ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY LEATHER

We may have lost many old companies producing high quality, traditional British lines but thankfully there are new young ones always emerging, equally dedicted to the craftsmanship of the old.

One such is Cherchbi, producing contemporary designs in leather goods and accessories made to the highest of British standards. Launched just a year ago in the beautiful Lake District, it sprung from founder Adam Atkinson’s fascination with Britain's design and manufacturing heritage, and “in reaction to the quality and environmental impact of mass production”, he explained.

Using the best natural raw materials, including English vegetable tanned leather, Scottish wool tweed, cotton canvas, pure silk, solid brass and pewter, the company aims to produce ethical and environmentally friendly goods, all made entirely in Britain.  

Many of the materials used are local and all are sustainable or can be recycled. There are scarves made in Macclesfield silk, and key rings made from a lost-wax cast in England of solid brass. There’s an attention to details and finish that smacks of the old, but with updated designs.

Its luxury with a moral base. The name Cherchbi, incidentally, is from the ancient English word meaning ‘by the church’. www.cherchbi.com

At top, one of Cherchbi's bags, their Reporter satchel, in textured, full-grain British leather, chestnut coloured and with solid brass trims, it is priced at £295. Belt is in waxed British saddle leather with a matt finish, hand stitched, with brass or pewter buckle, £98.

DATE-STAMPED HEIRLOOMS ON THE CUFF

Bespoke male jewellery with an individual touch is created by another new-ish company grounded in craftsmanship and quality, Chambers & Beau.

Amy Elson has won many awards and designed for major brands, and launched her own collection in 2008 under the Chambers & Beau label. It was inspired by a "desire to create heirloom quality personalised jewellery that celebrates life", she told us.Her silver cuff links may be hand stamped with names, dates, words or messages to give an exclusive design. www.chambersandbeau.com

In addition to cuff links, there are also silver shirt collar stiffeners (left) and key rings, as well as a variety of jewellery pieces for women. The collar stiffeners are £75.

See also SR Collection for a pair of the exclusive links.

THE BEST OF TIMES

AT WATCH auctions, Lange's 1999 limited edition pieces of their 1815 Moonphase may fetch three times their original price. Now, there are fresh horological developments to covet from this master watchmaker, in a collection to mark its 165th year.

This trilogy includes the Tourbograph “Pour le Mérite”, the Lange 1 Tourbillon, and the 1815 Moonphase. These now come in a case metal developed exclusively for Lange. With a Vickers hardness of over 300, the 18-carat honey-coloured gold is about twice as hard as other gold alloys.

They are the latest in a long line of watches with exceptional complications from this German watch company, founded in 1845.

Here, the Moonphase watch , in a limited edition of 265 worldwide. With a guilloched solid-gold dial and sunburst finish on its three-quarter plate, it is sure to become another collector's piece. Price around £16,200. www.lange-soehne.com