Here is a quick plug for a new blog that I’ve found. These guys have a fantastic site to visit, it is an open forum type of blog, with a number of great groups (nearly 600). They discuss everything from scotch to bow ties, and from books to guns. I think it is a perfect accompaniment to this particular blog you are reading. Check it out: The Art of Manliness is truly swell. You can also sign up for a daily dose of manliness in your e-mail. If you sign up they send you some free stuff to read as well.
Tag Archives: Shopping
Don Draper’s Omega Watch
After five seasons now, many watch enthusiasts have been wringing their hands in anticipation for a good enough glimpse of Don Draper”s wrist. We have all wanted to see what watch this 60s leader in style has chosen to wear. Well, all of our patients paid off, and last night (Season 5 , Episode 6) we were rewarded. In a scene where Don was waiting for his wife, he took a nice long look at his watch. In what I am sure was a product placement for Omega, we had a unobstructed view of a beautiful early 60’s omega seamaster with a cross hair dial. A gorgeous watch in gold over stainless steel on a black leather strap.
When I saw the camera pan across the watch I paused the screen and admired it for a moment. Then I did some searching on the Omega Vintage database and discovered what I believe is the correct model. The cross hair is not a common model so it was easier to distinguish against other watches of that vintage. I believe this piece is a Seamaster De Ville reference number 166.0020, it is an automatic with the 24 jewel caliber 565. This is a beautiful example of an Omega as the brand was becoming one of the top quality manufacturers in the world. 
You can still find this watch and similar models online, if you are looking for that vintage look. Sites such as Ebay list many for under $1000. Know what you’re looking for, use the Omega database if you want to be sure of what you’re getting. When you find just the right one, just like Don Draper and his Seamaster cross hair, you’re going to look swell.
Wrighteous Jewelry
Let me introduce you to an awesome jewelry designer. I am really a big fan of Wrightous Jewelry, not only do I like their style and quality, but I also like what they stand for. Their company credo includes vintage ideas of pride and patriotism, faith and love for your country, It is American made jewelry with an American spirit. They are born in the United States and made in Detroit-the motor city. They follow a similar marketing idea to the Chrysler “Imported From Detroit” theme, which I love. To give you a feel here is a quote from their website:
The Wrighteous Lifestyle is about taking your past and creating renewed vigor for your life with genuine intentions toward your future. Embrace your life, it’s in your hands, you make the choice on which path you will travel. America has been built on many foundations and principles, hard work, sweat and tears. Grab ahold of that spirit and create with us a New American Renaissance. A renewal in what is the American Spirit.
But, what it’s really about is the style. They have big men’s and a women’s lines, that are both fantastic. The men’s is of particular interest here. The styles are royal, gothic and rock&roll all mixed together. There are some very masculine cues; antiqued silver, crosses, skulls, fleur-de-lis, and the like. All of the pieces are in sterling silver, some have 14 karat gold. Wrighteous makes rings, pendants, cuff links, belt buckles, and a lot more. I think it is one of the best brands in men’s jewelry that I have seen in a long time. They bring back that rugged and bold look to mens jewelry. On top of that it is great to support an American company from a down ,but not out market in Detroit Michigan. As of now Wrighteous Jewelry is pretty exclusive, but I know you can get it at Diamonds & Gold.
Support this brand, They call themselves Wrighteous, I call them Swell.
A Swell Briefcase
I am not normally one to get hung up on labels, but in this case (pun intended), if I want to tell you about this briefcase, I have to tell you a little about Gucci the Iconic luxury brand.
Founded in 1921, Gucci is one of the world’s most famous fashion houses. The company is based in Florence, Italy Under the creative directorship of Ms Frida Giannini. They have numerous lines, and an extensive ladies collection, but we aren’t interested in that. I want to show you what they have for guys. The men’s collections remain true to the brand’s original sense of luxury, updated with a taste of color. With great offerings of suites, shirts, shoes and the like, but the bags and accessories are superb.
Italian luxury designer since 1921, Gucci’s leather-crafting history goes back over 90 years, but this briefcase has thoroughly retro-modern appeal. It kind of reminds me of the luggage you would find associated with a vintage Le Mans racer, thanks to its dark red and cream stripes, or perhaps something Steve Mc Queen might carry while wearing his Tag Heuer Monaco
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Swell Neckwear: The Cordial Churchman’s Bow Ties
Bow ties get a bad rap. Some people think they are just for little boys, or awards ceremonies. BUT THEY ARE WRONG.
Sure the neck tie is a standard-bearer, and the skinny tie is back with a vengeance, which I happen to think is pretty cool. To be truly swell you have to consider a bow tie. I am not talking the cheap clip ons or the pre-tied ones that button in the back but a real live bonafide bow tie that you have to learn how to tie. This is a fantastic vintage look that will never go out of style and looks great from casual to “black tie”. There are a few places to get one if you look a little bit, but there is one place that has it down to an art form, I have a couple of these myself. They are handmade in every color and pattern imaginable. Every wardrobe needs at least a couple of bow ties.
I took the liberty of borrowing a recent post from The Cordial Churchman’s blog and showing it to you here:
366 Bow Ties: Day 51
Posted on February 29, 2012 | Leave a comment
How to look swell in trousers.
I feel the need to address a few quick rules on how to look swell in trousers. I wish to hearken back to the classic days of old Hollywood, when men know how to dress appropriately on and off-screen. Those rule still apply today, that is if don’t you want to look like a little kid wearing your fathers clothes.
First off I feel like I should address blue jeans, even thought this post isn’t really about them, they deserve mention. Blue jeans were invented them as a work pant, don’t forget this. Now, today they are more than just for work and I appreciate that. They are easy to wear and take care of, they usually look good, there is plenty of variety, and they are comfortable. There are still some Continue reading
Real Men Wear Pearls
Okay, before I begin, I have to say I LOVE PEARLS, and Real Men do wear Pearls. Now I am not talking about your grandmother’s nice white strands. I am talking about masculine, funky (yes funky), cool, eye-grabbing, and trendy styles.
Steven Tyler wearing Pearls
The other week, I saw a great validation of my belief that men do wear pearls, and make them cool. On American Idol in San Diego, judge Steven Tyler of Aerosmith had on a fantastic leather and pearl necklace with nice big Tahitian pearls.Steven Tyler is a rock icon, so admittedly he can pull off a lot, but, he is also quit the stylish guy. So I have to think if he can wear something hip like a black pearl strand , well then you can too. Weather a rock star or an average Joe, they look great. I have seen them more and more lately in the media and in jewelry, check out what Andre 3000 is wearing in the new Gillette commercial.
How to be Swell 