IWC Top Gun Miramar
Starting off the New Year in proper form, IWC has released a new Top Gun collection as part of the Pilot Watch family. Inspired by their 1940s Pilot’s Watches, the new Top Gun Miramar is the first line to incorporate a military style design. Naturally, this new design is coupled with all the precision, movement and materials typical of IWC. Each timepiece is fitted out with a zirconium oxide case, and uses titanium for the controls and back. The movements are IWC-manufactured calibers with 168 hours of power reserve and considered one of the “most advanced and robust chronograph movements ever produced”. Visit IWC for the full specs and details on the latest Top Gun collection and the rest of the Pilot Watch family.
Worn Well: Maxx & Unicorn
Just over a year ago, at last year’s pop-up flea, I picked-up a Maxx & Unicorn card holder from the gentlemen of Hickoree’s Hard Goods. I’ve never been a fan of carrying a bulky wallet so this card holder is perfect for carrying what I need without taking up a lot of space. Handmade in Brooklyn, there’s enough room for a few cards, a credit card and ID, and some nice embossed pistols on the front. A year in, the leather has aged perfectly and doesn’t show any signs of kicking the bucket soon. Check out Maxx & Unicorn at Hickoree’s.
Black Tie Time
Here’s to a solid 2011, an even better 2012 and a hat tip to all the properly turned out gents of yesteryear. Cheers & Happy New Year!
10 Things That Never Go Out of Style via GQ July 2005
A recent cleaning spree uncovered an article I saved from a July 2005 GQ. Evidently in 2005 these were considered the top ten things that will never go out of style. I think it’s safe to say that GQ was on point with their assessment. At the end of the day, brands that are 50 or 100+ years old and haven’t really changed clearly have their shit together. They do what they do, and they do it well.
American Photography: Peter Stackpole
In 1933 construction began on a bridge that would span from San Francisco to Marin County over the Golden Gate. The project would last nearly five years, cost thirty-five million dollars and take eleven lives. The result was the world’s longest suspension bridge. Throughout construction, Peter Stackpole captured the progress through the lens of his camera collecting some of the first images of what would become one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in the world. It was here; Stackpole cut his teeth and made his name as a photographer.
Following his work on the Golden Gate Bridge, Stackpole went on to become one of the original staff photographers for Life magazine. He would hold tenure at Life for the next 24 years and make the cover 26 times, photographing more of America’s great bridges, landscapes, military and celebrities. Many of his images are arguably some of the most recognizable photographs from the 20th century and strike a chord with just about anyone. He also worked with Time, Fortune, Vanity Fair, and covered WWII from the South Pacific.
Check out more of Peter Stackpole’s images in the Life Archives here.
Holiday Film Fest
The holidays are easily one of the most exciting yet dreaded moments of the year. Personally, I get anxiety when it comes to opening presents, which is why gifts in the mail are far more welcome than a surprise paper tearing session. One upside to this season is the overdose of new movies, most of which fall into the so-called “blockbuster” category – whatever that is. This year proved no exception with a packed roster of holiday films, many I’d been waiting to see for a while. So if you’re not on vacation, or you are on vacation and want to hit the cinema, here’s the line-up I’ve been subsidizing with Christmas cards.
Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
Last week I paid a visit to the Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. showroom to see their latest line-up. It didn’t disappoint. Based in Portland, Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. packs a punch in story, aesthetics and price. The collection, which began by utilizing old depression era glass molds to make lampshades, has grown into a full line of interior goods. Just as it was when the company was started, quality remains the running theme at Schoolhouse, where most of the products are made by hand. The glass shades are still hand blown the same way they have been for 100+ years, hand painted and finally wired by hand; all stateside. The full range of other offerings come with the same guarantee and most of it can be custom-made to your liking. Personally, I’m always a sucker for the old filament light bulbs and cloth cords. Check Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. out here.
House & Home via TravelWell
Last week, my friend and comrade, Ryan Plett stopped by to shoot some photographs for his new site, TravelWell. With his beast of a camera, he managed to make my crazy living-quarters look somewhat interesting (at least in my opinion). Big thanks to Ryan for the visit, and if you’re into great images of here or there, be sure to stop by TravelWell.
Pearl Harbor: 12.7.1941
USS Arizona BB-39
Launched June 19, 1915, Brooklyn NY
1,177 Lost
USS Oklahoma BB-37
Launched March 23, 1914, Camden NJ
429 Lost
USS West Virginia BB-48
Launched November 17, 1921, Newport Virgina
106 Lost
USS California BB-44
Launched November 20, 1919, Mare Island Shipyard
100 Lost
USS Nevada BB-36
Launched July 11, 194, Quincy Mass
60 Lost
USS Tennessee BB-43
Launched April 30, 1919, Brooklyn, NY
5 Lost
USS Maryland BB-46
Launched March 20, 1920, Newport, Virgina
4 Lost
USS Pennsylvania BB-38
Launched March 16, 1915, Newport, Virginia
9 Lost
USS Utah BB-31
Launched December 23, 1909, Brooklyn, NY
58 Lost
USS Helena CL-50
Launched August 27, 1939, Brooklyn, NY
20 Lost
Pop Up Flea IV
Calling all cars. In their fourth installment, A Continuous Goldberg will be hosting the Pop Up Flea. The impressive lineup of offerings will be available at 159 Bleeker Street, beginning today and running through Sunday. Do yourself a favor and stop by.
