Make the most of the summer sun with a solar-powered cabin bag, keep cool in a travel suit or keep perfect track of time with a GMT watch
Seiko
After 28 years of research, Japanese watchmaker Seiko finally launched its Spring Drive range last year to widespread acclaim. Featuring a completely smooth sweeping second hand, these watches are the only ones on the market which can show the true motion of time. New for this season is the Spring Drive GMT, aimed at the international traveller. As well as complete energy autonomy, this stainless steel model includes a 24-hour hand, which allows the time zone to be changed without affecting the precision of the second hand, by simply turning the crown. The power reserve is set deep into the dial to allow the time-of-day and 24-hour hand to glide smoothly over the surface, thereby maintaining the integrity of the original design. Price £2,500. Call +44 (0)1628 410 202 or go to seiko.co.uk.
Loro Piana
If you like your luggage on wheels but don't want to sacrifice style to convenience, this smart leather trolley from luxury fashion house Loro Piana could be the answer. Made from soft yet robust fjord leather, the cabin-sized case has an internal laptop pocket with securing straps, a sizeable central compartment, and outside pockets for phone, notepad and charger cable. Price £2,495. Available at the Loro Piana boutique, 153 New Bond Street, London, tel +44 (0)20 7499 8368.
Dunhill
At last, the perfect piece of luggage for the eco-conscious business traveller: the Solar Bag. This unique carry-on – part of Dunhill's new Avorities collection – not only features holders for Blackberrys, mobile phones and MP3 players, but can also keep them fully charged and ready for use. The solar panels on the side of the bag power a battery discreetly concealed in the interior, which can be connected to almost any gadget using the complete kit of adaptors provided for the major brands of mobile phones, MP3 players and digital cameras. Sadly, the case is not up to charging a laptop yet, but there's plenty of room for one inside. Like the other items in the Avorities collection – which cover the full range of cabin baggage from document case, messenger bag and pochette, to overnight case, suit carrier and touring luggage – the Solar Bag is constructed from tough high-performance nylon with waterproof zip, while a black cowhide trim adds a touch of Jermyn Street style. Price £695. Stockists +44 (0)8454 580 779, or visit dunhill.com.
Ede & Ravenscroft
Staying uncrumpled while on the move is a perennial challenge, so this travel suit from Savile Row tailors Ede and Ravenscroft will be a welcome addition to any business wardrobe. The secret of its remarkable crease-resistance lies in the fabric, which is made from a high-twist yarn that is twisted in a corkscrew shape; giving the cloth a springy finish. This means that, even after being crushed in a plane seat for hours, the suit should bounce back into perfect shape at your destination. The cloth is a 300g lightweight and is ideal for summer in New York or Europe. Ede and Ravenscroft's bespoke tailors also have a few other tricks up their sleeves to make their suits more travel-friendly, from special pockets for Blackberrys and plane tickets, to concealed pockets for extra security. For more details and to arrange a consultation, call +44 (0)20 7734 5450.
Tumi
This handy adaptor kit from luxury luggage-makers Tumi comes in an elegant nylon and leather cover, and will help to keep you plugged in on the move. Designed to work in the UK and Europe, it features plug attachments for the car, wall socket or plane, and numerous adapter tips for phones, laptops, PDA, and iPod. Price £165. Available at Heathrow Terminals 1 and 4, or call
+44 (0)208 731 3500 for stockists.
