It’s too late – you forgot. Or you procrastinated. Or plan “A” fell through.
For whatever reason, Valentine’s Day is here and gone. And, you need to track down a little something that tells your man that you love him. We’re here to help. OTC rounded up a few ideas that have classic appeal coupled with some modern touches that won’t break your bank.
Citizen Eco Drive ProMaster Air
This is a classically inspired chronograph reinterpreted by the folks at Citizen. If an IWC Aquatimer Galapagos Edition is not on your short list at the moment, the ProMaster Air is an excellent everyday alternative. Good down to 200 feet it also has an internal timing bezel, and Citizen’s eco-friendly EcoDrive. Features include a 1/100 second chronograph, world time in 30 cities, split lap time, and a 99-minute countdown timer.
What we really like about this watch is that with an MSRP of US$400.00, it’s not too expensive, but delivers the style, feel, and quality of something more costly. It’s 44mm wide, which projects a certain pilot watch persona, with the capabilities to match. At the same time, it’s overall design is clean and modern with just a touch of functionality. It’s also comfortable on the wrist – a pretty important feature on its own.
Eu De Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge
Yes, the vaunted iconic sportwear brand also does scents. And they happen to do it well. And yes, that’s really it’s name. Not typically the sort of thing we get into here at OTC, but we like a good cologne and when it comes to Valentine’s Day, it’s a great, simple gift that gets everyday use.
Inspired by the original Lacoste “L.12.12” white polo shirt designed by René Lacoste in the late 1920s, Eau De Lacoste L.12.12 Rogue “captures the transformation of the iconic polo shirt into a fragrance.” We like because it’s a scent that reads both active and breezy.
Bull+Moose Tie Anchor Tie
Bull+Moose makes great ties that are both modern and classic at the same time. In addition to this great nautical themed motif, B+M crafts some killer bow ties and pocket squares. A tie may be the “safe” gift for a guy, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring or forgettable.
B+M also has a great story. A veteran-run company that was created with the goal of giving back to great organizations. – in this case, Got Your Six. We have a bunch and recommend the brand any chance we get. Like now.
Two (or more) from KP Bags
Bear with us here. OTC has always been big into the search for the perfect bag. Sometimes that bag is a leather satchel, sometimes a tote, sometimes a backpack. We are even working on the review of a handmade Italian box-over-lid briefcase; very old school. In this case, we are talking about the FaceOff messenger from KP Bags.
Kind of urban-meets-street-meets-techie? Sure. Not your typical OTC fare? Maybe. But the cool thing here is that KP Bags created a well-organized and well-made messenger that you can customize with a variety of purpose-built flaps. So, you buy the body in either grey or black and then choose from a bunch of different cover flaps. When in place, the covers are rock solid and match perfectly.
We actually love the one with all the tech pockets – seriously. Took us by surprise too. Really a great bag.