividing, grouping and controlling music playback across Era 100 Pros installed in larger rooms or spaces.

The Zones feature is exclusive to the Era 100 Pro. You’ll be able to group up to 16 Era 100 Pro speakers in a single zone. When together, each speaker will play the same audio at the same value level.

According to Sonos, the Zoning feature is available via a software update on iOS and Android on the Sonos app.

Why I Won’t Buy Harbor Freight’s Viral $40 Leatherman Multi-Tool Dupe

The Wirecutter recently reviewed Harbor Freight’s Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool. Not only did the review praise the $40 EDC knockoff, it went so far as to call it “better than a $120 Leatherman.” The publication even added the Gordon to its multi-tool best-of list, eschewing the Leatherman Wave+ entirely.

Wirecutter’s not alone in its comparison. Numerous YouTubers, Redditors, customer reviewers and even Harbor Freight’s own site have all compared the Gordon to Leatherman’s Wave+. Many of them have come to a similar conclusion, despite the tool’s astonishingly low price.

While I’ve seen news of this supposed Leatherman killer floating around EDC circles since its release a little less than a year ago, I’m here to tell you that I’m skeptical of these lofty claims. Here’s why you should be, too.

Gordon 20 in 1 Multi Tool cutting open a box
You might see a return on your investment using this multi-tool solely to cut open boxes. Maybe.
Harbor Freight

Materials matter

One of the most dubious things about the Gordon is its lack of material transparency. Leatherman, for instance, lists 440C and 440HC steel as what goes into the Wave+. These are traceable, respected steels with long histories of verifiable usage in the knife and EDC worlds. They’re also damn durable.

The Gordon, by contrast, merely lists “stainless steel” as its sole material. Unfortunately, this does little to clarify the material’s overall quality.

Stainless steel is a category of steel with only one requirement: a chromium content of at least 10 percent. Without further clarity on its numerical grade, there’s no way to gauge its elemental makeup, durability, hardness or other qualitative traits.

Timex Just Released Its Best Watch Ever. It’s Not Even Close

Timex has been undergoing a renaissance over the past several years under the guidance of its Italian design director, Giorgio Galli.

The crowning achievement of Timex’s modern rebirth up to this point has been Galli’s own eponymous line of watches, which began with the “Most ‘Timex’ Timex Ever Made” in 2022: the automatic Giorgio Galli S1.

Galli upped the ante with the second generation in 2023, the S2. With a part titanium case, a Swiss automatic movement and Swiss-made construction, the watch represented a new high point in quality for the affordable American brand. It also set a new high mark for pricing with an SRP just a hair under $1,000.

Now, Galli is back with the third and final entry in the series, and it’s not only the most impressive Giorgio Galli watch — it’s also the best watch Timex has ever made by a pretty wide margin.

a timex watch
Here it is, the most expensive and impressive Timex watch ever.
Timex

A $2,000 Timex?!

I’ll get the price out of the way up front, as there is sure to be some sticker shock here. The Timex Giorgio Galli S2Ti is priced at an eye-watering $1,950. That’s exactly double the cost of the $975 S2, which was already Timex’s most expensive watch ever. But once you see what the S2Ti actually offers, that price tag becomes a bit easier to swallow.

First, let’s go over what hasn’t changed. The watch maintains the 38mm case size, Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement and Swiss-made designation from the S2. It also features the same handset and dial design, including the unique stainless steel index ring, though the dial is now made of titanium and is gray rather than black.

Love Retro-Modern Dress Watches? You’re Gonna Want to See This

Vulcain just released a small second variant of its iconic Grand Prix dress watch — and it’s a looker.

Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second GreenVulcain

Vulcain has undergone quite the revival in recent years. Its latest release, a Small Second variant of the iconic Grand Prix dress watch, adds to the momentum with a fresh, feature-rich reference that infuses timeless heritage with a touch of modernity.

As the name implies, a small second feature at 6 o’clock distinguishes this timepiece while adding a healthy dose of vintage flare. Double-dome sapphire crystal and a semi-gloss sunburst finish dial design reinforce the retro vibes.

Sized for contemporary tastes with a 39mm diameter and 12.7mm thickness, and loaded with modern amenities including 5 ATM water resistance and an anti-reflective coating, the Grand Prix Small Second is powered by an exceptionally precise Swiss-made Landeron L246 automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve.

Available in two dial variations — Midnight Blue and Emerald Green — and a variety of strap colors, textures, and materials, the Vulcain Grand Prix Small Second starts at $1,420.

Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second GreenVulcain

Vulcain Grand Prix Small Second Green

Specs

Diameter 39mm
Thickness 12.7mm
Case Material Polished 316L Steel
Movement Landeron 24S6 Automatic
Power Reserve 40 hours

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The EDC Knife Lock That Changed Everything Is Now More Versatile Than Ever

In 1980, Michael Walker, one of the most significant designers in knifemaking history, patented a locking mechanism that would forever change the EDC world.

Now referred to colloquially as the liner lock, this mechanism has remained largely unchanged since its inception. Furthermore, it is still one of the most widely employed locking mechanisms. But it isn’t without its drawbacks.

However, the new Böker Plus Lefti has eliminated one of the liner lock’s most significant downsides. It’s such a clever, simple change that I can’t believe nobody has done it before.

two Böker Plus Lefti knives sitting on their sides on gray counter next to watch strap and EDC bag
The Lefti’s unusual blade slots somewhere between a Wharncliffe and a drop point.
Böker

Never walk(er) alone

To my knowledge, the Böker Plus Lefti is the first-ever EDC knife to offer an ambidextrous liner lock, meaning it can be used right- or left-handed. As mentioned, the way this was managed is incredibly simple.

Instead of having just a single liner lock, the Lefti has two — one on each side of the handle. However, the handle scales also have an additional screw, just behind the pivot, that can be used to pin one of the two liner locks in place. This keeps one lock from activating while allowing the other to slot into place when the knife is deployed.

The Best Affordable Rolex MilSub Homage Watch Is Back After a Decade

Pricing and Availability

The more affordable movement, omission of more complicated tech like the helium escape valve, and the fact that the watch is now mass-produced in Japan instead of painstakingly hand-assembled by Yao himself in America mean the Fulcrum 39 costs roughly half what its predecessor cost more than a decade ago — and that’s not even accounting for inflation.

a Mk II dive watch on a map
Those MilSub vibes are hard to beat.
Mk II

The Fulcrum debuted at $1,925 in 2013. The Fulcrum 39 costs just $995. That’s a pretty huge difference (accounting for inflation, that $1,925 in 2013 would be $2,608 today), and at that price, this watch is an absolute no-brainer for anyone looking to get a well-built tool watch with MilSub vibes.

Having said that, I expect demand to be through the roof. Mk II watches have always been hot commodities, with the brand’s “Benchmade” series often commanding years-long waits. Its “Ready to Wear” watches, which is what the Fulcrum 39 is, are easier to get a hold of but still sell out frequently, with long gaps before restocks.

So if you want a Fulcrum 39, I suggest signing up on Mk II’s website to be notified as soon as they become available on January 31. Oh, to further sweeten the pot, the first 100 watches sold will include both a black rubber strap and milspec Nytex I-M2 woven nylon strap in addition to the bracelet.

4 Strategies to Make Your Desktop More Ergonomic, According to the Pros

Your workspace might feel comfortable in the moment but haphazard ergonomics can take a toll on your body if you aren’t careful. Make an audit of your workspace and make sure it is up to snuff before aches and pains make you wish you’d done it earlier.

Proper ergonomics and immediate comfort aren’t the same thing, so it’s a good idea to defer to specialists. Years ago, at the height of the pandemic, experts from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine published the results of a survey in the journal Ergonomics in Design.

Today, it stands as excellent professional-grade advice you can apply right now for benefits that pay off in the days, weeks and years to come.

1. Make sure your screen is at the right height

A leading cause of pain from makeshift workstations stem from an improperly oriented screen. The study found that many laptop users’ screens are too low, causing neck strain from looking down for hours on end. Those with external displays often had them too high, causing the inverse problem.

tech roundup
Laptop or monitor stands allow you to dial in the height of your screen.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

The answer? The top of your main screen should be at eye level, to ensure that maximum screen real-estate is viewable from a neutral, forward head position. Any additional screens should be off to one side, but viewable straight on.

While it’s easy to accomplish with an external display, it can be a little tougher with a laptop. But a stack of books can help raise it up to an appropriate level with ease, though it may leave you with some trouble typing, which brings us to step two.

This Minimalist Sports Watch Has Something I’ve Never Seen Before

Few modern watch brands enjoy experimentation quite as much as Ulysse Nardin.

The brand today is best known for its Freak line which utilizes the watch’s movement as its dial and hands, and there are various levels of Freaks — the Freak X, Freak One, Freak S — that gradually increase the watch’s, uh, freakiness.

Arguably second to the Freak in importance in the brand’s current lineup is the Blast, a series of bold and angular watches known for their avant-garde designs. Many Blast models feature an X-shaped skeletonized movement, something that immediately makes them recognizable thanks to their unique architecture.

The latest Blast watch from Ulysse Nardin also features one of these Skeleton X movements, but it’s displayed in a way that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a watch before.

a Ulysse Nardin watch
No need to get your eyes checked, the dial’s supposed to be blurry.
Ulysse Nardin

Skeleton or Ghost?

UN’s new watch is a collab with Kyrgyz artist Vsevolod Sever Cherepanov, who goes by the moniker Amoureuxpeintre. The one-time Nike collaborator is known for his forward-thinking minimalist approach to design, and he used his signature style to put an interesting spin on the concept of a skeleton watch.

The Ulysse Nardin Blast Amoureuxpeintre is, at its core, a Skeleton X watch, but one that’s undergone an extreme reimagining. Typically on a Skeleton X, both the dial and caseback are made of transparent sapphire, offering a full view of the watch’s inner workings from both sides. This is the case for nearly all skeleton watches from every manufacturer.

This EDC Blade Borrows a Unique Feature from Japanese Chef’s Knives

Although both are cutting tools, EDC folding blades and chef knives usually share little else. That makes sense, as EDC knives are more general-purpose tools, whereas chef knives specialize in culinary tasks.

However, one of Kansept’s new EDC releases, the Orion, has a unique blade design typically found only in Japanese kitchen cutlery. This makes me wonder if these two knife categories shouldn’t share aspects more often.

Kansept Orion knife in hand on blue-pink background
The unique machining on the blade should help prevent whatever you’re cutting from sticking to the knife and may result in smoother cuts overall.
Kansept

Bizarre, beautiful blade

What you should first notice about the Kansept Orion is its blade. No, not the shape, not the material, not even the edge. Rather, notice the bevel (the sides of the blade).

While many knives have smoothly beveled blades, this one features grooved milling. Though slightly different in appearance, this milling is similar in execution and function to the dimples found on some chef knives.

In practice, this means the blade should offer smoother cuts, as there is less friction between it and the material you’re cutting. It also helps prevent said material — such as meat, veggies or whatever else — from sticking to the blade’s sides.

Photographers: We’re Giving Away a $1,000 MPB Gift Card

man taking picture of a pink sunset with cameraMPB

In the market for new-to-you camera gear? This $1,000 MPB gift card should do the trick.

The beginning of the year, as you plan new creative projects, might be the best time to upgrade your kit. That’s why we’ve teamed up with MPB, the leading platform for buying, selling, and trading camera equipment, to give away a $1,000 gift card.

Because MPB has everything from lenses and bodies to bags and tripods, one lucky winner will be able to customize their ultimate shopping spree to precisely their needs. Enter below before February 14 for your chance to win.

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Terms: No purchase necessary. Enter from January 27, 2025-Februrary 14, 2025 for your chance to win. Sweepstakes is open to residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are lawful U.S. residents, and are 18 years of age or older, as of the start date of the sweepstakes. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsor: Gear Patrol. See official rules for details and Sponsor’s privacy policy.

From Our Partners

Vulcain’s Latest Dress Watch Blends Vintage Charm and Modern Proportions

The Grand Prix Small Second offers exceptional value in a package that’s at once timeless and contemporary.

Talking Points Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second Green worn on wristVulcain

Welcome to Talking Points, a series that looks at what makes certain products worth talking about, brought to you by Gear Patrol Studios.

Horology nerds will know Vulcain as being synonymous with alarm complications — the brand introduced the world’s first mechanical wristwatch with an alarm function in 1958. In more recent times, Vulcain has had a revival, releasing a series of timepieces that respect the brand’s storied past while infusing modern design and functionality.

The Grand Prix Small Second is the latest iteration of Vulcain’s modern revival, and it’s a compelling reference for anyone in the market for a retro-inspired Swiss dress watch.

Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second Green dial close upVulcain

A long, rich legacy

To understand this watch’s significance, it’s best to start with the legacy of Vulcain’s Grand Prix reference. Named for the Grand Prix it won at the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition, Vulcain’s flagship dress watch has always embodied a pure, simplistic design.

Over the decades, the Grand Prix has undergone many evolutions, and in 2024 year, the brand introduced the modern incarnation to much acclaim. With its announcement of the Small Second variant, Vulcain expands the Grand Prix collection with a fresh, more feature-rich reference that infuses timeless heritage with a touch of modernity.

Timeless design made modern

As the name implies, the small second feature at 6 o’clock distinguishes this timepiece within the broader Grand Prix ecosystem while nodding to Vulcain models from the 1950s and 1960s, particularly the Presidents’ Chronograph. But its far from this watch’s only notable vintage-inspired element. Its double-dome sapphire crystal and semi-gloss sunburst finish dial design are also reminiscent of classic timepieces.

While inspired by vintage models, the Grand Prix Small Second is sized for contemporary tastes with a 39mm diameter and 12.70mm thickness. Additionally, it’s loaded with modern amenities such as 5 ATM water resistance and an anti-reflective coating for increased legibility. Plus, it’s powered by an exceptionally precise Swiss-made Landeron L246 automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve.

Last but certainly not least for a dress watch, the Grand Prix Small Second boasts a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic. Featuring a polished steel case, the timepiece is available with two dial variations — Midnight Blue or Emerald Green — both of which feature a semi-gloss sunburst finish, steel indices and simple Arabic numerals. Finally, users can choose from a variety of strap colors, textures, and materials to further customize the timepiece for their aesthetic.

The Grand Prix Small Second is an exceptional value

Starting at just $1,420, the Grand Prix Small Second is priced competitively especially when you consider its precision components and exceptional build quality backed by one of Swiss timekeeping’s most storied brands. Price aside, and perhaps more importantly, its understated, elegant aesthetics seem to perfectly balance classical and modern design sensibilities, the result of which is a vintage-inspired timepiece that rises above in a crowded and ever-expanding sub category of dress watches.

Vulcain Grand Prix Watch in Small Second GreenVulcain

Vulcain Grand Prix Small Second Green

J.Crew’s Latest Drop Includes a Subtle Update to Its Most Iconic Shirt

How do you update a product as tried and true as J.Crew’s Secret Wash shirt? You take it out west, it seems.

J.Crew introduced the Secret Wash shirt in 2005, and it quickly became a signature product of the New York retailer — if not the signature product. (In the early 2010s, a joke circulated online suggesting every man in New York City owned one in navy gingham.)

The name refers to the lightweight 100 percent cotton two-ply fabric that undergoes a “secret wash” formula to create a soft, lived-in feel.

Over the past twenty years, it has come in various fits but always in an oxford-style button-down with a single breast pocket — that is, until a westernized take on the Secret Wash shirt subtly popped up in the retailer’s newest batch of releases.

a man in a pink j crew secret wash western shirt
J.Crew adds three new colors of the new Secret Wash western shirt.
J.Crew

Making the preppy-western connection

The Secret Wash Western Shirt comes in three colorways — solid white, light-blue gingham and pink gingham — each equipped with pearl snap button enclosures.

The New York retailer has tapped into the fact that, even though pearl snap western shirts commonly feature in denim, the style stands as the counterpart to oxford-style shirts in modern western culture.