Latest from Man of Many
Man of Many
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Man of Many
Seiko's Most Affordable Collector's Watch Just Got an Upgrade
By Nick Hall - News Published: 28 Jun 2025 |Last Updated: 27 Jun 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Japanese watchmaker Seiko has announced the Prospex Speedtimer: SSC955P World Athletics Championship Limited Edition . . Released to celebrate the upcoming World Athletics Championship, the timepiece features the official WAC Tokyo 25 logo on the caseback. on the caseback. The new Prospex Speedtime is powered by advanced solar chronograph technology and boasts a power reserve of approximately six months. and boasts a power reserve of approximately six months. The Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph Limited Edition is limited to 6,000 pieces worldwide and is priced at AUD$1,200. Japanese watchmaker Seiko is no stranger to high-quality, ultra-affordable timepieces. The brand's Speedtimer line remains one of the best value-for-money collections on the market today, courtesy of its robust architecture, uncluttered design elements and stellar, if a little unexciting, movements. In essence, the Speedtimer represents Seiko at its most accessible; a watch collection that offers a little something for everyone without the need to break the bank. Its latest effort takes this ethos to new heights. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC955P: Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships Limited Edition | Image: Seiko Announced in the lead-up to the 2025 World Athletics Championship, the Prospex Speedtimer: SSC955P World Athletics Championship Limited Edition is a dazzling new utilitarian piece that fuses contemporary design elements with functional ergonomics. It bears all the hallmarks you'd expect from the much-loved sports-watch range, from the sharp angled lugs to the highly legible Tachymetre function, but the major advantage, as with all Speedtimers, is the integration of the calibre V192 Solar movement. This power source, which features in all Speedtimer watches, is best characterised by its 60-minute chronograph function, 24-hour sub-dial and a power reserve indicator, which can be displayed at the touch of a button. As one of the brand's most accurate and versatile movements, the calibre V192 remains a serious selling point for Seiko and the integration of the movement on this release feels entirely fitting. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC955P: Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships Limited Edition | Image: Seiko Design-wise, the World Athletics Championship Limited Edition also introduces a slightly different dial aesthetic, with the watchmaker opting for a striking pattern in a refined shade inspired by Edo purple. According to the brand, this refers to its hometown, with the colour believed to have been beloved in the ancient city that would become modern-day Tokyo. Flip the 39mm timepiece over and you'll also spy an engraving of the official WAC Tokyo 25 logo, marking its special significance. 'Blending the trusted performance of the Speedtimer with the precision of electronic timekeeping, this limited edition offers the reliability and convenience of a watch powered entirely by light—honouring tradition while embracing innovation,' Seiko said in a press release announcing the new model. The new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC955P: Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships Limited Edition is available for preorder from Seiko boutiques and online now, with dispatch set to take place in August/September 2025. The timepiece is priced at AUD$1,200 and, being a limited edition, only 6,000 models will be produced worldwide. So, if you are looking to get your hands on this new Speedtimer, you might have to follow the lead of the athletes competing in the championships and make a run for it. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC955P: Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships Limited Edition | Image: Seiko Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC955P: Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships Limited Edition
Man of Many
a day ago
- General
- Man of Many
For Lark's Chris Thomson, Whisky-Making is All About the ‘Intangibles'
A Whisky-Maker's Responsibility Now regarded as an elder statesman of the Australian industry—much to his dismay—the cheeky Tasmanian has come to appreciate not only the slow process of building complexity but also the profound impact that those flavours can impart. 'I've realised the responsibility that we have as whisky producers to our consumers; we might be invited to be part of the most important day in someone's entire life,' Thomson tells me. 'When you start to think about it like that, whisky making becomes really simple at that point. It just becomes a commitment; a commitment to your consumer and to who is coming to pick it up off that shelf. It's just a commitment that you are going to give every bit of blood, sweat and tears to something important.' As he leaves that sentence to linger in the air, as much for himself as it is for me, I suddenly realise what Chris is on about. I guess I had never thought much about the ritualism and status afforded to whisky. To me, cracking a bottle in celebration was just something you did; a liquid acknowledgement of some important milestone, but to makers like Chris, there is no higher praise. 'If someone said to you, 'You have to put together some work and the culmination of that work will be that I will toast the birth of my child', you would think 'Oh my God, what an honour'. I'm going to do every single thing that I can to make this the most extraordinary experience I possibly can.' 'When you look at what Lark is culturally, it's the question of 'Are you happy to get up at five in the morning in freezing mid-winter to make sure that you got your mash right or your ferment? Did you go through and make every tasting? Did you smell every cask? We're chasing this experience that has to be incredible. Someone might pick up that bottle and take it to a funeral of a loved one, or they'll have it on their wedding day.'
Man of Many
2 days ago
- Business
- Man of Many
10 Best Shoe Stores in Melbourne
Whether it's for your wedding day, everyday office wear, or casual footwear, when it comes to men's shoes, Melbourne, Australia's unofficial fashion capital, is a happy hunting ground. No tailor-made suit or outfit of the day is complete without finely crafted or trend-setting footwear, and a pair of quality shoes can quite literally be considered the foundation for any fashion aficionado. So when you're looking for that perfect pair of men's shoes, check out the curated list of the best shoe stores in Melbourne before you head out. Best Shoe Stores in Melbourne at a Glance Highlights from our list include the following options: Best overall : Double Monk : Double Monk For handmade men's shoes : Wootten : Wootten For a reasonable price: McCloud Shoes Now you've read our favourites, let's check out the complete list. Double Monk | Image: Double Monk 1. Double Monk Brands: Crockett & Jones, John Lobb, Alden, Edward Green, and more. This list of the best shoe shops in Melbourne would not be complete unless we included the likes of Double Monk. For many years now, this retailer has been providing Melburnian men with the highest quality products that are guaranteed to last decades, not years. A passion for heritage and quality envelopes this men's shoe store. Whether you are looking for a traditional or innovative style, Double Monk acknowledges and perfectly serves the principles of time, space and purpose. The friendly staff are also always eager to assist you in finding your next favourite pair of men's shoes. Address: 53 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065 Hours: Tue-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-4pm Phone: (03) 9417 3335 McCloud Shoes | Image: McCloud Shoes 2. McCloud Shoes Brands: Church, LOAKE, Sioux, Parigina, and more. The McCloud Shoe business was founded in 1945 and has been owned and operated by three generations of the Parkinson family since 1949. McCloud Shoes offers an extensive selection from exclusive overseas manufacturers, whose brands have built a reputation for their style, comfort and quality. With many high-class shoes with comparative price points, this is certainly a place to invest in footwear that will last a long time. This Melbourne icon is one of the best shoe stores in Melbourne. Address: 116 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm Phone: (03) 9670 3386 Manfred's Shoe Lounge | Image: Supplied / Manfred's Shoe Lounge 3. Manfred's Shoe Lounge Brands: Dexter, Loake, Lancaster, Lugosi, Moon, and more. While Manfred bowed out of the business in 2021, new owner Mattia has been entrusted with keeping the namesake alive, and the third-generation cobbler is doing an outstanding job. Fast fashion is drying up, and now, Mattia is offering a selection of men's shoes in the vintage-inspired retail store that adjoins the workroom. 'We specialised in welted shoes, which refers to how the shoe is assembled,' said Mattia. 'The process means that shoes are never going to split and allows them to be resoled repeatedly. They're a different quality compared to shoes with moulded soles that are mass-produced by automated machinery.' Not only can you buy a pair of shoes here, but you can have them repaired! Address: 62-64 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat 9:30am-3pm Phone: (03) 9329 0715 Wootten | Image: Wootten 4. Wootten Brands: Wootten It can be difficult for some men to find a pair of shoes that not only provides an adequate amount of comfort, but also won't let them down in the style department. Cordwainer Wootten comes into this equation. Providing footwear of the utmost superiority with the option for orthopaedic customisation. This shop celebrates 'slow-fashion,' a cultural phenomenon that is becoming more and more sought after, particularly by those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship. Offering luxury men's dress shoes and also casual options alongside specific purpose footwear for sporting activities such as cycling, Wootten might have the best men's shoes Melbourne has to offer. Address: 1/20 Elizabeth St, Delacombe VIC 3356 Hours: Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm Phone: (03) 9510 6503 Lester Shoes 'Dermie' | Image: Lester Shoes 5. Lester Shoes Brands: Lester Shoes Made to order shoes outside of Ringwood North in Victoria, Lester Shoes is an independently owned business and proudly Australian-made. These guys use premium grade 100% leather uppers, lining and soles to create the highest quality bespoke men's shoes and boots, and that's why they're sitting at the point end of our list. Choose from their selection of classic designs online or give 4th-generation shoemaker Brian S. Lester a call to have a pair custom-made especially to fit your needs. Address: 1A Debbie Pl, Ringwood North VIC 3134 Phone: 0477 417 038 URAHARA | Image: Supplied / URAHARA 6. URAHARA Brands: Kenford, Solovair, Rolling Dub, and more. If you're hunting for a thoughtfully made pair of shoes from a well-known brand, check out URAHARA in Collingwood. One of the best men's shoe stores in Melbourne, we first found out about the store because of their range of selvedge Japanese denim. However, the shoes are what we head back for. Kenford loafers, Solovair oxfords, and Rolling Dub boots, these guys have plenty of casual options to choose from. Address: 3 Johnston St, Collingwood VIC 3066 Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm Phone: 0400 810 266 Corlection | Image: Supplied / Corlection 7. Corlection Brands: Red Wing, The Flat Head Similar to URAHARA, Corlection is a hot spot for Japanese workwear and denim that happens to also stock a handful of our favourite men's shoe brands. While the brands rotate often, expect to find staples like Red Wing and The Flat Head. Address: 218/218-242 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm Phone: 0478 530 385 Aquila | Image: Supplied 8. Aquila Brands: Aquila The brand started from humble beginnings, but has become one of the best shoe stores Melbourne has to offer today. With around 50 retail outlets nationwide, Aquila has been at the forefront of luxurious shoemaking in Melbourne for 60 years. Aquila, or 'Eagle' in Italian, to all you anglophiles out there, provides quality footwear at an affordable price. Address: View locations 124 Shoes | Image: 124 Shoes 9. 124 Shoes Brands: Area Forte, Buttero, Conflict of Interest, Prima Base and Preventi Spouting Italian class and elegance, 124 Shoes is a store that ensures visitors are treated to the splendour that is fine artisanal footwear. Crafted by some of the best luxury brands in the world, all of the store's footwear is made with the utmost care and quality. Offering customers 40-years'-experience providing quality footwear in limited quantities, 124 Shoes aims to fit between luxury brands and mass-market retailers. Each collection is sourced and curated from Italy's finest footwear manufacturing regions, crafted using traditional artisan techniques, and made using the finest materials. Their friendly staff also ensure that a visit will leave you wanting more. Address: 16-30 Russell Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000 Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am–5:30 pm Phone: (03) 9662 2941 Located in: Emporium Melbourne Address: Shop 201/287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Hours: Mon-Wed & Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Thur-Fri 10am-8pm Phone: (03) 8377 5063 Luisa Leather Boutique | Image: Luisa Leather Boutique 10. Luisa Leather Boutique Brands: Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin and Stefano Stefani Luisa Leather Boutique began its story as a small shop on the 8th floor of a Little Collins Street store by Stefano Stefani, who had the simple vision to bring the highest quality in Italian men's footwear to the Melbourne public. Sourcing the finest leather goods has become almost second nature for the business, making it one of the best men's shoe shops Melbourne has to offer. While the business is primarily wholesale, they deal directly with the public in-store. Address: 142 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-5:30pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm Phone: 0429 533 265
Man of Many
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Man of Many
Bonkers 1,000 kW Mercedes-AMG CONCEPT AMG GT XX Can Charge as Fast as You Can Refuel
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its latest halo car, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX. While a concept, it previews a four-door series-production sports car from Mercedes‑AMG and serves as a showcase of the brand's capabilities, especially in the EV space. Three axial flux electric motors (two rear, one front) power the car and produce more than 1,000 kW (>1,360 hp) of combined power. Under the skin, there's a new 800-volt platform that can, in theory, add 400 km of WLTP estimated range in 5 minutes, but more on that in a moment. The numbers are certainly impressive, but we're not so sure about the overall design that seems to channel more than a little Maserati, especially the look of the 'AMG-specific grille' with 10 vertical slats. Commentators online have already shared their distaste for the slippery, 0.198cd design, but we're not adverse to the low-slung, sculpted body with wide fenders and Sunset Beam Orange colour with its 'liquid metal' Electroluminescent effect. CONCEPT AMG GT XX – Key Technical Data Electric Motors Three axial flux motors Max. Drivetrain Power >1,000 kW (>1,360 hp) Drive System AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable AWD Top Speed >360 km/h Charging Time (approx. 400 km WLTP) ~5 minutes Average DC Charging Power >850 kW over a wide SOC range Nominal Voltage >800 V Length / Width / Height (mm) 5,204 / 1,945 (2,130 incl. mirrors) / 1,317 Drag Coefficient (Cd) 0.198 Frontal Area 2.24 m² Scroll horizontally to view full table CONCEPT AMG GT XX | Image: Supplied / Mercedes-AMG What Powers the CONCEPT AMG GT XX? Motors : Three axial flux electric motors (two rear, one front) : Three axial flux electric motors (two rear, one front) Peak Power : >1,000 kW (>1,360 hp) : >1,000 kW (>1,360 hp) Top Speed : >360 km/h : >360 km/h Drive System : AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive : AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive Acceleration: Not officially quoted, but expected to be hypercar quick Okay, so what are these high-tech axial flux motors that Markus Schäfer is speaking of? Well, there are three of them powering the CONCEPT AMG GT XX—two at the rear, one at the front. They combine to produce >1,000kW (>1,360 hp) of power and propel the GT XX to a top speed of 360 km/h (224 mph). To explain how important this car is, we have to get nerdy for a second because these motors are powered by a High Performance Electric Battery ( made up of 3,000 cylindrical NCMA cathode and silicon-rich anode cells housed in a laser-welded aluminium cell for better thermal and electrical conductivity. That might sound like jibberish, but just know that these are cutting-edge batteries, and when combined with the dedicated an 800-volt architecture, the result is super-fast charging at 850 kW across a wide state-of-charge. By the numbers, the charge time of ~5 minutes for 400 km of WLTP estimated range is nothing short of astonishing. However, there's a catch. There's only one charger in the world that can produce 850kW of power to charge the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, and it's developed by Mercedes-Benz and Alpitronic. What is encouraging is that Mercedes-Benz will expand the infrastructure of its own Mercedes-Benz Charging Network with the next generation of high-performance charging stations, Tesla-style. Drive-wise, this is a concept car and isn't a car that many will get the chance to drive. However, it does send power to the ground through a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive that could make its way to AMG's of the future. The three electric motors allow for fully variable torque distribution to the front and rear wheels, and this is something we'd expect to find in the next production AMG EV. It also brings fake V8 engine noises into the fold, in the cabin, but also on the exterior through exterior speakers in the headlight housing, combined with a passive membrane technology in the soundbar that enables low-frequency and more powerful bass reproduction. CONCEPT AMG GT XX | Image: Supplied / Mercedes-AMG CONCEPT AMG GT XX | Image: Supplied / Mercedes-AMG CONCEPT AMG GT XX | Image: Supplied / Mercedes-AMG CONCEPT AMG GT XX | Image: Supplied / Mercedes-AMG What's the Inside of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX Like? The interior of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX is just as bizarre as the exterior, but it's not all form over function on the inside. Mercedes-AMG has brought clear race elements into the fold, including a LABFIBER Biotech leather alternative material that's made from recycled AMG GT3 racing tyres. Next to this, you'll find a backlit chequered-flag-inspired upholstery, machined-aluminium buttons with the AMG crest, a lack of cladding on the instrument panel and door panels, individually formed carbon-fibre bucket seats with 3D-printed seat pads, and plenty of AMG ONE-inspired style choices. The combination of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, which is angled toward the driver, is impressive, but we're most interested in how the real-time visualisations of the drivetrain and battery are displayed on the AMG MBUX display, as they should add a video game-like quality to performance monitoring further engaging the driver and passenger. Mercedes-AMG leads the steering wheel game, and they're going to continue to increase their lead with the rectangular, racing-style steering wheel in the CONCEPT AMG GT XX. It features a flat top and bottom, two horizontal struts and paddle shifters for regen control, AMG toggle buttons with coloured icons for drive modes and functions, and LED strip signals battery and performance status. CONCEPT AMG GT XX | Image: Supplied / Mercedes-AMG How Slippery is the Design of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX? While we're not in love with the overall design, and it's certainly not 'beautiful,' there's a reason the CONCEPT AMG GT XX looks like this. Drag! It's capable of immense performance, and when you're in the upper extremes of the 360 km/h top speed, the resistance of the air is the most significant hamper on performance. Every element of the exterior design has been considered to make this car as slippery as possible. The sporty flat shape, sharply raked windscreen, low-slung bonnet, angled side windows, active air control system AIRPANEL (from the AMG GT series), and the absence of a rear windscreen all contribute to the drag coefficient of just Cd=0.198, which is close to cars like the Xiaomi SU7 (0.195 Cd) and Lucid Air (0.197 Cd). Maybe the most stark example of the lengths to which the designers have gone is with the new 21-inch forged aluminium five-spoke active Aero Wheel. You'll find five movable elements in this wheel, including a central actuator hidden in the hub of each wheel that moves the aero-blades in the wheel to direct air into the brakes or over the wheel for efficiency. Each actuator is an autonomous unit that uses the spinning wheel to produce its own electrical energy via a mini-generator and uses Bluetooth to communicate wirelessly with the control unit in the vehicle. 'With the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, we have succeeded in translating our design vision for AMG into the future,' said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Head of Business Units Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Mercedes-Maybach. 'Sports cars have always been the icons of our brand; they are emotional and truly special to create. They represent unique moments in time. Icons like the 300 SL and the legendary Silver Arrows are the emotional heart of our brand, as are the GT and AMG ONE. Crafting these masterpieces is about creating something extraordinary—from the C111 to the Vision One‑Eleven, and into the future of production. The brand-new CONCEPT AMG GT XX embodies the hot part of our design philosophy of sensual purity.' CONCEPT AMG GT XX | Image: Supplied / Mercedes-AMG What's Next For the CONCEPT AMG GT XX? While we won't see the CONCEPT AMG GT XX enter production, it offers insight into the first series-production model based on high-performance architecture. 'The CONCEPT AMG GT XX is the next milestone in the history of AMG and forges a whole new dimension of performance,' said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement. 'We're bringing groundbreaking technology that redefines high performance, and the best thing is that this car is a true AMG with every fibre of its being. The heart of an AMG was always the motor, and that will remain so with our in-house electric architecture. With our high-tech axial flux motor, we're delivering a revolutionary new drive that is unparalleled in terms of power density, weight and packaging. This pairs with a new performance battery developed from scratch that enables a previously unimagined level of performance and endurance.' When the production car based on the CONCEPT AMG GT XX does come to fruition, Mercedes-AMG will have a true Porsche Taycan rival in its repertoire and an answer to Chinese-made performance cars like the Xiaomi SU7. CONCEPT AMG GT XX | Image: Supplied / Mercedes-AMG
Man of Many
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Man of Many
$1,090 Balenciaga x Puma Speedcat is a Distressed Take On Fashion's Most Popular Sneaker
By Ben McKimm - News Published: 26 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Revives the iconic 1999 Speedcat with a fashion-forward reimagining Features cut-off PUMA Formstrip for deconstructed visual impact Destroyed Speedcat delivers a soft, sock-like upper feel Slip-on leather Speedcat variant offers minimalist, laceless styling Speedcat Ballerina hybrid blends motorsport and ballet flat aesthetics The Puma Speedcat has taken over in the post-adidas Samba world. Now, fashion's favourite shoe has been given the classic Balenciaga distressed treatment as part of the brand's Winter 25 collection. Renowned photographer Ari Versluis is behind the lens for this campaign that sees models Diede, Tianee, Brooks, Yav, and Joe style looks from the Balenciaga | PUMA collaboration alongside pieces from Winter 25 that include AUD$16,000 Robe and AUD$12,000 Leather Jacket. However, it's the collaborative AUD$1,090 Balenciaga x Puma Speedcat that we're focused on for this article and how it blends Balenciaga's avant-garde fashion with PUMA's heritage in high-performance sportswear. Now available at Balenciaga Sydney – Westfield, Melbourne – Collins Street, Chadstone, Brisbane – Queens Plaza, and Auckland – Westfield Newmarket, this is one of the first collaborative releases since Demna's final Spring 26 RTW collection for the brand. Let's take a closer look at what makes this sneaker, so, well, controversial?! Balenciaga x Puma Speedcat | Image: Supplied / Balenciaga It wouldn't be a Balenciaga | PUMA collaboration without a pair of Speedcats. The sneaker has quickly become one of the most widely worn sneakers in fashion after the heat around the adidas Samba cooled. While they were originally quite difficult to find, especially in the sought-after 'Kill Bill' colourway, the Speedcat can easily be found at retailers around Australia, including Puma, JD Sports, and HYPE DC, for a retail price of AUD$180 in a variety of colourways. That's a small price to pay compared to the Balenciaga | PUMA Speedcats, which retail for AUD$1,090 and feature a destroyed look that's similar to the Balenciaga x adidas Stan Smith that released back in November 2022 to mixed reactions from sneakerheads and fashion experts. Interestingly, compared to the AUD$180 Speedcats that you'll find at your local shoe shop, the Balenciaga | PUMA Speedcats more closely resemble the original 1999 Speedcat with a slimmer toebox and outsole. Balenciaga x Puma Speedcat | Image: Supplied / Balenciaga If the sneaker isn't your style, maybe the laceless slip-on variant in supple leather is more your angle. Alternatively, the new Balenciaga | PUMA Ballerina is a hybrid sneaker-ballet flat crafted in satin. Next to the PUMA sneakers, apparel is crafted using Balenciaga's in-house savoir-faire and includes: Extra-dry molleton sweatsuits with lion crest emblems inspired by classic soccer warm-ups. Tracksuits in crisp and faded nylon with archival 1990s PUMA details. A trompe-l'œil suede bathrobe coat lined with brushed molleton. A shearling tracksuit jacket merges luxury textures with athletic silhouettes. The collection also features hoodies, T-shirts, and shorts in fitted, medium, and oversized cuts, all featuring co-branded Balenciaga | PUMA graphics. You'll find the Balenciaga x Puma Speedcat at select Balenciaga stores globally and on
