Anyone who's ever tried to take their laptop, a camera, a tablet and perhaps the various chargers associated with them on a weekend trip, a busy day out, or even just to a work event, will know that a good backpack is more complicated than it might seem.

Whether it's proper drop protection for its laptop sleeve, a main compartment that's easy to open up really wide, side pockets that have some actual flexibility to them, or quick-access pockets that make your life easier, upgrading your everyday carry (or EDC, as it's become known) can change everything.

For the last couple of months I've been doing just that every week or two, trying out a new backpack as part of my daily routine, and it's left me with strong impressions of five absolute highlights that you should know about.

I've listed these brilliant bags below, and have categorised them for you so that you can get a sense of what each is best at. That said, I'm going to start with the one that stands just a little bit above the rest, my favourite of the bunch.

Best overall tech backpack: Aer City Pack Pro 2

Start researching EDC bags, and it won't take long for Aer to pop up. Its brand has attracted praise from customers and creators on all sides, and the City Pack Pro 2 was probably the one bag that was most widely recommended while I researched for this piece.

When Aer said it would send me one to test, the first big question was which material to pick, since you can get the City Pack Pro 2 in quite a few finishes. I went for the relatively new EcoPak version, which currently only comes in this interesting brown colour, and haven't looked back.

This is a backpack that feels like it's been designed to within an inch of its life, in the best way possible. Every seam and pocket has clearly had attention paid to it. In theory, it's a 24L backpack, but I found it easy enough to stuff more than that into it, thanks to how extraordinarily far its main compartment can open.

The front of the backpack has two pockets to offer up. The upper one is organisational, with sections and compartments, while the lower is bigger and open for whatever use you want. A third quick-access pocket right on the top of the bag is ideal for keys, earbuds or other small items.

At the back of the bag, there's a tech compartment that's completely separate from the main one, and it's a stunner. A laptop sleeve with a false bottom protects your tech nicely, while there's also another sleeve for a tablet or anything else you'd like.

The number of compartments makes this a dream to pack for a day, but it's worth knowing that it's pretty structured and isn't the lightest pack when empty. That doesn't stop it from being the bag that impressed me the most in my extensive testing.

Best design: Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro

If you want a backpack that keeps things stealthier, and has a little bit less of the tactical vibe to it, then Alpaka has a superb option in the form of its Elements Backpack Pro, which it sent to me for testing in the Black X-Pac VX42 version.

This is a backpack that has plenty of impressive design touches, but keeps things simpler than Aer's. One big example is its tech sleeve, which is at the back of its main compartment rather than being separate. It's suspended, though, and the orange material used inside the backpack makes visibility stellar.

The front has two pockets, and the main upper front one is the Elements Backpack Pro's best feature. It's a really big compartment with plenty of organisation, and it opens really deep for easy access. Below it is a lower-down small zippered pocket that's hard to spot unless you know it's there.

Finally, this too has a small quick-access pocket right on top of the backpack, though it's slightly bigger than Aer's. That makes Alpaka's bag a close match, and I also really liked its interesting arm padding and decent breathability on the back padding.

It's probably the sleekest backpack on this list, and was only pipped to the post by Aer because of the slightly better practicality from Aer's packability – and the fact that I was able to get a little more into the Aer backpack despite their stated capacities being the same.

For those who want something stealthy and refined, though, I think Alpaka's got a brilliant option, and it's basically a close runner-up in my eyes.

Best for capacity: Rushfaster EDC Pro Backpack

Before Rushfaster sent me its EDC Pro Backpack for testing, one of its designers stressed to me that its design was all about stripping back some of the complication that has become the norm in backpacks. That includes the likes of Alpaka and Aer, and in fairness my testing showed where Rushfaster has a point.

This backpack is one of the simplest that I tested from a user perspective, but not in a bad way – far from it, in fact. Rushfaster has designed a bag that feels like a backpack, rather than a more complex other category of everyday luggage.

That means its main compartment, which opens really deep, as I'd hope, isn't too multifaceted. Against your back there's a laptop sleeve (which isn't suspended as high as I'd like for protection) along with a tablet pocket and some other flexible pouches for gear.

In front of that you get a massive main compartment at 26L, including various bhits of internal pocketing for those who want it. I found I could properly stuff this bag full thanks to this huge compartment, and it made Rushfaster my leading contender for longer usage – like in one-bag travel, which it starred nicely in over a couple of long weekends.

On the front of the backpack there's a front compartment that's one of the biggest I've seen, again with a few pouches for organisation, and a quick-access pocket on the very top of the bag rounds things out. Except, that is, for the hidden passport pocket along the back of the backpack, which is great for travel.

Breathability on the back is very decent, although it's worth knowing that this has some of the thinner arm strap padding I tested. I didn't find that an issue, but if your taste is for more padding then it's something to consider.

A final ace up Rushfaster's sleeve is its Cargo Pouch. The EDC Pro Backpack has some cargo loops on its front that can be used with carabiners or other fasteners, but you can also get the official solution, which expands the backpack with a securely attached external pocket. This is a great idea with impressive implementation, although the pouch is currently a little too small to be hugely useful, in my opinion. Forthcoming iterations could well solve that issue, though.

Best for sustainability: Cotopaxi Allpa 26L Daypack

Cotopaxi is a huge name in the travel community, for good reason, and its Allpa line is a storied one – but it also has absolutely loads of bags to pick from. The 26L Daypack is the one that makes the most sense for everyday use, and this is probably the bag I'd most readily take outside on a day hike where I might want my tech with me.

To underline the fact that this is an EDC bag, though, Cotopaxi has separated out its compartments, so you get a distinct tech pocket in the bag. This features a nice suspended sleeve for a laptop, along with a thinner pocket for tablets.

The bag's main compartment doesn't open too deeply, which is a slight shame, but its capacity is pretty solid (albeit I couldn't get nearly as much into it as the Rushfaster EDC Pro). You get some decent organisation in the form of pouches and one zippered pocket.

The front of the bag houses two more pockets, with one large upper one and a smaller but still generous lower one. This is it, though, so Cotopaxi doesn't give us a quick-access pocket on the top or side of the bag, sadly.

The bag's really sturdy and well-made, though, and keeps things really simple, and Cotopaxi also scores major points for its commitments to sustainability. Every meaningful part of the bag (meaning the main body, the side and bottom panels, and the lining) is made from recycled material, which is rightfully a huge boast.

Beyond that, Cotopaxi's backpack is a great option for those whose plans are more complicated than just a daily commute, and it packs impressively flat to the point where you could pack it in a suitcase as a holiday daypack easily.

Best for style: Bellroy Venture Ready Pack 26L

Bellroy makes extremely high-quality stuff, and you don't have to handle the Venture Ready Pack 26L for long to see why it's developed that reputation – this is a bag that just feels great in the hands. It's made of a lovely nylon that might not be quite as hard-wearing as some alternatives, but makes up for it in style and beauty, especially in this crazy pretty green colour.

The bag itself isn't an afterthought, though. Its capacity is impressively huge with one main compartment that actually has the deepest opening of any bag I tried, which makes it easy to really stuff the bag. Only its narrow design stopped it from matching the Rushfaster EDC Pro for sheer packability, in fact.

That main compartment has a tech sleeve that's braced on the back of it, and its padded laptop sleeve is nicely suspended against drops, with a second sleeve for a tablet or anything else in front of it with less padding. The rest of the compartment's organisation is on the inside of the opening flap, in the form of two zippered pouches.

On the outside of the bag there's just a single pocket at the top, which has the interesting feature of being split in two vertically, making for two small pouches. I'll be honest, I think it's a really odd choice that massively limits what can be put in the pocket, and it underlines that the Venture Ready Pack 26L isn't a dream from an organisation point of view.

It does have a hidden side pocket on the left that can fit an extra water bottle, but I that still leaves it a little lightweight in my view.

That said, it's comfortable and breathable, and I think it might be the most aesthetic bag on this whole list. If you don't care whether your bag draws compliments, then disregard it if you like, but I think there's a lot to be said for the fashion side of the buying question here.

As a final footnote, Bellroy accidentally sent me the smaller Venture Ready Pack 20L at first, and that bag is exemplary as a packable day pack for holidays – it weighs so little and packs so flat that you'll be able to fit it into even just bigger backpacks with ease. That's worth knowing, in my view!

This week’s Fashion Roundup feels like a pretty accurate snapshot of where menswear is heading into autumn. Technical clothing is getting cleaner, heritage pieces are becoming less precious, and the line between outdoor gear, sportswear, and everyday fashion is blurrier than ever.

There’s plenty of outerwear, naturally, but none of it feels particularly conventional. 66ºNorth brings proper Icelandic weather protection in a colour that refuses to disappear into a grey commute, and Stüssy takes insulation in the opposite direction with a pared-back Rally Jacket that looks more at home on city streets.

Bulova digs into its military archive for the A-11 Jimmy, with Slam Jam and Umbro revisiting early-'90s football styling without feeling like full retro cosplay.

New Balance keeps things suitably understated with a beautifully autumnal Made in UK 991, and H&M Atelier throws a curveball into the mix with dark red leather trousers that make a surprisingly convincing case for swapping denim for something considerably bolder.

With this week's mix, I wanted to show that the best autumn wardrobes combine technical shells, old-school sportswear, good shoes and one or two pieces that do most of the talking. And occasionally, leather trousers.

Has Christopher Ward beaten Rolex at its own game?! Christopher Ward has just launched its new C63 Sealander Chronograph watch, featuring three chronograph counters, large, flat pushers and a slim Light-catcher case – but I can’t decide which one I want.

Christopher Ward updated the C63 Sealander early this year, introducing Automatic and GMT versions, but now, it’s the turn of the chronograph. The watch manufacturer isn’t really known for its chronographs, but I think that’s about to change with this new launch.

If you think the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph looks familiar, that’s because it’s inspired by some of the most iconic chronograph timepieces of all time – the Rolex Daytona, TAG Heuer Carrera and OMEGA Speedmaster. In some colours, the C63 Sealander Chronograph looks almost identical to the Daytona, but it’s got some fun features up its sleeve.

Measuring 41mm, the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph sits in a stainless steel, Light-catcher case. It’s extremely slim at just 13.9mm in height, and key details like the bezel and pushers have been given a clever redesign.

Instead of a traditional bezel, the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph has a black ceramic insert with a tachymetre scale. The screwdown crown is flanked by two pushers that have been resized. They’re now larger and flatter so they’re easy to use to control the chronographs.

Speaking of, the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph has three chronograph subdials – a 30-minute counter at three o’clock, a 12-hour counter at six o’clock and a running seconds counter at nine o’clock. All the subdials are in black which stands out amongst most of the watch’s dial colours, aside from the black version where they almost blend into the background.

The colour options for the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph include black, white, pink, sky blue and pistachio. I imagine the white version will be most popular due to its ‘panda’ looks, but the sky blue and pistachio versions are my favourites.

The dial of the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph is completed by hours, minutes and seconds hands, and hour markers. The Christopher Ward logo sits just beneath 12 o’clock and stands out in stainless steel.

Powered by the Sellita calibre SW510-1 movement, the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph has a 62-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800vph. It can be seen via the exhibition caseback. The watch is finished with a stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap.

Prices on the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Chronograph start at £1,895. All colours are available to buy now at Christopher Ward.

Girard-Perregaux has teamed up with Atlassian Williams F1 Team on two exciting new watches. Both the Laureato Williams Edition 42mm and the Laureato Chronograph Williams Edition 42mm feature blue Clous de Paris dials, inspired by Williams’ 2026 race car.

The Laureato is arguably the watch that Girard-Perregaux is best known for. It was originally launched in 1975, and is most recognisable with its octagonal bezel, slim profile and integrated bracelet, features the new Laureato Williams collaboration retains.

Both the new Laureato Williams Edition 42mm and the Laureato Chronograph Williams Edition 42mm feature 42mm steel cases, and alternate between polished and satin finishes. The dials also come in the same blue Clous de Paris colouring and pattern, and red accents, which give a nod to the Williams’ 2026 car and keyline.

On both dials, a subtle ‘W’ is hidden at 12 o’clock. When you flip each watch over, a metallised Williams emblem is printed on the sapphire crystal casebacks, which also show off their self-winding movements. What differentiates the two watches is one is a chronograph, and both have different movements powering them.

Starting with the Laureato Williams Edition 42mm, this watch is the simpler out of the two. Its dial is more minimalist with the blue colour and baton-type hour markers which are rhodium-plated and have a white emission material layered over to enhance visibility. There’s also a date window at three o’clock, and the seconds hand is tipped in red.

The Laureato Williams Edition 42mm is powered by the GP1800 calibre movement. This gives the watch a 54-hour power reserve.

The second watch from the collaboration is the Laureato Chronograph Williams Edition 42mm. I love a good chronograph complication so this watch is my favourite from the launches. The dial has similar features to the first launch, including its hour markers, and hour, minute and seconds hands.

The standout of the Laureato Chronograph Williams Edition 42mm is its three chronograph counters that are framed by rhodium-plated rings. The watch’s case has its crown protected by a guard and two chronograph pushers on either side. A date window sits between four and five o’clock.

Powered by the GP3300 calibre movement, the Laureato Chronograph Williams Edition 42mm has a minimum 46-hour power reserve. Both watches from the Girard-Perregaux x Atlassian Williams F1 Team are available to buy from today.

Grand Seiko has announced its latest limited edition watch, and despite how simple it looks, there’s a lot more to it than first meets the eye. The – deep breath, everybody – Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Manual-Winding Limited Edition with ‘Arabic Numerals’ has a minimalist dial, but its strap, movement and Arabic numerals are what make it impressive.

The new Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Manual-Winding Limited Edition with ‘Arabic Numerals’ is inspired by the first Grand Seiko that launched back in 1960. 40 years later, Grand Seiko debuted the SBGW001 in 2001, which was inspired by the original 1960s design.

Taking design inspiration from both the first Grand Seiko and SBGW001, Grand Seiko’s newest watch is all about Arabic numerals. While Grand Seiko does use Arabic numerals on its watches, it’s quite rare, as the manufacturer prefers baton hour markers or no numerals at all.

The Arabic numeral font on the Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Manual-Winding Limited Edition with ‘Arabic Numerals’ has been designed by Nobuhiro Kosugi, Grand Seiko’s watch designer who joined the brand in 1993. The numerals are bold and slightly rounded, almost making them look like numbers you’d see on a digital clock.

Kosugi designed the numbers in this way to harmonise with the brand’s logo which sits just underneath 12 o’clock. The base of the dial is navy blue, with stainless steel numerals, minute track and dauphine hands. A gold seconds hand stands out amongst the darker background.

Sitting in a 37.3mm stainless steel case, the Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Manual-Winding Limited Edition with ‘Arabic Numerals’ is powered by the 9S64 calibre movement. The movement – which is visible via the caseback – gives the watch a 72 hour power reserve, and it’s accurate to +5/-3 seconds per year.

The Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Manual-Winding Limited Edition with ‘Arabic Numerals’ is finished with a ‘Japan Blue’ crocodile leather strap that was dyed using traditional Japanese indigo dyeing techniques. It also comes with an additional grey strap.

The new Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Manual-Winding Limited Edition with ‘Arabic Numerals’ definitely marks a change amongst the brand’s other watch designs. I much prefer numerals to markers, so this watch is a big hit with me, and I hope to see this style be introduced to more Grand Seiko watches in the future.

Limited to 600 pieces, the Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Manual-Winding Limited Edition with ‘Arabic Numerals’ is priced at £5,000. It’s expected to arrive in the UK in October 2026.

Hublot has teamed up with Jeff Koons on a watch inspired by the artist’s iconic Balloon Dog sculpture. The aptly named Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons features Balloon Dog accents on the dial, crown and case, and has a soft domed case to make it look like the watch is inflated.

Hublot recently announced it would be collaborating with Jeff Koons, and I’m going to make the bold claim that it’s the best watch collaboration of the year. The Balloon Dog is one of the most iconic and recognisable pieces of art, and Hublot and Jeff Koons have transformed it into three limited edition timepieces.

Measuring 42mm, the Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons is available in mirror-polished stainless steel and red or blue anodised aluminium. The colours are in every aspect of the watch, from the case and dial to the strap and crown, and having seen all three in person, I still can’t decide which colour I like the most!

Based on Hublot’s Classic Fusion design, the Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons retains its H-shaped polished titanium screws on the bezel. What’s most captivating about the case is its inflated, soft domed surface that makes the watch look like it’s been blown up like a balloon (dog).

To achieve this ‘volume’, the screws, bezel and sapphire crystal have been reshaped and ‘domed’ to appear puffy. The crown on the right is oversized and crafted from rubber alongside steel or anodised aluminium. It’s designed to look like a balloon’s tip or inflation valve – or in the case of the Balloon Dog, the dog’s nose.

At 10:30 on the case is a rubber ‘dog tail’ accent. I was informed when I got to see the watch that this feature doesn’t control any part of the watch, but it’s a fun accent to have, and it’s another great nod to Koons’ Balloon Dog sculpture.

The dial of the Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons also appears to be inflated, including its hour markers which are rhodium-plated with 3D white Super-LumiNova inserts. There’s a date window at three o’clock, and if you look closely, the end of the seconds hand is decorated by a miniature Balloon Dog. Koons’ signature is also printed at six o’clock.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons is powered by the HUB1710 automatic calibre movement which gives the watch a 50 hour power reserve. The movement can be seen via the caseback which shows off the tungsten oscillating weight, and an inflated-like design.

I got to see the Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons before the launch, and it’s easily my favourite watch collaboration of 2026. It has a nice weight to it and despite measuring 42mm, it doesn’t feel or look too big against smaller wrists (like mine).

It was so fun to see the intricate details up close. The miniature Balloon Dog on the seconds hand is a real stand out and the ‘inflatable’ elements are truly impressive. The crown and ‘tail’ also add more appeal to the case, and the colours are incredibly vibrant – the blue might be the one I loved the most.

The straps of the Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons really intrigued me as they have a spongy texture and bounce to them. Each strap has a rubber base and a debossed metallic insert which – again – has a voluminous inflated effect. It really shows the attention to detail that Hublot and Jeff Koons have put into this watch.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons is limited to 200 pieces per edition. Available in select Hublot stores, the watch is available to buy for £19,700 / $25,100 / €24,600 – if I had the money, I’d take all three!

The watch that helped establish the blueprint for the modern field watch is getting another outing, and Bulova has resisted the temptation to make it unnecessarily enormous.

The new Bulova A-11 Jimmy takes inspiration from the Type A-11 watches produced for US military personnel during World War II.

It combines suitably restrained 37mm dimensions with a modern automatic movement, sapphire crystal and some particularly nice historical detailing.

The company already sells a handsome blue-dial A-11 Hack Watch, but this latest version comes much closer to the utilitarian look of the military originals.

The stainless-steel case measures 37mm across with an 18mm lug width, while a coin-edge bezel surrounds an anti-reflective, double-domed sapphire crystal.

The combination gives it a suitably vintage profile without the fragility of an actual vintage watch.

Underneath is a matte black dial with white Arabic numerals and a high-contrast minute track, while the hands and markers receive BGW9 Super-LumiNova for visibility in low light.

There’s no date window or other clutter, either, keeping the whole thing wonderfully straightforward.

Stamped for service

Bulova has decorated the caseback with acid-etched specification, serial and part-number-style markings inspired by those found on military-issued watches.

The "Jimmy" name refers to actor and decorated WWII pilot Jimmy Stewart.

Bulova says an original A-11 “Hack Watch” appears in the motion picture JIMMY, with the new model intended to celebrate Stewart as well as the brand’s own wartime history.

Inside is a Miyota 9039 automatic calibre with hand winding, hacking seconds and a 42-hour power reserve.

The ability to stop the seconds hand is especially appropriate here, since it allowed personnel wearing the original watches to synchronise them precisely.

A beige nylon strap with a three-piece wire-style buckle completes the look, and it's rated to 50 metres of water resistance.

Interestingly, Bulova’s earlier 96A282 A-11 Hack Watch remains available with its blue dial, brown nylon strap and similarly compact 37mm case.

It uses an older automatic movement and mineral, not sapphire, crystal, but follows much the same basic formula.

The A-11 Jimmy 96A354 is available now at Bulova US for $795.

The older blue 96A282 is currently reduced to $420, making it a substantially cheaper alternative if you prefer the colour and don’t mind giving up the new model’s upgraded crystal and movement.

Victorinox has gone BIG on watches this September, introducing a completely reworked Maverick collection alongside three new additions to its ultra-tough I.N.O.X. Chrono family.

Two decades after the collection first appeared, Victorinox has effectively given the Maverick a full reboot, shrinking the case down to a much more wearable 39mm and offering a surprisingly broad selection of quartz and automatic models.

There are 10 quartz Mavericks and four automatics in total, ranging from relatively restrained black and blue versions to green dials and considerably flashier two-tone combinations.

Despite the smaller dimensions, every model gets a stainless-steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel with either a polished mineral or ceramic insert, and plenty of lume across the dial, hands and bezel.

Tool-free interchangeable straps are also standard, making it easier to swap between bracelets and rubber straps.

More importantly, water resistance now reaches 200 metres, while Victorinox has also added double anti-shock protection.

Quartz versions use a Swiss-made Ronda 715 movement and offer magnetic resistance; the automatic Mavericks use the Sellita SW200 mechanical movement.

The I.N.O.X. Chrono gets even more adventurous

Victorinox is also expanding the I.N.O.X. Chrono with three new 43mm models.

The stainless-steel collection consists of a textured green dial, a deep-blue carbon model and, best of all, a considerably more technical titanium-and-carbon version with orange chronograph accents and an orange paracord strap.

All three use the Swiss-made Ronda 5040.E quartz chronograph movement and combine 200-metre water resistance with magnetic resistance, double anti-shock protection and anti-scratch bezel treatments.

The straps can also be swapped without tools, while the titanium/carbon model gets additional accessories alongside that chunky paracord strap.

The new I.N.O.X. models lean further into the brand's rugged, technical side made famous by the iconic Swiss Army Knives.

The Maverick, however, gives you both quartz and automatic options in a smaller form factor, making the range considerably easier to recommend.

The new Victorinox Maverick and I.N.O.X. Chrono models launch on 14 September 2026.

Visit Victorinox for the latest pricing, individual model availability, and more information.

£1,300 is a lot of money for a Timex, but the new Atelier GMT Première M1a makes a surprisingly persuasive case for it.

With a compact 38mm case, a Swiss automatic GMT movement, a sapphire crystal, an enamel dial, and some seriously handsome gold detailing, it has the specs and finish of a watch with a considerably more intimidating price tag.

The brand has paired a glossy black dial with a green-and-black 24-hour GMT scale, gilt hands and indices, while gold accents appear through the unusual skeletonised stainless-steel case and around the crown.

The Première M1a has a smaller, 38mm case, making it noticeably more compact than the existing 40mm GMT24 M1a and putting it right in the sweet spot for anyone who finds modern GMT watches a little too bulky.

Swiss power underneath

Inside is the Swiss-made Landeron 24 GMT automatic movement, with 28 jewels, a 28,800vph frequency and around 40 hours of power reserve.

Timex quotes accuracy of between +10 and -15 seconds per day, while a sapphire exhibition caseback gives you a clear view of the movement and its customised Timex Atelier rotor.

It is an office-style GMT, meaning the additional 24-hour hand is independently adjustable.

It may not appeal to frequent flyers, but it still lets you keep tabs on a second time zone and feels entirely appropriate for a watch at this end of Timex's range.

The dial sits beneath a double-curved sapphire crystal, Swiss LumiNova fills the hands and applied hour markers, and a discreet date window sits at three o'clock.

The glossy enamel dial is particularly effective here, giving the black surface far more depth than a standard painted finish.

Timex has also fitted a stainless-steel bracelet with removable links and a butterfly deployant clasp, helping keep the transition between case and bracelet looking suitably clean.

Water resistance is rated at 50 metres, which is enough for everyday wear and light swimming, though it makes this more of a refined travel watch than something built for serious water-based adventures.

The Atelier GMT Première M1a TW6A07200 is available now for £1,300 / $1,450 / €1,250 at Timex UK, Timex US and Timex EU on a stainless-steel bracelet.

September is one of my favourite times of the year. Not just that, but it’s also one of the best months for new clothes, when lightweight summer pieces finally give way to proper jackets, heavier fabrics, and shoes that don’t look completely ridiculous with trousers.

This week has been particularly strong, with heritage styles cropping up everywhere, although not necessarily in the form you might expect.

Gramicci has revisited its climbing roots with cult Korean label thisisneverthat, and Vans has covered one of its most famous skate shoes in pearls.

Barbour and Paul Smith have given classic British outerwear a considerably more playful makeover, and JJJJound has turned to Italy for one of the nicest approach shoes I’ve seen this year

Timex has dragged a wonderfully complicated moon phase watch out of 1990, and Butter Goods a menswear staple into something genuinely cool. So, busy week! Here are the six pieces that caught my eye.

Gramicci x thisisneverthat Washed Wind Jacket

£170 | Gramicci

Gramicci and cult South Korean label thisisneverthat are back together for a third collaboration, and the Washed Wind Jacket might be my favourite piece from the collection.

It takes Gramicci’s long-standing connection with climbing clothing and filters it through the slightly faded, vintage-inspired aesthetic that thisisneverthat does particularly well, resulting in something that looks as though it could have been pulled from a particularly good 1990s outdoor catalogue.

It also sits nicely between technical outerwear and everyday streetwear, which makes it considerably easier to wear than some hardcore mountain jackets.

The wider collection includes a reversible fleece vest, Pertex insulated jacket, knitwear, denim and accessories, and launched on 11 September.

Vans Premium Old Skool 36 Pearlized Yacht Club

£115 | Vans

There are understated trainers, and then there are Vans covered in pearls and crystals.

The new Old Skool 36 Pearlized Yacht Club belongs firmly in the second camp, pairing brightly coloured, nautical-inspired panels with pearl and crystal embellishments and a deliberately distressed upper that makes them look as though someone has already spent several years skating in them before pulling out the jewellery box.

Underneath all that decoration is Vans’ Premium version of the Old Skool 36, itself based on the Style 36 introduced in 1977, with an updated fit, materials and comfort. They're objectively quite ridiculous, but that is precisely why I like them.

Paul Smith Loves Barbour Transport Windowpane Waxed Jacket

£429 | Paul Smith

A brown Barbour wax jacket should be one of the safest items of clothing imaginable, but Paul Smith has made this one considerably more interesting without ruining what makes the original so appealing.

The Transport Windowpane Waxed Jacket uses Barbour’s relaxed, relatively short Transport silhouette, rendered in traditional waxed cotton and covers it with a large windowpane pattern.

It's part of the latest Paul Smith Loves Barbour collection, which mixes Barbour's Scottish heritage with Paul Smith's usual injections of colour and slightly eccentric detailing, and the Rustic/Bark colourway feels particularly appropriate now that autumn is approaching.

JJJJound x Diemme Movida

€343.44 (~£295) | Diemme

Approach shoes have completed the journey from specialist climbing equipment to full-blown fashion item, and JJJJound's latest collaboration with Italian footwear specialist Diemme demonstrates why the silhouette works so well away from the mountains.

This version of the Movida is handmade in Italy with a rich brown suede upper, full leather lining and chunky Vibram outsole, giving it enough outdoor DNA to feel rugged without looking as though you're about to clip into a harness.

As you'd expect from JJJJound, branding is kept deliberately quiet, while the predominantly brown and black colour scheme is interrupted by an optional bright red lace. Wear them with straight-leg jeans or cords, and you're essentially sorted for autumn.

Timex 1990 Moon Phase Reissue

£250 | Timex

Timex has been raiding its archives with considerable enthusiasm recently, but the new 1990 Moon Phase Reissue might be one of the most interesting watches it has brought back so far.

Rather than relying on minimalism, the 37mm watch crams a moon phase, day and date information onto its cream dial, surrounded by additional calendar markings and housed inside a polished gold-tone stainless-steel case.

There's a lovely amount going on without the whole thing becoming illegible, and one of my favourite details is the tiny old-school Timex Quartz wave logo hiding on the dial, which helps sell the illusion that you've found a particularly well-preserved watch from 1990 rather than something released in 2026.

Butter Goods Polartec Reversible Trapper Cap

£50 | Welcome

Trapper caps have been creeping back into menswear for a while, but Butter Goods has made its version considerably more useful by turning it into two hats in one.

The Australian skate label has paired a forest-camo nylon ripstop outer with a navy Polartec 200 fleece lining. It's reversible, so you can switch between the technical shell side and the warmer fleece depending on the weather or how conspicuous you're feeling.

You also get proper ear flaps, a five-panel construction and an elastic cinch at the back. It's exactly the sort of slightly odd but genuinely functional accessory I want once the temperature starts dropping.

Panerai has one of the longest histories within watch manufacturing, with roots dating back to the 1860s. Today, Panerai is celebrating its 100th year anniversary of its Piazza San Giovanni Boutique in Florence by launching two limited edition Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni watches.

Panerai's new Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni timepieces are inspired by its iconic Luminor ref. 6152/1. 100 years later, these new watches have similar features, including military accents, but have been given a smaller case size and a new movement which is much longer lasting than its predecessor.

The two versions of the Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni are the PAM01734 and PAM01794. Both are almost identical, except they have different case materials and dial colours. The cases have been shrunk from the original 47mm down to 44mm, and they keep the cushion-shaped case with the oversized crown and protective bridge.

Where the PAM01734 differs from the PAM01794 is its crown bridge has parallel grooves cut into the inner sides that face the crown. The PAM01734 also has a case made from Platinumtech, an alloy made from 95% pure platinum, making it more scratch resistant, while the PAM01794 has a steel case.

The easiest way to tell the difference between the two Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni are the dial colours. Both dials have a brass base, cut-out numerals and hour markers, and pencil hands with Super-LumiNova for legibility. Where the PAM01734 has a green dial, the PAM01794 has a black dial.

The casebacks of the watches are slightly different too. The PAM01734 has an open sapphire caseback which shows off its movement and 100 metre water resistance, while the PAM01794 has a closed caseback and is water resistant to 300 metres.

Both Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni watches are powered by the hand-wound P.5000 movement. The movement has a 4.5mm thickness, and is made of 21 jewels, a balance wheel and is enclosed between two broad plates. Despite being hand wound, the Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni has an impressive eight-day power reserve.

To finish the Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni, and give it a more vintage-inspired look, the PAM01734 has a black leather or green rubber strap, while the PAM01794 has a brown leather or black rubber strap.

Available in boutiques from September 2026, the green Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni is limited to just 100 pieces, while the black Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni PAM01794 is limited to 1,000 pieces. Pricing hasn’t been released, but you’ll need to be quick if you want to get your hands on the new Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni.

Orient marks a serious first with its latest release. Debuting five versions of its Mako GMT watches, the new models are the first time Orient has introduced a dual time zone function to its Mako collection.

With its new Mako GMT timepieces, Orient has combined its dive watch design with a GMT function, allowing the watch to display two different time zones simultaneously. To do this, the Orient Mako GMT has both a standard hour hand and an additional hour hand that completes a rotation every 24 hours.

The GMT (24-hour) hand on the watch operates alongside the 12-hour hand, and can be adjusted to display a second time zone via the uni-directional rotating bezel. The bezel has a 24-hour scale with 120 notches that you can comfortably adjust when needed.

Measuring 49.5mm in height and 42.8mm in width, the Orient Mako GMT has a stainless steel case and a two-tone bezel that matches the colour of the dial. It has a screw-down crown on the right side, and the case integrates into the stainless steel bracelet and screw caseback.

Aside from the GMT hands, the Orient Mako GMT has a simple diver-style dial, including bar indices, a minute scale and a date window at three o’clock. Its hour hands have an arrow shape at the tip, while the minute hand has a long diamond shape.

There are five new versions of the Orient Mako GMT watch – four regular and one limited edition. The ‘regular’ models have black, blue, green and orange dials with a metallic, sunburst texture that subtly changes colour in the light. The limited edition Orient Mako GMT has a blue gradient dial.

Powered by the F6P22 in-house automatic movement, the Orient Mako GMT has an accuracy of +25 seconds to -15 seconds per day, and a 40 hour power reserve. Prices on the Orient Mako GMT start at £424.99. The limited edition Orient Mako GMT is limited to just 4,000 pieces.

Casio has a habit of making inexpensive watches far more interesting than they have any right to be, and the latest addition to its MTP collection might be one of the best examples yet.

The MTP-E740 initially looks like a fairly conventional stainless-steel analogue watch, complete with three hands and a day-date window at three o'clock.

However, Casio has made calendar discs underneath an opaque dial part of the design, with the numbers and abbreviated days visible beneath the semi-transparent central section.

The result is a wonderfully busy arrangement of overlapping letters and numerals that makes a relatively simple quartz watch look far more complicated.

If you're familiar with vintage Seiko (or modern versions), the idea might also look rather familiar.

Sonar detected

The Seiko Time Sonar, introduced in 1976, famously used a transparent plastic dial that let its calendar disc show through.

Seiko says the design was inspired by submarine sonar displays, and even paired the original watch with a transparent caseback and a compass attached to its bracelet.

Earlier this year, the company also launched the Seiko 5 Sports x HUF SRPM09, a modern interpretation of the Time Sonar featuring a semi-transparent green dial and an automatic 4R36 movement.

That model is limited to 7,000 pieces and costs £350 in the UK.

The Casio isn't a direct copy or even quite the same proposition.

It has no automatic movement or chronograph, and Casio hasn't officially connected the MTP-E740 with the Time Sonar.

But the visual similarity is difficult to miss, especially when both designs turn something normally hidden beneath the dial into their defining feature.

Casio's version is a straightforward three-hand quartz watch, with the current day and date appearing conventionally through a window at three o'clock.

The stainless-steel case measures 39.8mm across and just 8.7mm thick, while the watch weighs 103g with its matching stainless-steel bracelet.

You also get mineral glass, 50-metre water resistance and an estimated three-year battery life, with Casio rating accuracy at ±20 seconds per month.

The MTP-E740-2A1V is available now from Casio UK for £85 (~$115 / €99 / AU$160), putting this take on the transparent-calendar idea at around a quarter of the price of Seiko's latest Time Sonar-inspired model.

And while the Seiko is undoubtedly the more sophisticated watch mechanically, I suspect plenty of people will be perfectly happy to keep the extra £265 in their pocket.

Timex has been digging increasingly deep into its archives in recent years, bringing back everything from unusual digital watches to some of the stranger designs of the 1970s and 1980s.

Its latest revival takes us forward to 1990 with a wonderfully elaborate moon phase watch that looks almost impossibly intricate for something powered by a straightforward quartz movement.

The Timex 1990 Moon Phase Reissue recreates a design that the brand says was comparatively sophisticated for its time, squeezing a moon phase display, calendar information, date window and several different scales onto a compact dial.

It also continues what has become a particularly entertaining run of Timex reissues.

We've recently covered the wonderfully odd 1976 Rotary Phone Dial Reissue, which borrowed its hour markers from an old telephone dial, as well as the Q Timex 1975 SSQ Digital Reissue, a throwback to the brand's early digital watches.

There's a lot going on here

The Timex 1990 Moon Phase Reissue features a cream dial with flowing black Arabic numerals, surrounded by gold-tone hands and detailing.

Further towards the edge, you'll find two densely packed calendar tracks displaying the days of the week and dates of the month.

The obvious focal point is the moon phase display just above the centre of the dial, where a deep blue disc decorated with gold stars and a moon tracks the current phase of the lunar cycle.

It's the considerably smaller detail underneath that display that I particularly like, though, because Timex has also brought back its old-school Timex Quartz wave logo, complete with the tiny blue graphic that appeared on watches from the period.

The rest of the watch follows the same theme, with a polished gold-tone stainless-steel case paired with a dark brown crocodile-grain natural leather strap and an 18mm lug width.

Properly compact proportions

Thankfully, Timex hasn't enlarged the original idea to suit modern tastes either.

The case measures just 37mm across and 10mm thick, with a 42.5mm lug-to-lug measurement that should make it considerably more wearable than many contemporary dress watches.

It weighs only 44.89g, uses mineral crystal over the dial and offers 50 metres of water resistance, which Timex says is enough for light swimming, although the leather strap means I'd be inclined to keep this particular watch somewhere dry.

Underneath all that apparent complication is a battery-powered quartz movement, which feels entirely appropriate given the period being recreated and should make living with the watch rather less complicated than its dial suggests.

The Timex 1990 Moon Phase Reissue (TW2Y99000) is available now, priced at £250 in the UK, €289 in Europe and $299 in the US, while Australian retailers list it for around AU$549.95.

A. Lange & Söhne has launched two new versions of its popular Triple Split and 1815 UP/DOWN watches to coincide with the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance. These limited edition novelties are based on their original designs, and have subtle changes, like material, colour and dial accents.

Starting with the Triple Split, this watch launched back in 2018 and became well known in the watch industry as the only split-seconds chronograph that measured intermediate, comparative and overall times for up to 12 hours. This new edition now comes in a 43.2mm platinum case with a rhodié-coloured dial and grey subdials.

Limited to just 100 pieces, the new Triple Split has a split-seconds chronograph with a flyback function. Time measurement can be stopped via the pusher at four o’clock which resets all active chronograph and rattrapante hands back to zero. When you release the pusher, a new measurement will restart.

The dial of the Triple Split has hour, minutes, seconds and stop seconds functions. A tachymeter scale surrounds the dial, and it has an UP/DOWN power indicator. The rattrapante hands are blue while the main hands are a grey shade. Powered by the L132.1 calibre movement, the watch has a 55 hour power reserve, and is finished with a dark brown alligator leather strap.

The new 1815 UP/DOWN novelties from A. Lange & Söhne are my favourite from the new launches. Available in white gold or pink gold, each model is limited to 300 pieces and are inspired by historic Lange pocket watches.

Measuring 37.5mm, the dials come in blue and have large Arabic numerals with a railway-track minute scale. It has a seconds counter and an auxiliary subdial at eight o’clock which acts as a power reserve indicator, and is designed to look like a fuel gauge.

A signature feature of the 1815 UP/DOWN, this UP/DOWN power reserve indicator uses an AB (DOWN) marker to represent the unwound movement, while the AUF (UP) marker shows the fully wound movement. When fully wound, the watch has up to 72 hours of power reserve.

Both subdials have blue hands, while the main hour and minute hands match the colour and material of the case – either white or pink gold. Powered by the L051.2 manufacture calibre movement, it can be seen via the caseback, including its winding wheels, blued screws and gold chatons and balance spring.

The 1815 UP/DOWN is finished with a blue alligator leather strap for the white gold version, or a red-brown strap for the pink gold version. Prices for the new watches are available on request.

Louis Vuitton has just added to its iconic Tambour collection with five new, exciting Spin Time references. Featuring its 12 rotating cube dial design, the new Louis Vuitton Tambour Spin Time watches are available in multiple colours and materials, including opal, gold and platinum.

The Tambour collection is arguably one of Louis Vuitton’s most recognisable and emblematic ranges, with its bold case shape and Spin Time complication. First launched back in 2009, the Louis Vuitton Tambour Spin Time is best characterised by its 12 rotating cubes that replace a watch’s traditional hour hands.

Aside from giving the dial a cool, three-dimensional effect, the rotating cubes reinterpret the jumping hour complication in a more modern way. Since its original launch, Louis Vuitton has launched limited edition versions in 2025, but for 2026, the brand has launched five new references that will become permanent parts of the collection.

Let’s first kick off with the blue versions of the new Louis Vuitton Tambour Spin Time watches. Starting off strong is the Tambour Spin Time Australia Open Rose Gold, featuring an 39.5mm 18kt rose gold case. One of the most luxurious versions, it has an Australian opal dial at the centre and between each of the 12 cubes.

Due to the unique and natural opal stone, the dial has layers of blue, purple and gold. The hour markers are set with baguette-cut diamonds for extra sparkle, and there are baguette-cut sapphires on the bezel and lugs. It’s finished with a blue rubber strap.

Next, the Tambour Spin Time Air Blue in White Gold is slightly larger with its 42.5mm white gold case. Most of the dial is shown in blue, but it’s also contrasted with silver text on a white background when the current hour is shown on the cube. The ST13.01 calibre movement is suspended at the centre of the case, and it can also be seen via the caseback.

The final blue reference from the new range is the Tambour Spin Time Air Antipode Blue in White Gold. Measuring 42.5mm, this model is the most complicated, as it displays all 24 major time zones across the 12 cubes simultaneously. Each cube has the names of two cities on it that are exactly 12 hours apart, while local time is shown by a yellow pointer.

The centre of the Tambour Spin Time Air Antipode Blue in White Gold has a picture of the world’s map. It’s bold, dramatic, and has a white gold case and blue accents that are finished with a blue calfskin strap.

Moving away from blue, the Tambour Spin Time Green has a 39.5mm white gold case with an earthy green colour on the dial and cubes. One cube is lighter in green to signal the current hour, and it’s completed with a matching green rubber strap.

The fifth and final reference is the Tambour Spin Time Air Flying Tourbillon Salmon. The salmon coloured dial is bright and fresh, and it matches its tan calfskin strap. It has a LFT ST05.01 calibre movement that takes 50 hours to put together, and it sits in a 42.5mm platinum case.

The new Tambour Spin Time watches are available to buy at Louis Vuitton.

Tudor has reintroduced its Northflag tool watch, and it made it more practical than ever before. The new Tudor Northflag is inspired by the British North Greenland Expedition of the 1950s, and is designed to handle the world’s most demanding conditions, with its new dial, GMT and movement redesign.

The first Tudor Northflag debuted back in 2015 and was originally inspired by the 1973 Ranger II watch. This second generation keeps many of the same features as its predecessor, but has been given some subtle design changes which makes it more reliable in harsh and demanding conditions and terrain.

Measuring 40mm, the Tudor Northflag has a satin brushed and polished stainless steel case, complete with a stainless steel bezel. The screw-down winding crown on the right side has a cone shape and is embossed with a Tudor shield.

Where you’ll really notice the differences of the Tudor Northflag is its dial. With a black coloured dial, the watch has been upgraded with a 24-hour rehaut angled at 45 degrees. Completed with an arrow-shaped 24-hour hand, this makes the GMT function of the Tudor Northflag more useful in polar night or midnight sun environments.

To enhance visibility, the monobloc ceramic hour markers are large and luminous. Alongside the hour markers, the ‘Northflag’ hands are also enhanced with Super-LumiNova, and there’s a bold, square date window at three o’clock. The second hand is also bright yellow.

Powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U movement, the Tudor Northflag features a balance spring and bidirectional rotor system. It offers a precision of 0/+5 seconds of variation per 24 hours, and a 65 hour power reserve. It can be seen via the open caseback, and unlike its predecessor, the Tudor Northflag’s movement with GMT function is COSC and METAS certified.

The Tudor Northflag is finished with a two-link integrated bracelet with a Tudor T-fit rapid adjustment clasp. It’s available to buy now for £4,310 / $5,525.

You are no doubt familiar with the Hublot Big Bang, a watch that has been around for over 25 years now, and is known for pairing metal cases with rubber straps.

But this latest model is the start of something new. The clue’s in the name – the Soft Touch – since this is a watch that debuts an all-new manufacturing process for Hublot’s straps, and now what was rubber now feels like velvet.

That’s the claim, at least. Hublot says a “dedicated overmolding process” is employed, using specially engineered tooling to integrate the velvet-like texture with the rubber itself. This isn’t a finish or a coating, the watchmaker says, but instead a new texture that becomes an intrinsic part of the construction of the strap itself.

To make the new material Hublot has a new watch available in two distinct colours. Called the Big Bang Soft Touch, the watch is offered in All Black and All Red. The new velvet-like material is applied to both the strap and the titanium case, bringing a softness to what was previously metal. It also appears on the bezel and dial, creating what Hublot calls a unique tactile finish

The company says of the material: “Its unique microscopic surface structure is composed of thousands of fine micro-elements, creating an exceptional softness to the touch while preserving the durability and resistance expected from Hublot’s signature rubber.”

Hublot’s own Hub1280 Unico self-winding chronograph movement drives the watch. It features a flyback movement with column wheel, 43 jewels and approximately 72 hours of power reserve. The 43 mm case is made from titanium “overmoulded” with the new velvet-effect material in either red or black, and so too is the bezel.

Water resistance is 100 metres and the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. The strap is secured with a titanium deployment buckle clasp, while the dial is punctuated by a date window at the half-past-four position, and a set of rhodium plated, satin-finished hands.

Available now, the Hublot Big Bang Soft Touch is priced at £19,600 in either red or black.

For fans of the Carrera Chronograph Sport, TAG Heuer has just unveiled a new generation of its popular timepiece. The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Sport has been upgraded with a new case, bracelet and size, to reimagine the sport chronograph with in refined proportions and a contemporary design.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Sport was first introduced in 2020, making it one of the brand’s newest watch collections and designs. The latest version – which is available in five colourways – takes the foundations of the 2020 original, and basically, shrinks it.

The case of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Sport has seen the biggest change. It’s been completely redesigned with brushed sides, and piston-inspired pushers. The bezel is thinner and features a steel cradle and a polished ceramic insert. If you look closely at the upper right lug, an engraving of ‘The Victory Wreath’ can be seen.

Previously, the case of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Sport measured 44mm, but it now comes in a 42mm size. As someone with small wrists, this smaller size is a significant change – although 42mm is still considered medium-large – and opens it up to be worn and enjoyed by more people.

The size reduction can be seen in various places on the case, including shorter lug-to-lug measurements which have changed from 49.8mm to 48.6mm for more balanced proportions. The thickness of the watch has also been reduced from 15.48mm to 14.17mm so it’s less chunky and has a more sleek, refined silhouette.

There are five colour options up for grabs, but all versions of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Sport have the same case and dial features, and movement. The dial has a sunray brushed pattern with three chronographs – a minute counter at three o'clock, a permanent seconds indicator at six o’clock and an hour counter at nine o’clock. A date window is also at six and it overlaps into the chronograph.

The dial is complete with silver Arabic numerals, and white tachymeter markings. Depending on the colour you pick, the chronograph hands and the seconds hand are grey. For the black opalin version, red is used for the chronograph hands, seconds hand and minute markings.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Sport is available with a choice of blue, teal green, silver and black opalin dials. There are two versions of the blue dial, one of which comes with a different strap. All colours look beautiful, although the silver version is my favourite as it has black counters which gives the watch a panda configuration.

Powered by the in-house Calibre TH20-00, the movement can be seen via the open caseback and it’s decorated with an oscillating mass with a TAG Heuer shield. The watch is complete with an 80 hour power reserve, 100 metre water resistance and a redesigned H-shaped steel bracelet.

Prices on the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Sport start at £5,500 / $6,850 / €6,550. As the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 and the Title Sponsor and Partner of the Spanish Grand Prix, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Sport is being launched during the race in Madrid, so keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot one!

September has arrived, which means autumn collections are coming thick and fast, and this week’s Style Edit has ended up with a distinctly outdoorsy flavour.

That doesn’t mean everything here belongs halfway up a mountain, though. Salomon continues to blur the distinction between trail equipment and sneakers, Brompton has joined forces with one of Japan’s coolest outdoor brands, and Db has somehow managed to make fly-fishing equipment look like something you might see on the streets of Tokyo.

There’s also a reassuring reminder from Uniqlo that interesting clothes don’t necessarily need interesting price tags, plus a beautifully strange gold-and-brown G-Shock and one of my favourite pieces from Klättermusen’s new autumn collection.

Salomon XT-Evo

£175 | Salomon

The XT-6 has become such a familiar sight that it’s easy to forget just how unusual Salomon sneakers looked a few years ago. The new XT-Evo pushes things in a new direction.

It takes the proven tooling of the XT-6 and adds a much more aggressive racing-inspired upper, combining breathable mesh with liquid rubber to create the cage-like structure across the foot.

Underneath, you still get proper Salomon hardware, including an Agile Chassis System, EnergyCell cushioning, Mud Contagrip and Quicklace.

There are three colours, but the Black / Fiery Red / White version is easily my pick. If Salomon’s older XT models now feel almost conventional, this makes them look positively restrained.

Uniqlo:C Barrel Jeans

£39.90 | Uniqlo

This is probably my favourite reminder this week that good-looking clothes don’t have to cost the earth.

Uniqlo:C’s new Barrel Jeans cost just £39.90, but there’s a surprising amount going on here. Clare Waight Keller has given them a loose, curved leg with prominent front pleats and unusual L-shaped pockets.

The result looks more like an oversized pair of tailored trousers than conventional jeans. There are clear similarities to Levi’s £230 Blue Tab Wide Pleat Crop Jeans, although these aren’t intended to be a direct copy.

I particularly like the olive version, which takes the design even further away from traditional blue denim. Black and navy are also available.

Db x Purple Mountain Observatory Sling Bag

£300 | Purple Mountain Observatory

I singled out the modular vest when Db and Purple Mountain Observatory unveiled their Gone Fishing collection, but the enormous Sling Bag might actually be the piece I’d be most likely to use.

It’s made entirely from ALUULA Graflyte, an incredibly light composite material designed to deliver high strength without adding much weight.

The bag itself weighs only around 240g and uses a huge roll-top body that can expand or compress depending on what you’re carrying, along with an adjustable sling strap and Db’s Hook-Up system.

It was supposedly designed around fly fishing, but with its translucent material, oversized proportions and flashes of purple, it looks more like experimental Japanese luggage than an angling accessory.

Brompton x and wander Poncho

£125 | Brompton

Brompton’s new collaboration with and wander contains a £2,999 G Line, bags, trousers, a hoodie and plenty of other things I’d happily wear, but this wonderfully oversized poncho might be the best-looking thing in the entire collection.

And wander has been making versions of its Sil Poncho for years, using lightweight Cordura nylon with a silicone coating to protect against showers while staying extremely packable.

There’s even a loop inside the front for your thumb, helping prevent the poncho from blowing upwards when you’re cycling into the wind.

The bright green version shown in Brompton’s campaign is particularly good. It’s functional, slightly ridiculous and almost cape-like, which is exactly why I like it. The collaboration launches on 10 September.

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-B100XMH-5A

£365 | Casio

Gold G-Shocks aren't exactly unusual, but there’s something about combining gold with brown that completely changes the character of this enormous Mudmaster.

The new GG-B100XMH-5A is part of Casio’s Horizon Gold collection and pairs a gold-tone stainless-steel bezel with a carbon fibre-reinforced resin case and dark brown resin strap.

Thankfully, Casio hasn’t sacrificed the Mudmaster part of the equation. You still get shock resistance, 200-metre water resistance, compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer sensors, step tracking and Bluetooth connectivity.

It’s big, complicated and completely unapologetic, but surprisingly handsome too.

Klättermusen Balderus Jacket

£260 | Klättermusen

Synthetic fleece dominates outdoor clothing, so I’m very happy to see Klättermusen doing something slightly different with the new Balderus.

The £260 jacket uses a heavy knitted fleece made from recycled Italian wool, reinforced with nylon in areas that need extra durability and wind protection.

It also has raglan sleeves to aid movement, two zipped hand pockets, and ventilation to help dump heat when you start moving faster.

What really earns it a place here, though, is the design. The contrasting panels across the shoulders and chest make the Balderus look much sharper than your average wool hiking layer, especially in the natural-looking Dark Moon colourway. It feels old-fashioned and thoroughly modern at the same time, which isn't an easy trick to pull off.

Gold isn't usually the first finish that comes to mind when you think of G-Shock's hardcore Master of G watches, but Casio's latest collection makes a convincing case for it.

The new Master of G Horizon Gold collection takes three familiar models from the Gravitymaster, Mudman and Mudmaster families and dresses them in a shared combination of light yellow-gold ion plating, brown metal details and dark brown resin straps.

Casio says the colour scheme is inspired by the point where the earth meets the sky at the golden horizon, but the end result feels less flashy than that description might suggest (in a good way).

More importantly, these aren't fashion-first G-Shocks with the rugged bits stripped out.

All three retain the brand's shock-resistant construction and 200-metre water resistance, while each offers a slightly different collection of outdoor and connected features.

Three different flavours of tough

The Gravitymaster GR-B300H-5A is perhaps the most aviation-inspired of the trio, with a carbon fibre-reinforced resin case, Carbon Core Guard construction and a bezel design "inspired by next-generation aircraft" (whatever that might mean).

It also gets Tough Solar charging, Bluetooth connectivity and dual-time functionality, plus a rotary disc indicator that can display alarm status, stopwatch operation and battery level.

The GW-9500MH-5 Mudman goes in a more traditional expedition-watch direction.

Its dust-, mud- and shock-resistant construction is joined by radio-controlled solar timekeeping and Casio's Triple Sensor setup, giving you compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer readings.

There's also a duplex LCD designed to make the display easier to read outdoors.

Finally, the GG-B100XMH-5A Mudmaster – a watch I'm very familiar with – mixes a stainless-steel bezel with a carbon fibre-reinforced resin case and adds Quad Sensor technology, including a step counter alongside the compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer.

It also connects to the Casio Watches app over Bluetooth and supports Mission Log, which can record altitude information from the watch alongside route data from your phone.

G-Shock has produced plenty of gold watches before, but pairing the metal with earthy brown cases and straps gives these oversized outdoor models a warmer, almost vintage-tool-watch quality without disguising what they are.

The G-Shock Master of G Horizon Gold collection is available now at Casio US, with prices ranging from $330 to $460.

Only the Mudmaster GG-B100XMH-5A seems to be available in the UK for now, priced at £365. EU and AU prices and availability TBC.

Barrel jeans are nothing new for Uniqlo, but this latest Uniqlo:C version has a noticeably more tailored look, and it might seem particularly familiar if you’ve been browsing Levi’s more expensive Blue Tab collection.

The new-season Uniqlo:C Barrel Jeans cost just £39.90, yet there are some striking similarities between them and Levi’s £230 Blue Tab Wide Pleat Crop Jeans.

Designed under Clare Waight Keller's Uniqlo:C label, the Uniqlo jeans abandon the conventional straight or slim denim silhouette for a more sculptural look.

They're cut loose with a wide barrel shape, creating plenty of volume through the leg before curving back towards the hem.

Up top, you get a tailored-looking front treatment and L-shaped pockets instead of standard curved pockets you'd associate with an everyday pair of jeans.

As a result, the Uniqlo:C Barrel Jeans look much like oversized tailored trousers, particularly in the black and olive colourways.

Blue jeans with tailoring ambitions

Levi’s describes its Blue Tab range as an elevated, design-led take on its denim heritage, and the Wide Pleat Crop Jeans combine a loose fit with a wide leg and prominent pleating across the front.

They're made from 100% cotton Japanese denim and have a mid-rise waist, zip fly and traditional five-pocket construction. Levi's

As you can imagine, the Uniqlo:C jeans aren't an exact copy.

Their barrel leg curves more noticeably, the pockets are different, and the standard £39.90 version uses dyed coloured denim rather than the premium Japanese fabric found on the Levi’s.

Uniqlo also offers a separate indigo version with a more traditional faded denim finish.

Still, the overall proposition is remarkably similar: 100% cotton denim, oversized proportions and a tailored trouser-like silhouette, only at a dramatically lower price.

The Uniqlo:C Barrel Jeans are available now in waist sizes 28 to 40 inches for £39.90.

The regular dyed-denim version comes in black, olive and navy, while the indigo model is available separately in blue.

The American watchmaker has launched its Golden Hour Sale in the UK, knocking 25% off a sizeable selection of watches and accessories when you enter the code SUNSET25 at checkout.

Shop the Timex One Last Golden Hour Sale (use the code SUNSET25)

Plenty of familiar Timex designs are included, from affordable everyday pieces to models from the Q Timex and Marlin families, but one watch in particular caught my eye. The Timex Harborside Coast Automatic normally costs £180, so the 25% discount knocks £45 off and brings it down to a remarkable £135.

That's particularly tempting because this isn't simply another inexpensive quartz watch. The Harborside Coast uses a 24-jewel mechanical automatic movement that winds itself with the motion of your wrist.

It's housed inside a chunky 43mm case and paired with an adjustable stainless-steel bracelet, while the styling takes plenty of inspiration from classic dive watches.

You get a rotating bezel with an anodised aluminium insert, a magnified date window and luminous hands and hour markers. Timex also lists mineral glass and 100 metres of water resistance.

At 43mm, it's certainly not for anyone looking for a small or particularly discreet watch, but that's hardly the point. For £135, you're getting a proper self-winding mechanical watch from an established brand, complete with a steel bracelet and plenty of sporty wrist presence.

You'll need to enter SUNSET25 at checkout to get the discounted price, and, as ever with promotions like this, I'd expect the more desirable models to disappear first.

Timex has made plenty of unusual watches over the years, but few are as immediately charming as the Original Camper Ring Watch, a fully functional miniature designed to be worn on your finger.

The tiny timepiece first appeared earlier this year as part of Japanese retailer icon BEAMS’ 50th-anniversary celebrations, taking the familiar military styling of Timex’s Original Camper and shrinking it into something closer to jewellery.

Now, BEAMS BOY, a womenswear label within the Japanese retailer and fashion group BEAMS, has returned to the idea with a new version, and I think this one might look even better.

The Timex x BEAMS BOY Original Camper Ring Watch swaps the utilitarian colouring of the earlier model for a translucent tortoiseshell-style brown case and bracelet.

The design references a tortoiseshell Original Camper that BEAMS BOY previously commissioned from Timex, effectively shrinking that full-sized collaboration down for your finger.

The warm translucent resin gives the miniature Camper more of a vintage-accessory feel, while the familiar white dial, black Arabic numerals and 24-hour markings retain the military-watch character of the original.

Small watch with a surprisingly serious execution

The Original Camper Ring Watch is a genuinely functional quartz watch, complete with a Japanese movement, acrylic crystal and the Camper's recognisable field-watch dial.

Its expandable bracelet accommodates different finger sizes, while the crown protruding from the side makes the whole thing look almost comically like somebody used a shrink ray on a normal Timex.

BEAMS BOY has also retained one of the best details from the original release: the packaging.

The ring watch sits inside a TIGHT VAC container, and a transparent internal stand makes it look as though it's floating inside the cylindrical case.

The clever case gives the package the feel of a tiny museum exhibit or some forgotten piece of 1970s industrial design.

The new tortoiseshell Original Camper Ring Watch is priced at ¥22,000 (~£102 / $139 / €119 / AU$193) and is due to go on sale from 11 September, with reservations already open in Japan through BEAMS.

While the Original Camper Ring Watch itself isn't new, this tortoiseshell treatment makes an already strange little Timex considerably more desirable.

To kick off Geneva Watch Days 2026, Breitling is paying tribute to one of the most iconic jazz musicians of all time with its new Navitimer watch. The Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute is created in celebration of Miles Davis and to mark the centennial of his birth.

In the mid-1960s, Miles Davis was first spotted wearing the Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 MK5 during his concerts. This was long before pilot watches were seen as fashionable or more than just a practical tool for actual pilots to use.

To pay tribute to Davis and his love for his Breitling watch, Breitling has reimagined the original watch he wore and brought it into the modern age. The new Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute still captures the same features of Davis’ original timepiece, while upgrading its movement and materials.

The Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute comes in a 41mm stainless steel case, the same diameter as the original ref. 806 MK5. As is trademark with the Navitimer, its crown is oversized and flanked by two gaskets, and the case is complete with a cream-coloured bidirectional bezel with a circular slide rule.

The dial of the Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute has one of my favourite designs – the reverse panda dial. The base of the dial is black while its three chronograph subdials have a vintage-inspired cream colour that matches the bezel.

The hour markers, numerals and hour and minute hands are crafted from old radium Super-LumiNova which gives the watch a golden look and vintage feel. A ‘Twin Jet’ logo sits just beneath 12 o’clock which is in reference to the era-appropriate logo on the watch that Davis wore.

Powered by the Breitling Manufacture Calibre B09, the movement is made of 244 components and has a 28,800 a/h balance frequency. It gives the watch 70 hours of power reserve, and you can view the movement via the open sapphire caseback. The caseback also has ‘Miles Davis Centennial’ and ‘One of 500’ engraved on it.

Another design inspiration taken by the time that Davis wore his own Navitimer, the Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute is finished with a brown calf leather strap or an Air Racer bracelet. The latter has been newly revived and makes its first return on this watch, featuring a stainless steel bracelet with hinged links.

The Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute is limited to 500 pieces. A Lifetime Club Member Set is also available and limited to just 50 editions. The set contains the original Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph 41 Tribute, and two other versions – one in platinum with a blue dial, and the other with an 18K yellow gold and steel case and a black and white dial.

Swiss watchmaker Gerald Charles has revealed a new version of its Masterlink, with a unique hammered Maillechort dial that makes every example unique.

Limited to just 25 pieces for each of three dial colours, the Masterlink Atelier Edition builds on what is already impressive about the Masterlink – its 7.99mm thickness, square 38mm case, and clever integrated bracelet design – and introduces a captivating new dial.

Made from Maillechort – a metal alloy made of copper nickel and zinc – the dial is hammered, by hand, into what Gerald Charles calls “a living metallic surface that no photograph can fully capture,”.

What’s special here is how the hammering technique makes every example unique. Each will catch light in a slightly different way – a point the watchmaker is keen to emphasise by not decorating the dial with numerals, a date window, or indeed any markings at all, beyond the name ‘Geneve’ and a simple set of hour and minute hands.

The watch is limited to just 75 examples, split evenly across three dial colours of golden rose, rhodium and golden yellow. Its maker explains the dial manufacturing process as being a process where “an experienced artisan at the Gerald Charles Atelier in Geneva takes a Maillechort dial and, through hundreds of individually controlled impacts, transforms a flat surface into something closer to light itself.”

The company further explains the dial: “The choice of Maillechort as the dial material is deliberate and uncompromising. Harder to machine than the brass commonly used in watchmaking, it demands longer production times, wears tools faster, and produces a higher rejection rate.”

The rest of the watch is similarly impressive. Despite sporting a bracelet with a butterfly clasp, no screws are visible anywhere when it’s being worn. The butterfly clasp and push-pieces to operate it are concealed inside the links, while the size can be adjusted by the half-link to ensure a perfect fit.

Inside, the watch is driven by a self-winding, in-house GCA 1000 movement with offset micro-rotor, 29 rubies and 50 hours of power reserve. While the case is already slim at 7.99 mm thick, the movement itself measures just 2.67 mm. Water resistance is 100 metres.

Twenty-five examples are available for each of the three dial colours, and the price is available upon request.

The latest dial design from Mr Jones Watches is one of its most intriguing yet – and a handy reminder to shift our perspective when life feels complicated.

It’s called Time Warp and was designed by Sam Taylor, an award-winning artist and illustrator who has previously worked with Apple, Nike, Vans and Converse.

Like other watches by Mr Jones, the pad-printed, multi-layered dial sees a jumbled collection of characters rotate each hour, descending into chaos before returning to their starting position 60 minutes later.

Here, the starting position is a yellow skull surrounded by a bunch of colourful characters, including a gummy bear, a frog and a worm. As it rotates, the skull morphs into a goofy face – a transition inspired by the reversible optical illusions of the Victoria era, and one designed to remind the wearer that, sometimes, it just takes a change in perspective to see things differently.

The time is read by looking at the mushroom and the frog, which point at the hours and minutes respectively. Even by Mr Jones Watches standards, it’s a slightly tricky dial to read at first glance – but, as is often the case with these watches, you’re supposed to take a moment or two to fully comprehend the time.

Taylor said: "The design changes and becomes mixed-up, then resolves at certain times, representing how sometimes things are confused but then out of nowhere they clear up. You can be having a bad day and then, boom, one little thing happens and your whole perspective flips.”

The watch uses a battery-powered quartz movement. Its stainless steel case with black PVD coating measures 37mm in diameter and has a height from lug to lug of 46mm. The dial is protected by sapphire crystal, water resistance is 50 metres, and the watch comes with an 18mm wide black silicone strap.

Taylor added: “I know what every element represents to me and I like to think that every person who gets this watch can develop their own meaning for all of the characters and critters. For me, the worm is zen, calm and collected in any situation, nothing fazes him but to someone else he might be really annoying and a pest, that’s all good with me."

Priced at £245 ($325, €285), Time Warp by Mr Jones Watches is a battery-powered quartz watch, limited to just 300 examples and available to order now.

Girard-Perregaux is pulling out all the stops for Geneva Watch Days 2026. The watch manufacturer has launched the new Laureato Fifty Tourbillon 39mm, and with its new movement and tourbillon cage, it might be its most complicated model yet.

The Laureato collection from Girard-Perregaux stands out with its octagonal-shaped bezel and its Clous de Paris pattern. It's an extensive range, including models with chronographs, date windows, skeletonised dials or simple time-only versions, but the new Laureato Fifty Tourbillon 39mm has upgraded the design with a dramatic tourbillon cage.

Stretching between five, six and seven o’clock, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon 39mm has a lyre-shaped tourbillon cage which is a long-standing signature from the brand that was first introduced in the 19th century. This automatic tourbillon features a white gold bridge above it, and a platinum and pink gold micro-rotor in an arrow shape.

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon 39mm is powered by the brand’s new manufacture GP8410 automatic tourbillon calibre movement. Girard-Perregaux has developed four new in-house movements this year, and this new movement has two white gold bridges which can be seen via the sapphire caseback.

With a 72 hour power reserve, the movement has 31 jewels, 207 components and powers the tourbillon, hours and minutes. It sits in a 39mm stainless steel case which has a thickness of 10mm, making it extremely slim for this type of complication.

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon 39mm is available in two versions – a blue Grand Feu enamel dial with white gold or an 18K solid gold with a rose-toned dial. Both variations have a Clous de Paris dial pattern, and baton-type hour markers and hands in their corresponding white or solid gold materials.

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon 39mm is finished with an integrated steel bracelet. This watch is an impressive feat within watch making, and adds yet another exciting complication to the Laureato collection.

Pricing of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon 39mm has yet to be revealed, but I imagine I’ll have to save up a lot to get my hands on one.

American watchmaker Timex has teamed up with Fender for three special-edition watches celebrating the guitar company’s 80th anniversary, with designs inspired by two of its most famous models, the Telecaster and Stratocaster.

The most exciting model is the Fender x Timex Automatic 41mm, celebrating the Telecaster with a butterscotch blonde wood-grain dial inspired by the guitar’s famous finish.

It also features a custom Telecaster headstock-shaped seconds hand and Fender branding on the dial and crown.

Better still, it comes with a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, 200 metres of water resistance and a unidirectional rotating bezel.

Flip it over, and you'll find the exhibition caseback with a Miyota 8215 automatic movement underneath Telecaster anniversary artwork.

The watch is finished with a black leather slip-through strap made by S.B. Foot Tanning Co., the historic Minnesota tannery owned by Red Wing Shoes since the 1980s.

Turn up the tone

Things get considerably dressier with the Fender x Timex 37mm, which takes its cues from the Stratocaster.

Timex swapped the wood grain for an iridescent mother-of-pearl dial designed to evoke a Pearloid guitar pickguard.

There's another headstock seconds hand, this time modelled after the Stratocaster, and the crown itself resembles a guitar tone knob.

A domed acrylic crystal and brown S.B. Foot leather strap complete the retro look.

Finally, the 37mm Telecaster Gift Set might be the most overtly Fender-like of the lot.

Its ice-blue dial carries an embossed Telecaster silhouette, matched with bright blue stitching on the black leather strap and another guitar-headstock seconds hand.

It also comes with a second woven strap covered in Fender branding and designed to resemble a guitar strap.

The quartz watch has a stainless-steel case, domed acrylic crystal and 50 metres of water resistance.

And because Timex has properly committed to the theme, every watch in the collection comes with a Fender guitar pick.

The Fender x Timex collection is available now, priced at £225 / $269 (€232 / AU$377) for the Stratocaster-inspired 37mm, £250 / $299 (~€258 / AU$419) for the Telecaster Gift Set and £415 / $499 (~€431 / AU$699) for the Telecaster Automatic.

Shop the Fender x Timex collection at Timex UK and Timex US.

If I had to pick one, I would probably go with the Fender x Timex 37mm, as it still works as a watch even if you couldn't care less about Fender.

The iridescent mother-of-pearl dial looks stunning, and the watch has just enough subtle detail to feel like an anniversary watch without trying too hard.

Plus, it's not the most expensive model of the three, either.

At Geneva Watch Days 2026, Zenith has unveiled the CHRONOMASTER Solo Sport. Available in three different versions, the new watch sees Zenith make a drastic – and I think controversial – change to its iconic CHRONOMASTER design.

For fans of the Zenith CHRONOMASTER collection, you’ll know that it’s most recognisable by its three chronograph subdials which are the main highlight of the watch – or at least it is for me as I’m a huge fan of chronograph complications. But the latest addition to the range has noticeably steered away from the chronograph display.

For the first time, Zenith has introduced a CHRONOMASTER watch without any chronographs. Instead, Zenith is focusing on its El Primero 3620 movement and taking it back to basics – precision and high frequency cadence.

Measuring 40mm, the stainless steel case of the Zenith CHRONOMASTER Solo Sport features a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel. As there’s no chronograph display on this watch, the right side of the case has just a screw-down crown and is framed by protectors rather than pushers.

The Zenith CHRONOMASTER Solo comes in three versions – black, white and brown, with the colours displayed on the dial and bezel. Each watch has the same features, although there is a black version available with no day-date, making it simpler and cheaper than the others.

As mentioned, the dial of the Zenith CHRONOMASTER Solo has seen the biggest change. The date window has been moved to three o’clock and the minute track has a ‘shark tooth’ design.

The ceramic surface of the Zenith CHRONOMASTER Solo is built around a repeated 45° ‘Z’ motif which represents the El Primero movement’s rhythm and vibration. For the white version, the dial has a sunray finish while the black and brown is polished.

Other dial features include hour, minute and central seconds hands which, alongside the hour markers, are coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1 for enhanced visibility in low light. The watch is also water resistant to 20 ATM, and it comes on a three-link stainless steel bracelet.

The Zenith CHRONOMASTER Solo is powered by the El Primero 3620 calibre which is built on the El Primero 3600 chronograph movement. The automatic El Primero 3620 operates at 5 Hz and features a bidirectional winding system and star-shaped rotor, a stop-second mechanism and a silicon escapement. It gives the watch 60 hours of power reserve.

I’ve become a big fan of Zenith watches, and I really like the look of the new Zenith CHRONOMASTER Solo, especially the all-black version. Do I miss the chronograph display? Yes, but it’s exciting to see Zenith mixing things up. Prices on the Zenith CHRONOMASTER Solo Sport start at 8,900 CHF.

Uniqlo has started rolling out its new-season menswear for autumn, and although the collection includes plenty of familiar returning styles, its latest Balmacaan Overcoat is worth a closer look.

Priced at £109.90, the understated coat has a roomy, relaxed fit, a below-the-knee length and a simple button-front design.

It comes in black and grey, but it’s the latter that caught my attention because it looks remarkably similar to a far more expensive coat currently listed at Mr Porter.

That would be the ATON Balmacaan Linen and Wool-Blend Twill Coat, originally priced at £1,710.

It’s currently reduced to £855, but even at the sale price, we're talking about a very different end of the menswear market.

ATON is a Japanese label known for pared-back clothing and premium fabrics, and its Balmacaan follows that formula closely.

The grey mélange finish, long straight silhouette, uncomplicated collar and deliberately roomy proportions give it a minimalist look that isn't a million miles away from what Uniqlo is offering here.

Of course, there’s no suggestion that Uniqlo has copied ATON – the Balmacaan is a traditional overcoat style.

But visually, there is enough crossover that the Uniqlo version could appeal to anyone who likes the look of the designer coat without the four-figure price tag.

Similar looks, very different fabrics

Uniqlo uses a shell consisting of 33% wool, 40% recycled polyester, 17% polyester and 10% polyamide, with a polyester lining.

The brand describes the fabric as having “moderate fullness”, while the cut is roomy and relaxed.

Made in Japan, ATON’s version is considerably more luxurious, using a 55% linen and 45% wool twill, along with buffalo-horn buttons and a cotton lining.

Mr Porter describes it as lightweight, loose-fitting, and specially designed to resist wrinkling.

So, unsurprisingly, the £109.90 Uniqlo coat isn't secretly giving you £1,700 worth of materials and construction.

What it does offer is a remarkably similar overall aesthetic: long, loose, grey and deliberately uncomplicated.

Uniqlo has also made this latest version longer than its previous Balmacaan, with the new model explicitly designed to fall below the knee.

That extra length arguably strengthens the designer comparison and gives the coat a more contemporary silhouette.

The Balmacaan Overcoat is available now at Uniqlo UK for £109.90 in grey and black, in sizes XS to 3XL.

TAG Heuer is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Monza watch and bringing it into the modern day with its new limited edition Monza Flyback Chronograph. Presented ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monza which is taking place on 6th September, the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronograph features a black and red dial, and a dramatic forged carbon case.

TAG Heuer is well known for its motorsport-inspired watches, and its original Monza is one of its most celebrated racing chronographs. The first-ever Monza was introduced in 1976, and was designed to celebrate Niki Lauda’s Formula 1 World Championship win for Ferrari.

Aside from this huge accomplishment, the 1976 Monza was TAG Heuer’s first watch to have a black-coated brass/steel case, an element that TAG Heuer has kept and reimagined with the new TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronograph.

Measuring 42mm, the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronograph has a forged carbon case which is durable, lightweight and recognised in motorsports for its credentials. It has a marbled pattern which almost looks like camouflage. The case has a cushion shape, and an oversized crown flanked by two chronograph pushers on the right side.

A black flange frames the dial, and offers a tachymeter and pulsometer scale. The dial has a black base as taken by the original 1976 Monza model, and features two matte black chronograph counters – a minutes subdial at three o’clock and a permanent seconds display at six o’clock.

Another detail inspired by the 1976 Monza is the date window. It sits at nine o’clock and has an angled shape which looks bigger on the outer edge of the square window. The hour markers, and hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated and have white Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility. Red makes an appearance on the flange, as well as on the minutes chronograph hand, and seconds hand.

Powered by the Calibre TH20-12, the movement has a flyback function which offers measured timing intervals that don’t interrupt the chronograph. The timing sequence sets and restarts with a single press on the pushers. The movement is COSC certified and can be viewed via the caseback.

The TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronograph is finished with a black calfskin strap with red stitching. Launching in September 2026, the TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronograph is available to buy for £11,300 / $13,400 / €13,350. It’s limited to 500 pieces.

Seiko has just expanded its Prospex watch family with a capsule collection called the Grand Touring Mechanical Chronograph.

Drawing inspiration from vintage motorsport, the watches include a tachymeter on their dial, which with the chronograph movement and pushers can be used to calculate the average speed of an object – like a race car – traveling a known distance – like a road race, a circuit, or a standing quarter-mile.

Also distinctive is the vertical pattern on the dial, which Seiko says was inspired by a highway. Other details include a date window at the half-past-four position, a dual-curved sapphire crystal, 100 metres of water resistance and a steel case back. Behind that is Seiko’s in-house 8R48 mechanical chronograph movement with vertical clutch and column wheel.

Two models are available. The first has a sky blue dial with a white 60-second track and a black tachymeter scale around the outer edge, matching the sub dials. The other carries a silver-grey colour scheme across all elements of the dial, and swaps out the sky blue model’s steel bracelet – which is itself inspired by Seiko’s original 1972 ‘Panda’ chronograph – for a grey leather strap.

I think these both look fantastic, but for me the silver-grey model is the one to go for. I really like how the dial and strap manage to include a handful of different shades of the same colour palette, but while retaining a simple, restrained aesthetic. The tachymeter and its markings add some motorsport vibes, of course, but also give the watch a vintage feel without doing anything as overt as resorting to faux patina.

Available for pre-order now, the Seiko Prospex Grand Touring in sky blue and silver grey is priced from £2,250 to £2,340 – or around $3,050-$3,170. Deliveries are due to start this month.

If your idea of a great watch involves a gold bracelet, a small digital display and enough retro styling to look like something your dad might have worn in the 1980s, I’ve found a very tempting deal.

Shop all Timex deals at Flannels

The Timex x MM6 T80 34mm Watch Set is currently £109 at Flannels, down from its usual £215 price. That’s a saving of £106, or just over 49%, on one of the more unusual versions of Timex’s much-loved digital watch.

The T80 is already one of Timex’s most overtly retro watches, but this particular model was created in collaboration with MM6 Maison Margiela, the contemporary line from influential Paris fashion house Maison Margiela.

The collaboration takes the familiar T80 model and gives it a bold gold-tone makeover, with a polished 34mm stainless steel case and a matching brushed-and-polished stainless steel bracelet.

Under the mineral lens is a mirrored mask marked with numbers from 0 to 23, with the number six circled in reference to MM6’s numerical branding.

Despite the design overhaul, you still get all the functionality of the original model, including a chronograph, daily alarm, timer, month and date display, plus Timex’s excellent INDIGLO backlight for checking the time in the dark.

The MM6 is sold as a gift set and comes with a separate gold-tone stainless steel bracelet, which you can wear with the watch or on its own. Timex says that gives you three different ways to wear the set.

At £215, the fashion collaboration carries a fairly hefty premium over a regular 34mm T80, which Timex currently sells from £105. At £109, however, you’re getting the MM6 version for essentially standard-T80 money.

Casio makes plenty of watches that look tough. In fact, for most of G-SHOCK’s history, looking almost indestructible has been an important part of the appeal.

However, G-SHOCK watches come in many flavours, and the G-STEEL GST-B1000-2A proves this.

It still has the shock resistance, 200-metre water resistance and Carbon Core Guard construction associated with the brand, but you could almost mistake it for a considerably more conventional luxury sports watch.

That is partly because the GST-B1000 is one of G-SHOCK’s more restrained designs, featuring a clean, stainless steel bezel with no oversized G-SHOCK lettering around the outside.

Casio uses a mixture of brushed and polished finishes on the metalwork to give it a slightly more premium appearance.

I particularly like the GST-B1000-2A, which pairs the silver bezel with a black bio-based resin strap and a metallic blue dial, creating a watch that looks subtly elegant while still being very much G-SHOCK in terms of durability.

Casio uses vapour deposition for the blue finish, so its appearance changes slightly as light moves across the surface.

Plus, the subtle brick pattern is inspired by the DW-5000C, the original G-SHOCK from 1983. And we all know retro/reissued watches are all the rage!

Same G-STEEL, half the weight

Casio introduced the bracelet-equipped GST-B1000D series in October 2025, including a similar blue-dial GST-B1000D-2A.

The big change for August 2026 is the switch from a stainless steel bracelet to a lightweight resin band.

The steel GST-B1000D weighs 118g, whereas the new GST-B1000-2A comes in at only 58g.

That's just over a 50% reduction, without changing the 46.9 x 44.2 x 11.6mm dimensions of the watch itself.

You still get a stainless steel bezel protecting a carbon-reinforced resin case, 200-metre water resistance, a screw-lock crown and mineral glass.

Tough Solar handles charging, while Bluetooth connects the watch to the Casio Watches app for automatic time adjustment and easier settings.

It also has a stopwatch, 30-minute countdown timer, daily alarm, and Super Illuminator LED.

The Casio G-SHOCK G-STEEL GST-B1000-2A is available now in the UK for £330 (~$447 / €389 / AU$624), with a black-dial GST-B1000-1A also available for the same price.

Timex has been spending plenty of time in its archives lately, and its latest reissue might be one of the strangest watches it has brought back yet.

The aptly named Timex 1976 Rotary Phone Dial Reissue takes inspiration from a watch first produced 50 years ago and, as the name suggests, gives the face the look of an old rotary telephone.

To achieve the ultimate throwback look, each hour marker sits inside its own small circular surround.

The slightly warped typeface adds to the effect, making the watch look as though someone took the number wheel from a 1970s telephone and squeezed it onto your wrist.

Even the day-date complication at 3 o'clock gets in on the act, sitting inside an elongated version of the same gold-edged circular design.

It sounds like the recipe for a novelty watch, but somehow, Timex has made the whole thing look rather smart.

Weird, but surprisingly wearable

A lot of that comes down to everything surrounding the dial.

The stainless-steel case measures a relatively restrained 37mm across and 43mm lug-to-lug, while its brushed, polished gold-tone finish pairs well with the brown-black dial and gold-coloured hands.

At 12mm thick and 51g, it isn't especially tiny despite that modest diameter, but the proportions are suitably retro.

Timex has also opted for an acrylic crystal, a period-appropriate touch that gives the watch the warmer look of vintage acrylic while also allowing minor scratches and scuffs to be polished out.

Inside is a battery-powered quartz analogue movement, so the 1970s styling thankfully doesn't mean dealing with the maintenance that can come with an actual 50-year-old watch.

It's paired with a 20mm brown leather strap, with Timex highlighting the lower environmental impact of its Leather Working Group-associated leather supply chain.

Water resistance is rated to 50 metres, making it suitable for everyday splashes and light swimming.

The unusual dial is certainly the main event, but the cushion-shaped case, acrylic crystal, and restrained dimensions make the rest of the watch feel authentically retro.

The Timex 1976 Rotary Phone Dial Reissue is available now from Timex US, Timex UK and Timex EU for $219 / £180 / €209 (~AU$340).

Piaget has released its newest Polo sports watch, and it’s continuing its impressive legacy of creating ultra-thin chiming watches. The new Piaget Polo Minute Repeater has a dramatic openworked dial that exposes its movement, and with almost 200 hours put into making it, there are only five watches available.

Piaget has become well known for its ultra-thin timepieces. In 2013, the watch manufacturer introduced the world’s thinnest minute repeater, and it’s this slim complication that has found its way into the new Piaget Polo Minute Repeater.

The dial of the Piaget Polo Minute Repeater is a true masterpiece, with a sunray blue finish and an opaline outer track. What really makes it stand out is its openworked style which almost looks like it’s been peeled back on the bottom left to show the watch’s movement.

Powered by the calibre 1290P movement which is developed and assembled at Piaget’s Manufacture in La Côte-aux-Fées, it’s made up of 430 components, including hand-beveled brides, a guilloche mainplate and minute-repeated hammers. It also has a platinum micro-rotor which has a blue PVD coating to match the base of the dial.

The movement is cleverly and cheekily displayed with a gold fillet that ‘moves’ across the dial. An inertia wheel or the minute repeater regulator sits at four o’clock, and has a blue sapphire ring wrapped around it. All of this sits in a 48mm 18-karat white gold case and finished with a blue calfskin strap or leather bracelet.

The design of the movement isn’t the only impressive thing about the watch. The calibre 1290P emits three intense sounds at 64 decibels. In the fifth octave, the hours sound in G sharp while the minutes ring at A sharp, and a chiming slide sits at nine o’clock.

It took over 150 hours to develop the dial of the Piaget Polo Minute Repeater, and an extra 50 hours to hand finish each timepiece. Due to this extensive work, only five pieces have been made for 2026. The watch isn’t necessarily classed as a limited edition as Piaget could make more, but it does take a lot of time to manufacture.

But that’s not all – Piaget has also introduced a High Jewellery version of the Piaget Polo Minute Repeater. The dial is fully openworked so you can see the entire movement, and the case and bezel is set with baguette cut blue sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds.

Prices for both Piaget Polo Minute Repeater watches are available on request.

The Casio F-91W was never designed to become a watch icon. When it launched, the goal was to create a reliable digital watch that was affordable, easy to use, and wearable by almost anyone.

More than three decades later, that same watch has become one of the most recognisable timepieces in the world, proving that sometimes the products that last the longest are the ones that never try too hard.

At a time when watches are becoming increasingly smarter, with built-in health sensors, GPS, AI features and smartphone connectivity, the F-91W has stayed almost exactly what it has always been. It tells the time, offers a stopwatch and alarm, and keeps going for years on a single battery.

Speaking to me, Casio Senior Marketing Campaign Manager Warren Halliwell explained that watches such as the F-91W and A158 have developed an identity that goes far beyond simply being affordable options in Casio’s range.

“It’s easy to assume they’re just entry points into the brand, but the reality is they’ve developed their own identity and following over the years,” Halliwell said.

The art of doing nothing

The F-91W is one of the clearest examples of Casio’s broader philosophy of creating products that solve everyday problems.

“It delivers accurate, reliable timekeeping, useful everyday functions and exceptional durability at a price point that’s accessible to almost everyone,” Halliwell explained.

That sounds simple, but creating something that remains relevant for decades is surprisingly difficult. The technology industry is built around constant improvement, where products are expected to become smarter and more capable with every new generation.

To avoid getting caught up in the constant update mill, the F-91W has taken a different route. While Casio has improved the manufacturing process behind the scenes, it has avoided changing the fundamental experience of wearing the watch.

According to Halliwell, that is one of the hardest decisions for Casio’s product teams. “There’s always a temptation to add features, improve specifications or modernise certain elements,” he explained. “But every change has consequences.”

“With something like the F-91W, I think the question isn’t ‘Can we add this?’ It’s ‘Would people still love it for the same reasons?’” That question may be why the F-91W has survived. The watch doesn't try to compete with smartwatches or pretend to offer something it doesn't; instead, it focuses on doing a handful of things well.

The icon nobody designed

The most interesting thing about the F-91W’s story is that Casio never set out to create a design classic. “When the F-91W launched, the focus was creating a practical, affordable digital watch that people would find useful,” Halliwell said. “The goal wasn’t to create a design icon.”

The watch became important because people kept choosing it, year after year. “What happened over time was that people kept choosing it,” Halliwell said. “As years turned into decades, it became clear that the design had connected with people in a way that went beyond its original purpose.”

The appeal comes from the fact that the F-91W doesn't try to come across as more premium than it is, or add unnecessary decoration to hide the fact that it is simply a tool. “Part of it is undoubtedly the design itself,” Halliwell said. “It’s simple, lightweight, functional and feels incredibly honest as a product.”

That simplicity has allowed it to move between different worlds: it can be a nostalgic childhood watch, an affordable everyday timepiece, a collector’s item or a fashion accessory depending on who is wearing it.

Different people, same watch

While it remains popular with people who just want a simple, no-frills digital watch, the F-91W has also found fans among collectors and designers who discovered it long after its original launch.

“You’ll still find customers buying them for the same reasons they always have: affordability, practicality and reliability,” Halliwell said. “But today you’ll also see fashion-conscious buyers, design enthusiasts, collectors and younger consumers who weren’t even born when some of these watches first appeared.”

That is unusual for such an accessible product. Many affordable gadgets are treated as disposable, replaced as soon as something newer appears. The F-91W has managed to become something people keep, wear and attach memories to.

“The same watch can mean something completely different to different people,” Halliwell said. “That’s part of its enduring appeal.”

Casio has also explored ways to refresh its classic designs through collaborations and new materials, but the company believes these updates work best when they do not change the identity of the original product.

“The beauty of innovations like bio-based resin is that they can introduce fresh perspectives while keeping the core design intact,” Halliwell explained.

The long life of a short feature list

In the age of smartwatches, the F-91W’s limited feature list could look like a weakness, but in reality, it might be one of its biggest strengths. Simply put, the watch just works.

When designing a watch at this price point, Casio says it can simplify things, but it can't compromise the essentials. “The module needs to be dependable. The display needs to be clear. The buttons need to work. The watch needs to withstand everyday life,” Halliwell said.

However, behind the scenes, the watch has changed more than many people realise. Casio says manufacturing methods, production efficiencies, testing procedures, and quality-control systems have evolved over time, allowing the F-91W to keep being produced reliably without changing the design or user experience.

The price of being timeless

The F-91W also challenges the age-old idea that value is inherently linked to price. Some products become important because they are expensive and exclusive, while others become meaningful because almost anyone can own one.

Casio believes its affordable watches are some of its most important products because they often represent someone’s first experience with the brand. “For many people, an affordable Casio is their first experience with the brand and sometimes their first experience of owning a watch at all,” Halliwell said.

Accessibility has always been part of Casio’s approach. The company believes innovation is not just about creating more advanced products, but also about finding ways to make useful technology available to more people.

The F-91W’s success ultimately comes down to a combination that sounds almost too obvious: simplicity, reliability and affordability.

“The F-91W has remained relevant because it solves a universal problem in a straightforward, dependable way,” Halliwell said. “As long as there are people who value that combination of simplicity, reliability and accessibility, I think there will always be a place for watches like it.”

The F-91W is available now at Casio UK for £19.90.

Vacheron Constantin has just launched its new series inspired by the Animal Kingdom. Featuring six concept watches that use six different disciplines, the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom features an embroidered tiger, glass octopus, paper crocodile, and more – and I can’t decide which one I like the most.

For this new collection, Vacheron Constantin launched its “One of Not Many Crafts Programme”. The project invited six artisans to introduce their craft onto a watch dial, and let me tell you, the results don’t disappoint.

All six concept watches have a 42mm case with a thickness of 12.9mm. There’s about 4mm of height between the dial’s sapphire and the sapphire crystal that covers it to allow the dial designs to have a three-dimensional effect. The case is available in either 18kt white gold or 18kt 5N pink gold, depending on which watch you choose.

The Calibre 2460 G4 automatic movement powers the watch, and it can be seen through the sapphire caseback. It has a 22kt gold oscillating weight and if you look closely, you can see small tool decorations hand engraved on it, as inspired by the tools used by the artisans on the project.

Aside from the bold animal designs, the dial of the Animal Kingdom watches have four windows on each ‘corner’ which shows the hours, minutes, day and date. Each watch is finished with a calfskin strap which has subtle decorations as inspired by the animals on the dial.

Onto the most exciting part of the watches – the animals. As mentioned, six concept watches have been made: Feather snake, Glass octopus, Tiger embroidery, Paper croc, Wooden falcon and origami.

Starting with Feather snake, the dial showcases a blue, green and gold snake that sits atop grass. It’s made from featherwork and a specially developed metal appliqué, and it took around 250 hours to make.

Glass octopus is – you guessed it – made from glass. The miniature glass octopus looks like it’s swimming on top of a dark blue background, and is made of shaped glass rods that showcase its tentacles.

Tiger embroidery is the most colourful design, and it features a tiger head made from 9kt yellow and white gold embroidery wires. The black stripes are made from ceramic-coated black wires over a copper base. The entire design is stitched directly onto the watch’s bespoke perforated titanium dial plate.

No guesses here, the Paper croc is made from microscopic cotton paper. The crocodile and dial is all white, and is surrounded by snow-covered vegetation. The design sits high above the dial and even overlaps the four windows.

The Wooden falcon is made from 12 different types of wood which has been carved into an intricate bird. Its wings are incredibly detailed, and you can see the different feathers and plumage on the body of the falcon. Origami features six manta rays on top of a deep blue background. Each manta ray is made from dyed Japanese hand-folded paper which is then mounted on a fine brass stem.

After much consideration, I think my favourite from the series is the Paper croc. From a distance, the watch looks unassuming but once you get closer, you can see the intricacies and expertise of the 3D crocodile that almost swims across the dial.

Prices on the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom are available on request.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced four limited edition versions of its Reverso Tribute watch, and if you’re an Italiophile, you’re going to want to get your hands on one – if you can. The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Turner Series’ pays tribute to Venice with a ‘hidden’ miniature painting of the city on its caseback.

In September, Jaeger-LeCoultre will be participating in the Homo Faber Biennale, an international event that celebrates art and craftsmanship. To coincide with the event, Jaeger-LeCoultre is paying homage to the city of Venice with its new Reverso Tribute Enamel collection.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso watch is most recognisable by its square case which swivels to reveal a decorative caseback. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Turner Series’ is no different, as it showcases an 18kt white gold case which measures 45.6mm x 27.4mm and a thickness of 8.51mm.

What makes the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Turner Series’ standout amongst its predecessors is its caseback which has been turned into a miniature work of art. Crafted in enamel, the caseback of the new watches feature four miniature reproductions of Venice as originally painted by J.M.W Turner.

The dials of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Turner Series’ are made from guillochage and enamel. There are four colour options that range from blue to green that match their caseback paintings, and each is decorated with a hand guilloche pattern to give the dial more shape and texture.

While the dials are not simple by any means, they’re much more minimalist compared to the elaborate casebacks. The dials are finished with Dauphine hands and hour markers.

Each caseback painting features 14 layers of paillonné enamelling, with each version taking over 80 hours to make. The painting options are Venice, the Dogana and San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice from the Porch of Madonna della Salute, Venice, Bridge of Sighs, Ducal Palace & Custom House, and finally, Venice, Bridge of Sighs.

The paintings are extremely intricate, and showcase different parts of the city. If you look closely, a secret gold leaf paillon signature is discreetly hidden on each painting. Depending on the painting you choose, there are enamel colours of green, blue, lavender and more, to capture the sky, sea and buildings of Venice.

Powered by the Calibre 822 movement, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Turner Series’ has a power reserve of 42 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Each watch is finished with a green or blue alligator strap to coincide with its painting and dial colours.

Each version of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Turner Series’ is limited to just 10 pieces each, so you’ll need to be quick if you want one. Pricing is available on request.

In celebration of the 160th anniversary of its first-ever chronograph, Tiffany & Co has unveiled a new limited edition Tiffany Timer. The latest version of the Tiffany Timer is crafted from titanium and platinum materials, but its most exciting feature is actually ‘hidden’ on the caseback.

Tiffany & Co’s first chronograph was launched in 1866, and to pay tribute to this feat, the luxury fashion house has launched two limited edition Tiffany Timer watches this year. The first debuted at LVMH Watch Week in January 2026 which showcased a full Tiffany Blue dial, a custom chronograph movement, and a limited run of just 60 pieces.

Now, Tiffany & Co has introduced a second edition Tiffany Timer, and I think this one is my favourite. Measuring 40mm, the Tiffany Timer has a satin-brushed titanium case, with a bold crown that’s flanked by two chronograph pushers which control the subdials, and protect the crown. The case is completed with a platinum bezel.

The dial of the Tiffany Timer is more subtle than the first edition watch which was entirely coloured in Tiffany Blue. The base of the second edition’s dial is dark blue and has a light sunray pattern. Its minute track, outer chronograph seconds track, and date window at six o’clock are displayed in Tiffany Blue.

The Tiffany Timer has three chronograph counters – a minutes subdial at three o’clock, an hours subdial at six o’clock and a running seconds subdial at nine o’clock. Its hour markers, hours, minutes and seconds hands are in steel.

Powered by the El Primero 400 chronograph movement, the Tiffany Timer has a 50 hour power reserve. It can be seen via the sapphire crystal caseback which hides a ‘hidden’ Bird on a Rock motif.

Inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s original Bird on a Rock brooch design, an 18kt yellow gold bird sits on the movement’s openworked winding rotor. It measures 1.4cm in width, and has been polished by hand so you can see it shine from all angles. The caseback is also engraved with ‘Limited Edition of 100’, and the watch is finished with a navy alligator strap.

The new limited edition Tiffany Timer is expected to launch in September 2026, and is limited to 100 pieces. Pricing is available on request. I imagine it’s very out of my price range but I’d love to get my hands – or wrist – on it.

Calling all football fans! Hublot has launched its eight watch in collaboration with the UEFA Champions League. The new Hublot Big Bang Reloaded UEFA Champions League Titanium Ceramic has a skeletonised dial and ceramic bezel, featuring a bold blue colour, inspired by the colour of the championship.

As Official Timekeeper and watch partner of the UEFA Champions League since 2015, Hublot has a long-standing relationship with the competition. Hublot has launched many limited edition timepieces for this partnership, including a Classic Fusion Chronograph for the 2025 season, but this year’s might be my favourite yet.

For the 2026/27 season, Hublot has reimagined its Big Bang Reloaded design in the signature colour of the UEFA Champions League. Measuring 44mm, the Hublot Big Bang Reloaded UEFA Champions League Titanium Ceramic has a polished and satin-finished titanium case that’s overlapped with a blue ceramic bezel.

The blue of the bezel is inspired by the shade used in the UEFA Champions League logo and other parts of the competition. The blue ceramic bezel features large H-shaped bolts around it which is a common feature of Hublot’s Big Bang watches, as well as smaller bolts on the titanium case.

The right side of the case features an oversized crown with blue colouring. It’s flanked by two chronograph pushers which are powered by the HUB1280 Unico manufacture calibre movement.

Developed in-house, the HUB1280 Unico movement features an automatic column-wheel and is made of 354 components, all of which can be seen via the skeletonised dial. It gives the watch a 72 hours of power reserve, and is water resistant to 100 metres.

The dial of the Hublot Big Bang Reloaded UEFA Champions League Titanium Ceramic is extremely impressive, and has a lot of ‘hidden’ details of Hublot’s ongoing partnership. The skeletonised dial shows off the movement, and it has matte blue accents, including the minute track, numerals, hour markers and 60-seconds subdial.

My favourite feature of the Hublot Big Bang Reloaded UEFA Champions League Titanium Ceramic is a small football at nine o’clock. It has star shapes as inspired by the competition’s match ball which gives another subtle nod to the collaboration between Hublot and UEFA Champions League.

When you flip the watch over, this is where you can see the most ‘obvious’ part of the collaboration. The blue ceramic caseback has a sapphire crystal so you can see the movement at another angle, and the UEFA Champions League logo is printed over it.

The Hublot Big Bang Reloaded UEFA Champions League Titanium Ceramic is finished with a blue rubber and white calf leather strap which has stars printed on it. It’s presented in a box which comes with a miniature replace of the trophy,

Limited to 100 pieces, the Hublot Big Bang Reloaded UEFA Champions League Titanium Ceramic is available to buy for £19,700 / $25,200 / €24,700.

Seiko is celebrating 60 years of its dive watch innovations with the – get ready for it – Prospex 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Fan-Selected 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch. The design of the new timepiece was chosen by Seiko fans, and is inspired by the brand’s first-ever dive watch, the 1965 ‘62MAS’.

The 1965 ‘62MAS’ was the first dive watch introduced by Seiko. With an automatic movement and 150 metre water resistance, the original watch was used by researchers during the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition in the 1960s. It was also worn by explorers on Mount Everest and the North and South Poles, proving the watch’s reliability and durability in harsh conditions.

To bring the original into the modern age, Seiko asked fans to vote for their favourite design of the Seiko Prospex 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Fan-Selected 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch. Four designs were voted on throughout July, and all were inspired by the changing colours of the sea at different times of day, including sunrise, sunset, daytime and afternoon.

The winning design is the ‘Daytime’ version of the Seiko Prospex 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Fan-Selected 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch. The dial of the watch perfectly captures the colour and movement of the ocean during the day, featuring an embossed wave pattern and vibrant blue colouring.

Measuring 40mm, the stainless steel case has a screw-down crown, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with an aluminium insert. The bezel matches the blue colour of the dial, and has white numerals and markings.

The dial of the Seiko Prospex 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Fan-Selected 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch has indexes, hour, minute and seconds hands that are filled with Lumibrite to enhance legibility. A white circular date display sits between four and five o’clock which is so small, you almost miss it! The dial is finished with a black minute track.

Powered by the in-house 6R55 automatic calibre movement, the Seiko Prospex 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Fan-Selected 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch has an impressive 72 hours of power reserve. It’s water resistant to 300 metres, and has an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day.

On the case back, a serial number and ‘LIMITED EDITION’ is engraved, and you can also see a wave etching in the centre. It’s finished with a stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp.

If you’re a Seiko fan who voted on this design, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on the new Seiko Prospex 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Fan-Selected 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch. Limited to 4,500 pieces globally, pre-orders are open now with deliveries expected in October, and it’s priced at £1,350.

Compared to the other months of the year, August is the month which sees the worst attendance in the office. Simply put, the summer holidays means more people are taking annual leave, staying home to be with the kids, and schools and universities are closed.

I’m sure commuting and going back to school is far from your mind right now, but with September on the horizon, it’s a great time to upgrade your bag with a stylish new briefcase. A briefcase or laptop bag gives an air of professionalism, and they pack a surprising amount of storage under their stylish hoods.

To help you get ahead of next term or your return to the office, here are five briefcases that’ll level up your work, commuting and studying.

Best briefcase overall

1. Carl Friedrik Dunloe Briefcase

My top pick for the best briefcase overall is the Carl Friedrik Dunloe Briefcase. Available in four stylish brown colours, this briefcase is relaxed yet sophisticated, and it holds a huge amount of essentials, including a 16-inch laptop. Made from full-grain leather, it has a rough texture and is complimented by polished hardware.

I gave it five stars in my Carl Friedrik Dunloe Briefcase review, and found it to be the perfect companion for office commutes and work trips. My husband still uses it every time he goes into the office, and it has a good amount of spacious pockets and compartments to keep everything organised.

Best luxury briefcase

2. Montblanc Meisterstück Briefcase

Nothing screams luxury like the Montblanc Meisterstück Briefcase. Described as an ‘elegant companion for business trips’, this briefcase is available in Meisterstück black leather or Sfumato brown leather which is durable, stylish and robust.

The Montblanc Meisterstück Briefcase is inspired by writing culture, more specifically fountain pens which Montblanc is known for. The handles, zips and stitching are designed in the shape of a pen nib, and it comes with multiple carrying options with its removable leather strap. For £1,800 / $2,250, it’s not cheap but it’s sure to last a long time.

Best budget briefcase

3. Moss Saffiano Attache Bag

A budget briefcase doesn’t have to be basic, and the Moss Saffiano Attache Bag proves that in handfuls. Made from black faux leather, the briefcase has a modern Saffiano-style print to give it more texture and style.

The Moss Saffiano Attache has great internal pockets, including organiser compartments and a padded laptop sleeve. It has an adjustable strap for comfortable carrying, and a trolley sleeve, making it the ideal bag for abroad work trips to sit atop your suitcase.

Best briefcase and backpack

4. Stubble & Co The Hybrid Backpack

If you like switching between handles and straps, the Stubble & Co The Hybrid Backpack gives you the best of both worlds. This hybrid briefcase and backpack has a 20 litre capacity, and breaks up into three split compartments, so you can take it with you from work, into your next gym session and on to your weekend trip.

Inside, the Stubble & Co The Hybrid Backpack can fit a 16-inch laptop and other gadgets with its separate organisers. As a backpack, its straps are comfortable on the shoulders, and it has a main handle on the side so you can carry it like a briefcase – because why not have the option to choose both?!

Best briefcase for storage

5. Briggs & Riley Expandable Briefcase

If storage is what you’re after, the Briggs & Riley Expandable Briefcase has it in spadefuls. Made from durable, recycled materials, this briefcase is the king of organisation, with two large pockets at the front, a 15.6-inch tech sleeve for your laptop, and divided internal compartments.

The Briggs & Riley Expandable Briefcase can also be expanded by unzipping the side to make it bigger by 1.5 inches. It’s a great option for travel, and has a slip-through back panel to fit onto your suitcase.

TAG Heuer has just launched a new limited edition Carrera Day-Date, but you can’t buy it on its website. As part of a collaboration with Watches of Switzerland Group, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date is available exclusively at Watches of Switzerland, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb.

First introduced in 1963, the Carrera watch is one of TAG Heuer’s most popular collections. Its Day-Date version stands out from its Carrera siblings with its dual calendar display at three o'clock which – as the name states – shows the day of the week and the date.

The new TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date has all the standard features you expect from this timepiece style, and it brings back an exciting watch trend – the blue dial. Blue is a very popular dial colour, but over the past few years, we’ve been seeing a lot bolder and brighter colours, including greens, yellows, oranges and pinks.

Exclusive to Watches of Switzerland Group, the latest TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date has an icy blue dial which stands out from its 41mm polished stainless steel case. The dial has a subtle sunray brushed finish and is complimented by silver baton hour markers, hour and minute hands.

The key characteristic of the TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date is its day-date window at three o’clock. It’s framed by silver, has a white base and black lettering and numbers that match the black seconds hand.

Powered by the TH31-02 automatic calibre movement, the TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date has an 80 hour power reserve. It can be seen via the caseback. The watch is finished with a three-row, H-shaped steel bracelet. A TAG Heuer shield is engraved on the crown and bracelet’s clasp.

When asked about the new Carrera Day-Date, Craig Bolton, UK President of the Watches of Switzerland Group commented, “the newest addition to the collection combines understated luxury, with an unmistakable sporting essence which has been at the heart of the iconic Carrera family since it first launched in 1963.”

“It’s a privilege to bring this reimagined and contemporary design – which reflects the innovation, refinement, and enduring heritage of the brand – to watch enthusiasts across the UK,” Bolton said.

This version of the TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date is limited to just 250 pieces, and is exclusively available online at Watches of Switzerland, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb, and in its showrooms. It’s priced at £3,950.

Welcome to T3’s Weekly Style Edit, our regular roundup of the clothes, accessories and watches that have caught my eye over the past seven days.

This week’s selection is all about the meeting point between performance, heritage and everyday style, from On transforming one of its most recognisable running shoes into a completely new mule silhouette to PUMA and SAYSKY proving that technical running kit can look just as good away from the start line.

There are also plenty of pieces with a strong story behind them, including Levi’s recreating a wartime version of the legendary 501, Seiko revisiting its mountain-inspired Alpinist heritage and M&S teaming up with Aries for one of the more unexpected collaborations of the year.

Add in norda’s understated trail shoe update, and this week’s edit proves that the best gear doesn’t always need to shout to stand out.

On Cloudmonster 3 Mule

£170 | On UK

On has spent years refining its running shoe silhouettes, but the Cloudmonster 3 Mule proves the Swiss brand is ready to step outside its comfort zone.

Developed as part of the AW26 collaboration with FKA twigs, the slip-on silhouette takes the oversized cushioning and distinctive shape of the Cloudmonster franchise and turns it into something much more lifestyle-focused.

The result keeps the exaggerated proportions that made the Cloudmonster popular, including the chunky midsole and recognisable CloudTec cushioning, but removes the traditional heel counter to create a mule-like shape that is easier to throw on.

The Cloudmonster 3 Mule sits somewhere between recovery footwear, a travel shoe, and an everyday sneaker, offering the kind of comfort runners already appreciate without looking like a pair of trainers designed purely for the track.

PUMA x SAYSKY Ultraweave Singlet Men

£85 | Puma

Running apparel has become increasingly fashion-conscious in recent years, and the PUMA x SAYSKY collaboration is a perfect example of that shift.

The Ultraweave Singlet takes the lightweight performance expected from race-day kit and gives it the Copenhagen brand’s distinctive minimalist aesthetic.

Made from PUMA’s Ultraweave fabric, the singlet is designed to feel barely there while still offering the breathability needed for hard sessions and summer races. The slim vertical stripe pattern gives it a classic athletic look, but the subtle branding keeps it from feeling like traditional club kit.

Levi's Vintage Clothing 1942 501 Jeans

£TBC | Levi's

The Levi’s 501 has been around for more than a century, but few versions tell a story quite like the Vintage Clothing 1942 reissue.

Recreated from an original pair made during the Second World War, these jeans capture a moment when material shortages forced Levi’s to rethink one of its most iconic designs.

Wartime details include simplified construction and period-correct features introduced as part of the government’s conservation efforts, giving the jeans a character that modern reproductions often struggle to replicate.

M&S x Aries Pure Cotton Striped Shirt

£45 | M&S

M&S collaborations are not usually the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about fashion’s most exciting partnerships, which is exactly why the new Aries collection feels so refreshing.

The Pure Cotton Striped Shirt is a great example of what makes it work. Aries brings its streetwear sensibility to a classic wardrobe staple, adding subtle branding and a relaxed silhouette without turning the shirt into a statement piece.

The soft striped pattern gives it a vintage feel, while the clean cut means it works just as easily with jeans and trainers as it does dressed up slightly.

It’s a smart example of how high-street staples can be elevated when the right creative minds are involved.

norda 005 (Stealth Black)

£285 | norda

Canadian brand has built its reputation around premium materials, understated design and obsessive attention to detail, creating footwear that feels equally at home on a mountain trail or in a city street.

The latest 005 Stealth Black colourway takes that philosophy even further with its monochrome finish that strips the shoe back to its essentials, highlighting the distinctive silhouette without the brighter colours often associated with performance footwear.

Underneath the minimal aesthetic is the same technical approach that made norda popular, including durable Dyneema construction, a lightweight build, and a design built for moving quickly across challenging terrain.

Seiko Prospex Alpinist 39.5mm (SPB507)

£800 | Seiko

I’ve always had a soft spot for watches that feel connected to exploration, and few Seiko models have as much adventure heritage as the Alpinist.

First launched in 1959, the collection was created for Japan’s “Yama-otoko” mountain men, designed to be dependable companions in challenging terrain.

The latest 39.5mm Prospex Alpinist keeps that spirit alive while adding the kind of refinement that makes it just as suitable away from the mountains.

The deep green dial, gold accents and classic leather strap give it a timeless look, while the automatic movement and 20 bar water resistance ensure it remains a practical tool watch rather than just a pretty object.

The Alpinist is exactly the kind of piece that makes you want to plan an adventure, even if the nearest mountain is a long way away.

Back-to-school shopping usually means hunting down a new laptop, backpack or pair of trainers, but there’s one underrated accessory worth adding to the list: a good watch.

Casio’s A130WE-7AEF is exactly the kind of affordable statement piece that works just as well in a lecture hall as it does on a night out, and right now it has dropped to just £41.93.

Inspired by the gadget-heavy aesthetics of the 1980s, the A130WE-7AEF blends a classic digital display with analogue-style graphics to create a watch that feels part sci-fi prop, part retro arcade accessory.

The LCD layout includes a home-time analogue-style clock in the upper left, a graphic display on the right and a traditional digital time readout below.

The silver-tone finish and angular case give it a surprisingly premium look for the money, while the stainless steel bracelet helps it feel more like a fashion watch than a basic digital Casio.

Despite its compact 40.5 x 33.9 x 9 mm case, it still packs plenty of functionality, including world time, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, and an amber LED backlight.

There’s no GPS, notifications or health tracking, and that’s exactly the appeal. Like the best Casio watches, the A130WE-7AEF focuses on being a stylish, reliable everyday timepiece with a three-year battery life and a design you won’t see everywhere else.

At just over £40, it competes with cheap fashion watches rather than smartwatches, but with far more personality. If you’ve been tempted by Casio’s recent retro revival but want something a little more unusual than the classic F-91W, this is a very easy recommendation.

Czapek has unveiled its new limited edition Promenade Transparencies Aqua Blue watch. Reimagining its popular Promenade design, Czapek has made this new timepiece all about the movement, and it might be my favourite Promenade model to date.

The Czapek Promenade collection stands out for a number of reasons. During the brand’s relaunch, the Promenade made its debut as Czapek’s first-ever time-only dress watch, and is most recognisable for its asymmetrical dial design, complete with a small seconds register between four and five o’clock.

Previously, the Czapek Promenade has always had a colourful, non-skeletonised dial, until the Promenade Transparencies Viridian Green was launched two years ago. Now, Czapek is back with a new Promenade Transparencies model, but this time, it’s in Aqua Blue.

The Czapek Promenade Transparencies Aqua Blue has many of the same features as the previous Transparencies model, including a 38mm stainless steel case, curved lugs and hollow flanks, which gives the watch a 10.8mm thickness. The dial is made from sapphire crystal, just like the caseback, but this watch is all about the movement.

As shown via the smoked sapphire dial and caseback, the automatic, skeletonised Calibre SXH7 can be seen in its entirety. The movement has seven openworked bridges which references Czapek’s pocket watches from the 19th century, and it beats at 4 Hz, giving the watch a 60 hour power reserve.

To ensure its visibility on both the front and back of the watch, Czapek reversed the movement’s escapement. It relocated the small seconds subdial to sit at 4:30 to allow it to be driven off the fourth wheel directly. The rackets, bridges, flanks and inward angles of the Czapek Promenade Transparencies Aqua Blue are also symmetrical applied front and back to make it look more cohesive and integrated.

As the name states, the Czapek Promenade Transparencies Aqua Blue has a dramatic blue colour. Produced through metallisation, the dial has a blue flume gradient which is applied underneath the sapphire disc in a microscopic dot pattern.

The dots are insanely thin – according to Czapek, they’re thinner than a human hair! – and they increase in diameter as they meet the outer edge of the dial. It’s a bold blue colour which is also transparent to show off the movement. Blue hour markers overlap it which feature Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility in the dark.

Limited to just 38 pieces, you’ll need to be quick if you want to get your hands on the Czapek Promenade Transparencies Aqua Blue. It’s available from today at select Czapek retailers, boutiques and online.

If you thought people had stopped getting excited about a pair of jeans, Levi's latest release suggests otherwise.

The brand has brought back an exceptionally rare version of its legendary 501, recreating the model produced in 1942 with wonderfully nerdy period details.

The Levi's Vintage Clothing 1942 501 is already listed as sold out in the US, where it launched for $295, but European denim fans haven't had their chance yet.

Levi's Vintage Clothing has confirmed that the limited-edition jeans will arrive in Europe on 3 September.

Exactly how many pairs will be available remains unclear, but given what's happened across the Atlantic, this probably isn't a release you'll want to buy in the next few days.

Caught between eras

The 1942 model comes from a transitional point in the jeans' evolution, when Levi's had started using heavier denim but some of the older workwear construction details hadn't yet disappeared.

Levi's has recreated it stitch-for-stitch using 12oz red selvedge denim, with an adjustable cinch back, hidden rivets, and an inverted yoke seam.

The jeans also feature single-needle arcuate stitching, a single-sided Big E Red Tab and the familiar Two Horse leather patch.

The limited-edition pairs are hand-numbered and made in Japan from Japanese denim.

It's that cinch back that really gives the jeans away from a distance, and it's also my favourite detail.

Sitting across the rear waistband, the buckle is a reminder of the 501's workwear origins and a feature that would soon disappear as wartime restrictions changed how Levi's constructed its jeans.

The resulting design is a slightly strange collision of eras, combining substantially heavier denim with details that were already on their way out.

That's precisely why the original 1942 examples are so interesting, and why Levi's Vintage Clothing has chosen to resurrect them.

Your second chance

European pricing hasn't appeared on Levi's UK site yet, although UK retailer Stuarts London has listed the 1942 501 at £345 (~$468 / €403 / AU$660).

European denim specialist Cultizm lists it at €379 and says its stock will launch at midnight CET on 3 September.

Cultizm is also limiting purchases to one pair per customer, which gives you some idea of the scarcity surrounding the release.

That said, many previous Levi's Vintage Clothing releases are still available on the UK and US sites, so the new model may not sell out immediately.

Again, it's also possible they will.

[via Gear Patrol]

NORQAIN is marking a first with the launch of its Independence Skeleton Titanium. Expanding its popular line-up, the new watch is the first time the brand has ever crafted an Independence Skeleton timepiece entirely of Grade 5 titanium.

Titanium watches have been extremely popular this year, with many watch manufacturers using the material in their new launches – NORQAIN being no exception. The reason titanium has had such a resurgence is due to its weight, as titanium weighs 40% less than stainless steel.

The NORQAIN Independence Skeleton Titanium is a perfect example of a lightweight titanium watch with a total weight of just 82g. Measuring 42mm, the watch’s case is made from Grade 5 titanium and is finished with a black DLC coating for durability and style.

Aside from the new titanium material, the case of the NORQAIN Independence Skeleton Titanium is similar to its predecessors, with a screw-down crown on the right. Flip it over and the watch has an open sapphire caseback but if you really want to see the movement, you can peek at it through the openworked dial.

Powered by the mechanical automatic Calibre NB08S, the dial of the NORQAIN Independence Skeleton Titanium showcases the all-black skeletonised movement. The movement is made of 26 rubies with 28,800 vibrations per hour, and is COSC certified. It also gives the watch a 41 hour power reserve.

Aside from the bold all-black movement, the dial is a combination of black and red gold colours. The indexes and hands are red gold-plated and filled with white Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility. The hour, minute and central seconds hands have also been cut into a diamond shape, with the seconds hand featuring a red tip.

The NORQAIN Independence Skeleton Titanium is finished with a black rubber strap with a ‘Milanese’ pattern which NORQAIN has become well known for. There’s a choice of a folding clasp or black DLC-coated titanium pin buckle when you purchase.

Prices on the NORQAIN Independence Skeleton Titanium start at £4,400 / $5,850 / €4,850 at NORQAIN.