Introduction to watch accessories: Straps and Bracelets

A watch is a very versatile piece wrist accessory that can can either elevate or diminish the intended look of an outfit. Thanks to after-market products, a single timepiece is able to alter its looks by changing to different strap. Readily made for specific brands and models, a huge choice is available for consumers to freely interchange the straps with a simple watch tool.


Here are some popular types of straps to suit different occasions and uses:

NATO Straps

Gaining popularity especially in the past few years, these particular kinds of strap were used by soldiers and divers due to their affordability and durability. It comes in many patterns and colour combinations  thus making it a great way to change up a watch's look. Also, it can be changed easily without a watch tool as it is a one-piece material that slides through the lugs.

Rubber/Silicone Strap

The said strap is a good alternative for a sporty look that offers good flexibility and comfort. Although it is not very suitable for formal looks, it is good for everyday wear. Easy to clean, and does not leave perspiration marks unlike their leather or nylon counterparts.

Leather Strap

Mostly installed on pilot watches, leather is a great material which darkens and age with use. An elegant and classic look when paired with the right watch and provides good support on the wrist. Various versions of leather such as ostrich or crocodile leather are being used as well.

Metal Bracelet

The most commonly see would be the metal bracelet on watches, it is able to fit in for almost all occasions be it a casual or formal. The stainless steel variant are highly durable and wear well in all kinds of weather. Some kinds of bracelets also have mechanisms for minimal adjustment to its length to account for diving purposes or temperature changes (expanding and contracting of length).

Kicks that looks better with age

Many of us like to keep our sneakers looking fresh and clean. But some shoes just looks better dirty and beat up. Leather for example, will develop a desired: darker, aged look known as patina with regular use. Many might disagree, but we feel that the same logic applies for certain kicks. They would actually look best distressed as it adds character and kind of tells a story behind the connection between the owner and sneaker, if you will.

Here is our top pick for some shoes that looks better with the worn-in look.

Converse Chuck Taylor

Vans Era

Common Projects Archilles Low

Adidas Stan Smith

Nike Air Force 1

Top 10: Sneaker Collaboration in Year 2014

2014 was no doubt a game changer for Sneaker collectors, offering a wide range of kicks from collaborations. With the ever-growing popularity in lifestyle footwear among the community, respective brands have been working with different retailers and companies to satisfy the consumers with limited edition releases. This of course, is good news for all of us. Let's jump straight into what in our opinion is the Top 10 Sneaker Collaborations in the last year in no particular order:

Vans x Blends Sk8 Hi

Southern California Streetwear boutique Blends teamed up with Vans Vault to create their rendition of the iconic Sk8 Hi model. Decked in luscious leather uppers and a custom "bone" stripe for a clean look that is loosely tied with motorcycle culture inspirations.

Saucony Shadow 6000 x Premier "Life on Mars" 

Welcome to Planet Mars: this is another partnership with Premier Sneaker Boutique on the Shadow 6000 silhouette. These space kicks takes its cue from the reddish appearance that covers most of the  the planet. They also come in custom shoe bag, passport and boarding pass to go along with the theme.

Asics Gel Lyte V x Concepts "Phoenix"

Premium grey nubuck, 3M accents and a speckled sole makes up the Gel Lyte V that is inspired by the mythical creature Phoenix. Due to a factory fire in Vietnam, most of them were destroyed but Concepts was able to salvage an amount for release, making it a very limited release that is very sought after by collectors.

New Balance 997 x Concepts "Rose"

Another great collaboration put out by Concepts to celebrate their new store opening in NYC. The made in USA sneaker comes in rose-coloured pigskin suede that is inspired by the alcoholic beverage Rosé as a celebration to their establishment. A reflective croc skin patterned tongue and heel adds to the overall premiums aesthetics.

Nike SB x Diamond Supply Co "Tiffany" Dunk Hi

First released in year 2005 in the Dunk Low, Nike SB has brought back the every popular "Tiffany" colourway that swept Sneakerheads off their feet, this time in the high top version. Detailing includes a silver swoosh, aqua blue overall with faux croc skin panels across the shoe which stays true to its proceeder.

Ronnie Fieg x Puma Disc Blaze "Coat of Arms" 

Working on the 90s runner model, Ronnie Fieg changed the shape of the toe cap area as well as injecting his tasteful touches of intrigue details. Sporting a predominant blacked out upper and sole with white speckles and bright coloured toe box to create a contrasting look. 

Nike x Pigalle Air Force 1 Hi 

It's no secret that Parisan-based retailer Pigalle has huge love for basketball. This time, they have teamed up with Nike to rework on the legendary shoe Air Force 1 Hi. A fading patina pattern can be seen on the waxed leather uppers alongside leather laces and brass eyelets.

ASICS Gel Lyte V x Bodega "Get Wet"

The Gel Lyte V is probably the most work-on silhouette in collaborations, but none of them really comes as close to what Bodega put out.Released towards the end of the year, they are built for the the rainier months. Constructed with GoreTex materials to ensure your feet is dry even in the hash weathers.

Supreme x Nike Foamposite One

A long time partnership between the two brands, Supreme has picked out the iconic Foamposites and placed an all-over print on it, which was sometime different from the usual solid-coloured releases. The  box logo on the tongue gives a subtle detailing, marking the finish of yet another dope joint effort with Nike.

Fragment Design x Kevin Durant 6 Elite

Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara had his stab at the KD 6, applying a buttery suede upper on a slightly altered silhouette with great attention to details. Finishing off, the Fragment Lightning logo is placed on the tongue and custom insoles with dual branding.

Introduction to Minimalist Sneaker Staples

We have seen the rise of these products branch out to reach other platforms and different consumers. A significant increase would be in luxurious designer sneakers. Unlike their normal counterpart, they are mostly built for aesthetic purposes and serve little use for sporting usage.

Of course, there would be a niche market between streetwear and high-end culture - clean looking and timeless designs to quench the thirst of individuals seeking minimalist footwear. These versatile kicks usually can be worn to most occasions, be it to casual or solemn events. They are also great alternatives to formal shoes if paired appropriately. It is no wonder why these genre of sneakers are building a rapid fanbase in recent years.


Here are a few brands which you might (or might not have) heard about which produces quality and luxe footwear at decent prices:

Common Projects

Common projects is a New York based label that was launched in 2004 by designers Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami. The brand's design approach are inspired by silhouettes of everyday objects.  They are also known to use the finest materials and techniques to craft their footwear and the famous golden number branding on the side of the sneaker.

Filling Pieces

Filling Pieces is an Amsterdam-based footwear label, established in 2009 by designer Guillaume Philibert.  Currently, their collection consists of a variety of unique and contemporary models. All of them are handmade with great care in Portugal, using only the finest Italian material. The products boast the highest quality and original designs while maintaining affordable prices for the masses to purchase.

Buttero

Founded in 1974 by Mauro Sani, Buttero is a company which specialises in creating durable footwear built with the philosophy of tradition, creativity and authenticity.  They use the best italian vegetable-tanned leathers, which ages beautifully with wear. Started out as a cowboy boot manufacturer, the brand have moved on to the modern times, having a cult following for their sneakers, chukka boots and high tops.

ETQ Amsterdam

Established in 2010, the Dutch footwear label are known for their quality handmade sneakers in small Portuguese factories.  Combining the traditional crafting methods from skilled craftsmen with sophisticated aesthetic approaches, they have created a namesake for their unique products which encompasses minimalistic designs and creative materials.

Deciding to cop?

"Dear God, I need more occasions to wear my sneakers, but my workplace requires me to don safety boots/work shoes" - A problem faced by most Sneakerheads. I am not an exception, as I am not allowed to rock my collection on a daily basis due to my job being a white collar environment. Well, only day I could really slip on my favourite Air Force 1 are on Fridays.

I was really bummed when my amassed collection grew larger. Being unable to commit to wearing each and every pair regularly makes me felt bad. I have heard of various incidents where soles crumbling, falling apart, yellowing, and cracked leather when not worn. That is true fear, my friends.

But as we all know, release dates are all marked over our calendars as cabinets and drawers gets filled up.There is the need to segregate the "needs" and the "wants" to limit our buying else we risk the. There will be painful choices to whether cop or not. So allow me to share with you guys with some of the factors I consider when I decide to buy a pair.



Disclaimer - Please do not be offended as the below write-up is from an individual perspective and not directed to anyone.


So I always try to:

Get shoes that matches my wardrobe: Wearability is very important for me. I'll want a pair that is able to look good with berms and denims at the same time while being able to match most of my clothing easily.

Cop cosy shoes that provides great comfort: I run errands on a daily basis - meaning I'll have to be on my feet on most occasions, so naturally comfort would be one of the key priority I look at when I purchase a pair of kicks.

Meaningful Purchase: I always enjoyed good design concepts behind a collaboration or release. Remember the BHM pack? They were more than just basketball shoes, for they were created for remembrance of important people and events in the competitive sports history. It's really enjoyable to know what I am rocking and meaningful stories behind the creation.

Don't force it: Skip silhouettes that doesn't fit - regardless of how limited it was.As much as how good Flyknit Racers look, I was unable to rock them good as I am leaning on the bigger size. Forcibly wearing slim profile kicks would make my overall fit look a "V-shaped cone"-which in my opinion was unflattering. Vise Versa for the scrawny with overly padded skateboarding shoes on feet.

ADIDAS Technologies Revisited

The Brand with the Three Stripes - also largely known as Adidas. This German Sporting Goods Company has rose in popularity since their establishment in 1924 known for their wide range of products especially for their shoes which are also highly sought after by sneaker aficionados as collectibles.

With a strong behind team behind their sneakers, everything should be excited for new releases lined up on the calender. But do we really know about what we are wearing on our feet everyday? The price of true comfort does not come cheap. And here we take the chance to learn more about some of the patented Adidas technology and innovations that are incorporated into the well-loved kicks we rock today.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS TORSION INTEGRAL

Torsion: An arch support that allows the forefoot and rearfoot to move independently and adapt to uneven surfaces without over straining the foot. This actually helps to provide more range of movement and better support for the midfoot which prevents potential injuries.

ADIDAS Y-3 YOHJI BOOST “HAWAIIAN PRINT”

Energy Boost: One of the newer iterations from Adidas is an incredibly resilient midsole compound which has good response and durability. It also provides better cushioning than standard EVA foam materials. The Energy Boost is engineered to be temperature resistant - Typical foams get harder at cold temperatures and softer in hotter conditions, affecting consistency in performance.

ADIDAS X RAF SIMONS BOUNCE

Bounce: Another energy-returning technology, which replaces traditional foam with bouncy, stretchy elements, provides adequate cushioning against heel striking without discomfort. The outsole consists of springs called 'leaf springs' in the heel which transfers energy with each step,

CONCEPTS X ADIDAS STAN SMITH

Primeknit: Digital knitting technology providing proper fit that keeps the foot locked in place. A lightweight and comfortable upper which is machine-woven allows for intriguing patterns and colours to be applied on. Suitable for both sports or casual usage without compromising performance and look.

ADIDAS APS OG

APS: A lesser known innovation which enables to user to calibrate and customise the density of the outsole with a turning key. This was to suit the shock absorbing requirements for special terrain runs by tuning the shoe accordingly. It is also made to prevent antipronation while running.

Over the years: Ronnie Fieg X ASICS

Ronnie Fieg is no stranger when it comes to the sneaker world. He's a New York based sneaker designer as well as the owner of KITH NYC. Having worked with big brands brands like Puma, Timberland, Red Wings, Sebago, New Balance, Clarks and many more. His very first collaboration with Asics can be traced back to 2007 where he was widely recognized for his tasteful applications of colour combination on the retro models. Over the years the famed individual had contributed much to the sneaker scene significantly and changing the game forever. Given his popularity, finding on a pair of RF collaboration piece could be quite the challenge.

Let us pay homage to this amazing designer and look back at a few of his significant creations over the years.

Asics Gel Lyte V Rose Gold & Sage
Year of release : 2014

Asics Gel Lyte III KITH Football Equipment "USA"

Year of release : 2014

Asics Gel Lyte V "Mint Leaf" (Re-release)
Year of release : 2014

Asics Gel Lyte V "Cove" (Re-release)
Year of release : 2014

Asics Gel Lyte V "Volcano"
Year of release : 2013

Asics Gel Lyte III "Flamingo"
Year of release : 2013

Asics Gel Lyte III "Selvedge"
Year of release : 2012

Asics Gel Lyte III "Eclipse"
Year of release : 2012

Asics Gel Saga "Neptune"
Year of release : 2012

Asics Gel Lyte III "Salmon Toe"
Year of release : 2011

Asics Gel Lyte III "Leatherback"

Year of release : 2011

Retro Runners Edition: Speculations for 2015's Best?

I'm sure we are already very familiar with the eruption of the older running/lifestyle models which major footwear brands churned up during these few years. These products all have a story of their own that backs the design or concept. Of course, they were innovations of their time with cutting edge technologies and endorsements by leading sportsmen.

Thanks to the re-emergence of these retro runners, we now can enjoy the fruit of our predecessors with modern colors and interpretations from works of some of the renowned designers in the field. As we are nearing the end of 2014, we made a bold guess for the most received models that will most likely to score more releases and collabs in upcoming year which would be popular amongst the collectors.

 Asics Gel-Lyte III

Released in 1990, this model boasts a split tongue (something not commonly seen in the old days) to prevent it from splitting sideways while in motion especially while running. Functionality aside, it boasts a good canvas for innovative individuals to play around with, producing fresh releases with premium sneaker boutiques like KITH, Concepts, BAIT.

Adidas Micropacer

1984 was a year of innovation, at least for Adidas when they introduced the Micropacer. This sneaker was unlike any other, and works just like a modern day smartwatch like Garmin or the Nike+ application . With an in-built device, the wearer is able to track distance, time, average speed and calories burnt via a display panel on the tongue of the shoe. Spotted on the left pair, a coin pocket takes the place of the pacer, allowing storage of small items deemed inconvenient to carry around during a workout. Today we are blessed to be able to purchase a pair by the famed German sportswear giant in an array of OG colourways and even collaborations on these gems. A great canvas to work on.

Saucony Shadow 5000

Saucony has always been under the radar for sneakerheads until these recent years when they came back with the famed pair in Year 2011. They gained a strong fanbase due to their lower price points, great look and comfort, making these a must-have for retro collectors. Not forgetting their roots, Saucony was sure to include the 3M reflective logo which shapes the overall look while providing added visibility at night, Offered are original designs and special models from top tier sneaker boutiques to recreate the distinct aesthetics which are coveted by many.

All being said, we hope to see more of these great works that take on a modern approach and raising the bar of sneakers available on the market.

Outfit Grid

Norse Projects Tee

APC Petit Standard Selvedge Denim

AJKO Chicago

Tag Heuer F1

Asian Made mechanical watches under $600

Craftsmanship, Movement, Branding, Design. Integration of function and fit is key to a good watch. As we all know Swiss-Made timepieces are pricier to their Asians counterparts, but we do couple of  Asians watch makers that produces great watches that is loved throughout the world. So here are 4 watches under $600 which made a name for themselves and rose to rank as an iconic model prior to the past few decades.

Tianjin Seagull 1963

Once a military issue of the China Air Force watch, this timepiece is back as a revised edition that rich in history dated back into the 1963s. It is a hand wind chronograph with superb details such as the chinese characters found on the dial, the special colour combination on the hands and down to the packaging box of the watch itself.

Seiko Orange Monster

An iconic watch in the Seiko Diver Line, sets itself apart from other conventional Rolex Submariner diver due to its unique silhouette. It compromises of features that aid in every aspect of diving, utilising domed Hardlex crystal,LumiBrite, clear distinguishable markings on a bright coloured dial to ensure easier visual on the time under watch. On top of that, a 120-click bezel and 200m resistance makes it a true ISO rated divers watch that is great in quality but not hard on the wallet.

Orient Esteem

The Esteem is a classy dress watch that is loved by Orient collectors. A beautiful case with an open heart design which shows a part of the semi skeleton movement, which is a really nice feature that brightens up the otherwise plain dial. Also, Orient movements are built in-house and it is known for its accuracy so time keeping is made easier. Equipped with a leather strap, it gives a subtle and elegant look to the watch which can easily fit in a casual or formal occasion.

Orient Ray

Next on the list also comes from Japanese watchmakers Orient, dubbed the Ray. Very much like its predecessor the Orient Mako, it packs an array of features built for scuba diving and is great for day to day activities as well. It comprises of the standard screw-down crown, day/date display, bilingual language option(date), unidirectional bezel and boasts a 200m water resistance. As mentioned on the above Orient Esteem, they are powered by an in-house movement, which is noted for their accuracy without regulation. The Orient Ray is also very versatile for various occasions, able to match a dressy outfit when needed. It is a great value-for-money watch that will last for a good amount of years to come.