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Published: 20/02/2007 - Filed under: Archive » 2007 » March 2007 » Lifestyle » Features » Lifestyle » What to buy »

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Breguet

Luxury watchmaker Breguet has a long association with literature through mentions by great European writers such as Balzac, Stendhal, Pushkin and Dumas, and in honour of this illustrious history the company has produced its first range of writing instruments.

The collection is designed to mirror classic Breguet styling: through a technique of "deep drawing" and fine guilloche work, the silver barrels and caps resemble the dials of Breguet watches; the fluted watch case is reproduced on a band at the end of the writing instruments, topped by with a strip of resin in the brand's distinctive sapphire blue; and Breguet's famous hands are illustrated on the clips of the pieces.

The fountain pen, numbered, has a platinum-plated 18-carat gold nib, on which a blue-lacquered "B" is finely engraved. It has a piston supply system providing a large ink capacity, and the metering device is manufactured by means of hand-turned ebonite rods to ensure a regular and constant flow of ink.

The Breguet rollerball pen has a large capacity cartridge, while the ballpoint is equipped with a torsional release mechanism. By releasing the mechanism and cartridge with spare parts supplied in the box, it is easy to convert the ballpoint into a mechanical pencil.

Produced in Italy, Breguet's writing instruments are manufactured according to the most traditional techniques of pen design. Pieces are sold separately or as a set (pictured), which includes a cigar-shaped carrying case and inkwell. Priced at £2,600, it's available through Breguet's salon at 10a New Bond Street, London, tel +44 (0)20 7355 1735.

Pol Roger

Add a touch of history to your celebrations with Pol Roger's 1996 Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée. Inspired by the friendship between Britain's wartime Prime Minister and Odette Pol-Roger, a beautiful heroine of the French resistance, the cuvée is the tenth created in memory of the great man. Like its predecessors, the latest version has been composed using only grapes from vineyards in production during Sir Winston's lifetime, and the precise proportions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are a Pol Roger family secret. The 1996 cuvée is a clear yellow-gold in colour, with initial hints of tobacco and fresh butter giving way to a heady combination of violet, liquorice, wood and leather. The makers recommend drinking it with roast meats, such as duck breast with citrus-based sauces, or pigeons in a foie gras sauce. Price £95-100 per bottle. Available at Berry Bros and Rudd (bbr.com), Harrods (+44 (0)20 7730 1234) and The Wine Society (thewinesociety.com).

Bric's

For luggage with a hint of continental chic, look no further than the latest range from luxury label Bric's. The Italian manufacturers have joined forces with legendary car designers Pininfarina – who have been associated with Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo – to produce a stunning range of luggage in striking red. The 67cm packing case pictured here is priced at £305, and the range also includes a two-wheel carry-on case (£185), a trolley in two sizes (60cm or 75cm; £280/£330) and a vanity case (£145). Available at Harrods, tel +44 (0)20 7730 1234.

Pink

Shirtmakers Pink (Thomas Pink to their old friends) have launched a new version of their crease-resistant travel shirt. Combining comfort with practicality, the New Age Traveller is made from pure two-fold cotton yarn with a patented finish which ensures that it stays crumple-free and is remarkably easy to iron. The shirt also features an ingenious three-in-one breast pocket, which can hold not only a passport, but also a credit or frequent-flyer card, as well as a full-size boarding card or train ticket. To save on valuable suitcase space and keep creases to a minimum, the New Age Traveller comes rolled up in its own custom-made drawstring bag. Available in plain colours (white, pink, blue, black) or striped (white/blue, white/pink). Price £65, thomaspink.co.uk.

Patek Philippe

Back in 1976, Patek Philippe stunned the world of luxury watchmaking by producing a chunky stainless steel model. The tough and waterproof Nautilus range rapidly developed a cult following, and the prestigious Geneva workshops have now launched a subtly redesigned collection. The new range includes this rose-gold model, which features a three-part sapphire-crystal caseback, a power-reserve indicator, an analogue date with integrated moon-phase display, and a subsidiary seconds dial. Despite the sophistication of the caliber, it is merely 3.9mm high, thanks to the 22K gold minirotor recessed in the main plate. Available at 15 New Bond Street, London, priced at £15,800.

Wine Sceptre

Say goodbye to messy ice buckets with the Wine Sceptre, an ingenious and elegant device from accessories specialist Around Wine which keeps wine chilled to perfection. Simply store the sceptre in the freezer, then insert it into a cold bottle. It maintains an ideal serving temperature for up to one hour, while allowing you to pour through the sceptre. Unlike ice buckets and sleeves, which make wine colder before warming up, the Wine Sceptre simply prevents the wine from warming too quickly, maintaining an ideal serving temperature. It comes with a decorative protective sheath, which is available in steel, gold plate or crystal-topped. Price £99-£149, aroundwine.co.uk.

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