Without any other context, you can perhaps ID dozens if not more logos of carmakers, retail chains and consumer goods. But how many watch brands can you recognize based on an abstract symbol alone? And do you know the meaning behind them?

Some watch companies are content with a stylized version of their name spelled out as their primary emblem. Many watchmakers, however, have been around for a century or more and some have special symbols or designs that are quietly pregnant with history and meaning — some of them even have names of their own. You’ll find heraldic emblems from the Middle Ages and common themes such as shields, wings, anchors and more.

Look for a watchmaker’s signature on various components like the dial, crown, case back, rotor and clasp to signify pride in the product, cohesive design and, generally, as an indication of value and care. They might often measure only a couple millimeters, but these symbols are worthy of closer inspection. Here are some that are particularly interesting or significant.

Breguet

Breguet

Abraham Louis Breguet founded his eponymous brand in 1775 and is one of the most significant and influential watchmakers in history, having invented everything from the tourbillon to the style of watch hands you see represented in the brand’s modern logo — they’re called pomme or Breguet hands.

It’s an elegant style that’s been used by many brands since. As a logo, however, the Breguet hands are a more recent development for the company and were part of a branding refresh after joining the Swatch Group in 1999.

Breitling

Breitling

A “B” for Breitling formed from the stem of an anchor and flanked by wings … there’s a lot going on here, but the meaning is clear: Breitling is known for its sport watches.

The wings resonate in particular because of the brand’s long history and strong association with aviation. Although pilot’s watches are the brand’s strong suit, the anchor reminds us that Breitling is aiming for land, air and sea and has some solid dive watches, as well.

The logo has changed over the years, and the looping font of the “B” recalls earlier cursive typefaces that were a bit harder to read than the current sans-serif Breitling wordmark.

Longines

Longines

Longines proudly refers to itself as “the brand with the winged hourglass logo.” Registered in 1889, it’s said to be the oldest of its kind still in use in its largely original form (and it was apparently used even before its registration) — though it’s gone through several evolutions over the years.

Featuring an “X” in a square representing an hourglass and angular wings, this is a memorable watch brand logo. It hints at the brand’s association with aviation, and also mnemonically sticks in your mind by seeming to hint at the phrase “time flies,” like a memento mori.

Montblanc

Montblanc

One of the most distinctive brand logos is Montblanc’s rounded, six-pointed-star-in-a-circle. It’s also one of the oldest and simplest: it’s meant to represent the snowy peak of the brand’s namesake and tallest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc.

The design dates back to 1913, only seven years after the company’s founding when it began as a pen maker. (Montblanc began making watches in 1997.)

Omega

Omega

Using the omega character for its logo seems like a no-brainer, but not many people realize where the Omega name itself came from: building upon their father’s workshop, the founder’s sons ran a watchmaking business called Louis Brandt & Fils and produced a movement in 1894 called “Omega” that was groundbreaking for its ease of service.

As the last letter of the Greek alphabet, omega‘s significance as “ultimate” was meant to signify the achievement. It was so successful and impressive, they adopted the name for their company.

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe

Founded in 1839 and one of the oldest watch companies in operation today, Patek Philippe has used its Calatrava Cross insignia since 1887. The symbol’s roots go back much further, however, as emblem of the Order of Calatrava, one of Spain’s four religious societies of knights in the 12th century.

Patek’s logo is an interpretation of this symbol which comprises a cross with a fleur-de-lis motif at each of its tips. The fleur-de-lis is a stylized image based on the lily (literally, “lily flower” in French) which is a common motif in European heraldry. Calatrava was the name of a castle the knights captured, and now also the name of Patek’s entry-level dress watch line.

Rolex

Rolex

If you know one watch brand logo, it’s the king of watches’ unmistakeable crown — and it kind of says it all. Indeed, in watch circles if you refer to “The Crown,” it’ll be understood that you mean Rolex rather than the popular Netflix series about the British royals.

With five circle-topped points and an ellipse at the bottom, the crown (or “coronet”) motif works equally well to represent the company undisputed industry dominance or as an elite status for its wearers. The company was first registered in 1908 but didn’t adopt the crown logo until 1931.

Tudor

Tudor

Rolex founder Hans Wildorf created Tudor in 1926 to offer more a affordable alternative to Rolex. As brands sometimes do, Tudor has changed its logo a couple of times.

In its earlier days, it was a rose framed by a shield shape, but the shield disappeared in 1947, leaving only the rose — the English House of Tudor’s heraldic emblem.

In 1969, the rose was replaced by a three-panel shield that remains in use today, seeming to represent a shift in focus from elegance to robust sport watches.

Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin

Known for marine chronometers and a history of equipping navies and shipping companies since the 1870s, Ulysse Nardin as a brand has an overarching nautical theme.

The modern anchor logo, though a common motif among watch brands, therefore seems particularly appropriate. It’s taken tweaked forms over the years, from slanting designs to straight ones, but has largely remained consistent.

Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin

Another ridiculously old company (founded in 1755), Vacheron Constantin has a logo whose origins are similar to those of Patek Philippe’s: the design is known as the Maltese Cross for its association with the coat of arms of the Knights Hospitaller crusaders of the 12th century.

Vacheron Constantin adopted it in 1880, according to the brand, inspired by the shape of a certain movement component. In the brand’s modern watches, you’ll see the Maltese Cross not just in the usual places brands put their logos but even influencing the likes of case and movement elements.

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It happens every fall. A million think pieces are launched telling you that pumpkin beers are terrible and that you’re better off drinking some Oktoberfest or brown ale instead. The authors of these articles would have you believe that pumpkin beer is the scourge of autumn, second only in its dastardliness to the dreaded pumpkin spice latte.

And truth be told, I get some of the hate. Many pumpkin beers out there either taste too artificial, like someone tossed a candle into the brew kettle, or they’re just too strange a mix of sweet and strong that clashes on the palate. But one pumpkin beer gets the formula exactly right, and it’s become something of a legend to those in the know. I’m talking about Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale.

Shipyard

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale

• $19 at Total Wine

A New England Institution

Based out of Portland, ME, Shipyard is one of the Pine Tree State’s most notable breweries, second only in output to Allagash, and Pumpkinhead is arguably its flagship product.

Pumpkinhead is a wheat ale with the perfect mix of pumpkin pie spices — think cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. It’s flavorful and delicious, with a true pumpkin pie flavor and just the right amount of sweetness — there’s nothing cloying about it. It’s also one of the easiest drinking beers you’ll find, flavored or otherwise, clocking in at 4.5% ABV and just 18 IBUs.

And the stuff has quite the following. Just take a gander at the brand’s Instagram page: Each year, as soon as the calendar hits August 1 (too early to begin fall shenanigans if you ask me, but whatever), the brewery’s marketing department goes full Pumpkinhead and doesn’t let up ’til Thanksgiving.

Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear Patrol

The beer has its own mascot, Pumpkinhead Pete — a friendlier version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow‘s Headless Horseman. There’s a wide range of Pumpkinhead merch, from clothing to beer glasses to scented candles. And there are legions of loyal fans around the country, but especially in New England. I should know: I’m one of them.

This Pumpkin Beer Is Good, OK?

I’ve been drinking Pumpkinhead for a long time. How long exactly, I can’t say, but it started sometime in the 2000s while I was in college. I grew up and went to college in Maine where Pumpkinhead — which first debuted in 2002 — was a fixture during the fall college party season; especially during any Halloween-related activities.

In my mid-20s, I moved to New York City, where I was happy to discover that Pumpkinhead was still pretty easy to find every October, though it took a bit more effort than on the beer’s home turf.

Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear Patrol

Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear Patrol

After four years in New York, I moved to Los Angeles, where the beer, unfortunately, was nearly impossible to purchase. There were a few stores that would get deliveries of Pumpkinhead for the fall season, but they always sold out in a flash. Clearly, I wasn’t the only New England ex-pat wandering around LA every autumn in search of the world’s best pumpkin beer.

But at the end of 2022, after more than 7 years in California, I moved back to New England. Pumpkinhead is plentiful here in Connecticut, and I’ve been able to become reacquainted with the beer and remember why I loved it in the first place.

A casual sipper if there ever were one, I find Pumpkinhead’s pleasing nostalgic flavor and unsurpassed drinkability to be the perfect companion to every conceivable fall activity — from the obvious Halloween parties to watching football on the couch on a Sunday afternoon.

Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear Patrol

If there is a caveat to drinking Pumpkinhead, I will say this: It’s not the most “beer-like” pumpkin beer out there. There’s little in the way of hop-derived bitterness, and poured out of a bottle there’s almost no head. (No wonder the beer’s mascot is a headless horseman, amirite?)

For me, its non-beerness is a bonus, as strong, bitter beers clash with the dessert-like tendencies of pumpkin pie. But if you are looking for a pumpkin beer that leans more beer than pumpkin, then Southern Tier’s Pumking (8.6% ABV) out of New York and Shipyard’s own Smashed Pumpkin (9% ABV) are your best bets.

But for me, I’ll stick with Pumpkinhead as my beer of choice this fall, just as I have been for the better part of the last two decades.

Shipyard

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale

• $19 at Total Wine

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Names like Rolex, Patek, Audemars Piguet and Omega dominate the headspace of vintage watch collectors not only due to their exceptional quality but also because of their historical significance. These brands that have been around for decades, and in some cases, for centuries; they’ve come to help define what the watch industry is today.

But these legacy brands aren’t the exclusive purveyors of significant, lust-worthy vintage watches. Before the quartz crisis of the 1970s and ’80s, there were many other watchmakers out there producing exceptional timepieces. Though most of them were victims of a seismic shift in timekeeping technology, their vintage watches are worth collecting.

Some of these brands we’re calling “forgotten” indeed disappeared completely and are barely known today, even to many collectors. Others might have survived quietly or in name only — perhaps acquired by a corporate group and relegated to producing low-quality watches that don’t do their historic names justice and which watch enthusiasts ignore completely. The popularity of vintage watches has even seen some brands return from obscurity, from Nivada and Airain to Ollech & Wajs and others.

Vintage watches from each of the following brands present opportunities for discovery and, at times, great values.

1. Cortébert

Cortébert’s roots go back all the way to 1790, when watchmaker Abraham-Louis Juillard opened up his watch store in Cortébert, Switzerland. However, the name wasn’t used until the mid-19th century.

Not much is known about Cortébert (its records were lost in a fire in the ’50s), but it was considered a high-end brand in its day. It is perhaps best known today for accurate railway watches supplied to the Turkish and Italian railway systems (the latter of which were sold under the Perseo brand name).

Cortébert also produced one of the world’s first jumping hour watches in the 1890s when it acquired the rights to use a jumping hour movement made by watchmaker Josef Pallweber (the movement was more famously used by IWC).

Cortébert eventually produced a jumping hour wristwatch in the 1920s. Supposedly, it even built the movement that formed the basis for the Rolex 618, which was used in old Panerai watches. Despite this watchmaking legacy, Cortébert eventually became a victim of the so-called Quartz Crisis and shuttered.

The remnants of Cortébert continue as Perseo today, though it’s an entirely different company than the former juggernaut it once was.

2. Elgin

Based outside Chicago in the town of Elgin, Illinois, and founded in the 1860s, the Elgin National Watch Company was one of the earliest watchmakers to set up shop in America. It was also the biggest.

Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, its factory complex was the largest dedicated watchmaking facility in the world, and over the course of 100 years, the brand made around 60 million timepieces. Elgin was able to achieve such incredible production numbers by being an early adopter of mass production methods, using interchangeable, machine-made parts.

Much like other American watch companies, Elgin had a hard time keeping up with competition from Swiss watchmakers, who had been bolstered by Swiss neutrality during WWII, in the ’50s and ’60s, and eventually shuttered production in 1968. The Elgin name has been bought and sold numerous times since; any modern watches bearing the Elgin name are in no way related to the once-historic American watchmaking powerhouse.

Elgin made lots of pocket watches (as many American watchmakers during their heyday), but the brand was an early producer of wristwatches and made some excellent time-only pieces. It also made watches for the US Military (notably the iconic A-11) as well as some unique and innovative designs, like the Direct Read (which displayed time on discs long before it became a trend).

Given their ubiquity in America, vintage Elgin watches are relatively cheap to acquire and service, with most models selling for just a few hundred dollars on the vintage market.

3. Enicar

Enicar was founded in 1914 in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland, by Ariste Racine (whose last name, you might notice, is Enicar when spelled backward). What started out as a relatively humble operation quickly grew as the brand distributed timepieces to Eastern markets like Russia and China (where the brand became exceedingly popular).

Following WWII, the watchmaker upped the ante, producing its own movements in-house (as opposed to relying on supplied movements) and building tool watches that were, by most accounts, exceptionally reliable and affordable. It even touted its watch movements as being ultrasonically cleaned.

Enicar

Enicar’s peak seemed to be in the 1950s and ’60s. In 1954, it produced its first movement with chronometer certification from the Neuchatel Observatory. Around the same time, the brand supplied its diver, the Seapearl 600, to mountain climbers, most notably a group of Swiss mountaineers who scaled to the top of both Mount Lhotse and Everest in 1956.

A few years later, the US Navy evaluated and used the Seapearl, which it compared favorably to the Rolex Submariner and Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms, considering its performance and low cost.

Enicar, like many watchmakers, faced its downfall amidst the so-called Quartz Crisis of the ’70s and ’80s despite the fact that the watchmaker was part of the Swiss consortium to develop the Beta 21, one of the world’s first quartz movements.

By the late 1980s, the company went into insolvency and was purchased by a Wah Ming Hong, a Hong Kong-based watch and jewelry company. Today, Enicar still makes watches, though the brand is mostly distributed in Asia where it remains a strong seller.

4. Gruen

Like Elgin, Gruen used to be one of the biggest watch manufacturers in the US. Founded in Cincinnati in the 1870s by German-born watchmaker Dietrich Grün (he would later change the name to Gruen), the company went through several name changes until it just became the Gruen Watch Company in the early 20th century.

It was notable for being an American company that produced its own movements in Switzerland — the company maintained a movement production facility in Biel — but its watches were still adjusted, dialed and cased in the US.

Gruen introduced many innovations and watches. Grün himself invented the safety pinion, which prevented damage to the movement if the mainspring broke and was incorporated into Gruen movements. Gruen also experimented with watches using super-thin movements (known as the Veri-Thin), and its boldest design — the Curvex — put a curved movement design in a curved rectangular case.

Curved rectangular watches, meant to conform with the wearer’s wrist, were popular at the time but used flat movements. Using a curved caliber allowed the inner workings to be larger and more robust, but the watch itself remained thin. Its “doctor’s watch” was also notable.

In 1953, the Gruen family sold their interests in the company, and by 1958 the company had been broken up. The US facilities moved from Ohio to New York while the Swiss operations eventually closed in 1977.

5. Lemania

Founded in 1884, Lemania produced ébauches movements that were primarily used by other watchmakers. From the beginning, the brand specialized in chronographs. In fact, its know-how with the complication led to some legendary chronograph movements, including the Caliber 1873, used in the original Omega Speedmaster and the simple Caliber 5100 used in a number of watches from Sinn, Tutima, Porsche Design and Omega that became a mainstay in some militaries.

Though Lemania mainly focused on building movements, there were a number of Lemania-branded watches produced during the 20th century.

Like many forgotten watch brands from the previous century, Lemania fell with the rise of the quartz watch in the 1970s. The brand was resurrected in the ’80s as Nouvelle Lemania, then acquired by Swatch Group in 1999 along with Breguet.

Today the Lemania name is no longer in use, but the company still makes calibers for Breguet and Swatch Group. Lemanias, like many of their tool watch contemporaries from the 20th century, are in vogue with collectors today. While some time-only models can go for under $1,000, chronographs, especially in good shape, will usually set you back considerably more.

6. Nivada Grenchen

Like most other watchmakers on this list, Nivada Grenchen has a history that stretches back to the 19th century, but the brand really came into its own following World War II when it took making seriously rugged sports watches. Perhaps the best example of this was the “Antarctic,” a simple three-hand watch deemed anti-magnetic and water-proof that was built for and worn during Operation Deep Freeze by members of the US Navy during the International Geophysical Year.

It survived the unrelenting cold, an impressive feat, yet it remains relatively unknown compared to other exploration watches from the era like the Rolex Explorer and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic.

Nivada Grenchen

Nivada would continue to build other rugged watches into the next decade. There was the Chronomaster, a chronograph meant for both diving and aviation use that was water resistant to 600 feet and used a Valjoux column-wheel chronograph movement. There was also the Depthmaster, a big chunky diver that was rated water-resistant to a 1,000m — an impressive figure today, let alone back in 1965 when it was introduced. Around the same time, the brand released the Depthomatic, considered the first dive watch with a depth gauge.

Interestingly, Nivada faced legal issues in the US because the name was phonetically similar to Movado Watches, so Nivada watches were often distributed in the US with the brand name “Nivada Grenchen” or distributed as Croton watches.

The brand would continue to build tool watches until it shuttered in the midst of the Quartz Crisis. Now in the 2020s, Nivada Grenchen has been resurrected as a modern brand to produce many of its classics (so check carefully when shopping whether it’s an actual vintage or modern remake you’re looking at), but you can still also find vintage pieces worth collecting.

7. Smiths

Smiths (today Smiths Group) started as S. Smith & Sons, a jewelry shop and clockmaker in South London. Founded in 1851, the business evolved over the years; by the turn of the century, Smiths was making instruments for cars and aircraft (in fact, Smiths instruments were fitted on the first trans-Atlantic flight in 1919 and the first commercial jet in 1952). While the brand was famous for its instruments, its clock production accounted for half of the UK market at the onset of WWII.

It wasn’t until after WWII that Smiths started making wristwatches in England. Its watches were relatively simple, but the watchmaker’s biggest moment came in 1953 when Sir Edmond Hillary took a Smiths Deluxe to the top of Everest (along with a Rolex Explorer). By Hillary’s account, the watch worked perfectly.

Smiths’ popularity grew, but with the introduction of quartz watches, Smiths decided to stop producing watches to focus on aerospace and medical industries. Today, Timefactors produces a handful of watches under the Smiths name, but they are in no way related to Smiths watches of the mid-20th century. Vintage Smiths watches, despite their historical significance, are fairly cheap today, save for the military-spec W10, which typically sells for well over $1,000.

8. Universal Genève

Founded in Le Locle in 1894, Universal Genéve is perhaps one of the most influential Swiss watchmakers to nearly disappear from the face of the earth.

In 1917, during World War I, Universal Genéve was the first watchmaker to create a chronograph wristwatch. By the 1930s, chronographs became a main focus for Universal, and the brand produced its now-iconic series of Compax chronographs.

Universal Genève

After World War II, Universal Genéve was one of the first watchmakers to experiment with micro-rotor automatic watches, releasing its first micro-rotor watch, the Gérald Genta-designed Polarouter, in 1954.

During the late ’60s and early 1970s, Universal Genéve was owned by Bulova, and, in the thick of the Quartz Crisis, it was one of the few Swiss watchmakers to attempt to make and sell its own quartz movement.

In 1989, the brand was sold to Stelux, a Hong Kong-based investment firm. While the brand has released some micro-rotor watches since the acquisition, the modern brand appears not to have released a new watch since 2009. Still, vintage Universals (or UGs) are some of the hottest vintage watches today, with prices (especially for Compax chronographs) having steadily increased in recent years.

Late in 2023, the investment group owners of Breitling, Partners Group, acquired Universal Genève for around CHF 60 million (~$70.5 million) and are set to relaunch the brand as the true successor to the company vintage watch enthusiasts have come to adore.

9. Wittnauer

Wittnauer was founded in New York in the 1880s by a Swiss immigrant named Albert Wittnauer, who initially worked for his brother-in-law’s fine watch importing business. Wittnauer saw a need for Swiss-made watches tailored for the US market and began using Swiss-sourced movements (from a variety of suppliers) to produce a more affordable alternative to other Swiss imports. One of the brand’s first big innovations in wristwatches was the AllProof of the 1920s, which claimed to be the first watch in the world that was shockproof, waterproof and antimagnetic.

Wittnauer’s timepieces and flight instruments were adopted by the military early on. During WWI, many Wittnauer wristwatches replaced bulky pocket watches for infantrymen, and the brand’s flight instruments were used in many American aircraft during the first World War. Wittnauer instruments were even featured in Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega-5B when she made her solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932. Wittnauer would also produce many clocks, timers, compasses and watches for the US Military during WWII.

Unlike many other watchmakers, Wittnauer was not steamrolled by the introduction of the quartz watch. It produced its first electronic watch in 1957, and, in 1969, was acquired by Westinghouse. The brand would build both quartz and mechanical watches (including chronographs and perpetual calendars and other complications) during the ’70s, though in the ’80s and ’90s the brand began to fall into obscurity. In 2001, Wittnauer was purchased by Bulova, and today serves as a sub-brand.

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Pop open a fresh box of Bic Cristals and you’ll come face to face with a bunch of holes. As an everyday function, that hole in the pen cap equalizes pressure so that uncapping and capping the pen isn’t a struggle. Its other function is to save lives.

According to Iconic Designs: 50 Stories about 50 Things, Bic has been manufacturing vented pen caps since 1991 in an effort to reduce deaths by asphyxiation after accidental ingestion of the pen cap, particularly by children.

Pen cap inhalation is a common issue with school-aged children, and the results can be deadly if not addressed immediately. The hole of the pen cap allows for airflow to continue even while lodged within the body. But the safety measure is only good for buying time until one can seek medical attention; one teenager in the UK died when he inhaled a pen cap and the cap’s vent became clogged.

Bic may have been the first in the implementation of the pen cap hole but other pen manufacturers have since adopted the safety measure in accordance to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), an independent organization that sets product standards for 164 countries. In 1993, the ISO released the safety standard ISO 11540, which dictates the design specifications of pen caps.

These guidelines only apply to writing utensils that may be used by those aged 14 and younger — pen caps that are targeted towards adults, or are too large, aren’t subject to these measures. The specifications include the condition that pen caps be ventilated with an aperture that will allow someone choking on a pen cap to maintain somewhat regular breathing functions until medical help arrives.

The hole in the pen cap can literally be the difference between life and death if the cap is ingested. So the next time writer’s block hits, and the urge to chew your pen cap comes, maybe stick to chewing gum.

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AI-infused smartphones have arrived. At it’s ‘Unpacked’ conference, Samsung announced the Galaxy S24 lineup, which is powered by Google’s Gemini AI. Now Galaxy users will be able to use AI in a number of slick new ways, like photo editing (like to adjust the subject’s position), online searches (draw a circle around an object and you can search Google for it) and even for voice and text translation in real time. The S24 Ultra will cost $1,299, the S24+ $999 and the S24 will be $799.

Today we’re taking a look at a wine box, a redesigned flask and a cozy vest. This is Today in Gear.

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].

A Redesigned Flask

High Camp Flasks

High Camp redesigned the popular Firelight 750 Flask ($129). It looks more like a tumbler than a flask, and it’s vacuum-insulated so your drink stays cold. The large mouth makes it easy to pour and add ice, and the updated cap is now easier to grip. The Firelight is available in Onyx, Gunmetal and Copper.

A New Snow Peak Tent

Snow Peak

Introducing the Tuga ($1,600), a new two-room tent from Snow Peak that comes with plenty of space for activities. There’s both a closed-in room for sleeping and a large covered space for gathering and hanging out. The tent weights just over 40-pounds, making it perfect for car camping, and can sleep four.

A V-Day Wine Box

Gestalt

Gestalt Wines is releasing its ‘No Coincidence’ Valentine’s Day Box ($349), which includes two different wines and a total of six bottles. The first is a balanced 2021 Pinot Noir from the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the second is a crisp and refreshing 2021 Chardonnay from San Luis Obispo. Pick one up for the wine lover in your life.

Madewell Men’s x One Of These Days

Madewell

A new dreamy collaboration between Madewell and One Of These Days has yielded a whole suite of great outfits. We particularly love the Relaxed Straight Workwear Pants ($165) that feature a smattering of artwork on the front and back. The Shirt-Jacket ($198) is an instant classic western-inspired shirt made of boiled wool, with chain-stitched details and two patch pockets.

A Cozy Winter Vest

Roark

The Livingston Vest ($129) is a timeless classic from Roark that’s perfect for throwing on over your favorite flannel. The Dark Navy vest is made of an insulated quilted canvas and is paired with a cozy high-pile brown fleece collar. This vest is named after the hardy town of Livingston, Montana, and is inspired by the salt-of-the-earth folks who call it home.

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Earlier this week, an X user named Stella – Fudge (@StellaFudge) shared images of what could very well be the holy grail of Apple Watch bands. The special edition “Cloud Sport Band” was supposedly designed to celebrate Jony Ive’s 50th birthday. According to Fudge, only 10 prototypes were ever made — none were released.

If the story is true, the special edition band was created in 2017 and meant to be paired with a ceramic model of the Apple Watch Series 2 (size: 42mm). There’s a “J50” — or “I50” — engraved on the pin to signify the legendary former chief design officer’s 50th birthday.

Stella Fudge shared a total of four images on X of the special edition watch band…

Stella Fudge/X

Ive left Apple in 2019 after 27 years and working on some of the most iconic tech products of all time, including the iPod, iPhone, MacBook Air, iMac, Apple Watch and even Apple Park. He remains a pillar of the industrial design space, known for making tech products thin, sleek and cool — objects of desire.

If this special edition Cloud Sport Band is actually real, it could well be the rarest Apple Watch band ever made. And yes, given how sought after Jony Ive-related products still are (and will continue be), I imagine it’d demand quite a pretty penny if one were to ever go up for auction.

[editoriallinks id=’deb20f39-6fae-4821-9619-b89d5abba794′ align=’center’][/editoriallinks]

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You can visit one of my favorite places on the internet, but to really be there with me you’d have had to have left four years ago. But don’t worry! Another group is leaving every day if you’re willing to make the trip.

I Am Sober is one of a variety of sobriety tracking apps which have popped up to cater to a generation of digital-native drinkers looking for a course towards temperance that circumvents the traditional 12-step program. I don’t remember how or why I settled on I Am Sober in particular when I decided to stop drinking. I think it was because I liked the design sensibility. And I was panicking.

At its core, I Am Sober is really just a fancy stopwatch. You pop in your start date, and it starts counting up. You can pick your particular poison (options range from “alcohol” to “pills” to “self-harm” as well as a “custom” option) and write a pledge, which the app will prompt you to reaffirm daily at a time of your choosing and recap your day later on. It’s an elective step, but creates a streak the app tracks in parallel to your total time. You can even pledge retroactively if you happen to miss a day — if you promise the app that you aren’t fibbing; scout’s honor.

At one point, pledges were an important part of my daily routine, but increasingly what I sporadically return for is the “Community” feature, a series of Twitter-like feeds dedicated to various sobriety milestones (2 days, 1 week, 4 months, 1 year, etc). The functionality is exceedingly simple, a feed of text posts with the occasional picture, and option for readers to respond with emoji reactions or comments. Anyone who’s created an account can peruse the full breadth of anniversaries right away, but your ability to actually post only unlocks as you hit the milestones yourself.

Eric Limer

Where so much of social media takes place in the perpetual present, with infinite scrolls of endless content to keep you scrolling forever, it’s a breath of fresh air to visit an online space organized around a sense of finite progress. Each milestone is a discrete place I arrive at — and, more importantly, leave behind — accompanied by my own little sobriety cohort: those of us who put down the bottle in the high and heady days of January 2020 and have stuck with it while the rest of the world changed around us.

Early discussions around the one-week mark were dominated by unbridled optimism and tales of relapse in equal measure, many posters arriving at these early way stations for the second or seventeenth time.

Now, at the four year mark, we generally seem to be more even-keeled in our cautious gratitude. Of course, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. One thread mourns all the relationships that couldn’t survive years of sobriety. Another wonders aloud how many of us actually made it here: the app indicates our coterie resting at this milestone is some 3,000 strong, but since the app keeps counting up unless you tell it to stop, the number undoubtedly includes accounts that were abandoned in success and failure alike.

This is far from the only place on the internet you can find a similar sense of support and fellowship. Invite-only Discord servers and private Slack are places where more intimate relationships can bloom. Twitter (I refuse to stop calling it Twitter) is increasingly a giant support group for people addicted to Twitter.

But in one little corner of one little app, I really relish traveling along with the class of 2020, uninterrupted by in-line ads, sentient brands and engagement-juicing algorithms (for now). Maybe most important of all, it’s a place I only care to visit now and then. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that sometimes less is more.

Related Topics

2023 was a momentous year in the automotive world. We finally saw the all-new Toyota Tacoma — and also drove it. We climbed behind the wheel of some seriously impressive off-road trucks. And we also sampled some surprisingly impressive off-road crossovers, like the Honda Pilot Trailsport and the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. And 2024 has the potential to be even greater.

We’ll see a proliferation of electric trucks, family-friendly three-row electric SUVs and even an electric muscle car. On the combustion side, Toyota and Lexus have three new body-on-frame off-roaders en route — two of them hybrid. It should be quite the eventful year.

Here are the 20 new cars we can’t wait to drive in 2024.

Lexus GX 550

Lexus

Our days of coming up with synonyms for “venerable” and “old-school” to describe the Lexus GX are over. The luxury off-roader is all-new for 2024 moving to the TNGA-F platform and packing a punchy new turbo V6 with a mammoth 479 lb-ft of torque.

READ ABOUT THE NEW LEXUS GX

Kia EV9

Kia

Kia’s next EV will be a family-friendly three-row model, the EV9. It will launch with just over 300 miles of range and a starting price under $60,000. Picture the Kia Telluride but an EV.

READ ABOUT THE NEW KIA EV9

Honda Prologue

Honda

Honda is finally getting its first mass-market EV into production in America. It’s called the Prologue. It’s a two-row midsize SUV. It looks like a big Civic, but it will be all General Motors Ultium platform underneath.

READ ABOUT THE NEW HONDA PROLOGUE

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota

The outgoing Land Cruiser is fantastic, but it’s too big, too thirsty and too expensive for the modern era. Fortunately, Toyota plans to bring back the iconic nameplate next year with a smaller vehicle packing a torque-laden hybrid engine, ample off-road prowess and a starting price point mere mortals can afford.

READ ABOUT THE NEW TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

Volvo EX90

Volvo

Volvo is going all-electric by 2030. And a key vehicle will be their new three-row flagship SUV, the EX90. It will pack about 300 miles of range … or 671 lb-ft of torque, depending on how you spec it. And Volvo says it will be available “well-equipped” for under $78,000.

READ ABOUT THE NEW VOLVO EX90

Ford Ranger Raptor

Ford

The Ranger is all-new for 2024. And this time, Ford is bringing the Ranger Raptor to America. It’s getting the twin-turbo V6 from the Bronco Raptor with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. And it will be bringing the capability with 33-inch BF Goodrich all-terrains, Fox Live Valve shocks and locking front and rear differentials.

READ ABOUT THE NEW FORD RANGER RAPTOR

Toyota Tacoma Hybrid

NATHAN LEACH-PROFFER

We recently drove the all-new 2024 Tacoma. It’s a massive upgrade. But the version we’re waiting for is the hybrid version of the four-cylinder. It will pack 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It should set a new benchmark for efficiency. And it will be the only engine option for the off-road-focused TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims.

READ ABOUT THE NEW TOYOTA TACOMA

Porsche Panamera

Porsche

Porsche unveiled the third-generation of its practical four-door sedan. It’s not going electric yet, but it will come with four hybrid variants. The one hybrid we know about — the Turbo E-Hybrid with 670 hp and 685 lb-ft of torque — will be an absolute missile.

READ ABOUT THE NEW PORSCHE PANAMERA

Polestar 3

Polestar

Polestar’s sporty midsize electric SUV is finally entering production in 2024. It’s going to bring the performance with up to 517 horsepower and 671 lb-ft of torque. But you’ll have to pay for it as it’s starting at nearly $84,000.

READ ABOUT THE NEW POLESTAR 3

Chevrolet Silverado EV

Chevrolet

Ford built the F-150 Lightning off the current F-15o platform. GM skipped that stage and went all-in with a new Silverado built on its Ultium EV platform. It borrowed its looks and MidGate from the Chevy Avalanche. And it will pack up to 754 horsepower and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

READ ABOUT THE NEW CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s electric take on the Microbus, the ID. Buzz, is finally coming to America in 2024. We’re getting the pricier three-row passenger model with up to 330 horsepower with the dual-motor version. No word yet on American pricing or range.

READ ABOUT THE NEW VW ID. BUZZ

Aston Martin Vantage

Aston Martin

Aston Martin updated the DB11 with the new DB12. Next up is the new Vantage. It should be arriving early in 2024 with a roaring Mercedes V8 and more approachable looks. Reports say it will be a “complete hooligan.”

READ ABOUT THE NEW ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE

Porsche Macan EV

Porsche

The Macan is Porsche’s best-selling car, and it’s the first existing Porsche model that will make the jump to being an EV. It should offer dramatically more range than the existing Taycan, and with a rear-biased weight distribution and suspension tweaks, it may drive like even more of a Porsche than the current Macan.

READ ABOUT THE NEW PORSCHE MACAN EV

Jeep Recon EV

Stellantis

Jeep isn’t quite ready to give us an electric Wrangler yet; rumors suggest we may be waiting until 2027 for that. But until then, the boxy, Wrangler-inspired Recon EV — sporting Wrangler-esque traits from a convertible top to locking axles — should be the next best thing.

READ ABOUT THE NEW JEEP RECON

Ram 1500 REV

Stellantis

Ram will be the last of Detroit’s Big Three automakers to launch an electric pickup. But don’t expect the 1500 REV to be the least among them. It should offer up to 500 miles of range, tow up to 14,000 pounds and look not too different from a traditional Ram 1500.

READ ABOUT THE NEW RAM 1500 REV

Ram 1500 Ramcharger

Stellantis

The 1500 REV is not the only electrified truck Ram has in the work. The brand also announced the 1500 Ramcharger. It falls somewhere between a hybrid and an EV. Electric motors power the wheels. But the truck employs a 3.6-liter V6 to charge the battery. We’re not sure whether it will be the best of both worlds … or just annoy everyone. But we can’t wait to find out.

READ ABOUT THE NEW RAM 1500 RAMCHARGER

Mercedes-Benz EQG

Mercedes-Benz

The G-Wagen may be the planet’s most capable all-around production vehicle. It can do almost anything … except consume fuel efficiently. The new electric EQG should deliver similar off-road prowess to the combustion model with a far lower carbon footprint on the move.

READ ABOUT THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ EQG

Cadillac Escalade IQ

Cadillac

Cadillac is going all-electric by 2030. The Escalade IQ will be the brand’s first take on an EV version of the now-quarter-century-old nameplate. It will keep the family-friendly three-row format and offer the full capability of GM’s Ultium platform, packing 750 horsepower and up to 450 miles of range. Our only lament is that Cadillac didn’t take the -IQ suffix it uses for its EV nomenclature and call this SUV the Escaliq.

READ ABOUT THE NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE IQ

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai

Hyundai won a World Car of the Year award with the outstanding Ioniq 5 EV. Coming in 2024 is a blisteringly hot version, the Ioniq 5 N. It will pack more than 600 horsepower and some tricks up its sleeve to ramp up the driving engagement. We’re hoping for word on the range and price soon.

READ OUR HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 REVIEW

Dodge Charger SRT Daytona

Dodge

Dodge is embracing the BEV era in the most Dodge way possible: with a no-holds-barred electric muscle car. It will arrive with a manual shifter, a raucous-sounding (virtual) exhaust system and enough oomph to outperform the old supercharged-V8-powered Hellcat models in every metric … except petroleum consumption.

READ ABOUT DODGE KILLING OFF THE V8 CHARGER

More Future Cars We’re Excited About

Toyota

• 2025 Toyota 4Runner
• 2025 Toyota Electric Tacoma
• 2025 Porsche 718 EV
• 2026 Scout Motors Pickup/SUV
• 2027 Volkswagen ID. GTI
• 2028 Jeep Wrangler EV

Related Topics

There are many classic Swiss watch brands from the mid-twentieth century that didn’t survive the advent of quartz technology in 1969. The “Quartz Crisis” of the 1970s and ’80s saw a proliferation of affordable and accurate quartz watches flood the market, pushing the mechanical watch industry to the brink and extinguishing many brands from existence.

Many of those brands were later resurrected, some to great success and acclaim, but one has long remained elusive. The brand is Universal Genève, the brand responsible for such all-time bangers as the Gérald Genta-designed Polerouter, the motorsports classic Compax, the funky Uni-Compax “Big Eye” chronograph and the complicated and cool Tri-Compax “Eric Clapton.”

Like so many other brands, UG fell on hard times during the Quartz Crisis and its corpse was acquired by Hong Kong-based holding group Stelux Holdings International in 1989. Under this new ownership, the brand technically still exists but as a shell of its former self. Universal Genève watches have been produced in recent years but as unrecognizable and generic fashion watches mainly for the Asian market, with none of the prestige or style that defined the brand’s mid-century run. Others have tried to purchase the brand in recent years to revive it to its former glory, most notably Guillaume Laidet, the man who acquired and relaunched fellow defunct Swiss watch brands Nivada and Vulcain to great acclaim, but all came up empty. That is, until now.

Breitling is bringing back Universal Genève

Late in 2023, the investment group owners of Breitling, Partners Group, acquired Universal Genève for around CHF 60 million (~$70.5 million) and are set to relaunch the brand as the true successor to the company vintage watch enthusiasts have come to adore. Breitling’s leadership will oversee the relaunch, meaning the brand is quite literally in the best hands it’s been in since the 1970s, as Breitling aims to go for a “modern-retro” take on the brand while developing new in-house movements but still honoring the brand’s iconic history and designs, according to Hodinkee’s reporting.

“Rebuilding a brand with such a rich narrative is not a quick endeavor — it is a meticulous labor of love that we anticipate will unfold over the coming years,” Breitling CEO George Kern, who is overseeing Universal’s relaunch, said in a statement. “A dedicated team will be brought on board to allow Breitling and Universal Genève to operate as separate maisons.”

Analog Shift

New Universal Genève watches are still a ways off

As for how long we’ll have to wait before we’ll see any new Universal Genève models, Kern estimates it will take about two years, telling The New York Times that’s when we can expect to see “new designs, new movements, new advertising and new distribution.” Kern also revealed in his Times interview that Universal Genève watches will be priced a bit higher than Breitling, and that the reborn brand “won’t be niche,” as Breitling is hoping to see it become a “major player” in the Swiss luxury market.

Personally, I can’t wait to see actual new Universal Genève models hitting the market in the next few years. Will we get a 21st-century Poleruouter with a new micro-rotor movement? A panda successor to the Nina Rindt? Loads of Compax chronographs powered by modified and elevated B01 movements? Time will tell, but Kern more or less confirmed to the Times that iconic references like the Poleruouter will be making a return. “I would be stupid if I didn’t,” he said.

Whatever happens with the revived Universal Genève, it’s definitely an exciting time to be a watch enthusiast.

Related Topics

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen has been an icon for decades, both for its impressive off-road capability and its unique style. So it’s no surprise that Mercedes is looking to capitalize a little more on that success. The brand has been up front about the fact that it’s giving the G-Wagen the Ford Bronco treatment, branching “G” out into an AMG-like sub-brand with multiple vehicles.

The first new “G” vehicle will be an all-electric version of the full-sized G-Wagen, likely known as EQG and expected to debut in 2024. The second, however, will reportedly be a compact crossover bearing the seventh letter of the alphabet.

Here’s what we know about the baby G-Class so far.

Mercedes has confirmed the “Little G” is coming

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius confirmed to Bloomberg at the back in late 2023 that there is a “Little G” on the way, “a son or daughter of the iconic Big G.”

The new Baby G-Class should be all-electric

At CES 2024, Mercedes-Benz chief technology officer and board member Markus Schäfer told Autocar that the new compact member of the G-Class vehicle will be an electric vehicle. This confirms an earlier report from German outlet Handlesblatt (via Motortrend) that suggested it will be an all-electric vehicle only, offering more than 300 miles of range. Schäfer also batted aside any suggestion that the L’il G would offer internal combustion powertrain options as well as battery-electric ones.

Anadolu

In a separate report, Autocar claimed the electric version would pack 800-volt charging architecture and be capable of adding almost 250 miles of range in 15 minutes on a 250-kW fast charger. But that report also noted that Mercedes could offer a combustion version in some markets.

The new G SUV will “have its own character”

Mercedes-Benz’s chief design officer Gorden Wagener told Autocar the Little G will “have its own character but still be a G.” Per that report, the car will draw “learnings” from the EQG, but use a different, potentially unibody platform.

While Mercedes is rolling out a new MMA platform — designed first for EVs, but also able to accommodate gas powertrains — for small cars with the next-gen CLA-Class arriving in 2024, the new baby G-Class will not use that platform. Schäfer told Autocar that the new crossover will have its own platform that depends more on pieces of the brand’s other architectures, due to its need for enhanced off-road capability. However, it will likely use technological developments from those MMA cars, such as their electric motors.

Mercedes-Benz

How much will the Mercedes-Benz G crossover cost?

We don’t have confirmed information about the Baby G-Class’s pricing yet. However, Wagener told Autocar the vehicle will be “further up the market than a compact car.”And Mercedes is reportedly making its compact, entry-level vehicles more expensive (starting around $40,000).

We also can presume the Baby G-Class will be priced below the EQG and perhaps the current combustion G-Class, which starts at $139,900. Where the vehicle fits in the broad price band between those two poles remains to be seen.

When will the new Mercedes G crossover arrive?

Mercedes has not announced a specific timeline for the Little G yet. Kallenius promised that it would be “worth the wait” … which suggests there could be a wait. The Handlesblatt report suggested the G Class crossover could arrive in 2026, and Autocar’s most recent report affirms that.

Related Topics

Welcome to Brand Breakdown, a series of comprehensive yet easy-to-digest guides to your favorite companies, with insights and information you won’t find on the average About page.

We’re huge fans of Audi’s current and past products — the company blends high technology with solid performance and styling that is handsome if a bit reserved. Most famously, the brand is known for its near-ubiquitous all-wheel-drive. Here’s everything you need to know to understand, decipher and shop Audi’s current model lineup.

Audi History

Audi is a German luxury car manufacturer based in Ingolstadt and owned by Volkswagen AG. The Audi name dates back to 1910, but VW consolidated multiple companies into the modern “Audi” in 1969. Audi made its name in motorsport with the four-wheel drive rally champion Audi Quattro in the early 1980s. Volkswagen has positioned Audi as its upmarket competitor for Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

How Audi Names its Cars

Audi follows a simple naming format, for the most part, employing letters and numbers. Base models have an “A” designation. Sportier luxury models get an “S.” The sportiest “RennSport” models get an “RS.” Audi uses “Q” for its SUV line. The now-extinct TT and R8 existed outside that nomenclature. Audi employs “E-Tron” for its electric cars.

Audi pairs letters with numbers 3 through 8 in America. Higher numbers can mean different things. It could mean a larger, more powerful car, as in the A8; it could mean a near-identical car with a different body style, as in the Q7 and Q8. (Whatever the distinction, the higher number will be more expensive.)

Most Audi models offer Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, with each level adding tech and luxury features.

Buying Guide

Audi sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible models

A3 / S3 / RS 3

Audi

The A3 is the subcompact, entry-level Audi. The current generation debuted for the 2021 model year. Audi also offers two sportier sedan variants. The S3 uses the same 2.0-liter turbo-four as the Golf R; the RS 3 employs a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo producing 394 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

Read our Audi S3 review

Body Styles: Sedan

Models:

• A3
• S3
• RS 3

Engines:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
• Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five

Base MSRP: $35,400

A4 / S4

Audi

The A4 is Audi’s compact car, offered as a sedan and more rugged “Allroad” wagon. The current generation debuted for the 2016 model year. The A4 sedan was one of the final Audi models to lose a manual transmission option or 2019. The Allroad was the Audi lineup’s only U.S. wagon until the recent arrival of the RS 6 Avant and A6 Allroad.

The A4 has one sportier entry, the S4 sedan. Audi does make a stupendous 450 hp RS 4 Avant wagon, but won’t sell it to Americans.

Read our Audi S4 review

Body Styles: Sedan, Wagon

Models:

• A4 sedan
• A4 Allroad
• S4

Engines:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
• Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6

Base MSRP: $41,200

A5 / S5 / RS 5

Audi

The Audi A5 is an A4 with a more expensive body-style: coupe, cabriolet or sportback. The Sportback, coupe and cabriolet each employ the same engine as the A4. S5 Sportback, coupe and cabriolet versions use the same 3.0-liter V6 found in the S4.

The even-sportier RS 5 sportback and coupe models use a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that lets it accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. It has also earned a claimed “Ph.D. in performance.”

Read our Audi S5 Sportback review

Body Style: Hatchback, Coupe, Cabriolet

Models:

• A5 Sportback/Coupe/Cabriolet
• S5 Sportback/Coupe/Cabriolet
• RS 5 Sportback/Coupe

Engines:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
• Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
• Twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6

Base MSRP: $44,100

A6 / S6 / RS 6 Avant

Audi

The A6 is Audi’s midsize luxury sedan, which was redesigned for the 2019 model year. A new A6 Allroad offers SUV-like functionality in a station wagon package. The higher-performance S6 version upgrades to a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, which it shares with the RS 5 and S7. The RS 6 Avant wagon is also available in the U.S. with its (updated for 2024) 621-hp twin-turbo V8.

Read our Audi A6 allroad review

Body Style: Sedan, Wagon

Models:

• A6
• A6 Allroad
• S6
• RS 6 Avant

Engines:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
• Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
• Twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6
• Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8

Base MSRP: $57,300

A7 / S7 / RS 7

Audi

The A7, also redesigned for 2019, is the Sportback version of the A6; the different body style costs an additional $10,000. Audi canceled the PHEV version for 2023. The S7 is pretty much the same thing, just with the S6. Audi also offers an even higher-performance RS 7 version. A twin-turbo setup supplements its 4.0-liter V8.

Read our Audi RS 7 review

Body Style: Sportback

Models:

• A7
• S7
• RS 7

Engines:

• Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
• Twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6
• Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8

Base MSRP: $71,200

A8 / S8

Audi

The A8 is Audi’s flagship full-size luxury sedan. The A8 is loaded with luxury, driver assistance and advanced tech features. The A8 is only available with the long wheelbase in the U.S. It is a car to be driven in as much as driven. An available “Executive Rear Seat Comfort Package” includes a foot massager among other features. An S8 version delivers the same experience, just with added power.

Read our Audi S8 review

Body Style: Sedan

Models:

• A8
• S8

Engines:

• Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
• Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8

Base MSRP: $88,900

Audi SUV / Crossover Models

Q3

Audi

The Q3 is the SUV equivalent of the A3. It’s a subcompact crossover, the smallest and most affordable “Q” vehicle in the lineup. In America, it comes in one version putting out 228 hp with a four-cylinder engine.

Read our Audi Q3 review

Body Style: SUV

Models:

• Q3

Engines:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four

Base MSRP: $37,000

Q4 E-Tron

Audi

The Q4 E-Tron is Audi’s all-electric compact luxury crossover, which is new for the 2022 model year. It’s smaller than the E-Tron and cheaper. It is built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform and is quite similar in capability to the Volkswagen ID.4. The base model is a 201 hp RWD version, and you can upgrade to a 295-hp AWD model. The AWD version has a Sportback variant.

Body Style: SUV

Models:

• Q4 E-Tron
• Q4 E-Tron Sportback

Engines:

• Single-motor electric RWD
• Dual-motor electric AWD

Base Price: $49,800

Q5 / SQ5

Audi

The Q5 is Audi’s compact luxury SUV. It’s the company’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. market. A PHEV version joins the lineup this year, along with a Sportback version. The SQ5 upgrades to the 349-hp 3.0-liter V6 for added sportiness.

Read our Audi Q5 review

Body Style: SUV, SUV Hatchback

Models:

• Q5
• Q5 Sportback
• SQ5
• SQ5 Sportback

Engines:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four PHEV
• Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6

Base MSRP: $44,600

Q7 / SQ7

Audi

The Q7 is Audi’s full-size luxury crossover SUV. It was the first Audi SUV model launched in 2005. It can offer up to 71.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded. A new SQ7 version brings a thundering V8 to the lineup.

Body Style: SUV

Models:

• Q7
• SQ7

Engines:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
• Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
• Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8

Base MSRP: $59,500

Q8 / SQ8 / RS Q8

Audi

The Q8 is Audi’s rough SUV equivalent of the flagship A8 sedan, and the “coupe” equivalent of the Q7. Introduced in the 2018 model year, it shares a platform, powertrain, and relative price point with the base model Porsche Cayenne. Like the Cayenne, you can buy sportier, more powerful versions with V8 engines, as well.

Read our Audi RS Q8 review

Body Style: SUV Coupe

Models:

• Q8
• SQ8
• RS Q8

Engines:

• Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
• Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8

Base MSRP: $73,700

Q8 E-Tron / Q8 E-Tron S

Audi

The Q8 E-Tron is a midsize SUV. It was Audi’s first electric car, originally known as just the E-Tron, and it’s built on the combustion-based MLB Evo platform. It received more than just a branding refresh for 2024. The Q8 E-Tron now offers 285 miles of range in SUV form and up to 300 miles of range as a Sportback and up to 170 kW fast charging. The SQ8 E-Tron is a higher-performance version.

Body Style: SUV, SUV Coupe

Models:

• Q8 E-Tron
• Q8 E-Tron Sportback
• SQ8 E-Tron
• SQ8 E-tron Sportback

Engines:

• Dual-motor electric AWD
• Tri-motor electric AWD

Base MSRP: $74,400

E-Tron GT / RS E-Tron GT

Audi

The E-Tron GT is Audi’s electric sports sedan, which is new for 2021. It shares the J1 electric platform with the Porsche Taycan. GT stands for gran turismo, which means Audi intended the E-Tron GT to provide more ride comfort than an all-out sports car. Still, the E-Tron GT can perform. The base E-Tron GT can deliver up to 522 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with overboost. The hotter RS E-Tron GT offers a sustained maximum of 590 hp and 617 lb-ft. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph.

Read our Audi E-Tron GT review

Body Style: Sedan

Models:

• E-Tron GT
• RS E-Tron GT

Engines:

• Dual-motor electric AWD

Base MSRP: $106,500

Related Topics

After being forced to pull its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches from shelves and e-commerce platforms right before the holidays due to a patent dispute, Apple has finally been cleared to sell the watches. Apple redesigned the watches by removing a blood-oxygen sensor, which was one of the main issues of the dispute, and is thus no longer subject to the import ban by the trade court. If you coveted one of these watches for a holiday gift, but were unable to buy one, now’s the time.

Today we’re taking a look at a new turntable, a supremely cozy sweatshirt and rugged 5G Hotspot. This is Today in Gear.

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].

A Vinyl Dream

Victrola

Do you love vinyl, but hate having the music stop when the record finishes playing? The Victrola Automatic Turntable ($200) solves that problem by automatically repeating one side of a record, so the music will keep playing until you’re ready to turn it over. At the price point it’s a well-equipped beginner-friendly turntable for vinyl lovers.

A Powerful 5g Hotspot

Solis

The new Solis 5G Hotspot ($400) allows you to stay connected while you’re out camping, or doing vanlife and working from the road. The 5G Hotspot, which also serves as a battery bank, has a lifetime global data plan of 1GB per month, and additional plans available for purchase that can keep you connected all over the world.

The Sweatshirt of Our Dreams

66ºNorth

We love when brands make already-comfy items, like a hoodie, even cozier. The Icelandic brand 66°North launched the Viðey hoodie ($250), which is made from recycled wool. Not only is it soft and feels nice against your skin, but it taps into the naturally odor and moisture-wicking properties of wool.

Thuma’s New Side Tables

Thuma

Beloved minimalist furniture brand Thuma just launched a few new side tables. The pieces are made of 100% upcycled rubberwood and come in two styles, the 18-inch Pedestal Side Table ($275) and the 20-inch tall C Side Table ($245).

A Fresh Pair of Shades

Shwood

Francis ACTV sunglasses from Shwood ($149) are the cool, high-performing shades you need. They’re made with a no-bounce design so they stay in place while you’re out running, hiking or paddling. The shades are available in four frame colors and three different options for lens tint: Lite Plus Polarized Blue Flash, Lite Plus Polarized Brown and Lite Brown.

Related Topics

Winter finally made its appearance this month after keeping us (impatiently) waiting, but the best-in-class snowboarding and skiing gear of winter 2023-2024 has been on a steady roll. The colder months bring quiet and peace, but also innovation and adventure, and this season has proven to be no different.

Whether you’re sliding sideways or ski touring, the list below has something for everyone. Redesigned women’s snow apparel, dynamite ski bindings and elevated packs are just the beginning. Here’s the gear that caught our editors’ eyes this January.

[editoriallinks id=’80d348e1-cc54-4dd4-a489-ec5604400229′ align=’center’][/editoriallinks]

Arc’teryx Sentinel Relaxed Kit

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Women’s snow apparel is notoriously difficult to get right — and consequently, many women on the slopes are uncomfortable in their poor-fitting gear. Arc’teryx’s new Relaxed Sentinel Kit was designed to address the problem head on. After three years of R&D, it’s finally here.

The straighter, more modern fit in the torso removes traditional hourglass shaping and allows for flexibility and breathing room, proving performance and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive. (If you’re interested in testing out the full Relaxed Sentinel Kit, here are the matching pants.)

Faction x Eileen Gu Skis

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This winter, Faction released its new, limited-edition Faction x Eileen Gu Signature Series Skis. Featuring unique “Big Cat” artwork designed in collaboration with Gu, the Studio 0 Gu ($699) and Prodigy 1 Gu ($549) were designed to showcase the strength and fluidity the pro skier displayed while winning gold in both the Big Air and Halfpipe at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The Prodigy 1 Gu (shown) is a rockered directional twin constructed from a poplar/ash core and recycled materials and shaped for a balance of downhill speed and freestyle playfulness.

West Slope Pro-180X Chest Pack

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Updated for 2024, this funky snow sports chestpack we tested a few years ago now features a hydration sleeve and can turn your phone into an action cam. The Pro-180X is only 15 ounces, yet packs in six liters of storage, and the new integrated front-facing phone pocket makes capturing video a breeze (assuming you are on skis; snowboarders know chest cams work kinda lousy for them due to where the sport often requires your torso to face.)

Pit Viper Proform Goggle

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Pit Viper released a slew of goggles aimed at beginner, intermediate and pro-level riders, and the Proform stands out from the pack. Designed as a premium goggle for experienced riders, the Proform combines Pit Viper’s unmistakable aesthetic with two anti-fog dual-layer lenses, UVA and UVB protection, a proprietary magnetic lens swap system and full-frame venting for warmer days.

Snow Peak TDS Niobium Concept 3

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The latest collaboration from Snow Peak and New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio launched in early January, and it’s certainly an eye-catching release. The TDS Niobium Concept 3 is a two-part snow boot designed so that the inner boot can be removed from the outer boot and worn as an indoor shoe. The dual-boot features New Balance’s ROLLBAR arch support, a Vibram outsole, a waterproof and breathable shell on the upper and Primaloft insulation to keep your toesies toasty.

Blackcrows Ghost Resort Dorsa 27 X-Pac Backpack

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This month Blackcrows released its latest engaging short film, Ghost Resorts Chapter 3: Japan, and with it, the Ghost Resort Limited Edition Capsule. Many of the items featured are already sold out, but you can still nab this 27-liter pack designed to be as ergonomic, lightweight and durable as a skier could want. Built with bombproof X-Pac fabric and designed with Blackcrows founder Bruno Compagnet, the Dorsa is available in black and white and ready for your next adventure.

Dynafit Ridge Binding

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Dynafit calls the Ridge “the culmination of 40 years spent crafting the most innovative pin bindings in the world” and if that doesn’t sell these touring bindings to you, I’m not sure what will. Although the Ridge won’t get a full release until winter 2024-2025, a limited-edition version is available now; at only 410 grams, it combines the performance and safety of a freeride binding with the speed of a mountaineering binding.

Aether Altitude Snow Shell 2.0

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Back in stock just in time for winter 2024, the Altitude Snow Shell is constructed from a 3-layer Schoeller c_change shell, which allows the jacket to adapt its level of heat retention and breathability dependent on the present conditions. The Altitude is stretchy, seam-sealed, waterproof and light enough for a variety of climates.

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I can still remember the first time I drove a Porsche 911.

It was a black 964 cabriolet with a “For Sale” sign on it, parked in the driveway along the road half a mile or so from my house. I was seventeen years old. Fueled by teenage chutzpah, I managed to talk the owner into letting me take it out for a test drive, then proceeded to drive the back way to my high school in an attempt to impress girls watching the boys’ Saturday soccer game.

I struck out with the ladies that day — which, to be fair, was par for the course — but I did wind up falling in love. No longer buzzing with the hope of using the Porsche to strike up a flirty conversation, I spent the drive back instead concentrating on the car: feeling the road through the steering wheel, the pedals, the seat; slicing through corners without care or body roll, just low-slung ease; winding through the transmission and feeling that hoarse flat-six push me forward with a glee my parents’ Civic EX couldn’t hope to match. I distinctly remember thinking, I want to spend my life looking at the road from between those headlights.

That was my first 911, but it wasn’t the last. Over the last 20 years, I’ve been lucky enough to drive more examples of der Neun elf than I can remember — from 200,000-mile 993s to better-than-new Singer Vehicle Design and Gunther Werks restorations, from basic Carreras to ballistic missile Turbo S Lightweights. Every one of them has been a car I’d love to own; it just depends on how big the state lotto jackpot winds up being.

I’m dragging you down memory lane here because the 2024 Porsche 911 S/T — built in honor of the 60th anniversary of the 911 lineage — isn’t one of those cars that can be judged in a vacuum. It is, in concept and execution alike, a special car — one made not to set lap records or acceleration sprints, but for the sheer love of the game, so to speak. It’s a 911 for 911 lovers like me … or more precisely, 911 lovers who probably have a garage full of them already but don’t mind forking over 300 grand for another one.

So, not quite like me.

2024 Porsche 911 S/T: What We Think

Sure, the new 911 S/T is the culmination of 60 years of history, but it’s so much more; it’s also meant to be the most engaging, most delight-inducing version you can buy for the street, a symbol of what the 911 should be in its purest form.

Objectively, it’s incredible to drive — even if the lesser 911 models are so good already, it’s hard to make an argument for the S/T’s massive price increase over the rest of the family. Subjectively, any arguments against it crash and dissipate against the breakwater of passion. If you’re not a 911 person, you won’t appreciate just how special this car is. If you are one, you’ll love it.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

The 911 S/T is an absolute dream to drive

Will Sabel Courtney

Porsche’s bigwigs have been surprisingly, un-Germanic-ly vocal in espousing their praise for the 911 S/T. Just take a look at the following testimonials:

• Andreas Preuninger, GT model line director: The 911 S/T is “one of the greatest 911s of all time, if not the greatest … the most entertaining.”
• Walter Rohrl, Porsche brand ambassador: “The best road car I have ever driven. It meets my expectations of a perfect sports car down to the smallest detail. Actually, the car should be called the Porsche 911 Walter Röhrl.“
• Dr. Ferdinand Porsche: [no comment, remains deceased]

Having stumbled across all those quotes before even laying eyes on the car in person, I admit to walking in with with high expectations — especially in the wake of having ripped around some excellent roads in not one but two examples of the closely related 992-generation 911 GT3 in the last few months. How much better could this thing really be?

Notably better, it turns out.

Will Sabel Courtney

Many of the tweaks that create a 911 S/T boil down to lightweighting. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic body panels, magnesium wheels, less sound insulation and lightweight glass are all part of the package here. This isn’t just to carve off much-hated poundage (the changes, admittedly, only shave 167 pounds off the car versus the similar 911 GT3 Touring), but also to bring more of the experience to the driver’s senses. The S/T is more open about its purity and mechanical nature than other 992-gen 911s; it’s noisier inside, but it’s “curated” noise — you hear the synchronous interaction of the mechanical parts, not so much road or tire or wind noise. If that doesn’t sound appealing, this car isn’t for you.

The other big twist here is the 4.0-liter boxer-six, pulled largely intact from the track-attack 911 GT3 RS and affixed to a standard six-speed manual gearbox instead of a seven-speed dual-clutch. And you will need to work that gearbox to make the most of this car. The full team of 518 horses doesn’t arrive until 8,500 rpm and the complete punch of 342 lb-ft of torque doesn’t show up until 6,300.

Yet the 911 S/T never feels anywhere close to slow, even when dawdling about at around-town speeds. Some of that is due to its light-by-2024-standards curb weight of just 3,056 pounds, but much of it is due to the speed and ease with which this wundermotor revs. The flywheel is so light, you have to slam home your upshifts and blip your downshifts like no other new car on sale; it takes finesse and time to get used to it. (Porsche does offer an exceptional auto-blip function for the gearbox, and in all honesty, I left it on much of the time.) It doesn’t feel any quicker than the GT3, but the ease with which it revs makes it feel more fun as you rip through the cogs.

The adaptive PASM dampers are tuned uniquely tighten things up slightly versus the GT3 — it feels just a bit more grounded, you feel a dash more bumps — but it doesn’t change how capable the car feels. And to be frank, both damper modes feel great. On GT cars, Porsche tunes the sportier suspension setting for the track alone, they say, but here it’s meant to be more of a ”choose which way you like it” affair — a little stiffer or a little more relaxed, but capable either way.

The interior adds to the experience — not with flash, but with substance, although how much it changes things will depend on how you attack the substantial options list. Stick with the basic insides, and you’ll find a classic Porsche setup — black on black on black, with the barest pops of color. Check the Heritage Design Package box — a mere $20,670, but hey, you can’t take it with your — and you get expanses of brown semi-aniline leather in retro-inspired patterns on the seats and doors.

Still, even the standard guts have a few pieces of flair. Peer around, and you’ll spot special badges — a gold “911 S/T” badge on the passenger’s dash, a similar one in the center of the tachometer. Like the drive, the design rewards paying attention to detail.

Will Sabel Courtney

The S/T has to be in the running for the best current-looking 911

Visually, 911s run the gamut from mild to wild — at least, as mild as a rear-engined sports car with the aerodynamics of a raindrop can be. The design can be dressed up or down as the need arises; a 911 Carrera coupe in Jet Black can slide almost unnoticed through city traffic, while a 911 GT3 RS in Speed Yellow can be seen from the ISS.

Will Sabel Courtney

The 911 S/T, however, strikes what might be the ideal balance — at least, depending on spec. The body is based on the 911 GT3 Touring — which, in turn, is based on the regular 911 GT3, just with less wing and a body-colored front valence. The S/T’s biggest visual differentiator is the raked doors that make room for the air vents behind the front wheels; it’s a feature pulled from the GT3 RS, but while it goes almost unnoticed there due to the distraction of that model’s wings and aero madness, it’s much more apparent here.

After seeing the S/T in a few different different colors, I’d personally recommend popping for a color that brings a bit of panache. Sure, cognoscenti will recognize it no matter what (and every 911 looks good in silver), but a car as unique as this one deserves a paint that pops. I’m not sure the full Heritage Design Package with Decals exterior that makes it look like a 1960s racer is necessary, but at the very least, I’d pop for a nice rich Paint To Sample shade.

And, of course, there are special badges.

Will Sabel Courtney

Will Sabel Courtney

_{Clearly, Porsche has never heard that one quote from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.}

If you can’t get one, though … the 911 GT3 Touring is nearly as good

As usually happens with Porsche’s limited-edition 911s, the S/T is both rare and expensive. The starting price comes in at a shocking $293,350 and only climbs from there as you explore the options list. And with only 1,963 examples ever to land in owners’ hands, the odds of that price ever going down on the used market are basically zip.

Luckily, there’s a backup plan: the aforementioned 911 GT3 Touring.

Will Sabel Courtney

The Touring looks almost identical inside and out; its engine is still magic, revving to 9,000 rpm and spitting out 502 horses at 8,400; it comes with a six-speed stick; and it plugs you into the driving experience like those spinal cord USBs in The Matrix. It is one of the greatest sports cars money can buy — and it costs more than $100,000 less than the S/T.

The GT3 Touring is less magical than the S/T in the way that the second-best meal you’ve ever eaten is inferior to the best meal you’ve ever had: you’d never complain about the runner-up, you’re just glad you had it. It’s so involving, so responsive, so intoxicating and so well-rounded, you might just consider it the 911 of your dreams … at least, so long as you never drive the 911 S/T.

The 2024 Porsche 911 S/T:

Will Sabel Courtney

• Base Price: $293,350
• Powertrain: 4.0-liter flat-six; six-speed manual; rear-wheel-drive
• Horsepower: 518
• Torque: 342 lb-ft
• EPA Fuel Economy: Don’t worry about such silly things
• Seats: 2

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Editor’s Note [1/18/24]: Yeti has removed the Butter Pat cast-iron collab from its site and Butter Pat is not currently selling its cast-iron skillets. We’ll keep an eye out for when they relaunch and update with any new offerings.

Yeti is a brand that, at this point, probably needs no introduction. In fact, the brand has solidified itself as the primary contender to beat in the adventure coolers industry and the rest of its offerings — drinkware, bags, dog gear, etc. — are among the best on the market. Yet, there’s still plenty of ground to cover, as the brand recently proved with a unique endeavor: cast iron. But the first release, a 12-inch skillet (which, according to our sources, took a whopping six years of development), is much more than just a basic campground pan; it was masterfully manufactured at Butter Pat Industries in Maryland.

While it was released late on June 12, 2023, it was already sold out by the morning of June 13 — this despite it coming in at a price tag of $400 (which is in line for the skillets Butter Pat makes). It was restocked after that but sold out just as quickly. Now, in a shocking turn of events over six months since the cast-iron collab dropped, Yeti has acquired Butter Pat and plans to fold the brand’s expertise into its own.

What the Butter Pat Acquisition Means for Yeti

While purchasing a cast-iron brand might seem like a fairly wild swing for Yeti, it actually makes a lot of sense. The brand already has a foothold in the outdoor space, especially in regard to food and drink — evidenced by the company’s dominance in the outdoor cooler space. And the creation of the brand’s first open-flame cooking-specific release, the Butter Pat collab cast-iron pan that kicked off this surprising journey, was a wild success, selling out each and every time it was restocked.

It appears, according to both brands (read Yeti’s statement here and Butter Pat’s here), that their goals are the same: to craft incredibly high-quality, exceptionally designed, durable-enough-for-generations-of-use cast-iron gear. Yeti has gone so far as to call Butter Pat’s offerings “the greatest cast iron on earth,” and the brand expresses interest in extending its grasp to both home and office use, as well as outdoor.

It seems this will be a mutually beneficial change, allowing Butter Pat to scale and innovate in ways that were previously unachievable, while Yeti now has the opportunity to move into a new part of the industry it had only dabbled in previously. Both seem confident that the quality of their products will remain paramount, and they’re even both overtly excited to share what comes next. Overall, this is a great thing for both brands and, if the previous collaboration is any indication, fans of these companies are in for a treat in the coming weeks, months and years. Check out what made the brands’ original collaboration, the one that kicked off this merger, so special below.

The Proof Is in the Pedigree

Cast iron is cast iron, right? Well, yes. But also no. Cast iron can be a relatively inexpensive material that (with the proper care) stands up to a lot of punishment and, honestly, even a cheap one can usually get the job done decently. But Butter Pat doesn’t do decent; it does exceptional. And this pan does not stray from that path.

In fact, each and every one is hand-made via a “painstaking” process resulting in cast iron that’s much thinner and smoother than the average pan. That also makes it lighter, lending itself well to travel — like going along on camping trips. It also boasts both an ergonomic handle and dual pouring spouts, meaning you can use it ambidextrously. And every pan is polished, pre-seasoned and free of any chemical-heavy coatings. It was even engineered to be naturally non-stick, and it will only get better the more you use it. All of this is to say that it’s the details, big and small, that really help set this exceptional pan apart — which fits exactly the care and testing that Yeti puts into all of its products, so this partnership makes a ton of sense.

Yeti

Accessorize, Don’t Compromise

Speaking further to the details making all the difference, you get more than just the pan from Yeti and Butter Pat’s resulting skillet. Purchase also includes a cloth storage bag — which you might want to use to keep dust, dirt and debris away from your pan while you’ve got it in a bag or cabinet — as well as a scraper tool and a metal ring rag. The latter are made to help you get rid of any leftover food scraps between uses and, more importantly, they’re not just for show — the brand specifically wants you to use them, going so far as to say “Yes, you can scrub the hell out of your pan.”

Not only did the brand not have to include these welcome accessories, but its endorsement of actually using them regularly and vigorously comes with some subtext: this pan is tough and was made to be put through its paces. Yes, we know that should go without saying just based on the connection between Yeti and Butter Pat, but it’s still nice to see further evidence to that end.

Yeti

The Price Might Scare You Away

Yes, $400 is indeed a lot to ask someone to pay for a cast-iron skillet, especially when the industry standard — like those made by Lodge — can go for as little as $20 for about the same size. However, it’s definitely worth noting that you’re not paying $400 simply for the Yeti name. Butter Pat Industries is a powerhouse of cast iron and is highly regarded as one of the most impressive manufacturers of cast-iron cookware anywhere, let alone the USA. The fact that Yeti was smart enough to go to such a brand rather than just putting their name on any old pan should go a long way toward instilling confidence in anyone considering spending the admittedly high price to get one.

In fact, Yeti is so confident in the quality of this pan that they literally called it the “last cast-iron skillet you’ll ever need.” And while it seems obvious that the brand is probably proud of its own product, it’s still a bold claim to be making in an industry loaded with major contenders. Yeti isn’t one to mince words, and we’re keen on seeing if this release really does stand up to scrutiny (not that we’re doubting it, based on what we’ve seen).

Alternatives

If, despite all of that, you’re still not convinced that $400 is worth the price, you’re not entirely out of luck (so long as it isn’t the Yeti name you’re attached to). For instance, our top pick for the best cast-iron skillet you can buy, the Field Company No. 8, is a fraction of the price at $145. Even our upgrade, the No. 12 from Smithey, is half the price at $200. And, of course, there’s always our most budget-friendly pick: this classic Lodge, which is less than $20 (as promised).

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Back in 2022, Ford launched the all-electric F-150 Lightning into production and took the motoring world by storm. While set up primarily for street use, the truck is set up fairly well for off-roading, thanks to a balanced weight distribution and instant torque from its electric motors. The arrival of the Lightning begged a natural question: when is Ford launching the badass Raptor version?

For the record, Ford has not confirmed there are plans for an F-150 Lightning Raptor. But Ford Performance — in counjunction with Vaughn Gittin Jr‘s RTR Vehicles — did build the F-150 Lightning Switchgear that it revealed on January 17th — a truck that looks a lot like a Raptor-ized F-150 Lightning.

Here’s what we know about what a potential F-150 Lightning Raptor might look like.

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Automotive enthusiasts and Toyota and Lexus stans alike collectively gave the 2024 Lexus GX 550 a standing ovation when it debuted. Striking design that parallels the likes of Land Rover’s Defender or Ford’s Bronco sitting atop a proven off-road-ready chassis? What’s not to love?

Well, after seeing it in person at the 2023 Destination Outdoor in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains, it was hard to not fall deeper in lust.

The Destination Outdoor display unit was a pre-production model, so there was sadly no driving, but I was able to hop in the seats, poke all the buttons, and touch all the finishes. That was more than ample access to discover the following nine cool details about the 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Visibility Was a Paramount Consideration When Designing the GX 550

Lexus

Ever gone off-roading or overlanding in a Toyota or Lexus? When the inclines start, your visibility diminishes. Engineers have kindly compensated for this with a suite of cameras, digitally showing what your eye can’t fall upon. It’s a nice system — I got to try it on a few Tundras and Sequoias — but for the new GX, designers also lowered the hoodline a little, adding a divot to the middle for an increased field of view. They also dropped the beltlines, so you have more visibility on the sides. The cherry on top is a first for Lexus: a completely flat, horizontal dash to further reduce obstructions.

Seat Ergonomics Are Improved Over the Last GX

I hopped out of an outgoing GX 460 and right into the GX 550. You’ll notice a host of ergonomic betterments, like improved hip fit, reduced body wobble, and a nice suite of suedes—Overtrail + options only. Front seats are 10-way-powered, and heated and ventilated (rear seats are also heated).

Lexus

Lexus has been employing massaging seats in trims for a little while, but it’s a welcome addition here. I tested out a few massage options and found the experience quite potent and relaxing, particularly after a long day of driving.

Raised Headlights Are for the Adventurous

Lexus gets it; GX owners are itching to ditch asphalt and use all the locking differentials. Engineers lifted the height of the headlights for the GX 550 so you’re less likely to scratch them when ambling through the trails. Those higher lights also help for visibility when caravaning with other off-roaders, too.

Blackening the Brightwork Works Well

Lexus

The Overtrail specifically employs blacked-out brightwork, giving you black trim bits over the fenders, black mirrors, black handles, and an optional black bi-tone roof. Jay-Z was correct; all-black-everything is quite pleasing.

The Interior Is Remarkably Handsome

The pops of comely suede, the new dashboard, that sleek 14.4-inch central display screen, the sparkling knurling on the climate control knobs, the wireless phone charger; it all just looks sharp. All the buttons have a nice weight and feel, and the user has clearly been considered — there’s a nice flow to finding everything.

Off-Road Toyo Tires Are Standard

Lexus

The Overtrail wears 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires over 18-inch wheels as standard, and the brakes are slightly beefier in the Overland trim. In this dark spec, the wheels and tires look fantastic, particularly against that Nebula Grey Pearl paint.

The Rear Door Is Powered, and the Glass Can Open Separately

Lexus

Another first is the rear power door, accessible by tapping a button on the back door itself or with a button inside the cabin, a big swap from the outgoing generation’s barn-door swinger. To pop the window only, a button on the bottom left side of the window will release it.

Third-Row Seating Is Deleted to Make Room for More Gear

Lexus

For the Overtrail trim, Lexus again listened to its customers and recognized the amount of trunk mods happening within GXs meant a lot of folding up and yanking out the third row seats. So Lexus ditched them altogether. Now, buyers have faster access to more storage space for refrigerators, gear boxes, camping gear or whatever you need.

All Your Favorite Off-Road Buttons Are Still There

Lexus

Good news; your downhill assist control, crawl control, multi-terrain monitor, and central locking diff controls are front and center. The Overtrail also adds a second locking rear differential, too.

Bonus Fact: The GX550 Overtrail is Tow-Rated for 8,000 Pounds

Not discernable merely from sitting in it, but we did learn the tow hitch comes standard on the Overtrail, and this SUV is rated to tow 8,000 pounds — significantly up from the current generation’s 6,500. That uprated powertrain — a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, good for 349 hp and 479 lb-ft — will be put to good use if you’re ready to do some heavy hauling.

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Our opinion of whiskey stones is clear and unwavering: no, just no. But glacial ice as a drink chiller? That’s new territory. Enter Greenland-based startup Arctic Ice, which harvests “the purest ice in the world” from its home island’s fjords for use in bars and restaurants in Dubai. The irony of shipping chunks of receding glaciers around a warming globe to cool cocktails in the desert hasn’t been lost on the internet — social media backlash has been widespread. For its part, Arctic Ice insists it will eventually “offset double the amount of CO2” it produces while supporting much needed economic development in a country that’s still heavily reliant on Denmark. If you’re in Dubai and can get your hands on some Arctic Ice, let us know if the juice is worth the squeeze.

Today we’re taking a look at an all-in-one washer/dryer combo, hot electrolyte drinks from LMNT and one bougie beanie. This is Today in Gear.

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].

A New Washer/Dryer Combo

GE Appliances

Historically, washer-dryer combo machines have been great for saving space, but have done a sub-par job at drying clothes. GE Profile just announced the UltraFast Combo Washer Dryer ($2,777) that boasts a better performance: The brand says that its new machine can wash and dry a load in just two hours.

Snow Plows For Crocs

Sole-Fully Designs

Yes, you read that right. Sole-fully Designs just released what they deem to be ‘the ultimate accessory for your favorite pair of Crocs’ and we can’t say we disagree. The Snow Plow Attachment for Crocs ($9) allows you to wear your Crocs in new conditions, like a few inches of snow. Instead of snow coming in through the Crocs’ many perforations, the snow plow effortlessly pushes it away.

Hot Drinks From LMNT

LMNT

Known for its salty and tasty hydration packs made for mixing with cold water, LMNT is now bringing electrolyte beverages to the world of hot water. The LMNT Chocolate Medley 30-Pack ($45) has three different flavors: Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Chai and Chocolate Raspberry. Drink one on its own or mix it into your morning coffee or hot cocoa for a little boost.

An Instant Translator

VASCO

Vasco has a number of pocket translators, like the Translator V4 ($389), that can help you can carry conversations in languages that aren’t your own. The brand just announced the new Translator E1 that will launch in June for $390. The E1 is actually an earpiece that can translate 50 different languages in real time — like while you’re on the phone — and connects to an app on your phone.

The Perfect Beanie

Hat Attack

The only thing better than a cashmere sweater is a cashmere hat. Cashmere Chunky Beanie ($124) from Hat Attack New York has been newly updated and is made of 100 percent cashmere. This means it’s both nice and warm, and also feels extra soft against skin. The beanie is available in black, blue, pink, white and grey.

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It feels like forever ago that Apple unveiled the Vision Pro at WWDC and I got my first experience wearing the mixed-reality headset (or “spatial computer”). Fast forward seven months and the release of the Vision Pro is now imminent: Pre-orders start this Friday, January 19th (tomorrow) and it’ll be available on Friday, February 2nd.

Ahead of its release, Apple invited me into New York City to experience the Vision Pro again. During the roughly 30-minute demo, I experienced many of the same things again — such as spatial photos and videos, immersive experiences, watching 3D movies and web browsing — and some new stuff, too.

I was able to stream Marvel and Disney flicks in special “environments.” For example, I watched a clip of Star Wars: A New Hope in a hovercraft on Tatooine and The Avengers from the top of Stark Tower. I tried Keynote’s new environment that lets you to practice a presentation (with slides and everything) in a virtual conference. And I talked to someone else wearing the headset to experience what EyeSight — where the outside display reveals the wearer’s eyes so you know to interact with them— was like from the other side.

Plus, for the first time, Apple allowed me to get a photo actually wearing the Vision Pro (above). I look great, I know.

Afterward, I took the ferry home to New Jersey and had time to reflect. If anything, this second demo reinforced my view from several months ago: The Vision Pro is undoubtedly cool. It’s a fantastic piece of hardware, looks gorgeous and works extremely well. I bet most people will be blown away just by the eye-tracking navigation and finger-tapping controls — it really is incredible.

Of course, there are still so many questions left to answer. How will people use it? Is there a killer app? Will people use it mostly for entertainment or productivity? Is it comfortable? Do people even want to wear a headset? Are you willing to spend $3,500 on it? The list goes on.

Out of all these questions, I think I can address a few very pertinent ones with the following fresh observations.

Photos might be the Vision Pro’s killer app

Looking at your own photos and videos on the Vision Pro is pretty awesome on its own. The detail that its dual 4K displays deliver is superb and panoramas, which aren’t great to look at on your iPhone, are especially immersive and fun to view. That said, nothing comes close to spatial photos and videos.

The Vision Pro delivers a wide variety of “spatial” experiences that insert you into a virtual environment. You can watch a movie in a virtual movie theater, do a presentation in a virtual conference room, play a fully immersive game (like Encounter Dinosaurs) or have an immersive experience (like with Wild Life, you get up close and personal with various animals). But in my mind, a lot of those things feel fleeting — like you’d do them once for the novelty and not go back.

Spatial videos and spatial photos are a definite outlier here — they’re awesome. They are personal 3D videos and photos that put you back in that place in time and they kind of allow you to relive a memory — similar to a Pensieve from the world of Harry Potter, I imagine. They sound and look incredible, and you can access them anytime via the Photos app.

Of course, the act of capturing these spatial photos and videos is the tricky part. The best way to do so is while wearing a Vision Pro headset … but I have a hard time imagining somebody spontaneously donning a Vision Pro during a holiday party and not having everyone else look at them like they have two heads. You can capture spatial videos (but not spatial photos) with the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, but it doesn’t look quite as good; it lacks the same depth and aspect ratio of videos captured on the Vision Pro.

The Vision Pro is heavy, but not too heavy

A lot early reviewers of the Vision Pro have said that the headset is heavy. You can count Marques Brownlee and The Verge‘s Victoria Song among them. And they’re not wrong. Even after a 20-minute demo, I had to fight the urge to not touch or adjust the headset. If you’re not used to wearing a headset (really, who is?), the Vision Pro is going to take some getting used to.

That said, I didn’t find the Vision Pro that heavy. The bigger concern for me will be finding the right fit. The Vision Pro will ship with two different straps. There’s a Solo Knit Band that goes over the back of the head (what I tried during the demo), and there’s the Dual Loop Band which adds a headband for a even more secure fit. If you don’t have the right fit, the Vision Pro will sag on your face, the image will be blurring and you’ll get eye fatigue — that’s bad.

Again, I haven’t worn the Vision Pro for longer than 20 minutes in either of my two demos, and thus I’m not sure how I’ll react to wearing it for longer periods. I’m really interested in experiencing a concert (they’ve shown me a brief clip with Alicia Keys) or a live sporting event (like an MLS or MLB game), where you’re sitting right in the front row. I hope I won’t feel weighed down over a couple hours of wear. But only time will tell.

The Vision Pro and Mac experience is still a mystery

Apple

There are still a lot of things I have yet to experience on the Vision Pro. The aspect I’m most interested in, however, is how it plays with my existing Mac. If you have a Mac with Apple silicon (which I do), you can supposedly just look at it while wearing the Vision Pro headset and the two will wirelessly connect. From there, you can use your Vision Pro as a virtual monitor, placing different browsers and apps around you in a virtual space, resizing them at will. You can also connect and use your wireless keyboard and mouse for a more desktop-like experience.

Obviously, this seems like the ultimate productivity feature and one that I’d actually use. Of course, I typically use a max of two displays — my laptop and an external monitor — and being able to have more screens open at once might be overwhelming. But I can’t wait to try it.

Apple

Apple Vision Pro

• $3,499.00 at Apple

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Back in mid-December of 2023 (just a few short weeks ago), GORUCK and Carryology — two of the biggest brands in the bag industry, the former a manufacturer and retailer and the latter a well-known product site (and the sister site of Bellroy) — dropped the third iteration of their extremely popular Kaidan collection. Called the Kaidan 3.0 Ultra Collection, this set of backpacks, duffels and accessory packs sold out almost immediately.

If you missed it the first time around, however, you’re not entirely out of luck. Turns out, the collection just dropped on Huckberry, one of our favorite men’s online retail sites. But if you want to snag even a single piece from this set of packs made from “the world’s strongest fabric,” you’ll want to act quickly, as they’re highly likely to sell out almost immediately once again.

It’s Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra fabric that makes these bags so special

If you know anything about GORUCK or Carryology, it’s probably that both brands make some of the most well-designed bags and packs around. Really, anything you might buy from either brand is probably among the best out there. So, what helps set this collection apart, exactly? The fabric.

Carryology

Challenge Sailcloth’s Ultra fabric, which was used to make every single bag in this collection, is — in the manufacturer’s own words — “the highest-performing line of UHMWPE composite fabric in the world.” If you thought Dyneema was the strongest fabric in the world, you’re not wrong. This is a version of that same stuff, just not under the Dyneema brand name (like how Kleenex are tissues or Band-Aids are adhesive bandages). However, this version of that fabric is actually woven instead of laminated, giving it a better overall feel that lacks the “crinkliness” of typical Dyneema.

That means these bags are made from a material that’s about 15 times stronger than steel by weight, naturally water-resistant and incredibly lightweight. Even if the bags were poorly designed (which they most definitely are not), they’d still probably be noteworthy just by their construction alone.

These bags were made for rigorous travel, but they’re also great for everyday carry

As was the case with the 1.0 and 2.0 Kaiden collections, the Kaiden 3.0 collection was specifically engineered for travel and, more specifically, adventure. As is perhaps obvious, a part of that is the incredibly tough fabric that makes up the bags’ construction. However, it also applies to their design.

Carryology

That means the collection covers a wide range of sizes — as big as 32L to as small as 3L — and styles. On Huckberry, you’ll find the GR1 21L and GR1 26L backpacks (based on GORUCK’s famous packs with their bombproof laptop compartments), the Kit Bag 32L (which is akin to a duffel bag), the Bullet 18L (a dual-compartment daypack-style backpack) and the Shadow Pocket 3L (an accessory pouch).

Here’s the real kicker: Carryology did the math and there’s up to a whopping 46,656 different combinations that can be made with the full collection of bags. While Huckberry’s stock doesn’t include the GR2 26L, that still leaves thousands of possibilities, whether you’re jet-setting around the globe or just commuting to and from work.

Even the zippers and hardware are exceptional

Having an ultra-tough fabric isn’t going to mean much if the in-between bits are lacking, which is probably why this collection also includes YKK AquaGuard watertight zippers and super-tough zipper pulls, full-grain leather grab handles and more.

Carryology

Just remember, these bags are definitely going to sell out, just as they did when they were first released. If you hope to grab any of them, you’ll want to buy them ASAP.

Huckberry

GORUCK x Carryology Ultra Kaidan GR1 Backpack 21L

• $595.00 at Huckberry

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