review

Ellicott Mach One Skymaster Aviator Watch

I kid you not, this is stated in Ellicott's Mach One Skymaster Aviator watch press release: "the stealth Mach One Skymaster Aviator watch neither interfere[s] with radio antenna nor with radars..." Really? Is this actually an issue? Are stealth bomber pilots concerned that even though their planes are "invisible," enemy radar might pick up their watches? No, that is absolutely ridiculous, just like putting this statement in the press release. I don't even want to comment on the absurdity of the antenna interference statement. Ellicott seems hell-bent on having no one take their marketing language seriously.

The watch itself isn't too bad - hopefully anyone who buys one will have a decently effective sales person sell it to them rather than Ellicott themselves. Coming in a 44mm case (54mm tall), the watch is made up of carbon fiber and black DLC coated steel. Ellicott uses monobloc pieces of carbon fiber that they cut up for the main case. Elements like the crown and bezel are steel. Inside the watch is a simple three-hand automatic Swiss movement, Ellicott points out that it is an exclusive caliber for them. Ellicott actually does a slick job of decorating the movement, and makes it real pretty to look at.

Tags: aviator, ellicott, mach one, review, skymaster, watch

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Grabbit iPad Grip Case Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

When I first learned about this new case/grip for the Apple iPad I was stoked - it seemed to be exactly what the iPad needed to be more more usable in a lot of instances. I don't hide the fact that I think Apple designs pretty piss poor items from an ergonomic standpoint. The iPhone is like a slippery pebble, and holding the iPad with one hand and using it with another causes wrist and hand strain after prolonged use. Basically, the iPad is like a heavy piece of paper, with nothing to really hold on too. They just sort of deferred usability to the world of accessory makers that happily come to the rescue.

Tags: case, grabbit, grip, handle, iPad, review

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Romain Jerome Steampunk Tourbillon Watch Hands-On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Romain Jerome Steampunk Tourbillon Watch Hands-On

One of the more "interesting" options when it comes to acquring a high-end timepiece is to get something from Romain Jerome. The collection that put them on the map was the Titanic DNA range of watches -and this Steampunk Tourbillon is the newest flagship for that collection. Available in gold (as seen above), the watch is mixed with oxidized steel that is meant to look like metal harvested from the actual Titanic. According to Romain Jerome, a small percentage of the metal is actually from the sunken Titanic ship. This is why they use the "Titanic DNA" term.

The Steampunk collection takes the concept further to make the dial look inspired by the ship's engine room. There are piston-like elements on the highly detailed dial that look like a diorama. It is quite fun to inspect all the little details. The hands of the watch are meant to look like anchors. At 46mm wide, the case is still quite comfy although it is large. The polished 18k rose gold mixed with the oxidized steel makes for a very interesting look. Inside the watch is a Swiss Concepto made automatic tourbillon movement. Look to the back of the watch for another anchor - here done in gold as the rotor of the movement. Really an amazing talking piece and cool addition to a high-end collection. Price for this model is 169,000 Swiss Francs.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Romain Jerome Steampunk Tourbillon Watch

Tags: dna, hands-on, review, Romain Jerome, steampunk, titanic, tourbillon, watch

Tesla Roadster Sports Car: Drives Like A Charm

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Video

The last time I drove a car with this level of performance I couldn't hear myself think. The people at Tesla would probably have frowned at my driving style on off-highway roads during this specific part of my ride – but it isn't my fault they decided to design a sports car to house their all electric engine.

I'm zipping to over 60 mph in what feels like an instant. The Roadster Sport I am guiding doesn't feel phased by its rapid acceleration as many combustion engines do. The quick little car does 0 to 60 in under four seconds (3.7 seconds for the Roadster sport), but getting there is made more pleasurable by what it has under all the carbon fiber. Electric motors have some interesting benefits, it seems. Press down on the "Go" pedal (no gas here), and you'll get 100% of the horsepower and torque right away. There is no lag or waiting to gain RPMs. Going forward fast is only a matter of waiting for the actual mass of the car to gain speed. I suddenly feel like I am driving a life size electric toy car. In a sense, that is exactly what it is. And this toy is fun.

Tags: drive, experience, luxist reviews, motors, opinion, review, roadster, sport, Tesla

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IWC Portofino Watches Bring Back The Mesh

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWC Portofino Watches Bring Back The Mesh

I didn't expect to see a return to mesh metal bracelets from a big brand like IWC. Mesh metal bracelets, otherwise known as "Milanese" bracelet were big back in the middle of the 20th Century, but stuck around for niche use mostly on dive watches. The only mainstream brand I recall using them was Skagen. For 2011 IWC totally redesigned and reintroduced the Portofino watch. There are now four models of the Portofino - two of which will be offered with a metal Milanese strap. Those two models being the above seen chronograph, as well as the three-hand automatic. The Chronograph is 42mm wide, while the three-hand automatic I believe is 40mm wide.

The watches comes in two dial colors - the off-white, and a slate gray. Each has a few red accents on the dial for color. The Milanese strap is quite nicely done - as IWC has been able to overcome the biggest problem with the strap - adjustability. By giving it a strap like buckle, the wearer can adjust its size. The metal is thick, but smooth to the touch, and looks quite good in a retro sort of way. Will this signal a major return of Milanese style straps? Hard to say, but they do look nice on these new Portofino timepieces.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2011, IWC, milanese, Portofino, review, watch, watches

Denon AH-NC800 Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Noise canceling headphones have been quite popular for a while. The first models were quite bulky, but the technology has been getting smaller, and for a while now models are available that look like other full-size headphones. Today I will review Denon's AH-NC800 noise canceling headphones and tell you what this product is all about.

Why do you want or need noise canceling headphones? Well they serve at least two purposes. First is for ambient noise reduction. That means if you are sitting in a place where there is a lot of annoying ambient noise, noise canceling headphones will reduce or entirely eliminate the noise.

They work by emitting a sound frequency that while hard to detect by your ears, helps mask other noises. They seem to work best for low frequency noises and hums. For example, the hum of an airplane engine can be masked out, though a baby's cry will be merely dampened. Noise canceling headphones also create a close to air-tight barrier around your ears that prevents vibrations and noise from getting to your ears. this is particularly convenient for over-the-ear headphones that work via this same principle to get quality sound into your ears. Denon uses two methods of noise-reduction in each speaker. One helps reduce vibration in the unit itself, and the other method as I said, works on reducing external ambient noise.

Tags: AH-NC800, denon, headphones, noise-canceling, review

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Breitling Transocean Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

With design features hearkening back to the 1950s and 1960s, and as dedicated to some of the original "long-haul" aircraft, Breitling offers a completely new timepiece collection with the Transocean. While Breitling regularly updates or adds to its existing timepiece collections, the release of something totally new is special. The Swiss brand puts a lot of thought in to its designs, so I take a close look at the new pieces they release. With retro being still very "in," Breitling has hit a home run with the Transocean for fans of the retro trend, as well as fans of the brand.

Interestingly enough, the Transocean moves away from a core element that exists in almost every current Breitling watch - a rotating bezel. The lack of this design element so popular to Breitling watches really make you take are second look at the piece to see what brand it is. While the dial is extremely true to Breitling's core aesthetic, it has been toned down, and given a more genteel personality. Applied metal (steel or gold) baton style hour markers and recessed chronograph subdials help add depth to it. Aside from the tachymeter scale, there is little to busy up the face. Lume is placed as thin strip in the hands and as dots behind the hour markers. The angularity of the hand and hour markers add a utilitarian and purposeful looking, contrasting the roundness of almost all the other design features.

Retro concepts carry to the style of the pushers as well as the flared lugs (this style lug was so popular in the 1960s). An interesting design note is the "double" bezel." The polished bezel gives way to the domed sapphire crystal over the dial but you can see another strip metal directly under the crystal next to the exposed bezel - interesting. Breitling will offer four versions of the Transocean Chronograph to start. At 43mm in width the dial will be available in black or "mercury silver," in a steel or 18k red gold case.

The watch uses Breitling's now well-known in-house made Caliber 01 automatic chronograph movement. You can see the movement through a sapphire caseback window. The 01 is known as a relatively affordable in-house made chronograph movement compared to some of Breitling competitors. Breitling also provides the watch movment with a COSC Chronometer certification. The Transocean in comes with an optional mesh metal bracelet, and all versions are available with a leather or crocodile strap. Not sure about all the prices, the steel version is said to have a starting price of $7,600. As an added bonus, the first 2,000 steel and 200 red gold Transocean watches will be available as limited editions only. After that the Transocean will be part of Breitling's standard product line.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Breitling Transocean Watch

Tags: 01, breitling, chronograph, review, transocean, watch

Aperion Zona Wireless Surround Speakers Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

I tend to be very skeptical of wireless speakers (wireless anything for that matter). Past experiences with them have been often less than good. I tend to rely on a good ol' wired connections, because the promise of wireless + quality is not always met. My fears aren't always justified however, and Aperion's newer Zona wireless speakers are proof that you can be very happy with a set of wireless speakers - even if you need loud, clear sound.

The system is very straight forward, and has only a few minor quirks - but they are worth discussing. I will first mention the issues I have noticed (which aren't huge), and then share with you what I believe are the good qualities that make this a really good system.

Under certain circumstances (such as connecting the speakers directly to many television sets), you'll need to use the included remote control to adjust the volume (as well as treble and bass). Hook the speakers up to a PC or a dedicated audio receiver, and I don't think this will be an issue. Why is this a problem? Because you not only need the included remote (yet another remote...) to adjust the volume, but if you lose it, you are not gonna be in a good place. This is further compounded by the fact that aside from the remote there is no native way to adjust the volume. Again, this is not an issue for all uses of the speakers, but in my situation it was an issue. Second (and it is related to the first issue), aside from the remote there are no ways of adjusting the volume or other level on on the speakers themselves or wireless transmitter. This causes a problem if you lose the little remote or it runs out of batteries. It uses a small CR 2025 battery that you likely don't have laying around the house.

Aside from those issues I have no real complaints about the Zona Wireless Surround Speakers. In a nutshell, Aperion really thought out the product well, the construction quality is good, and the performance is impressive.

Tags: aperion, audio, audiophile, review, speakers, surround, system, wireless, zona

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Origin PC Genesis Review: Defining A Luxury Computer

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

With just how advanced the computer industry is, it is incredibly odd that there is no coherent and definable "luxury computer" market. I mean, there are "luxury" branded computers, but they would hardly pass muster to any even basic computer enthusiast. I am sorry, but adorning a laptop with a leather wrap or building a desktop computer out of mostly varnished wood is not my idea of a luxury computer. Especially when it is what is on the inside that counts.

If you see a computer being advertised as for the well-to-do-segment, it is often a ruse with a semi fancy exterior, and nothing special happening on the inside. This doesn't cover everything out there of course, but has been most of what I could find.

You might argue that computers are tools and advance too fast for someone to invest a lot of money in one as a luxury item. Regardless of whether you are right or not, the automotive market has for years been making luxury cars that aren't the peak of technology for very long, and then there Is that almost amusing high-luxury mobile phone market. It appears that there are plenty of consumers wanting nice items, even if they only remain "special" in the short term. It isn't that I am not a fan of luxury. Quite the opposite – I making a living by writing about luxury. It is rather that I see a big hole open for a luxury computer industry - and I want it filled with something satisfying. The good news is that there is a luxury computer industry, but it isn't called by that name, and luxury consumers could quite easily miss it.

Tags: computer, genesis, luxury, Origin PC, review

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Beatbox By Dr. Dre iPod Speaker System Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

I have real idea what Dr. Dre is doing these days. However, one of the things he seems to be up to is putting his name on high-end audio equipment such as headphones and speakers - including this Beatbox speaker system for your iPod, iPhone, or other portable audio device. Since the advent of the iPod the portable speaker system has enjoyed a venerable golden age. They have come in each and every style, color, and set of functions to best utilize native features found in iPods or alike devices. By themselves such speaker systems do nothing, but combined with a "DAP" (digital audio player), they have more or less put the final nail in the coffin of most high-end audio equipment. The world has spoken, and they want their songs played on an iPod, but crappy white ear buds simply won't always do the trick. This is where people like "Dr. Dre" seem to come in.

The Beatbox is an attractive long wedge-shaped bar with four speakers in the front, and a familiar docking station on the top. It There is also an easy to miss power button and volume knob, as well as one the Beatbox's best design features - a carrying handle. On the back you'll also find a handy audio-in 3.5mm jack (for people who don't use iPods/iPhones). A system like this is good for parties or your own personal enjoyment when wanting to make the most out of music trapped in your gadgets.

Gallery: Beatbox By Dr. Dre

Tags: audiophile, beatbox, dr dre, review, speaker, speakers

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Casio Baby-G Lady's Watches For Fall

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Halloween may be over our shoulders at this point, but autumn is in full swing with the colors to match. A perfect compliment to fall moods is this metallic orange colored Casio Baby-G watch (ref. BG1006SA-4B). Baby-G is a long standing collection of female themed G-Shock watches. Smaller and more feminine, Baby-G watches are very durable and fun - as well as not very expensive. The new collection for fall features colors such as black and pink, lime and aquamarine, orange and black, and more.

The watches are cutesy versions of the male classic, and contain much of the functionality expected in the line. Among other features, the watches are water resistant to 200 meters, have stopwatches, word time zones, alarms, full calendars, and more. The collection also has retro-style crystal guards that were quite popular back in the 80s. Not that I wear women's watches, but my favorite is this orange and black model - it reminds me of Halloween and pumpkin pie all at the same time. The Casio G-Shock Fall collection for 2010 pieces each retail for $79.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Casio Baby-G Fall Watches

Tags: baby-g, casio, fall, orange, review, watch, watches

Hublot iPhone App Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The promise of easy distribution to masses of (potential) luxury buyers via the iPhone App Store has made it an attractive venue for many luxury watch makers as a means of educating those interested in their watches. While iPhone application quality has been all over the board, the better ones give users a reason to keep the apps after initially downloading them. At the least, the apps should offer people a close-up and personal views of the timepieces they are interested in possibly buying.

Hublot has recently released their own iPhone app. Not exactly late in the game, Hublot seems to have wanted to take some time to develop they app and imbue it with a lot of functionality (as well as the core Hublot brand themes). Hands down, my favorite aspect of the application is a sort of augmented reality feature that lets you preview how their watches will look on your wrist. Starting with an impressive selection of their timepieces to choose from, you take a picture of your wrist along an outline of an arm, and then place the watch on your wrist. It gives you an amazingly real perspective of what a watch would look like if you wore it, and the system is simple and easy.

Other good features in the app are technical information for many of the brand's watches, as well as 360 degree displays of several Hublot timepieces that were taken on a special camera in-house at Hublot. Hublot further has developed a game that is based on the fact that mechanical watches need to be wound, and a "testing" mode where you can use the functions of a few Hublot watches, that also show the correct time as taken from your iPhone's internal clock.

Gallery: Hublot iPhone app

Tags: app, apple, hublot, iphone, review, watch, watches

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Luxist Giveaway: 8 Flavors of Sulpice Chocolat

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Sulpice Chocolat is an exclusive artisan chocolate house that creates absolutely dreamy chocolate experiences by combining the highest quality Belgian chocolate with choice herbs and spices before topping off the results with beautiful painted designs. They offer chocolate bars in eight different flavors and I tried two of them, Gingembre and Noisette. Beneath the uniquely painted exteriors (Gingembre was my favorite and is shown here) I found truly decadent chocolate, with hints of flavor and spice that enhanced the chocolate without distracting from it or covering it up. The focus was very much on the chocolate itself, with the additions of crystallized ginger, lemon, macadamia nuts (Gingembre) and caramelized hazelnuts (Noisette) serving as hints and top notes instead of major, prominent flavor players. Sulpice Chocolat bars are designed for true chocolate connoisseurs and are a delicious and charming experience in every way. They even offer up tasty chocolate tips and recipes via their blog, Facebook and Twitter (I recommend every chocoholic follow them) that include Black Forest Coffee, Decadent Chocolate Cake, and even Chocolate Covered Bacon. Sounds like breakfast, lunch and dinner to me.

And lucky you, Sulpice Chocolat is offering one random Luxist reader a prize pack of eight chocolate bars, one of each flavor! That's a total of $60 in free chocolate.

To enter just leave a comment on this post telling us which flavor you're most interested in trying. The giveaway ends on November 1 at 5:00pm EST, see additional rules below.

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED, WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before November 1, 2010 at 5:00pm Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive eight Sulpice Chocolat chocolate bars in an assortment of flavors, valued at $60.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

Source

Tags: chocolate, giveaway, review, sulpice chocolat

Osirec Ancient Egypt Themed Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

New in 2010 is a watch brand started by two French brothers with a passion for Egypt called Osirec. The brand follows design themes set forth by ancient Egypt. As such, you'll find some popular ancient Egypt imagery on the interesting dials of their Lotus and Horus timepieces. This includes a periphery ring lined with hieroglyphics.

Aside from the artistic dials, the watches themselves have a classic sport style to them. Cases are steel and 42mm wide. Crystal is sapphire, and the cases are water resistant to 100 meters. Osirec interestingly uses very large chronograph pushers in addition to a nicely sized crown - though I would have liked the crown to have some thematic imagery on it. Inside the watches are Swiss ETA 7750 automatic chronograph movements that have been decorated with perlage polishing.

The watches are available with and without rotating diver's bezels. Without a rotating bezel they have smooth polished bezels. Osirec watches come leather straps available in a few different colors. The brand will offer their full collection of timepieces online via their website. Price for Osirec Lotus and Horus watches will be about $2,000. Sales start online at the end of October, 2010.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Orisec Ancient Egypt Themed Watches

Tags: ancient, egypt, egyptian, horus, lotus, orisec, review, watch, watches

Luxist Review: TwinLuxe Luxury Shaving For Men

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

I remember when I was about 16 years old and I got a package in the mail from Gillette. It was a shaving razor, a few blades, and a can of Gillette shaving cream. I never asked for the kit. The clever marketing move done by Gillette gets men to use their products at a young age. Gillette taught me the "supermarket" approach to shaving, but I didn't learn what a "good shave" was until years later. The truth is that most men these days aren't familiar with the "art of shaving" (which is coincidentally the name a retail chain).

The modern gentlemen is expected to have knowledge in a number of areas, but topics concerning traditional forms of men's grooming are becoming lost. It is a shame, because the "supermarket" shaving experience doesn't even come close to what a proper shave can offer.

While not alone in this pursuit, new brand TwinLuxe is trying to get the "message" out there to men that a 'good shave' is a luxurious experience. In a sense it certainly is. A good shave is a process that requires good tools and a little bit of skill. Those wanting the modern convenience of a safety razor can forgot the straight razor experience, and still enjoy much of what a traditional shave has to offer. TwinLuxe intends to cater to the discerning individual by offering a high-end (according to TwinLuxe, they offer the most expensive regular production shave set currently on the market) shaving kit and accompanying men's skin products - each specially formulated by TwinLuxe.

Tags: blade, brush, kit, luxury, men, mens, review, shave, shaving, skin, TwinLuxe