There once was a time when brands and companies took advertising and gadgets very seriously. Restaurants offered you custom matches to light up a smoke, Airlines had personalised luggage and bags, and soda brands gifted engraved bottle openers to their customers.
Nowadays, it’s more and more difficult to find such attention to detail from anyone: even though these gadgets weren’t necessarily a gift, most companies probably realised that outsourcing the production of promotional objects wasn’t worth the effort at the end of the day.
Have a look at this Cartier Sterling cigarettes holder? Isn't it beautiful?
Some luxury brands still manufacture such goods, and so do top-tier watch companies. However, they tend to be extremely reserved about their accessories - understandably: if they’re meant to represent exclusivity, it would be foolish to make them easy to buy by openly advertising their existence.
Instead, they are usually offered to top clients on special occasions: think of Patek Philippe caps or Rolex fragrances and chocolate. The appeal of these objects is undeniable: for enthusiasts, they are yet another way to feel a connection with their favourite brand; and collectors love and hunt them for their rarity.
At Momentum we are both collectors and enthusiasts, so we’re not immune to their call. Sourcing and selecting memorabilia and watch-related collectibles is just as endearing as hunting watches.
The process often leads to the discovery of hidden gems and uncommon pieces that we’re proud to offer in our online shop: and here are four unexpected accessories from famous brands.
Patek Philippe “Ellipse” Mirror
In 1968, Patek Philippe released a new collection bound to make history: designed according to the classical canon of the Golden Ratio, the Ellipse set a new standard for dress watches, instantly becoming a classic and paving the way for countless homages and imitations.
Its thin gold outline and concealed lugs give out a sense of perfect balance and proportion, which allows it to sit comfortably and look sharp on all wrists.
All the charm of the original timepiece is wonderfully echoed by this Patek mirror, with a branded wooden base and a thin brass support: certainly a must-have for Patek enthusiasts, and a welcome touch to their dressing room or desk.
If this rare mirror catches your eye, you can buy it here. If you're more interested in our collection of Patek Philippe watches, click on this link.
Vintage Longines Sunglasses
If you didn’t know Longines made sunglasses at some point in its history, you’re forgiven: almost nobody knows. And yet, here they are: a fabulous pair of shades manufactured by Metzler, mounted in a tortoise frame, with a very glamorous double bridge and the Longines eagle on the arms.
As you’d expect from a watch brand famously associated with aviation - think for example of the Lindbergh Hour Angle - they come in a timeless “aviator” silhouette. The Longines name embossed in white on the dark pink lenses is a special touch that fellow watch enthusiasts will certainly spot. Buy them here.
Hermes Writing Desk Box
Emails, SMS and mobile phones sadly made writing obsolete. But we know many still find pleasure in writing notes, greeting cards, letters and such.
And to do so in style, what’s better than a writing desk set made by Hermes, entirely covered in their signature leather?
Crafted in the 1950s and perfectly preserved, the box still has its original keys. Its compact size and inner compartments make it ideal to carry around: it’s a perfect accessory for the gentleman on the go who doesn’t want to give up on his passion for handwriting. Check it out by clicking here.
Asprey Desk Set
Asprey is not exactly a watch brand - rather, it’s one of the foremost jewellers in the world. You might remember it as a sponsor of Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari, or as the purveyor of Khanjar-stamped watches to the Sultan of Oman.
Its windows in Mayfair display some of the most impressive stones, rings, necklaces and brooches you’ll ever see, but the offering also includes fragrances and leather goods among others.
In this case, we’re presenting an unusual desk set in smooth tobacco leather: it offers everything you need on your table, and is guaranteed to make your daily tasks in the office more enjoyable than ever!
Check it out on our website by clicking on this link.
Rolex Document Holder
As we said, the culture of gadgets and accessories flourished many decades ago, and some objects from past eras have gone out of use since. It’s not the case, though, of this Rolex document holder: how often do you struggle to keep your desk nice and tidy?
This is the accessory you’ve been looking for. Use it to keep your letters, notebooks, and documents together, and place paper clips or pocket change in the tray - everything will be at hand and out of the way. This sculptural piece, engraved with the unmistakable crown of the Geneva Maison, is carved from solid marble in a splendid hue of dark green.
Interested in knowing more or purchase it online? Click on this link and add a super-rare piece to your collection.
But wait, there’s more beyond this selection: if you prefer your glasses to be Movado, think a round Rolex ashtray looks better than a square one, or just want to browse our entire selection of collectibles, click here and have a look at our online shop: what you’ll find might surprise you…
