Blog

The New Ferrari California T

When it comes to passion, designed and invented by the Italians – we’re reaching the highest perceptions. Designed by the great genius – Enzo Ferrari – these magnificant cars are just too powerful to be true. But let’s talk about it later. Ferrari is one of the boy dreams we all have. Driving the California T along the beautiful area of Frankfurt was simply amazing. The landscape comes up with beautiful castles, impressive architecture, endless hills and lakes.

My favourite part of the California T is definitely the rear. It appears extremely masculine and powerful with it’s double exhaust.

The new model of the Ferrari California T has been completely re- invented and desiged. The brand changed pretty much everything except for the roof. The engine has been revised, an angry V8 Bi-Turbo with a direct injection fires the new California T from 0 – 100 in just 3,6 seconds. The new Ferrari engine technology has absolutely no turbo lag, meaning you never miss power. Never. Even if you push the throttle in 5th gear on the motorway you have full torque.Over the history of the brand, Ferrari has managed to increase the power of their cars, whilst the consumption has been reduced by 50%. Another impressive fact and proof that only the best engineers are working on this technology.

In the interior, Ferrari still follows their traditional line. The steering wheel has all the familiar buttons. If you’re not used to this, it might be a bit confusing (the indicator is on the steering wheel).The rest is what you look for from such a high-class car. Beautiful brown leather, solid materials and last but not least the powerful yellow logo & speedo.

What a match, parking this brilliant designed California T in front of a German villa. Good motivation to achieve your goals.

Another evidence how lovely this lines of this car have been desiged.

During my break I thought about what makes this car, the perfect car for a gentleman. It is super powerful, extraordinary fast and the design by Pininfarina is just unrivaled. The hard top roof can be flapped down within 14 seconds. And even after, there is still space in the boot. It is the most sold Ferrari, and just mass taylored for the every day use. I hope I will be able to drive it along the coast in California one day.

August 4, 2015/0 Comments/by gentleman

Fashion

GQ Gentleman 2015 Finale

GQ Gentleman – Introduction

A year ago, out of the blue, I have founded my blog. No idea what to expect and what life brings.
I’m doing this because I love it, it’s as simple as that.

Pictures @ Andrea Monica Hug

My GQ Experience

During the last 12 months so many dreams came true… and still it gets better and better, and better.

And now, I’m leaving Switzerland for a couple of days to travel to Germany. GQ, the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle magazine, is looking for an ambassador.

It’s more than an ambassador, it’s the GQ Gentleman 2015. I’m one of the finalists. Actually, I’m reading the magazine since pretty much 10 years and it’s for sure the biggest success this year to receive such an invitation. I can’t possibly be more happy!

Now let’s talk a bit what a Gentleman wraps up for such an event. And some outfit details.

My Outfit

It’s summertime, so we’re using blue and brown colours. To be precise it’s a navy blue that ideally combines with cognac brown or light brown.

The suit & the shirt are from Joop, the shirt has a shark collar which looks very dapper.
Tie & pocket square are aligned in light blue.

The shoes are double sewn-welted brogues from the brand Prime Shoes, distributed by Herren Globus.

Watch by HYT H1 Air Classic

For the H1 Air Classic, HYT didn’t simply recreate a traditional piece. The brand remained loyal to its codes and to its hydraulic technology: large roman numerals, gold tone, optimal visibility and chocolate tons all served with an alligator strap.

Pink gold 5N and titanium case, 48,8 mm

Mechanical hand-wound, exclusive HYT calibre

Bridges hand-chamfered and adorned with côtes de Genève, rhodiumed bellows

Accessories

Shoes
2nd pair of Oxfords by Massimo Dutti (the condition of your shoes remains better if you use a stretcher)

Cigars
Collection of Camacho Cigars (conneticut, maduro, crillo etc.)
Using matches is the classier way

Cosmetics
All the cosmetics are from Kiehl’s Glattzentrum

Fragrance
Tabacco Vanille by Tom Ford

Wish me luck, you will hear the outcome very soon!

Sincerely,
Ralph

July 8, 2015/10 Comments/by gentleman

Sports, Travel

Roland Garros 2015

This week I was on my way to Paris, to visit the city and see one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in the world.

Named after the French aviator Roland Garros, it is the premier clay court tennis championship event in the world and the second of four annual Grand Slam tournaments.

The players are usually starting their season on clay, in order to be prepared for those courts. Clay is slower and that makes it a more exhausting type of match.

There is no doubt that tennis is a sport for gentlemen. Even in the early years the tournaments came up with a dress code for the players. Tennis is one of those games where players are expected to conduct themselves with a certain amount of dignity and grace.

Back to my story, of course I took the HYT H1 – Black DLC & Pink Gold to Paris. Great watch and just ideal for a sports event like this.

Paris was showing all it’s beauty and glance. Such a romantic city with so many beautiful places to visit. There are so many hidden flower stores, cute bars and cafés. Love this city!

The weather was great on Wednesday, sunny and pretty much no clouds. On Thursday when I went to see the matches it was a bit colder, more windy & cloudy.

It’s the early bird that catches the worm, so I arrived in the morning to feel the energy of such a big event. That first really impressive moment – when the ballkids are running towards the court ‘Suzanne Lenglen’ and singing songs together – just powerful.

So, let’s talk about the first game of Men’s Single match.

Rafael Nadal – Nicolàs Almagro

Rafa is the 9-time champion in Paris. 5 titles of them in a row. Nadal is the king of Roland Garros, the crowd loves him here! It is just incredible how strong and fast Rafa is. And meanwhile he is also serving better. All those facts make him my personal tip for the title this year.

Nadal is not only famous for winning Grand Slams, he is also known and feared for his tremendous helicopter forehand (buggy whip).

Almagro played a great match. He made a couple of super points with his strong backhand. During the match he was hitting the lines, but Rafa was a wall.

At the end Rafa won 6-4 ¦ 6-3 ¦ 6-1 and was even up for some fun during the interview.

The next big game on court Philippe Chatrier came up, the flag of Roland Garros showed the slight wind on the court and everyone was waiting for another great match.

Andy Murray – Joao Sousa

This and last season Andy had some changes in his staff, and since he changed the tactics he is getting stronger. Besides on that, he didnt lose a game since he is married, maybe a good sign for him.

As usual, Murray came up with an impressive match. He is definitely one of the best return players on the tour. I think he is super quick with a height of 1,90 meters.

As a tennis addict, I keep following him since a while. He defintely worked on his service.

Mainly on the first serve, you can see that clearly on the stats board:

Average 80 % 1ST SERVE POINTS WON, that means he wins 80% of the points if he hits the first serve. He still has a lot of room to improve on the 2nd though.

Joao Sousa is a young and strong player. He played a great match and even managed to win a set against Andy Murray. During the 3rd set he was playing a great game and came up even stronger. But somehow Murray brought the set home. But that’s Tennis, that’s sports.

After losing the 3rd set, but playing sort of better than Andy – it was the mental constitution that made the difference in this match.

At the end it was 6-2 ¦ 4-6 ¦ 6-4 ¦ 6-1

————————————————————————————————————————–

And as every other tournament, you see and meet legends, sportswomen & -men and of course celebrities

Anna Wintour

Editor-In-Chief for the US Vogue

Tennis lover & Fan of Roger Federer

Annabel Croft

Former professional British No. 1 female tennis player

Radio and TV presenter

It was more than awesome, a real gentleman’s experience.

I’d love to visit other tournaments and see more matches!

June 1, 2015/0 Comments/by gentleman

Gourmet

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Golf equipment included - the advantages of the Swiss Traveller Card

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