Go Capless
Pilot releases limited-edition fountain pen
With texting the way to go today, even signatures have gone electronic. But there is nothing like putting pen to paper when you want to express your innermost thoughts and feelings. As such, writing instruments will always have a place on our table. And with new pens being launched, we know writing instruments will continue to be popular. The latest to tempt us is Pilot, with its Capless Limited Edition 2017 fountain pen that combines superb design and ease of use. Only 2,017 of these pens are available worldwide, and each comes in a striking Crimson Sunrise Red barrel finish. The pen has an 18-carat gold nib and rhodium trimmings — testaments to Japan’s manufacturing capabilities. Pilot revolutionised the fountain pen with its release of the Capless fountain pen in 1963, which remains the world’s first and only retractable fountain pen today. Unlike other fountain pens that are capped, the Capless has a ubiquitous retractable mechanism that allows the nib to retract into the barrel when not in use. Its carefully positioned clip ensures the nib is kept in an upright position to prevent accidental ink leakage when not in use. The Pilot Capless Limited Edition 2017 comes in an exclusive box and retails at $280 (before GST). It is available at authorised retailers and distributors.
You’re a rock star
Balmain gets nostalgic with a collection that takes us back to the 1980s. To be specific, the collection is for the rockers of that era: Think Jon Bon Jovi and Aerosmith and you get the picture. Any rock star wannabe will love the masculine items, especially these boots.
Tribute to rescuers at sea
Bell & Ross pays tribute to the US Coast Guard helicopter pilots and divers who perform rescue operations at sea with two new instruments designed to support them in their mission. The historic Bell & Ross Vintage collection is the basis of this Garde-Cô tes series. The three-hand model features a contemporary design in grey, orange and white. The bidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale can be used to set time markers for more accurate mission timing while the crown guard ensures water resistance and prevents accidental unlocking.
Bringing the iconic Mark 11 back to life
IWC Schaffhausen has launched a special version of the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII, featuring the original design of its historic Pilot’s Watch Mark 11. Using aspects of the design of the Mark 11, the small rectangles at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, 9 o’clock and 12 o’clock and the hands of the new model are coated with luminescent material to ensure optimal legibility even at night. A soft-iron cage protects the automatic calibre from magnetic fields and its sapphire glass is secured against sudden drops in pressure in the cockpit. The Mark 11 was sold with a green nylon strap, while the new version comes with a green textile strap. The Mark 11 was primarily supplied to the UK’s Royal Air Force from 1948 to the early 1980s. The civilian model, launched in 1994, is one of the most popular watches manufactured by IWC Schaffhausen.
Taking notes
Digitise your notes and doodles with the SmartWriting set by Moleskin. The specially designed notebook, pen and app work in tandem to instantly digitise notes and sketches made on paper, and transform them into digital text and images that can be edited and shared immediately via handphones, tablets or laptops. Available at Takashimaya, Tangs and all Moleskine stores in Singapore.
Turning 60
Piaget’s iconic Altiplano line is 60 this year and the brand has released an exquisite ultra-thin mechanical timepiece to mark the occasion. The 43mm watch features an 18-carat white-gold case and a sapphire crystal caseback, through which the self-winding calibre 1200P can be seen. Also visible is the intricate finishing of this movement, including bevelled bridges with Côtes de Genève, a circular-grained mainplate, blued screws and sunburst-brushed wheels. The midnight-blue dial features a cross in the centre and white-gold appliques on the hour indices. Adding to the sophistication is a blue alligator leather strap with an 18-carat white gold pin buckle. The Altiplano is limited to just 360 pieces. The collection is available at Piaget boutiques worldwide.
Adventure seekers
Longchamp has introduced the Cross-Line bag for the adventurous guy. This nylon canvas backbag stands out with its criss-cross pattern on smooth leather. Carry it to the office or gym, or for a weekend getaway.
Stag nights
House Baratheon of Storm’s End may be extinct, but you can still wear your love for it on your sleeve with these sculpted stag’s head cufflinks from Mulberry.
This article appeared in Issue 794 (Aug 28) of The Edge Singapore.
