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Style + Tech = Ray-Ban Shama Shade

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Behold the first-ever content series between Digital Trends and The Manual. The Bromance has begun. Since there are a plethora of brands out there melding style and technology, we thought we would take this opportunity to profile one item per week for the month of October, breaking them down and offering each of our unique takes on their tech and style components.

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For the whole series, click here; for the most recent gazillion dollar idea that you forget to come up with, read on … 

the-manual-logo-dkThe Manual:

Now here is one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” products. Sayalee Kaluskar, an advertising wunderkind in India, had the genius idea of harnessing solar power through sunglasses to charge a phone. Google Glass should really take note because Sayalee’s glasses don’t make you look like an absolute idiot. Wisely, she is working with Ray-Ban on this concept.

The idea is simple: The arms of the standard-issue (and classic) Ray Ban Wayfarer have been hacked to carry photovoltaic cells wired to a battery hidden within the plastic. The cells charge the battery while you’re wearing your glasses in the sun, and when you head inside the arms pop off to reveal a microUSB or Lightening connector that plug into your phone and give its battery a shot of juice. Brilliant!

We are thrilled that this wonderful woman is alive and creating remarkable, energy-saving devices whilst keeping style in mind. But we’re more thrilled that she’s made sunglasses even less likely to be worn indoors, because that is as lame as it gets. The 80s are over people.

dt-logoDigital Trends:

We couldn’t agree more with The Manual, except for the part about the 80s being over. We don’t care what you say, The Manual! Our “Where’s The Beef?” Tshirt is cool! It was originally cool, then it wasn’t, but now it’s retro cool again. We know, because we asked Brooklyn.

Wearable tech may be all the rage, but as long as the manufactures of this stuff think that a postmodern cyborg aesthetic is wearable by anyone other than Google’s first few thousand Glassholes, it’s not going to get very far. When it comes to fashion and tech, the fashion has to come first because, frankly, the tech can’t be left to its own devices when comes to fashion.

All the bells and whistles in the world won’t amount anything more than bells and whistles if they’re hanging off something no one in their right mind would be caught wearing. Fortunately, everyone looks cool in Wayfarers.

The Manual
The Manual is simple — we show men how to live a life that is more engaged. Whether it be fashion, food, drink, travel…
Get new Ray-Ban sunglasses at 42% off with this deal
The Ray-Ban Aviator Small Classic sunglasses on a white background.

If you're planning to buy new sunglasses, you should definitely consider Ray-Bans. The brand's popularity is only limited by its premium prices, but you can currently get some Ray-Ban Aviators with a 42% discount from Jomashop. From $191, they're all the way down to a more affordable $110. We're not sure how much time is remaining for you to grab the $81 in savings though, so you need to act fast and push forward with your purchase immediately if you want to get these sunglasses at nearly half-price.

Why you should buy the Ray-Ban Aviator Small sunglasses

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Blancpain completes Fifty Fathoms collection with versatile 38mm additions
Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms collection spans 38-45mm for every wrist preference
Fifty Fathoms collection 38mm additions

Blancpain finishes the Fifty Fathoms Automatique collection with new 38mm pieces, creating a full three-size line for every wrist. After releasing the mother-of-pearl dégradé models in petal pink and smoky black, the company now offers classic 38mm options in stainless steel, grade 23 titanium, and 18-carat red gold, with blue or black sunburst dials.
The introduction of the 38mm model marks a notable shift for Blancpain’s dive watch, which began in 1953 under CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter. The first Fifty Fathoms set the standard for professional dive watches—featuring a locking rotating bezel, improved water resistance, a luminous and high-contrast dial, automatic winding, and anti-magnetic protection. These features remain important today.
Blancpain says, “This isn’t simply a scaled-down version,” about the new size. The company carefully designed the 38mm case to achieve balance, harmony, and presence on all wrist sizes, bringing new options while keeping the classic Fifty Fathoms look.
Market response shows the wide appeal of this format, moving beyond old gender limits. Demand is high among women who want sporty, well-made watches for smaller wrists, and the 38mm size also attracts men who prefer smaller, lighter cases. This fits with Blancpain’s idea of making “a line for everyone” instead of products for specific genders.
The Blancpain Manufacture Caliber 1150 demonstrates strong technical skill. It beats at 3Hz and offers a 100-hour power reserve. The movement, which winds automatically, features a silicon balance spring for improved anti-magnetic performance. A sapphire crystal caseback reveals the fine finishing, including an 18-carat gold rotor with NAC coating, inspired by the 1953 watch.
The expanded collection now forms a clear family structure with 38mm, 42mm, and 45mm choices, ensuring the right size for different tastes and wrists. This broader approach reflects today’s market needs for sizing that includes everyone and goes beyond outdated gender ideas.
Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment (BOC) continues to support ocean exploration projects, connecting the brand’s watchmaking history with modern environmental awareness. The Fifty Fathoms story now goes beyond just telling time, extending to ocean conservation.
With three sizes now available, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique achieves Blancpain’s aim of making the collection accessible to all, while also honoring seventy years of dive watch progress. The collection shows how respected designs can evolve with smart sizing without losing technical skill or good looks.
This completion makes the Fifty Fathoms a truly complete dive watch family. Its definition no longer comes from wrist size limits but from its inclusive approach to luxury sports watch ownership.

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Fellows auction spotlights platinum Rolex Daytona among 464 coveted timepieces
Auction spotlight: Fellows presents platinum rolex daytona with ice blue dial
Fellows rolex daytona spotlight

Fellows offers its latest online watch auction at 10 AM BST on Thursday, June 26. The auction features 464 selected timepieces, and a platinum Rolex Daytona with an ice blue dial stands out. This 40mm watch, listed as Lot 194, is estimated at about $74,000–$101,000. It gives collectors a chance to acquire a highly sought-after watch.
The platinum Daytona has small recorder dials at three, six, and nine o'clock, keeping the classic look that has defined the model since it began. It comes with its original box and papers. This example represents Rolex’s best chronograph watches, combining a precious metal case with the brand’s iconic race-inspired design.
Platinum Daytonas are important to collectors because Rolex produces very few of them, and they feature the special ice blue dial. Rolex uses this color combination only for its platinum watches, making it a unique feature. Along with the Daytona’s fame in car racing and popular culture, this often leads to strong auction results worldwide.
The auction includes much more than just the Daytona. There are watches from Omega, Cartier, Breitling, and other Rolex models, covering a range of styles and periods. Lot 198 is a Rolex "Batman" GMT-Master II, estimated at $8,000–$11,000. Lot 210 is a Rolex Day-Date, with an estimate between $27,000–$41,000.
Modern luxury sports watches are also featured. Lot 116 is an IWC Pilot Top Gun, estimated at $6,700–$11,000, showing the strong market demand for aviation-inspired pieces. Lot 110 is a Hublot Big Bang, estimated at $5,400–$8,000, demonstrating the auction’s reach across both classic and contemporary luxury segments.
Fellows’ online format allows collectors from around the world to participate. People can request online viewings, which has become an important part of luxury watch auctions, allowing collectors to take part even if they cannot attend in person. It also ensures the careful inspection needed for high-value watches.
The June 26 sale comes at a good time in the summer auction calendar, as collector activity often increases before the main international sales in autumn. With prices ranging from accessible luxury watches around $5,000 to six-figure special pieces, the auction appeals to a wide range of collectors.
With 464 lots spanning vintage classics to modern luxury, Fellows’ latest auction highlights the ongoing strength of the pre-owned luxury watch market and offers collectors opportunities at many price points and in various collecting areas.

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