Issue #2
There’s expensive, and then there’s the kind of expensive that makes you question whether you’ve chosen the wrong profession. Fortunately, admiring the finer things in life doesn’t cost a dime.
Welcome back to The Splurge, our monthly collection of outrageously desirable things we’d happily own if our bank accounts allowed it. This time around, we’ve got a British supercar, a pristine piece of basketball history, an exceptional mechanical watch, and a few other luxuries that make ordinary purchases seem downright reasonable. None of them are particularly necessary. All of them are pretty damn cool.
McLaren 750S
Some cars are built to get you from one place to another. The McLaren 750S is built to make every mile feel like an event. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 740 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, this British supercar rockets from zero to 60 mph in approximately 2.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 206 mph.
Its lightweight carbon-fiber construction, advanced suspension, and active aerodynamics deliver performance most drivers will never come close to exploiting. The sculpted bodywork is equally impressive, particularly when finished in a suitably menacing dark gray. Practical? Not remotely. Desirable? Absolutely.
Price: $375,500+
1996 Fleer Kobe Bryant Rookie Card #203 PSA 10
Long before the five NBA championships, 18 All-Star appearances, and legendary Mamba Mentality, Kobe Bryant was an 18-year-old rookie beginning what would become one of basketball’s most remarkable careers. His 1996 Fleer #203 rookie card captures that early chapter, and finding one in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition is a serious prize for collectors.
Professionally graded for its exceptional condition, this particular example is preserved in a protective PSA holder and represents a tangible piece of NBA history. With asking prices reaching several thousand dollars, it’s a small piece of cardboard carrying an extraordinary legacy.
This price may or may not represent market value.
Price: $4,829 $4,346
Relwen Defender 2-In-1 Jacket
Spending more than $500 on a jacket might seem excessive, but Relwen makes a fairly convincing argument with its Defender 2-In-1. Inspired by classic military outerwear, this versatile design combines a water-resistant, M65-style field jacket with a removable quilted insulated liner.
Both pieces can be worn separately or together, effectively giving you three jackets in one. The outer shell features four flap pockets, a sturdy zipper, and snap closures, while the insulated liner adds warmth without unnecessary bulk. Finished with thoughtful details and understated styling, it’s the sort of jacket that should look just as good a decade from now.
Price: $568
Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph
There’s something undeniably appealing about a beautifully engineered mechanical chronograph, and Breitling’s Aviator 8 B01 is a particularly handsome example. Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, this aviation-inspired timepiece features a striking blue dial, contrasting silver subdials, and a black alligator leather strap. Inside beats Breitling’s in-house Caliber 01 automatic movement, offering approximately 70 hours of power reserve and chronograph functionality.
A sapphire exhibition caseback provides a view of the movement, while 100 meters of water resistance adds everyday practicality. It’s a sophisticated pilot’s watch with enough mechanical substance to justify at least some of its considerable price tag.
Price: $7,525
The James Brand Barnes Knife
A $649 pocket knife might sound ridiculous until you get a closer look at The James Brand Barnes. This premium folding knife is CNC-machined from a single solid billet of 6AL4V titanium, creating a remarkably clean integral frame-lock design with fewer components than a conventional folder. Its 3.5-inch Böhler M390 stainless steel blade delivers exceptional edge retention, while ceramic bearings provide smooth opening action.
A machined titanium pocket clip, textured handle, and included paracord lanyard round out the details. Designed in Portland, Oregon, the Barnes is a beautifully executed example of how far everyday-carry equipment can go when craftsmanship takes priority over cost.
Price: $649
Old Fitzgerald 17-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey
Some bottles of bourbon are meant for casual sipping. Others deserve a little more ceremony. Released in spring 2022, Old Fitzgerald’s 17-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon belongs firmly in the latter category. Produced by Heaven Hill, this limited-release wheated bourbon was distilled in fall 2004 and aged for 17 years before being bottled at 100 proof.
Expect a rich, complex profile with notes of vanilla, dark fruit, aged oak, and baking spices. The ornate glass decanter, complete with its distinctive green label, is nearly as impressive as the whiskey inside. Originally priced at $185, surviving bottles now command considerably more on the secondary market.
Price: $850
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