Esquire 10: The Engineered Edit

Like the inner workings of a supercar, a lot goes into a well-engineered design meant to function with exacting precision
Published: 10 October 2025

1. Extra eau de parfum, BALENCIAGA

Balenciaga’s revival of its fragrance business introduces 10 eau de parfums varying from fresh, light concoctions to deeper and headier scents. Extra sits at the latter end of the spectrum with a vibrant heat brought about by a combination of pink pepper, heated black pepper oil, and a flower accord. It’s ambery but balanced with a herbal-forward complexity that exemplifies the collection’s philosophy of combining high perfumery ingredients with outré techniques.

2. Santos-Dumont Micro-Rotor Skeleton, 31 X 43.5mm yellow gold case with leather strap, CARTIER

This particular Santos-Dumont model is a marvel. If it isn’t impressive enough that you can see the calibre 9629 MC in all its glory, the micro-rotor also incorporates a miniature model of the Demoiselle plane designed by the timepiece’s namesake. The bezel’s screws and the calibre’s bridges have been cleverly positioned to mark the hours, reducing the need to add more visual bulk to the overall design.

3. Switch 2, NINTENDO

After eight years, the direct successor to Nintendo’s portable gaming console has arrived. The simply named Switch 2 comes in strong with a bigger screen size and Joy-Con 2 controllers that can be used as mice in certain games. But it’s the 4K resolution and higher frame rates that make this a beast of a console for smoother and more vivid gaming experience.

4. Mach X 3 trainers, HOKA

HOKA’s Mach X 3 is packed with technology to help runners perform their best, whether it’s training runs or race day. A Pentax® plate enhances responsiveness, the Metarocker™ assists in propelling the foot effortlessly with each gait, the lightweight knit upper maintains breathability while ensuring a secure fit, and much much more. The bright colourway is a boon too, letting others know when you’re overtaking them at top speed.

5. Ensemble 1774 x Thibo Denis Goerlitz sneakers, BIRKENSTOCK

Birkenstock’s collaborative offshoot, Ensemble 1774, presents a collaboration with French footwear designer Thibo Denis. Built upon the brand’s Blue Footbed and textured cork midsole, this Goerlitz sneaker takes on a skate shoe-like appearance. The padded upper construction amplifies Birkenstock’s comfort-first ethos to create a silhouette that is not typical of the brand.

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6. Groove Crossbody bag, RIMOWA

One of RIMOWA’s foray into leather bags, the Groove Crossbody is modelled after the brand’s suitcases. The horizontal and vertical grooves reference the sides of the Original Pilot, while the top handle is the same design as the handles on the Classic line. And like every RIMOWA design, the bag features thoughtful functional elements like a zipper opening that extends all the way to the sides for better accessibility.

7. Galaxy Buds3 FE, SAMSUNG

The latest model in Samsung’s Galaxy Buds series hits the middle ground between its Buds3 and the entry-level Buds FE. The ergonomic design of the earbuds follow that of the former, with enhanced sound quality, detail and intelligent audio capabilities that places it a step above the Buds FE. But, in terms of battery life, this pair generally outperforms both so you can remain plugged in for longer.

8. Digital Paper, MONTBLANC

Montblanc has championed the art of writing for more than a century, and continues doing so in this digital age. The Digital Paper extends the joy of writing digitally without losing the tactile experience of traditional pen-to-paper writing. The device comes with the Digital Pen that’s paired with three interchangeable pen tips, each emulating a different paper texture.

9. Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2023, PENFOLDS

Imagine a symphonic combination, a Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shizaz—that’s Bin
389 by Penfolds. Aged in the same barrels as the previous vintage of its flagship Grange, this particular vintage is an impressive balance of fruit and oak with a layered profile that leaves an elegant and
lasting impression.

10. Flèche brooch in white gold with diamonds, BOUCHERON

Measuring slightly over 10cm, this latest iteration of Boucheron’s Flèche brooch (the pin is hidden in the arrowhead) stands out with an intricate diamond setting. 177 round-cut diamonds of various sizes are set throughout the white gold base, with precise gradations of the sizes spanning across almost every facet of the brooch. Stunning.

Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistant: Amirul Fazaile
Styling Assistant: Naysa Subba

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