The Gear Index — Friday, December 13, 2024

What happens when you take a 1960s dive watch and rewind it to the 1950s? You get the Vulcain Nautical Legacy Massena Lab—a collaboration that reimagines the Cricket Nautical with even more retro charm. The tropical brown dial looks like it’s been sunbathing for 70 years, while the tritium-inspired lume and bold new handset channel military diver vibes. This limited-edition piece (only 25 made!) keeps the modern specs intact—300m water resistance, in-house alarm movement—but swaps in serious vintage aesthetics for the purists. All that for the same $4,950 price tag as the standard version? Let’s just say it’s a dive into the past worth taking.

Channel laid-back Larry David vibes with the Larry David Dad Cap in Dodger Blue by Vacancy Projects. This nostalgic 80s-style baseball cap playfully reimagines the MLB logo with one of Kristofferson San Pablo’s iconic avatars, letting Larry live rent-free on your head.

With a strapback for adjustability, it’s one-size-fits-most (even for luxurious-haired big-heads). Equal parts quirky and cool, it’s the ultimate accessory for fans of curbside comedy and timeless streetwear.

I don't eat a lot of candy, but awhile back I found these freeze-dried Skittle like candies at Five-Below which I loved. Now, Mars Wrigley has officially entered the chat with Skittles Pop’d, a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth spin on their classic chewy candies. Available in Original and Sour flavors.

Cast iron is great for many things, but sometimes you need a lighter, more agile fry pan. As someone who doesn't like cooking with non-stick coated stuff, I use a Mauviel carbon steel pan for everything from searing steaks to creating a delicate omelette. A black carbon steel line that marries performance with elegance. These pans are professional-grade, naturally nonstick, and deliver unbeatable heat conductivity for searing, browning, and grilling like a pro. With sleek iron handles and stainless steel rivets, they’re as durable as they are stylish.

Unusual, but I like it. I can even tolerate the eBay co-branding because it's hidden on the back. The countdown timer is a great idea and actually has many real world uses. I even love the colors of the indices on the dial. Dive into history and bold design with the Zodiac X eBay® Super Sea Wolf Compression Diver Limited Edition. This legendary timepiece, first introduced in 1953, has been reimagined with eBay’s signature colors subtly adorning the dial and ceramic bezel. Perfectly balancing vintage charm with modern utility, it boasts a 40mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and 200m water resistance.

Transform your bike maintenance with Forager Cycles Cable Cherries, the ultimate reusable cable ends that put flimsy crimps to shame. These CNC-machined marvels from Oakland, CA, snugly secure your cables with a set screw and come with a handy hex key—no more frayed, pokey ends ruining your ride.

Built with the same precision as surgical pins, these cherries are not just practical but stylish, adding a subtle touch of craftsmanship to your bike. Durable, easy to adjust, and guaranteed for life, they’re the perfect upgrade for cyclists who demand function and flair.

Say hello to the Taylor Stitch Après Pant, where laid-back comfort meets sharp style. These pants blend the relaxed vibe of your favorite sweats with the polished feel of chinos, thanks to a soft organic cotton fabric featuring a distinctive Sashiko slub texture. The elastic waistband, cuffs, and drawcord ensure a tailored yet cozy fit that’s perfect for lazy Sundays or casual outings.

Thoughtful details like dark horn buttons, custom map-print pocket linings, and a button fly elevate the look without an ounce of effort required. Dress them up or down—these are your new go-to for living comfortably and looking good while doing it.

Meet the Dynaplug® Pill - 10 Year Edition, the ultimate tubeless tire repair kit that’s compact, durable, and brilliantly functional. Crafted from anodized billet aluminum and weighing just 42 grams, this sleek little powerhouse is pre-loaded with five insertion tubes, an air stopper, and a micro knife—everything you need to fix flats fast and hassle-free.

Designed for cyclists who demand reliability, the Pill combines practicality with rugged style. Whether it’s stashed in your pocket or repair kit, it’s your go-to for effortless on-the-go fixes. Proudly made in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, it’s the flat-tire savior you’ll never leave behind.

The Ti-Double H300 Stacking Mug by Snow Peak is your new favorite companion for both home and outdoor adventures. Made from Japanese titanium with a double-wall design, it keeps your beverages at the perfect temperature—hot or cold—while remaining incredibly lightweight and durable. Bonus: it nests seamlessly with other Ti-Double mugs for effortless storage.

Crafted in Tsubame-Sanjo, a region renowned for metalworking, this mug embodies timeless Japanese craftsmanship and functionality. Whether you're sipping coffee on the trail or at your desk, it's a sleek, lifetime investment that looks as good as it performs.