What is on Wanted’s hot list this week

JAEGER-LECOULTRE POLARIS, RED WINE AND BOLAND BLISS

The remake of the sporty 1968 Jaeger-leCoultre Polaris watch was unveiled by the South African “friend of the brand”, Ryk Neethling – one of this country’s most accomplished sportsmen and an Olympic champion – in the Val de Vie wine cellar last Thursday night. Neethling, now a director of the Val de Vie estate in Paarl, philanthropist and CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, invited guests to toast the new timepiece with his own new wine, the 2016 Ryk Neethling Premium Blend, which was presented to guests at the same time.

A celebration of world-class craftsmanship is always a fine experience, particularly in a beautiful setting in the Boland. And in a world choc full of influencers and brand ambassadors that are generally more about selfies than substance, it’s rare to see the real deal. Ryk is a stylish, discreet and well-connected gentleman with plenty of old-school charm – a bit like everything Jaeger-leCoultre.

The Polaris was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jaeger-leCoultre diving alarm watch and the collection includes an entry level simple automatic model, as well as a date, limited edition Mevomox, chronograph and chronograph World Timer.

One of the world’s oldest watch brands, Jaeger-leCoultre was established in Switzerland in 1833. While best known for the unique Reverso watch that flips from side to side, Jaeger-leCoultre has joined many luxury watch brands creating entry level sporty styles this year.

For looks, my favourite is the stainless steel Polaris Memovox with the black rubber strap, black face and striking cream numerals. This is a retro revival at its most modern but they only made 1,000 so best you call now if you’re interested.

THE PRADA FW18 TOTES

I know it’s a touch premature, but when all the new season launches come across your desk, it’s hard not to start thinking about summer. And if there’s one thing we all need come holiday time, it’s a roomy tote bag that can take you from the office to the beach – if needs be. Now while a Louis Vuitton Neverfull is certainly at the top of my and many other wishlists, the new collection from Prada has some pretty good tote options too. My bet’s on the Prada robot tote taking first prize.

SUMMER SOLES

And while on the subject of summer, the South African brand of espadrilles, Espadril, is launching a really special line for summer. In muted rose, cream, chartreuse and black, the finishes are pure boho brilliance. Diarise your online order now – the shop only opens in September.