Dappered | The Dappered Gift Guide for... The Watch Guy

[Dappered | The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Watch Guy]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Watch Guy](#1) - [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots](#2) - [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Rugged Guy](#3) [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Watch Guy](r/Dappered/~3/YYWJguX7iUA/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 17 Dec 2019 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( Tis the season. And by now you’ve probably been walloped over the head by 82,000 gift guides. So what’s a few more? Instead of doing a highly generalized, throw-everything-against-the-digital-wall gift guide, we’ll be breaking it up by category. [Gifts for the guys who suit up a lot](. [Or the rugged type](. [Or the guy who’s really into shoes](. Etc. We’ll cover all those, and hopefully a few more in the coming days. [Toddy Gear Smart Cloths – $6]( w/ HOLIDAY ($9.99) [Toddy Gear Smart Cloths]( Microfiber cleaning cloths that can, depending on the pattern, also double as a pocket square. Smudges on watch crystals happen, and a Toddy Gear cloth is a great way to clean your watch. Unlike thinner cleaning cloths (like the ones that come with some sunglasses), these are thicker and more substantial. One side is for cleaning, the other is for polishing. Much easier to use and makes the job much faster. Their true intended purpose is for smartphones/tablets/laptops, but they work just fine on watch crystals too. Shipping will run you an additional $3, but, with the 40% off code they’re running, it’s all pretty much a wash. [Longitude by Dava Sobel- $12.10]( [Longitude by Dava Sobel]( Shown above is the special anniversary edition, [with the cover that is worth sourcing a used copy of](. Solving the Longitude Problem was one of the greatest achievements of human kind, yet most of us have never heard the story and/or don’t understand quite what the fuss was about. Y’know how fancy mechanical watches that have been certified to be accurate within a few seconds a day get to carry the word “chronometer” on them? Right. The first one of those was invented by a guy named John Harrison, and his invention changed the world. This is a story of discovery, utter nonsensical drama, and political intrigue (and stupid infighting). It’s short, it’s punchy, and it’s a great read for anyone who loves timepieces. [Museum of Modern Art Block Daily Calendar – $15]( [Museum of Modern Art Block Daily Calendar]( Part of the reason some of us like to wear a wristwatch is because it’s a wearable reminder of the passage of time. [Life moves pretty fast](. And while it’s not a good idea to spend all your time contemplating the passage of time, flipping a block or four, every day, might help prevent being wasteful of our most precious resource. [Watch Repair Kit – $15.99]( [Watch Repair Kit]( Maybe not jewelry shop quality in terms of the tools, but still, not bad either for the minimal price. Comes with spring bars too, and those tiny jewelers screw drivers also come in handy when it comes to sunglasses. [Yamazaki Tower Deskbar – $26.23]( ($30) [Yamazaki Tower Deskbar]( The perfect desk catchall for the watch wearer. Wood and steel all tied together with great lines. And that elevated piece is perfect for setting a wristwatch for safekeeping. Sold by Amazon and ships fast and free with Prime. [Nomad Horween Leather AirPods Case – $30]( [Nomad Horween Leather AirPods Case]( The iconic clean white of Apple’s products is instantly recognizable. But all that white plastic is also super modern. As modern as… using your smartphone to check the time. Which I’m guessing the guy you’re shopping for doesn’t like to do, if he wears a watch. These Horween leather cases help knock the hyper-modern factor down quite a bit. Too spendy? [You could always get a cheaper version from Amazon](. [A Man and his Watch by Matt Hranek – $31.50]( [A Man and his Watch]( Multiple things can be true. This book is, at times, insufferably silly (they’re just wristwatches), yet it’s also incredibly cool. It’s a coffee table book that explores individual time pieces, their owners, and the stories behind them. Came out a couple years back and still quite popular. [Crown & Buckle “Supreme” NATO Straps – $34](0&top=1&) [Dappered.com](0&top=1&) I picked up the above Christopher Ward “nearly new” [manual wind C65 Trident]( during one of their “nearly new” sales earlier this year. I wanted to replicate [the 1970s style of the Omega Seamaster 300 from SPECTRE]( without, y’know, [SPENDING MORE THAN FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS](//www.jomashop.com/omega-233-30-41-21-01-001.html). Anyway, this is the end result. Super happy with it. The bracelet on the watch is terrific, but the smoothness yet robustness of the Supreme NATO from Crown & Buckle really, really works. Absolutely worth the splurge compared to cheap NATOs. [Watch Box / Watch Organizer – $37.77]( [Watch Box / Watch Organizer]( Sleek, simple, extraordinarily well reviewed. Give that watch collection a home, as opposed to having timepieces strewn about, loose, ready to be knocked onto the floor. This particular model is solid wood with a felt bottom, so even if it does slide around a little, it won’t go scratching up whatever it sits on. [Mediasonic TEANA 20-Watt Bluetooth Speaker – $39.99]( [Mediasonic TEANA 20-Watt Bluetooth Speaker]( Watches are tools. They can be great looking. Speakers are also tools. Most are not great looking. This one is great looking. [A nice “Beater” Watch]( [Casio 200m Quartz Diver]( - [Casio 200m Quartz Diver – $40]( - [Invicta Automatic Pro Diver – $58]( - [Seiko 5 Field Automatic – $130]( Dependable, good looking enough, and the type of thing you take with you on a quick trip or wear on the weekends when you’re knocking about, and don’t want to risk damage to a prized timepiece. If this thing does get a scratch in the crystal or somehow gets dropped in a lake and goes to hell? It won’t cause the tears to flow. [Gingko Octagon Modern LED Desk Lamp – $70]( [Gingko Octagon Modern LED Desk Lamp]( A surprisingly useful, rechargeable lamp that’s perfect for those evening strap changes or mod jobs. Base has some good weight to it too. Makes it stable. It’s not some flimsy thing. Casts great, sharp light. And the octagon base is so simple, yet so incredibly useful, thanks to easily positioning the light differently by simply setting it on a different side. [Watch Luggage]( [Worn & Wound Harris Tweed and CXL #8 Leather Two Watch Fold]( - [Worn & Wound Harris Tweed and CXL #8 Leather Two Watch Fold – $99]( - [3 Watch Leatherette Roll – $17]( - [Single Watch “Watchpod” – $15]( Good gravy that watch fold from Worn and Wound is gorgeous. Sure, you could just shove your watch(es) down into a shoe and then stuff extra socks on top of it. But maybe you want to keep it in a briefcase or something closer to on your person. Who knows. [Southern Lights Electric Original Bell Jar Table Lamp – $108.98]( ($135) [Southern Lights Electric Original Bell Jar Table Lamp]( Why this made in the USA, Edison Bulb, cloth cord lamp? Because it looks precisely like the kinda thing a guy who has a few mechanical wristwatches would like. Shipping is a steep $10, but I’m guessing that’s because they want to get it to you in one piece. Includes a 30 W Edison-style filament bulb. [Seiko SKX (007, 009) Automatics – $230 – $330]( [Seiko on Dappered.com]( Because these things are legendary, and sadly it sounds like they’ll at some point be retired from production in favor of [the new Seiko 5 Sports line](. 42mm case, 200m water resistance, screw down crown, and a dependable Seiko automatic movement beating inside. Seiko’s own Hardlex crystal protects the dial. Good lume. Doesn’t hack or hand wind, but it’s really quite comfortable on the wrist and the 120 click bezel is good and solid. [Something midpriced*, and unexpected]( - [Bulova Devil Diver Automatic – $500ish]( - [Dan Henry 1947 Dress Watch – $190]( - [Hamilton 41mm Khaki Pilot Pioneer Automatic – $569.97]( - [Glycine Combat Sub Automatic – $369]( FINAL (ships Jan. 6th via DROP) - [Nodus Retrospect II Automatic – $450]( - [Orient Bambino 2nd Gen V2 – $130]( Keep the receipt, and make him be honest. If he DOESN’T LIKE IT then it has to go back. But sometimes us watch wearing folks need a little push out of a wrist-wear rut. So something different and/or from an unexpected brand could be a fun play. *Note that “midpriced” is relative. Some in the watch wearing community would see these watches as downright affordable. Some of us reading this will think some of the above picks cost an absurd amount of money, just for some dumb thing you can wear on your wrist. It all depends on your perspective, and perspectives can vary wildly. [Nothing]( about [wristwatches]( makes [any sense](. So save any silly social media outrage for something that perhaps remotely matters. This doesn’t. His “Grail” Watch For the extra, extra nice. Chances are he’s mentioned what he has his eye on. Also, get it insured. This takes some planning. Maybe this is a few years down the line and saving/smart decisions will have to be made. But, well, for the ladies… how much did that engagement ring cost again? ff/Dappered?a=YYWJguX7iUA:QWBTW0W6Mac:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=YYWJguX7iUA:QWBTW0W6Mac:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=YYWJguX7iUA:QWBTW0W6Mac:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots](r/Dappered/~3/Htl3Zm1rtj4/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 16 Dec 2019 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( [Bonobos Made in Italy “The Blake” Lace Up Boots – $208.60]( w/ BETTERLATE ($298) About the Author: [Adam Terry]( is Dappered’s resident shoe & denim expert. He’s a thirtysomething Technical Trainer in the heating and manufacturing industry. He enjoys bourbon, boots, sneakers, and raw denim. He’s also a new(ish) dad! As the temperature continues to drop and the skies turn that lovely shade of dull grey, you can be certain that we’re officially in the depths of autumn. Luckily for us, that means we get the opportunity to bust out the modern menswear style heavyweight champs – thicker denim, flannel shirts, chunky cardigans, insulating outerwear, [and boots](! With the holidays and family gatherings right around the corner, now’s the time to shore up your boot game. I’m a huge fan of earthy brown suede boots this time of year. That little extra pop of color and texture brings some much needed warmth to an otherwise cold and flat appearance. Bonobos [recently launched a collection of shoes and boots]( including some lace-up cap-toes and some Chelseas. Today we’re taking a look at [their Blake Lace-Up Boot in brown suede](. [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( Made in Italy. Blake Stitched. Details: - Brand: Bonobos - Style: Cap-toe 6-eyelet boot - Size: 10 D - Last: N/A - Construction: Blake stitched - Leather: Brown Italian suede - Sole: Grooved rubber half-sole and rubber/leather combo heel - Details: Removable padded foam insoles, cushioned upper, and [patterned pull tabs]( - Extras: Two cotton travel dust bags, extra braided cotton laces - Country of Origin: Italy - Price: $298 USD About Adam’s Scoring System: The Adam Shoe Scale of Justice (A.S.S.J.) is as follows: 5 – Excellent. I am in love, worth it at full retail. 4 – Above Average. Nice product, probably worth it to most. 3 – Average. Ok product but wait for a sale. 2 – Below Average. Not worth your money unless on deep sale and you’re desperate. 1 – Poor. I wouldn’t gift this to anyone I care about. [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( Nice and versatile cap toe style. Ordering/Delivery/Returns: Bonobos shipped the Blake boots from their warehouse in Chelmsford, MA to my house outside of Nashville, TN via UPS Ground, and they were delivered within three business days. Not bad! FYI: Bonobos has free shipping and free returns on unworn orders within 45 days of delivery. Store credit is available after 45 days and up to 90 days from date of purchase. Just make sure you try them out on carpet. Score: 5/5 [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( Obligatory box shot. Packaging: The boots arrived in a pretty standard subdued navy box sans branding. Inside you’ll find the normal extras you should expect to receive at this price point – a pair of cotton travel/dust bags and a spare set of laces. The laces are the braided cotton type. The shoe bags in particular are emblazoned with the Bonobos logo in white and are long enough to store at least two [Seawolf class attack submarines]( end to end. Score: 5/5 [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( Roomy shoe bags. First Impressions: Fresh out of the box, these boots look a little lighter in color and less textured than the online photos would suggest. The Bonobos website leads you to believe the color is more of a cocoa powder or pecan brown. In the shifting light of day, the actual product leans more gingerbread or the Allen Edmonds color “coffee”. The suede itself is an Italian product with a fine nap, a little softer and flatter than the online photos would suggest. Neither of these are deal breakers for me, but something to be aware of. Looks wise, the overall shape, color, and texture lend the boots to an upscale casual vibe perfect for nights out with your friends or family. Personally, I’d pair them with slim cuffed denim, a simple tee, and an earthy green chunky cardigan for a date night out on the town. [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( Good suede. Nice looking welt. From the outside looking in, neither boot has any noticeable construction issue that would classify them as “seconds”. The stitching is clean, the cap-toes are attached even and straight, and the dark brown edge dressing along the welt line is well applied. I’d wager that these are mostly machine made boots, due to the uniformity of everything. Again, that’s not a knock or a negative strike against them… [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( Removable insoles… which cover up some concerns. …however, once you look a little deeper, you can start to see that some of the materials used in construction are rather cheap for this price point. If you remove the insole, you can see the Tecno Board fiberboard insoles that feel like thick construction paper. They’re nailed in with six roughly cast nails; you can actually feel a few of the nail heads through the insole. Towards the toe, you can see the woven fiber pad and half-moon leather toe piece stitched in at the top. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, I normally shy away from Blake/Rapid stitched shoes because I can feel the stitching or layers of material around the inside of the toe box when I’m walking. It feels like you’re walking around with something in your shoes and you can’t shake it out. Without that puffy, padded foam insole covering it all up, this would be a deal breaker for me. [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( Fiberboard under the insole. Nails that could be felt by some. Looking past those issues, the leather lining feels great and I really like the extra padding sewn in around the ankles and tongue. It’s a nice, subtle effect that feels really nice. The colorfully patterned and puffy foam insole was surprisingly comfortable to me as well, though it does start to feel a bit thin and may not hold its form over time. It is removable, should you wish to change it out to something else in the future (and no, removing the insoles doesn’t fix the tightness issues which we’ll get to). [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( More components that might not last as long as you’d like? The leather outsole is covered with a thin, grooved rubber layer for some added traction. We don’t get a ton of snow around these parts, but plenty of ice and freezing rain. I imagine this sole working pretty well in those conditions. If you live somewhere that gets regular snowfall, I’d recommend something with a chunkier sole with some actual grip. The heel is a leather and rubber combo piece, nailed to what I believe to be a compressed wood fiber (aka MDF – medium density fiberboard) heel stack. Most boots in this price range use layers of leather stacked on top of each other. Honestly, I just don’t believe that some of these components will last more than a few years of regular wear and tear. Score: 2/5 – Would like to see better shoe construction materials used at this price point. Fit, Sizing, and Comfort: Following the leaf-strewn path of let downs, the Blake cap-toe boots have some very weird fitment or lasting issues going on. Trying to fit into these felt like Donald Duck trying to slide his webbed walkers into Cinderella’s glass slipper – it is just not going to happen. The rounded almond toe shape looks absolutely perfect from above, but it has a very strong taper and feels short and way too narrow on the inside. I *think* this issue is happening during lasting, where the leather upper is being stretched around the molded form, before the insole/outsole is stitched on. Odds are the lasting machine is pulling the upper too tight and causing the boot to feel small – this size 10 feels like a size 8. This is a real problem, and an odd issue being that Bonobos built their business on (pants) fit. [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( Fit is where these boots really go off the rails. Runs weirdly small and tight. This size 10 felt like an 8. My feet aren’t getting in these. I tried. Comfort is entirely subjective, so if you have narrow feet, these might be a win for you. If you decide to give these a try, I strongly suggest trying them on at a local [Bonobos Guideshop]( or ordering a full size up from your normal size. For reference, I am a 10.5 D/E on a Brannock device and usually take a 10 D in most dress shoes, including Alden’s Barrie last and Grant Stone’s Leo last. I take a 10.5 E in Allen Edmonds 65 last, as that last runs too narrow for me. I also take a 10.5 in Vans and an 11 in most Adidas or Nike sneakers. Score: 2/5 Stars – Something funky is going on with this boot design. Very narrow and tight. Final Thoughts: I had some high, high hopes for these boots when they were ordered. They are some of the best looking boots I’ve seen in 2019, and had they fit well and been made with quality components, they would have been a real contender for my Boot of the Year award. Sadly, they just didn’t pan out as well as I had hoped and left me wondering whether cost cutting or the new corporate ownership is at fault here. At almost $300 USD, there are similar or better options out there from [Meermin]( ($250), [Grant Stone]( ($295), [Suit Supply]( ($299), or… with a bit of saving and stretching… [Carmina]( ($555) and [Alden]( ($615). If you do decide to test out the Bonobos Blake Lace-Up Boots, wait for a deep sale and let us know what you think! Avg. Score: 3.5/5 Stars – Size/fit and construction issues, not worth full retail. Might be worth it on deep discount IF they fit you well, and certainly NOT on final sale (no returns). [In Review: Bonobos The Blake Boots | Dappered.com]( ff/Dappered?a=Htl3Zm1rtj4:lMScCRbiOQc:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=Htl3Zm1rtj4:lMScCRbiOQc:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=Htl3Zm1rtj4:lMScCRbiOQc:gIN9vFwOqvQ [The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Rugged Guy](r/Dappered/~3/4nxXHmD-IL8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 16 Dec 2019 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( Tis the season. And by now you’ve probably been walloped over the head by 82,000 gift guides. So what’s a few more? Instead of doing a highly generalized, throw-everything-against-the-digital-wall gift guide, we’ll be breaking it up by category. Gifts for the guys who suit up a lot. Or the wristwatch fanatic. Or the guy who’s really into shoes. Etc. We’ll cover all those, and hopefully a few more in the coming days. [O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream – $5.99]( [O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream on Dappered.com]( Because this stuff is the real deal, while most other hand creams are pretenders. It works. Period. And if he’s the type who has calluses and scraped up knuckles and split thumbs (the worst) in the winter, yet STILL knows how to look sharp, then this’ll help him from bleeding all over the place when buttoning up his favorite crisp white dress shirt. [Goodfellow & Co. Moroccan Mint & Cedar Beard Balm – $7.99]( [The Target Goodfellow & Co. Grooming Lineup | Dappered.com]( More gunk in a jar, only this time, for your beard. While the hair on your face is different than the hair on top of your head, gently conditioning it every once in a while is a good idea. A little beard balm will help you avoid looking like your face has been covered in fur farmed from around a yeti’s private parts. Softens without greasing down. Smells good without being over powering. Cheap. [Plainsong by Kent Haruf – $9.88]( [Plainsong by Kent Haruf on Dappered.com]( Brilliantly written, high-plains small-town stories, that are tautly strung together like barbed wire between fence posts (…too on the nose? Sorry, I’m no good at reviewing books. I’m not even any good at reviewing clothes! HEYY OOO BEAT YOU TO IT HATERS.) Good luck not getting emotionally invested in the characters. This book was so good that immediately after, [I went on to read everything Kent Haruf has ever written](. [The North Water by Ian McGuire – $9.59]( [The North Water by Ian McGuire]( While [Plainsong]( will rip your heart out, The North Water will rip your guts out, throw them over the side, and make you harpoon whatever comes to the surface to feed on your innards. [Duluth Pack Canvas Coffee Sleeve – $10]( [Duluth Pack Canvas Coffee Sleeve]( Dappered HQ sits above a coffee shop/cafe. One of my favorite things is when I’m down there, grabbing a bite, and some grizzled manly man walks in looking like he just hauled an elk he bagged (bow season, natch) off a mountainside… and he orders a mocha with extra whip. And “maybe a little extra chocolate syrup drilled over the top? Could you guys add half a shot of mint too?” Gets me every time. [Opinel No8 Knife – $15Â]( [Opinel No8 Knife on Dappered.com]( All kinds of right & simple. So much so that it once was displayed along with a Rolex and a Porsche 911 [in a museum exhibit titled](: “The 100 Most Beautiful Products in the World.” Also incredibly useful. Stainless steel blade measures 3.25″. The locking collar (just spin it to keep the blade in place) is an extremely well designed, classic safety feature. It’s a well made tool that looks great too. [Ex-officio Give N Go Briefs or Trunks – $15 – $20]( [Ex-officio Give N Go briefs or trunks on Dappered.com]( Has underwear historically been seen as a terrible gift? Yes! Are these a terrible gift? Hell no! They’re incredible, and they’re game changers. They breathe, wick, and have anti-stink properties. You’ll never want to go back to cotton underwear ever again. I’ve also tried the competition. [The competition is fine](. I’m sticking with these. Ex-Officio underwear is also great for travelling. If you like to pack light? You should be able to pack just an extra pair (while wearing a pair out the door) and get by on the road. At the end of the day, wash the pair you wore that day in a sink/tub and hang them up to dry. Rotate with the other pair. They’ll be dry (and clean thanks to your scrubbing) by the time the next pair needs to be swapped out. For deals on these things, check Costco. They often have these for crazy cheap… IF you’re a member. [Best Made Co. Limited Edition Franklin Enamel Cups – $24 – $42]( [Best Made Co. Limited Edition Franklin Enamel Cups]( You know how good whiskey tastes just THAT much better out of a really nice glass? Same goes for coffee, tea, or… uh… whiskey, when it comes to these things. Enamel wear is terrific, and it’s all but dead as a standard home good. Plus, these are also functional in an existential kind of way. [The Standard Memorandum Journal + Leather Cover – $39]( For the type of guy who’s a “do-er”… yet would never consider spending the end of a night with “dear diary.” The Standard Memorandum is a daily, year-long journal that makes the author get down to the brass tacks of the day. There’s limited space for each day, yet there’s a space for… each and every day. Just a sentence or two. Write down what happened. Or your thoughts about what didn’t happen. Or how you’re working towards what you wish would happen. Leather cover comes with free monogramming. [Any good habit can lead to better habits](. So start with this. Plus, stashing a completed, yearly journal in a safe place come early January produces a solid feeling of accomplishment too. Great for those without kids, or those with families who want to leave something behind that gives their kids a better idea as to who they were. [Leatherman FREE T2 – $40]( [Leatherman FREE T2 on Dappered.com]( I use this thing all the time. Opening packages, cutting apples, poppin’ bottles, and the mini screwdriver is what I actually use to resize my stainless steel watches that have screwed in pins. Everything you need for every day carry. Nothing you don’t. One handed operation. Looks pretty good too. [Fisher Original Astronaut Space Pen – $44.29]( [Fisher Original Astronaut Space Pen]( Good enough for Astronauts, good enough for the guy on your list. Writes in the most extreme conditions, including zero gravity. Made in the USA. A hell of a lot cheaper than an [Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch](//www.jomashop.com/omega-watch-311-30-42-30-01-006.html). [Bespoke Post Shetland Wool Sweater – $45]( [Bespoke Post Shetland Wool Sweater]( A cable knit, Shetland wool sweater for forty five bucks? Bravo Bespoke Post. This is part of their “Cable” box. So, it’s not technically a stand alone product. Four colors to pick from, but sizes are just about gone in everything but the green (shown) and blue. Sure it’s made in China, but the wool is real Shetland stuff from Scotland. And I’m kinda digging that cable front, but plain sleeves and back. [Nordstrom 100% Cashmere Cap – $52.15]( ($69.50) [Nordstrom 100% Cashmere Cap]( I don’t care how rough and rugged a dude is. He could have been born with all of Tatooine’s sand in his craw, and still appreciate a cashmere cap. Soft and silky with none of the itch that comes with regular ol’ lambswool. On sale. Ships and returns for free too. [Made in the USA Ebbets Field Wool Ballcaps – $49]( [Made in the USA Ebbets Field Wool Ballcaps]( Tons of teams to pick from. Many (most?) that you haven’t ever heard of. I’ll always be a Roy Hobbs fan. I don’t trust anyone who [doesn’t get chills from this scene](. You can have your green screen transformers universe annihilation PEW PEW PEW! movies. I’ll take the slow trot to sparks flying/music crescendos myself. Somewhere along the line, the stories told in movies got so darn big that they now seem meaningless and small. At least to me. I’m not smart enough to know why that happened. Also, nobody cares. Things change. Sidenote: [Their wool NFL jerseys are expensive, but incredible](. [AmazonBasics Duffle Bag – $49.99]( [AmazonBasics Duffle Bag]( Cotton & poly canvas with leather trim. Made by friggin’ Amazon’s AmazonBasics label. (They also make, oh I don’t know, [batteries!]( and [staplers!]() Uncle Jeff’s internet emporium is quickly becoming [ACME from Looney Tunes](. It’s only a matter of time until Amazon starts making anvils. Guaranteed enough people search “anvil” on Amazon, as a joke, and the algorithms will pump out some data that someone (or some robot) in production will see as a sure-fire sign that WE MUST SELL ANVILS! I feel bad for the UPS man’s spinal discs already. Lift with your legs fellas. Nice looking bag though. [Timex T49905 Black Brass Case Chrono – $53.30](as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0083XFHIG&linkCode=as2&tag=dappered-20&linkId=3JEM6N7WWDPBVL5O) [Timex T49905 Black Brass Case Chrono](as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0083XFHIG&linkCode=as2&tag=dappered-20&linkId=3JEM6N7WWDPBVL5O) A longtime favorite. This thing does NOT feel like a run of the mill Timex. No flimsiness. None. Brass case has a very, very solid feel to it. Dark shades of brown and cream, a black ion case, and a suede strap. 42mm case diameter so it’s not enormous, but it does have some heft to its overall weight. [Readywares Waxed Canvas Tool Bucket Organizer – $54.99]( [Readywares Waxed Canvas Tool Bucket Organizer]( Forget your boxes. Boxes require me to open the lid. And I’m not nearly as organized as all those little rigid trays imply I should be. Just give me a damn bucket and one of these things. If anything goes wrong? Get the bucket. [Stanley 64 oz Growler Set – $55]( [Stanley 64 oz Growler Set]( “I see you brought beer!” “It’s not beer.” “It’s not?” “Whiskey.” “Ah. Well, nice of you to share at least.” “Share what?” [Sunski Treelines Premium Sunglasses – $63.90]( ($89) [Sunski Treelines Premium Sunglasses]( BLEEPIN’ GLACIER SHIELDS MAN. Those side shields are magnetic, and come off easily. So, y’know, when he’s not hiking up K2 he can take those shields off if he’d like. Polarized too. Currently on sale at Huckberry, with an extra 10% off through today, 12/16. [FormFunctionForm WriteTime Wallet – $82]( [FormFunctionForm WriteTime Wallet]( Pen and paper > whatever note app you’ve got on your smart phone. And with this slim, lightweight, but still beefy and unbelievably good looking design, it’s always in your back (or front) pocket. [Full review here](E2%80%A2function%E2%80%A2form-nighttime-wallet-or-archslim-wallet/). [Icebreaker Merino TABI Luxe Lite Long Sleeve Pocket Crew – $84]( ($120) [cebreaker Merino TABI Luxe Lite Long Sleeve Pocket Crew]( Icebreaker merino stuff is terrific. Their TABI line is another step above. It’s their Japanese-designed “lifestyle” line that balances performance w/ looking good. So, perfect. Just picked this thing up for myself, because… treat yo’ self and all that. Hasn’t arrived just yet, but a previous TABI long sleeve pocket crew, in size large, fits my 5’10” / 195 lb frame perfectly. [FormFunctionForm Spoor Key Fob – $88]( [FormFunctionForm Spoor Key Fob]( One more from FFF. Lots of options in one fob. “Squirt” PS4 Leatherman multi tool. Maratac “split pea” lighter. Horween leather wraps it all up into one, easy, portable little package. [Made in the USA Brass Embassy Pen – $98]( [Made in the USA Brass Embassy Pen]( A beast. And I can’t imagine what sort of damage [Martin Blank]( could have done with one of these instead of a lowly bic. Blue oil lamp not included. Sorry. [Proof Merino 72-Hour Henley – $88.20]( ($98) [Proof Merino 72-Hour Henley]( Tell him the price after he wears it. Because $98 is a crazy splurge… until you wear one, and compare them to cheap henleys. Merino wool is nice and breezy, yet it insulates when it’s cold out. It’s strong but it breathes. It dries quick. And it has natural anti-stink properties. They call these things “72-hour” because you can wear ’em for 3 days without washing, and not worry that you smell like a dumpster. Slim but not crazy tight fit. Snap henley placket. Four colors to pick from. Just enough nylon in the blend to make them machine washable (just lay flat to dry). Give me one or two of these, and you can have 20 cheap cotton henleys. They are that good. [Also available in short sleeves for $74](. Up for Huckberry’s 10% off sitewide sale, which expires today, 12/16. [Mitchell Leather Co. Valet Trays – $99]( [Mitchell Leather Co. Valet Trays]( These types of guys seem to carry more than a few things on them every day. (Be prepared, right?) So, give em’ something that can help organize all that EDC once he dumps his pockets at the end of the day. Made in Milwaukee from high quality leathers. Stock is running real short, and last day to order is 12/19. An Upgraded Version of his Favorite Booze (price varies) [Dappered.com] Does he like Canadian Whiskey? Get him Crown XO. Does he like Irish? Get Jameson Gold Reserve. He a Bourbon guy? Get him something between his usual juice and Pappy (because the price of Pappy is laughably absurd). Anyway, you get the idea. [Citizen Canvas Band Eco Drive Chronograph – $123.98]( [Citizen Canvas Band Eco Drive Chronograph | Dappered.com]( Vintage military looks. Even the strap has metal grommets instead of cheap, punched out holes. Simple and intuitive. 42mm case. The build quality and the fact that it’s powered by light means it can be a maintenance free go-to for years and years and years to come. [Leatherhead Old Fashioned Leather Sporting Goods – $130 – $350]( [Leatherhead Old Fashioned Leather Sporting Goods]( [Sporrrrrts](. These are the guys who make [“The Handsome Dan”]( football. What’s his favorite sport? Cool. Get that ball. Extra points if you actually go out and use it with him every once in a while, instead of just letting it sit on a shelf. Although they are basically works of art. Shelf is good too. But yeah. Use it. [The medicine balls are particularly rad](. And pricey. [Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest – $150](11010055-fco-000000353) [Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest](11010055-fco-000000353) Vests are hugely underrated. For everything from chopping wood to walking a dog that’s part mule (she was a stray that was food insecure for the first few years of her life, so if she sees anything resembling food on the ground, she goes for it), you want freedom of movement. And vests give you that. That, and if you start working up a bit of a sweat, your pits can breathe, while your core stays warm. Made in the USA. [Danner Vertigo 917 – $180]( – [$220]( [Danner Vertigo 917]( Legitimately some of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned. They’re still boots. They’ve got some structure and a bit of toughness. But they’re not gonna weigh you down either. Oh my. Full grain leather uppers, waterproof & breathable, and the perfect blend of country durability and city-dwelling comfort. Do it all boots, now in that darker “java” colorway with the smart-as-hell green laces. Currently on sale at Amazon, but I’ve never bought through that seller before? They aren’t even fulfilled by Amazon. So, know that. [Also available at Huckberry](. [Saddleback Toiletry Bag – $189](//saddlebackleather.com/leather-toiletry-bag-big-mouth) [Saddleback Toiletry Bag](//saddlebackleather.com/leather-toiletry-bag-big-mouth) Expensive? Yes. Best. Dopp Kit. Ever? Probably. Like everything else that Saddleback makes, it comes with a 100 year warranty. Love how it’s a “big mouth” style with a hinged top so you’re not digging around in the depths of some dark, zippered dopp for whatever you need. Lets all the light in. [Full review here](. [Citizen Night Hawk – $188]( [Citizen Night Hawk]( Runs on light. Durable. Super useful. Great feel to it. Water resistant to 200 meters, and can take a beating. Sold and shipped by Amazon. [Made in the USA Red Wing 6″ Moc Toe Boots – $210]( ($280) [Made in the USA Red Wing 6″ Moc Toe Boots]( I don’t know how these are still on sale, but I’m glad they are. Legends. Faithful foot-companions. Made in the USA of course. Goodyear welted. Concrete shade of aged leather has depth for days. [Filson Original Briefcase – $210 – $325]( [Filson Original Briefcase]( Might as well have the best. Made in the USA from sturdy cotton canvas and bridle leather accents. Never gonna go out of style. Can’t explain the huge price difference, but it just might depend on stock/the seller. I’d check the thing over carefully upon arrival though if not ordering [direct from Filson](. [Flint & Tinder Flannel-Lined Wax Trucker Jacket – $216]( ($240) [Flint & Tinder Trucker]( Made in the USA. Waxed canvas exterior with a blanket lined interior for warmth. [Full review here](. Another Huckberry pick (imagine that, it is the “rugged guy” gift guide after all) and thus, getting 10% off today. [Seiko 007 or 009 – $235 – $265]( [Seiko on Dappered.com]( Get ’em while you still can, because Seiko [seems to be retiring]( the tried and true, tough, great looking, 007 and 009 SKX watches. [Red Wing Weekender Chelsea Boots – $216]( ($240) [Red Wing Weekender Chelsea Boots]( Absolutely love these things. Extremely comfortable but still made in the USA and tough as nails without the usual Red Wing “clunk.” True to size. A 10.5 D was just fine to start, and has molded to my feet perfectly over time. [French Natural Wool Workman’s Jacket – $268]( [French Natural Wool Workman's Jacket]( A real throwback. Not cheap, but will go on sale from time to time (even though, well, we’re running out of time before the holiday). [James Brand “Duval” Front-Flipper Frame-Lock Knife – $275]( [James Brand "Duval" Front-Flipper Frame-Lock Knife]( HAHAHAH a $300 pocket knife? Are you serious? HAHAHAHAHA my god [it’s gorgeous](. [WP Standard Military Duffel – $338.30]( ($398) [WP Standard Military Duffel]( Is [your (or his) new year’s resolution]( to get into better shape? Here’s a heck of a motivator. Because it makes for one hell of a gym bag, and if it’s your gym bag, you gotta go to the gym if you want to use it. Has that slightly unusual, but classic, top loading design. Great for getting your athletic gear to and from your chosen location to sweat buckets. [Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Weatherproof Boot with Dainite Rubber Sole – $345]( ($445) [Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Weatherproof Boot with Dainite Rubber Sole ]( Super versatile, made in the USA boots, that they somehow made BETTER this season by adding these grain leather weatherproof options. Studded Dainite rubber sole for traction. [Hamilton Automatic Field Watch – $382]( [Hamilton Automatic Field Watch on Dappered.com]( A watch he could wear almost every day for the rest of his life. Dependable and very well made. Sturdy feeling without being brick like on the wrist. Brown leaning tan strap pops next to that black dial. Terrific feel to the construction and finish. [Also available in a 38mm size](//www.jomashop.com/hamilton-watch-h70455533.html). [Allen Edmonds Weatherproof Dalton – $395]( [Allen Edmonds Weatherproof Dalton]( Surprisingly terrific leather. You’d think there’d be some weirdness or stiffness of an odd coating or something since these are weatherproof. Nope. Quite the opposite. Super soft and pliable, right out of the box. Studded Dainite sole is standard. [Full review here](. [Alden Indy Boot – $565]( [Alden "Indy" 405 Boot]( [Made famous by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones movies](, they’re made in the USA from tough (but forgiving-on-the-foot) components. They’re the essential all-around, not overly country, not city slicker either, adventure boot. Sizing can be a bit tricky though. Most suggest dropping down a half size for the last that the Indy is made around. [Saddleback Flight Briefcase – $589](//saddlebackleather.com/leather-laptop-bag-briefcase-flight) [Saddleback Flight Briefcase](//saddlebackleather.com/leather-laptop-bag-briefcase-flight) One of the best designs Saddleback has ever released. Absurdly useful. Perfect size for many of us. Gladstone style opening (just like the dopp kit) gives it a real vintage feel, but it’s also incredibly functional. 100 year warranty. [Nodus Duality Automatic – $700]( [Nodus Duality Automatic]( Assembled in the USA and running off Japanese automatic movements. Bubble domed sapphire glass. 40mm in diameter (so good for those that prefer more classically sized watches) with 20mm wide lugs and bracelet which tapers to 18mm at the clasp. Water resistance is 300 meters. Interior bezel (controlled by one of the crowns) comes in either a 60 minute diver option, or a 12 hour “traveler” option. They are something else. Bravo to the Nodus guys for another terrific watch. [Hamilton “Murph” Automatic – $995]( [Hamilton “Murph” Automatic]( For the adventurers. Those who appreciate science (and or science fiction). For fans of the movie Interstellar. It’s “a faithful recreation of the watch that appeared in the movie on the wrist of main character Murph. With the word “Eureka” printed in Morse code in lacquer on the seconds hand.” Strength and Stardust. That’s what we’re after, and that’s what we’re made of. [More info on this watch can be found here](. ff/Dappered?a=4nxXHmD-IL8:f-hoCyKYRrw:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=4nxXHmD-IL8:f-hoCyKYRrw:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=4nxXHmD-IL8:f-hoCyKYRrw:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States