Hermes Samarcande Chess Set
Hewn from mahogany and rosewood, the spartan pieces of this chess set style speak of an erudite soul in its owner. You don’t actually have to put these to use – their presence in the room brings that touch of sophistry like few other display sets can. Bring ten thousand quid, and a notion to part with it.
MB&F Medusa
If you find these mechanical centrepieces from MB&F outlandish, let it be known that it is their most terrestrial and organic piece they’ve ever made, again with the tinkerers at L’Epee. The independent watchmaker has collaborated with (presumably) Venetian artisans, who’ve hand-blown the Murano bells that form the membranes of the Medusa.
The familiar ghostly green of SuperLumiNova turns this into a pulsating beast in the dark. Yes – it’s all powered by a mechanical movement, and it’s got 7 days of power reserve to boot. Comes in standing and hanging versions. If you’re more into sci-fi, check out our breakdown of the MB&F Grant Robot Clock instead.
Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron
Can you ever outgrow Legos? Not if they keep releasing these damned nifty versions of iconic cars, the latest of which is a 3599-piece Bugatti Chiron. It doesn’t help when the brand continues to fascinate the boy within us with crazy projects like the life-sized, actual working Technic version of the Chiron. Take all my money.
Richard Mille RMS 05
Is it really old news if no one’s topped it yet? The Richard Mille RMS 05 remains the object to casually leave lying around on a desk. The six-figure fountain pen uses a 12-jewel mechanism to deploy and retract the damn nib, for chrissakes. If you want to signal that you know your haute horlogerie and aren’t afraid to flaunt it, this could also be your instrument of choice for all document signing.
Luxury Edition Monopoly
How do you elevate a game that’s been a part of everyone’s childhood? Set it on a well-crafted, two-tone cherry base and drawer, of course, and upgrade the hotels and houses from trifles of inconsequential weight to full on die-cast pieces that feel great as you set them on the board. Game night has never felt more refined. Stocked by Vermont Country Store.
(Tip: Just once, use real dollar bills instead of Monopoly money and see how tense – and epic – the night can get.)