Ridiculously expensive. Ridiculously awesome.
Some things in life are worth paying a little extra for. Others cost more than your first car, your monthly mortgage payment, or possibly an entire year’s salary. Welcome to The Splurge, our new monthly collection of ridiculously expensive things we’d happily own if money were no object.
We’re talking beautifully engineered watches, outrageously expensive gadgets, handmade gear, luxury automobiles, and other objects that make absolutely no financial sense but are undeniably cool. No rankings, no budgets, and certainly no attempts to convince you that a five-figure wristwatch is a practical investment.
Just six extraordinary products this month that caught our attention, regardless of the price tag. Because sometimes the best part of shopping is simply imagining what you’d buy if you could.
Omega Speedmaster 38
The Omega Speedmaster has plenty of history behind it, but this latest 38mm version proves the legendary chronograph doesn’t need to be oversized to make an impression. Its stainless steel case surrounds a handsome silver dial with rounded subdials, Sedna Gold-tone hands and indexes, and a warm gray tachymeter bezel.
Inside, Omega’s self-winding Co-Axial Calibre 3330 delivers a 52-hour power reserve, while a stainless steel bracelet completes the package. It’s a more understated take on one of watchmaking’s most recognizable designs, and at $6,700, an expensive reminder that good things sometimes come in smaller packages.
Price: $6,700
YETI V Series Stainless Steel Cooler
Eight hundred dollars for a cooler sounds ridiculous until you see the YETI V Series. Inspired by vintage stainless steel ice chests, this 34-pound beast combines a kitchen-grade stainless steel exterior with vacuum-insulated panels on every side, including the lid. There’s room for 96 cans or 64 pounds of ice, along with cast aluminum hinges, a single-center latch, and a leakproof drain plug.
It’s built to keep drinks cold and look exceptionally good doing it. Sure, an ordinary cooler could handle your next backyard barbecue for considerably less money. But it wouldn’t look nearly as impressive sitting beside the grill.
Price: $800
Marantz Grand Horizon Wireless Speaker
Most wireless speakers are designed to disappear into the background. The Marantz Grand Horizon would rather be the centerpiece of your living room. Wrapped in seamless 360-degree fabric, this sculptural speaker houses eight drivers, including an eight-inch subwoofer, powered by Marantz’s proprietary Rise amplification technology.
Its peak output reaches 860 watts, while HEOS streaming, Bluetooth, and support for high-resolution audio provide plenty of ways to listen. The circular design is as much a piece of modern furniture as it is audio equipment. At $5,500, it’s an extravagant way to listen to your favorite playlist, but we’d happily clear some shelf space.
Price: $5,500
2027 Porsche 911 Turbo S
The Porsche 911 Turbo S has never been particularly interested in restraint, and the 2027 model takes things even further. Its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six works with an electrified powertrain to produce a combined 701 horsepower, launching the all-wheel-drive coupe from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 2.4 seconds.
Top speed? An even 200 mph. Despite those ridiculous numbers, the Turbo S retains the unmistakable silhouette that’s made the 911 an icon for decades. Starting at $270,300 before options, it’s essentially a quarter-million-dollar argument against buying a perfectly reasonable sports car.
Price: $270,300+
Old Forester 2017 Birthday Bourbon
Some bottles of bourbon are meant to be opened on special occasions. Others are so difficult to replace that simply owning one becomes an occasion in itself. Old Forester’s 2017 Birthday Bourbon belongs firmly in the latter category. Released as part of the distillery’s annual tribute to founder George Garvin Brown, this limited-edition Kentucky bourbon has become a coveted find among collectors.
Expect rich notes of caramel, oak spice, vanilla, and dark chocolate, along with a price tag that has climbed considerably since its original release. At nearly $1,400 for a 750ml bottle, it’s an expensive piece of bourbon history.
Price: $1,400
Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket
A great leather jacket should look even better ten years after you buy it, and Taylor Stitch’s Moto Jacket was built with exactly that in mind. Handmade in San Francisco by Golden Bear, this limited-edition version uses substantial 3.5-ounce full-grain steerhide in a rich Whiskey color that will soften and develop its own patina with wear.
Details include a Thinsulate-insulated lining, flannel-lined pockets, antique brass YKK zippers, and articulated shoulders for easier movement. The classic moto silhouette looks equally appropriate on a motorcycle or walking into your favorite bar. At $1,248, it’s certainly a splurge, but it’s one you could conceivably wear for decades.
Price: $1,248
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