All posts in “Gear”

The Digital Casio Watch from ‘Alien’ Is Back

The cheap, simple digital watches Casio made in the 1980s have in recent years transformed from overlooked and under-appreciated to straight-up stylish. They never stopped making this type of watch, but the company has doubled down on their nostalgic value with more vintage reissues and variations than we can even keep up with. The latest, called the Vintage A100, is of particular note for its role in the Alien movie franchise.

That franchise is most associated, however, with a different watch: the Seiko x Giugiaro collaboration well-known to collectors as the Seiko “Ripley” after the character (played by Sigourney Weaver) who wore it in the 1986 film Aliens. Ripley wore a few watches in the franchise, but the watch you’re looking at featured in the 1979 movie, Alien, and you might call it the “Casio Ripley.” It was fitting for a sci-fi film at the time and today, even without the Hollywood connection, it looks wonderfully retro-futuristic — wonderfully, that is, if this is the type of nostalgia that speaks to you.

It’s not just the movie that makes the watch interesting, however, as this is a modern remake of the F-100 watch that’s also historically notable as the brand’s first resin-cased watch. For Casio, that was a major milestone, as the brand would go on be known for its use of plastic — not least with its famously tough G-Shock line.

watch

Courtesy

The look is like a variation of the the brand’s basic digital watch formula with an LCD display and four buttons for various functions, but this one takes the buttons usually found on the case sides and places them right on the front. Further, rather than labeling them (as many Casio watches do), each button is simply identified by a different-colored bar next to it. There might be some practical benefit to having the buttons on the front of the watch, but most of all it lends a slightly funky, gadgety (reminiscent of the brand’s calculator watches) and more colorful aesthetic.

watch

Courtesy

The new watches come in four variations, none of which replicates exactly the one in the movie, which was all black with a positive (dark on light) digital display. The new watches come in basic silver, an ion-plated gunmetal finish (with negative display,) and a gold-toned version — as well as a special Pac Man version. Each is equally retro-chic, and they start at the crazily low price of $55 for silver, $75 for the gunmetal or gold-tone, and $99 for the Pac Man. You can pre-order now, and they’re expected to be in stock at Casio by early September.

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Groove Life presents lifestyle accessories that promise comfort, durability, and style

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One awesome aspect of modern manufacturing technology is how it allows us to enjoy more choices when it comes to lifestyle products. Creativity is no longer hindered by traditional materials such as metal, wood, fabrics, and others. Of course, not everyone wants to have accessories that are considered mainstream. This is where Groove Life steps in.

Not only does the brand make items that look good, but also considers your comfort for all-day use. The company was gracious enough to ship over some samples for us to try out. So far, we can hardly find anything to complain about, unless you really prefer to nitpick on the small stuff.

However, we do think it will feel different when you wear these for the first time. Other than that, it’s all good. Groove life caters to both men and women who desire to stand out from the crowd or keep it simple but stylish.

You can shop three main categories: belts, watch bands, and rings. The latter opens up into even more sub-types which should be enough for even the most discerning consumer. So, sit back, chill out, and let us give you an overview of Groove Life’s catalog.

The Groove Belt

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Don’t you just hate it when you need to make fine adjustments to your belt for the right fit? Well, we do too, and Groove Life knows it as well. Now, unless your outfit strictly calls for leather, you can choose from a wide range of configurations to suit your tastes.

Find the right buckle design and match it with the strap of your choice which gives you an almost endless number of combinations. We were pleasantly surprised by the proprietary webbing embedded within the stiff synthetic weave. It provides just the right level mount of stretch for comfort.

The patented buckle is crafted out of A380 aluminum alloy and uses an effortless closure system. With the help of powerful neodymium magnetics, it latches on with a satisfying snap. Tug all you like because it’s not going anywhere. Meanwhile, the elastic secure keeper loop of the Groove Belt tucks the extra flap in place.

Groove Watch Bands

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Next on the list is for those who count on traditional timepieces or smartwatches as an essential accessory. Every other brand out there probably sells replacement straps, but what makes Groove Life’s take unique is how they address a common issue when watches are worn for a long time.

Depending on your skin type, prolonged contact, moisture, and lack of air can lead to irritation. To avoid this, Groove Watch Bands sport breathable grooves on the interior surface. Keep your skin fresh even during workouts or in hot weather with the help of this innovative system.

The ones in medical-grade silicone are available for Apple, Fitbit, and Samsung wearables. Meanwhile, the genuine leather/silicone variants are exclusive for the Apple Watch only. Take note that the Groove Watch Bands for Samsung can be used with other smartwatches or watches that use conventional lugs.

Groove Life Rings

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Rings are accessories that are sometimes the subject of debate among their users. Depending on the activity, rings – made from metal and other hard materials – can be dangerous. As such, Groove Life uses medical-grade silicone to ensure that it’s safe to wear no matter what you’re doing.

There are several models on offer, but you can also get a customized one for that true one-of-a-kind experience. Once again, integrated grooves on the interior section wick moisture away and make it breathable for long-term use. You can finally say goodbye to the dreaded ring rash.

What they sent over was the Zeus so we can highlight its three-piece construction. The outer layer and breathable inner layer sandwich a patented nylon band with a safety break technology. It doesn’t matter if you go for the thick or thin variant because they all look equally fashionable.

Our take on Groove Life

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With the combination of striking looks, superb craftsmanship, and innovative design, Groove Life’s formula is a winner in our book. Throw in breathability and personalization options which makes it even more attractive. If that’s not enough to convince you, then perhaps their “No BS” lifetime warranty will change your mind.

So there you have it. To see more of what they have, just head over to the official website and shop for what you need. There’s sure to be at least one item that you can grab and add to your accessory loadout for the day. Show it off to family and friends so they can also check out what Groove Life brings to the table.

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Images courtesy of Groove Life

The Cat Hill House Offers An Immersive Living Experience With Its Forest Topography

Fancy the outdoors and do not mind living high above the ground in the woods? Then you may want to get an invite to the Cat Hill House. Its unique architecture defies gravity while the lavish interior setting lets you live in luxury.

From the brilliant minds of Studio MM Architect, this residential property sits elevated at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains in New York’s Hudson Valley. It boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls for an immersive feel of the dense wood. The client, a marathon runner, musician, traveler, businesswoman, and art collector, requested a thoughtfully designed home that caters to the inspiration.  

Thus, the Cat Hill House was born. At the heart of the design is a glass-enclosed fitness studio that extends over the ridge. It appears to float above the ground amid its steep topography. The studio is accessible via a long, enclosed gallery that follows the ridgeline. It has a treadmill and indoor cycling bike. 

Elsewhere in the home, large glass expansions in the open living room and patio open the eyes to the surrounding wooded landscape. The gently sloping topography outside the main living space gives the feeling of being one with the forest instead of being above them. The windows also provide amazing views of the creek below.

Meanwhile, thoughtfully curated interior designs complement the topography. There are original artworks and custom-built pieces fabricated by local furniture maker Braxton Alexander. The main suite of the Cat Hill House also boasts a spacious freestanding bathtub set next to a corner window at the southern part of the house. 

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Images courtesy of Studio MM Architect

White Dress Shirts You Can Wear Under Any Suit

A basic white collar dress shirt — one without button-down collars or chest pockets — works best under a blazer. As charming as a cotton Oxford may be, especially under a broken-in blazer a la Ralph Lauren, they aren’t fit for formal occasions. And, although the world remains in pre-lockdown limbo (again), there are certainly more events worth dressing up for on our calendars than there were at this time last year.

That being said, be mindful of several criteria you should consider when choosing a classic white dress shirt: the shape and size of the collar, the cuff style, the length, and the fabric. First, the collar should be wide and long enough to at least reach the lapels on your suit jacket. Modern collars might skew slim and tight, but oftentimes they’re too small to slip a tie under. (I’m not saying ties are a required for a dressed up look, but it’s best to have the option of wearing one.) Secondly, collar shapes say a lot about your style, and what sort of occasion it is. Most commonly, you’ll find options ranging from straight to spread — with two increments in-between. These names reference the angle at which the collar’s inner line points. The further outward (aka horizontal) it is, the more “spread” it is.

Since they poke out from under your sleeves — if your suit has been tailored correctly — cuffs are important considerations, too. French cuffs are the most formal, but few wear them that way anymore (or at least as often). There are squared, rounded and angled ones, too, but these are all subtle aesthetic differences. Choose the one you think looks best. Lastly, the proper length is easy to find: it just has to be long enough to tuck it in.

Finding the right fabric isn’t as easy, though. Generally, it’s best to think of formal shirts as both smooth and fine. Buy something cut from poplin (aka broadcloth), end-on-end or twill. Each has different defining characteristics — poplin gets softer and finer as quality increases while twill gets more opaque — but these are the three best options in my opinion. Like I said before, Oxfords, albeit soft, will not cut it for formal occasions.

Feel like you’ve got this? Clock ticking until your next wedding and you need an order in ASAP? I won’t hold you much longer. However, I’ve dropped both the who and what to know before buying below. It’s crucial information indeed!

Who and What to Know Before Buying

Your Tailor

It’s important to remember you may not be able to get every variable to fit well. That’s to be expected. Don’t stress too much over it, though. As restrictive as a dress shirt’s fit may be, there is still margin to play with. Namely, the sleeves and the body. These are the most common alterations tailors perform when it comes to dress shirts. If you’re not able to get the exact sleeve length or body width, make sure to get a shirt that’s slightly bigger so that a tailor can cut it to the correct size.

That said, you need to make sure that the chest and shoulders are as close to perfect as you can get. These areas are trickier to alter and require a very skilled tailor and a solid line of credit.

Your Measurements

Before you even look at a dress shirt, you need to do a little data entry. Knowing your body measurements is imperative for dialing in a great-fitting shirt, especially if you’re not able to try it on at the store.

You’ll need a tape measure and someone to help take your measurements. Here are the measurements you should take:

Neck: The thickest part of the neck.

Shoulders: The length across the back from one shoulder bone to the other.

Arms: From the center of the neck, to the shoulder, down to the wrist bone.

Chest: Around the widest part of the chest, usually at the nipples.

Waist: Around the widest part of the torso, usually at the belly button.

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1 Slim Bowery Cotton Shirt

J.Crew

$69.50

J. Crew’s Bowery Shirt may not be the best dress shirt I’ve ever tried on, but it’ll appease even the purists. Sizing proves less personalized here, though, spanning a range from X-Small through XX-Large. It comes in two fits, too, classic and slim. Lastly, it has both added stretch and a wrinkle-free finish.

2 Helmsley Oxford White Shirt

Indochino

$79.00

Indochino’s Helmsley Shirt is cut from lightweight 100-percent cotton to your unique measurements. You create a profile on the site, upload your own data and get to ordering. It’s easy! And certainly safer, for those feeling skittish about booking an appointment at the tailor. These are not rush order, though. It takes about four weeks for orders to arrive.

3 Tokyo Fit Semi-Spread Royal Oxford

Kamakura Shirts

$99.00

For a sub-$100 dollar shirt, Kamakura’s Tokyo Fit Royal Oxford is quite nice. They’re made in Japan from Royal Oxford fabric — a more formal Oxford which is less transparent than broadcloth — with a semi-spread collar and a front placket.

4 Non-Iron Supima White Royal Oxford

Proper Cloth

$105.00

Buying a shirt Proper Cloth already makes isn’t the only way to shop the brand’s collection. You can also customize a top to your own liking. That being said, their signature designs are damn good — and you can tweak any of the finer details on them, too. This Supima Oxford Shirt comes with a Roma Spread Collar, rounded French cuffs, a front placket, and a wrinkle-resistant finish.

5 Spread Collar Non-Iron Twill Shirt

Charles Tyrwhitt

$110.00

Another spread collar option, Charles Tyrwhitt’s Twill Shirt can be ordered according to your preferred fit, collar size, sleeve length, cuff type, and, of course, color. The cotton it is cut from proves breathable, machine washable and nearly wrinkle-resistant. 

6 Jetsetter Dress Shirt

Bonobos

$129.00

Purists may scoff at Bonobos’ Jetsetter Dress Shirt, a performance-style option cut from a blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex, but it’s no bust. Machine washable, comfortable, and yet plenty formal, Bonobos’ option comes in over a dozen colors and four different fits, your choice of two different collar styles, and with the option of being tailored to your unique neck and sleeve measurements.  

7 Regent Fitted Dress Shirt

Brooks Brothers

$134.00

It’s Brooks Brothers! Of course they (still) made the list. The oldest clothing retailer in the US, Brooks Brothers invented the button-down Oxford, but has since grown its collection to include dressier white collar shirts, too. See the Regent Fitted Dress Shirt, for example, a simple staple cut from American-grown Supima cotton. It’s finished with an Ainsley collar (basically a classic one) and barrel cuffs. 

8 Classic White Cotton Broadcloth Dress Shirt

Brooklyn Tailors

$175.00

Available in sizes XS through XXL,  Brooklyn Tailors’ BKT20 shirt is their signature style. Slim-fit yet flattering, this broadcloth version is woven in the Czech Republic and finished with darting in the back and on the sides for a trimmer fit throughout. 

9 Signature Twill Shirt

Eton

$250.00

Cut from Eton’s signature wrinkle-free Twill, their Signature Shirt comes in three different fits and an array of US standard sizes. The collar is what menswear experts call an “extreme cutaway” meaning instead of pointing out like a spread collar, it nearly curls into itself. As such, it plays well with wider tie knots and looks OK unbuttoned. 

10 White Wrinkle-Free Dress Shirt

Emanuele Maffeis

$298.00

Born from a collaboration between Emanuele Maffeis and Todd Snyder, this wrinkle-free dress shirt was made in Italy from 100-percent cotton fabric from Thomas Mason’s Journey Collection, a line of textiles that deter creases. But be warned: these are dry clean only.

11 Optic White Formal Shirt

Dunhill

$425.00

Available in sizes 38 through 46, Dunhill’s classic white dress shirt is constructed from Egyptian cotton-twill, comes with barrels cuffs and is finished with a classic collar. This fabric is new to the brand for this season, but it’s sure to be a staple moving forward, because it’s both crease-resistant and incredibly simple (in a good way).

12 White Royal Cotton Oxford Shirt

Charvet

$545.00

Charvet is the holy grail of shirting style enthusiasts effuse about. Founded in Paris in 1838, the shirting store has sold made-to-measure and ready-to-wear since. Made according to EU sizing, this 100-percent cotton Royal Oxford shirt is designed to be slim fitting while still retaining a classic shape. Priced at $545 dollars, it’s a damn serious upgrade you should really only rush to make in advance of your own wedding day. 

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Give Your Trailside Coffee Routine a Much Needed Upgrade

Camping, bikepacking or traveling far from home can often mean forgoing simple creature comforts like your morning cup of coffee. Well, now you can bring your favorite coffee on the go with the VSSL JAVA, a durable and packable hand coffee grinder. VSSL, a Canadian-founded company, focuses on making functional gear to make sure you’re prepared as you head into the wild. The JAVA was designed for those who want to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee no matter where they are in the world. Built with best-in-class stainless steel burrs, the JAVA grinds beans to a uniform shape quickly and with great results. It’s also made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is ultra-durable and will stand up to the wear and tear of your trek. Plus, with 50 grind settings, you can obtain the right grind size no matter what brew method you use. The VSSL JAVA will make sure you have the perfect cup of joe whether you’re in the backcountry or the comfort of your own home.

Price: $150

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The IKEA Starkvind Air Purifier Is An Elegant Addition to Any Room Setup

Air purifiers have taken on new meaning since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, with homes and establishments always in the market for the most sustainable and reliable option. But seldom you can find one that comes in an esthetically pleasing design, such as the IKEA Starkvind Air Purifier. 

The Swedish brand takes a humble bedside table to great heights by incorporating digital upgrades. An entry into its IKEA Home smart category, this indoor device is ideal for rooms up to 215 square feet. It can be used on its own but when connected to the TRÅDFRI gateway, it turns into a wireless home cleaning device. You can control and schedule air cleaning via the IKEA Home smart app.

Moreover, the IKEA Starkvind Air Purifier gives you five different fan speeds and an auto-mode function. In auto, the fan speed adjusts accordingly to the amount of  PM2.5 in the air. It also has a built-in quality sensor that tells you the current indoor air quality through the app. 

This house humidifier also has a 3-filter system. The pre-filter captures big particles such as hair and dust. It also filters out 99.5% of smaller airborne particles such as pollens and other allergens. Then it also has gas cleaning which absorbs various gaseous pollutants, including formaldehyde, smoke from cigarettes or cooking, and other VOCs. 

The IKEA Starkvind Air Purifier is available in two versions: as a stand-alone model or as a bedside table model. It will be available in the market starting October 2021 in IKEA retail channels. 

Get It Here

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Images courtesy of IKEA

3 Quick Cool Things We’ve Already Seen at Outdoor Retailer

As you may know, the Outdoor Retailer trade show is kinda the outdoor industry’s Mecca — a twice-annual gathering at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center for brands, distributors, media members and other recreational gear aficionados to gather and ogle all the cool new products on the horizon.

As you might guess, the pandemic has put the event on hiatus for quite a long time. The last edition was way back in late January/early February of 2020, right before the world shut down.

But lo and behold, OR is finally back this week, and while the show officially begins today, we’ve already gotten hands on with a few pretty new products thanks to an unofficial night-before happy hour. Here are three widely different items that jumped out. (Please forgive the on-the-fly iPhone photography and video and general geeking out.)

Peak Design Out-Front Bike Mount

We covered Peak Design’s sweeping new approach to phone cases and mounts when the project launched on Kickstarter last fall. After raising more than $2 million, Peak Design has brought it to life, with a bunch of now products available for pre-order. We are impressed with the multifunctional foldout tripod, but even more stoked about how the case interacts with the bike mount. It locks in with magnets and clips and is super secure — we even gave the bars a vigorous shake (not shown) — yet can be detached using one hand via a clever button-release system. You can also easily rotate the mount to use as your phone as a handlebar cam or turn the flashlight into a bike light.

Price: $69.95

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BioLite AlpenGlow Lanterns

These borderline organic new lanterns from BioLite are as practical as they are fun. Shake them for a magic 8-ball-like effect, generating mesmerizing ChromaReal LED hues at random — or press the button on top to toggle through options including a candlelight flicker effect and a multi-colored aurora borealis-like light show. The lanterns have an IPX4 rating to shine on through rain and splashing, and the long-lasting rechargeable battery can also give life to your devices.

Price: $59.95+

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Nathan Pinnacle Hydration Race Vest

nathan vest front

Steve Mazzucchi

nathan vest back

Steve Mazzucchi

This lightweight, breathable vest is absolutely loaded with pockets. Two water-resistant pockets on the chest protect your phone and other devices. There’s also a pill pocket on the front and side pockets for accessing layers, and snacks. There are two kangaroo pockets: one side-entry easy access slot and a vertical sleeve for stashing larger items. And of course there are two pockets for 20-ounce soft flasks so you never go thirsty. Total pocket count: 12.

Price: $175

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Amazon Made a $55 Smart Soap Dispenser, and 4 Other New Home Releases

Welcome to Window Shopping, a weekly exercise in lusting over home products we want in our homes right the hell now. This week: a contraption for getting uniform coffee grounds, Italian pantry staples from one of NYC’s best restaurants and more.

Amazon Smart Soap Dispenser

amazon smart soap dispenser

Amazon

Amazon is trying to make everything “smart,” including your soap dispenser. This overpriced automatic soap dispenser makes sure you keep lathering soap in your hands for 20 seconds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended amount of time for hand washing, through a light-up timer. Because this is an Amazon product, it can pair with an Echo device to use your music, or other entertainment of choice, to help you get through your 20-second hand washing (the soap dispenser itself doesn’t have a speaker). And unlike some other automatic soap dispensers, you can control how much soap comes out depending on how close your hand is to the nozzle.

Price: $55

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Fellow Shimmy Coffee Sieve

fellow shimmy coffee sieve

Fellow

No matter how good your coffee grinder is, you’re bound to get a little thing called microfines, which are basically super-tiny coffee grinds that can ruin your coffee’s flavor. While some may not notice how much those microfines are affecting their coffee, you can trust that your coffee would taste way better without them. The answer to removing these microfines is called a coffee sieve, and Fellow just released its own take on the device, called the Shimmy. All you do is place your ground coffee in the canister and give it a little shake to displace the microfines from the coffee grounds you’ll actually be using to brew. Give it a try with any coffee brewing method you use to make a better cup of joe.

Price: $49

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Knoll Ollo with Knit Back

knoll ollo with knit back

Knoll

Earlier this year, Herman Miller would acquire Knoll and be known as MillerKnoll. Now, Knoll has added a new iteration of one of its most popular office chairs, the Ollo. The new Ollo swaps out the original’s shell back for a knit back for springy support. The knit moves with you, and it’s also more breathable thanks to its open weave. The chair is customizable like you wouldn’t believe with 22 seat upholstery options and different colored knits.

Price: $870+

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Rao’s Homemade Limited Edition Reserve

raos homemade limited edition reserve

Rao’s

Rao’s is one of the most famous Italian restaurants in New York City, and it’s also notoriously hard to get a seat thanks to its fame — and small size. Luckily, Rao’s sells its famous tomato sauces nationwide at supermarkets, and the new Limited Edition Reserve takes it up a notch. With eight high-end products, comprising pantry staples like white truffle marinara to 30-year aged balsamic condiment — the exclusive line is sure to elevate whatever meal you try to make.

Price: $9+

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Allawake Coffee Blend Variety Pack

allawake coffee blend variety pack

AllAwake Coffee

Allawake is just one relatively new brand that’s rewriting what it means to be instant coffee. The brand makes single-use pour-over drippers that literally makes coffee in an instant. If you want to get a sample of all of Allawake’s offerings, the brand recently released its Blend Variety Pack so you can get a taste of its light, medium and dark roast coffees. You’re bound to have a favorite, and then you can stock up on all of that.

Price: $35

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Tyler Chin is Gear Patrol’s Associate Staff Writer.

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A Bunch of Premium Cookware Is on Sale at Williams Sonoma

Looking for even more great savings? Head over to Today’s Best Deals page to see all our top deals from today.


If you’re looking to spruce up the kitchen and dining area or if your kitchen knives are getting a little dull, now is the perfect time to splurge on some new cookware at Williams Sonoma. The retailer is offering up huge deals that we rarely see on some of our favorite brands like All-Clad, Le Creuset, Staub and more.

You can pick up this Staub French Oven for 60 percent off, this awesome Shun Premier chef’s knife for 29 percent off or receive 40 percent off this All-Clad frying pan. If you don’t need cookware, there are tons of glasses, cups, napkins and kitchen accessories on sale as well.

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Today in Gear: Olympic Athletes’ Watches, Shirt Jackets for Fall & More

The 50 Most Influential Cars

The 10 Most Important Rolex Watches Ever Made

It’s subjective, we know. But bear with us…

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How Sony’s New Surround Sound System Transcends the Soundbar

No, the soundbar isn’t dead. But it’s not necessary either.

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Pomades You’ll Find at the Drugstore, Reviewed and Ranked

Our honest look at ones they typically stock.

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The 13 Best Camping Chairs of 2021

Lightweight seating for every type of camping out there.

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All the Essential Tailgate Gear You Need for Football Season

Whether you spend your weekends at your alma mater or in NFL parking lots, this gear will get you to kickoff and then some.

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The Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes On Sale Today

Roof top storage can get pricey, but it’s much more cost-effective than leveling up to a bigger vehicle.

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The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones in 2021

Everything you need to know before buying your next pair of headphones.

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The Best Shirt Jackets for Colder Weather

An essential garment for layering on top of a T-shirt or under a heftier jacket.

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Check Out the Watches Athletes Wore While Competing in the Tokyo Olympics

These watches stood up to some of the toughest athletic competitions in the world.

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The 12 Best Kitchen Knives You Can Buy in 2021

After years of testing, these are the kitchen knives worth spending your money on.

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Today’s Best Deals: 23% off the Reebok Nano X1, A Dyson V8 Absolute Deal & More

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

Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol captures all the best deals of the day. You can also follow all our deal posts in the Deals section.

Cruise Carbon-Free in the Arc One Electric Speedboat

A team of former SpaceX rocket engineers got together to build this boat. The debut craft from the California startup is the all-electric Arc One; a 475-horsepower V-hull cruiser that will hit speeds of up to 40MPH. The streamlined, 21-foot boat boasts an open-water drive time of 3-5 hours between charges.

Pack It All in the Explorer Max Toiletry Bag

If you’re the type of traveler that would “rather bring it & not need it” the Explorer Max toiletry bag might just be big enough for your daily self-care “essentials.” Literally all of them. Full-size shampoo bottle, the curling iron that won’t fit in her bag. You name it. This spacious dopp kit has zippered pockets and mesh organizers for everything. There’s also a removable TSA-pocket for flights. The Max measures 11” X 6.1” X 4.73.” A funded Kickstarter.

ToughBuilt’s Scraper Utility Tool Cuts Both Ways

Like a tool off Batman’s belt, The Scraper Utility Tool from ToughBuilt converts instantly from box-cutter to blade-scraper with a single click of the button. Going from scoring drywall to scraping paint without missing a beat. The rugged 6-inch handle offers secure grip in either cutting mode & flips wide-open for easy blade replacement.

Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto give us the stealthy and modular Y-3 4D IOW Runner

When it comes to a new pair of kicks, most collectors normally grab those with unique designs. Collaborations with big names drum up appeal among the sneakerheads, which is why this latest one from Adidas should be on your radar. The Y-3 4D IOW Runner stands out not only from its good looks but also from the modular system.

If we were to choose, the Y-3 4D IOW Runner would be high on our list for its adaptability. In a partnership with Yohji Yamamoto, the shoes arrive in a blackout colorway. A while back, we also featured a similar theme on the Big Bang GMT All Black from Hublot and the renowned Japanese fashion designer.

Now, what makes the sneakers so cool is the interchangeable elements of the footwear. What we like about the Adidas Y-3 4D IOW Runner is how it embodies duality. You see, each box includes two neoprene inserts. Before you call it lame, this allows owners to switch between a high-top or low-top configuration.

Adidas should do this for more models in its lineup. Each of these also sports the brand’s iconic three stripes and stay in place via a Velcro attachment system. There’s also a faux leather overlay on certain sections to add some contrast to its silhouette. Meanwhile, the suede panel on the heel counter is a nice touch.

The Y-3, Adidas, and Yohji Yamamoto branding are visible on the lateral sides. The 4D midsole of the Y-3 4D IOW Runner only peeks through a forefoot cutout. Overall, the concept behind it is solid while the visuals are likewise stunning. To sum it all up, these are sleek and stylish running shoes for that casual or sporty outfit.

Buy – $500

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Images courtesy of Adidas

Check Out the Watches Athletes Wore While Competing in the Tokyo Olympics

Olympic athletes, for the most part, don’t need to wear a watch while competing. Indeed the pursuit of medals might very well expose intricate little machines to all manner of abuse. That’s why it’s interesting to see many of the competitors at the 2021 2020 Tokyo Olympics were not just wearing watches during their events — but often, wearing unexpected (and even some very expensive) ones.

Certain brands with sponsorships and official ambassadors were particularly visible, from TAG Heuer, Breitling and official Olympic timekeeper Omega to very high-end brands like Richard Mille. Such financial relationships help explain why some athletes are wearing the watches, but they also make for interesting visuals and testimonial to the products’ durability. There were also certainly watches worn as personal choices and those that felt particularly appropriate for their activity.

Here are some standout examples of what we’re calling “what are you wearing, 2021 Olympic edition.”

Mutaz Essa Barshim / Richard Mille RM 67-02

athletics olympics day 9

Cameron SpencerGetty Images

richard mille rm 67 02 watch

Richard Mille

Omega might be the Olympics’ official timekeeper, but Richard Mille was perhaps the most visible watch on athletes’ wrists, from equestrian events to golf to track and field — and despite the brand’s famously stratospheric prices. It was a veritable marketing coup, and no better captured than in the shareable moment when Qatari high-jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim shared his gold medal in the event with Gianmarco Tamberi.

Price: ~$120,500

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Kiran Badloe / G-Shock DW-5600SKE-7

sailing olympics day 8

BSR AgencyGetty Images

g shock dw 5600ske 7 watch

G-Shock

At the other end of the price spectrum from Richard Mille, and most likely not worn in an ambassadorial capacity, is Dutch windsurfer Kiran Badloe sporting a clear plastic Casio G-Shock DW-5600SKE-7 while winning a gold medal in his sport. This is quite possibly the most natural-feeling choice of all the watches worn at the olympics this year.

Price: $110

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Donna Vekic / F.P Journe Elegante

tennis olympics day 3

Clive BrunskillGetty Images

f p journe elegante watch

F.P. Journe

You’ll see a lot of big brand names representing watches at the Olympics, and that’s why it’s cool to spot something a bit different and niche. Croatian tennis player Donna Vekic is an ambassador for FP Journe, a brand known mostly only to those following the high-end independent Swiss watchmaking scene closely, and the Elegante quartz watch she wore stood up to the intense shocks of repeatedly swatting tennis balls with professional intensity.

Price: ~$13,000

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Stephanie Gilmore / Breitling Superocean

surfing olympics day 3

Ryan PierseGetty Images

breitling superocean watch

Breitling

A bright orange Breitling Superocean dive watch on a matching orange rubber strap seems perfect for a professional surfer, and this is exactly what Stephanie Gilmore wore as part of Breitling’s team (“Squad”) of ambassadors for her event.

Price: $3,600

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Noah Lyles / Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra-Light

athlete

Xinhua News AgencyGetty Images

omega seamaster aqua terra ultra light watch

Omega

Omega is involved in the Olympics in a range of ways, and those include all manner of special edition watches. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra-Light weighs only 55 grams and is made from titanium specifically for athletic use — including the major parts of the automatic movement inside. A testament to the watch’s practicality and lightness, American sprinter Noah Lyles wore one to win a bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter with a time of 19.62 seconds.

Price: $48,600

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AirPods Are on Sale for Just $114 Right Now

Looking for even more great savings? Head over to Today’s Best Deals page to see all our top deals from today.


On the hunt for a deal on AirPods? You’re in luck. Amazon is discounting the second-generation AirPods down to $114. The catch is that these come with a case that doesn’t support wireless charging.

If you want the wireless charging case, Amazon is selling those AirPods for $130 right now, but they’re tabbed as “in stock soon” (meaning you can’t get them until early September). And for what it’s worth, the AirPods Pro are marked down to $190 currently. If you don’t care about the wireless charging case and are looking for a solid pair of earbuds right now, you can score that pair for 28 percent off the normal $159 price. These second-generation AirPods still sport the Apple H1 chip and still offer plenty of value. It’s a deal that’s available at Walmart, too.

Amazon

Apple AirPods with Charging Case (Wired)

Amazon

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Columbia’s Wild One Sneaker Tames All Terrain

Drawing inspiration from its deep product archive, Columbia’s Wild One Heritage sneaker is a versatile outdoor adventurer that bounces easily between urban & active. It features an Omni-Shield coating for water and weather resistance, an Omni-Grip non-marking outsole and a lightweight mesh upper for breathable, all-day comfort.

If You Only Buy One Pilot’s Watch, Buy This One

IWC Mark XVIII, $4,250

IWC Mark XVIII, (Pre-owned)

Skip the heavy lifting and go straight to what’s best. Just Get This is our no-nonsense guide to the gear you need, now.

“Pilot’s” watches constitute a category that’s more difficult to pin down than, say, dress watches, which are generally uniformly thin, unadorned, and simple. A pilot’s watch could be a time-only watch, or it could be a chronograph. It could be relatively small, or the size of a dinner plate. It could feature a black dial, or, in some cases, a white dial. Really, the only universal thing about pilot’s watches is that — originally, anyway — they weren’t available in precious metals. Such a watch would sort of be missing the point of a true instrument.

If we had to try and delineate what’s truly important in a pilot’s watch, we’d probably say legibility — after all, if you can’t see the damn thing while flying a plane, there ain’t much point in wearing one. Because though a pilot might not need to rely upon a watch anymore in most cockpits, which are stuffed full of modern electronic gauges and displays, these watches were originally essential tools that allowed the person flying the plane to calculate distance, airspeed, flight time and more. Some pilots still use them in this way.

The Mark XI is a premier example of such legibility. Released in 1948, it was manufactured by both IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre and issued to RAF and RAAF pilots. The IWC version, which was quickly outfitted with a shock-resistant variant of the workhorse Cal. 89 movement, eventually won out against the JLC, which was discontinued in 1953. With its black dial, white Arabic indices, iconic triangle at 12 o’clock, easily discernible white minute track and thick, highly visible handset, there was no mistaking the time on a Mark XI.

Though the Mark XVIII, the most modern of the Mark-series references, uses classic sword hands in place of the Mark XI’s unique, stubby hour hand/sword minute hand combination and adds a date complication for the modern user, there’s no mistaking the military lineage that informed the original’s design. Today, if you’re looking for a serious, no-frills tool watch to wear everyday (regardless of whether or not you fly a plane), it would be tough to recommend a better timepiece than the Mark XVIII — especially the most modern iteration. Here’s why:

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It Really Is a Legit Modern Pilot’s Watch

Soft inner anti-magnetic cage around the movement? Check. Antireflective crystal secured against a sudden drop in air pressure? Check. Easily scannable dial with central seconds hand? Check. Modern, highly accurate movement? Check. Easily grippable crown? Yup. In short — the Mark XVIII is the real deal. Take it up in the cockpit with you and you’ve got yourself a truly useful instrument. (Perhaps not as useful as dash-mounted electronic gauges, but you get the point.)

It’s Legible As All Hell

There’s a reason the dial of the Mark XVIII is unadorned by any superfluous touches or flourishes: the wearer needs to be able to quickly and easily discern the time without the eye being distracted. Large, highly legible sword hands filled with Super-LumiNova and oversized, lume-filled Arabic indices help with this legibility. A central seconds hand is also a key component of facilitating the measurement of time in small increments, which is crucial in the cockpit.

man wearing iwc mk xviii watch

IWC

It’s A Great Mix of Heritage and Tech

The Mark XVIII actually borrows certain elements — the sword hands, the triangle with two dots at 12 o’clock — from another historic IWC piece, the “b-ühren (flieger)”observation watches made for the Luftwaffe during WWII. It’s filled with historical references to past watches but like any great modern watch, it uses thoroughly modern technology: the in-house IWC cal. 35111 automatic movement with 42 hours of power reserve, Super-LumiNova lume and sapphire crystal come to mind.

It’s Plain Ol’ Good Looking

Not much else to say, here — the Mark XVIII is just a handsome watch. Part of this stems from the simplicity of the dial and its black, all-business aesthetic. And despite the fact that it’s a tool watch, if you’re Norman Lear, you can even wear one to (the self-tape of) the Golden Globes. (I guess you can get away with whatever you want if you flew 50+ combat missions in WWII, though.)

IWC

IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII

iwc.com

$4,250.00

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Take Your Ride Further with the Ultimate Trail Helmet

Talking Points:

Sweet Protection Trailblazer Mips Helmet

As you grow and evolve on the bike, so should your gear. With the Trailblazer MIPS helmet from Sweet Protection, you can ride with confidence no matter how advanced you get. It features an updated contemporary design that provides strength and performance, so you’ll stay safe while looking good. The Trailblazer MIPS is the ultimate trail helmet and will keep your head protected and comfortable on your ride.


white sweet protection helmet front

Sweet Protection

white sweet protection helmet back

Sweet Protection


High Performing

Making sure you’re safe on the trail is the single most important thing, and this helmet delivers on that. The Trailblazer MIPS achieved the highest ranking out of 120+ helmets for safety performance by the Virginia Tech Biomechanics lab.

High Tech

The Trailblazer MIPS Helmet delivers on strength and performance with its unique four-piece variable shell construction. The trickle-down shell technology is based on decades of experience and development resulting in a helmet you can trust.

Cool and Comfortable

With a front vent, an internal channel and an exhaust vent, the helmet cools down the temporal artery without exposing your temples (the most vulnerable area of the head) so you stay safe and secure without sacrificing your comfort.


Price: $180

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