The following article has been sponsored by Tudor

The Black Bay from Tudor has been one of the brand’s most popular creations in the last few years, harking back to its old-world charm of a true diver’s watch. Taking inspiration from the original model released in 1954, the latest timepiece has quickly become an icon in the watch world due to its fitting tribute to history.

Behind The Design

In 2016 the model is re-interpreted for a more formal look suited for slimmer wrists whilst retaining the faithful sporty and vintage aesthetics.

Available on a stainless steel bracelet or an aged leather strap, the Heritage Black Bay 36 is executed in a 36mm stainless steel case without the ‘shroud’ surrounding the crown as seen on modern models.

The dial is a gloss, inky black colour with marker and hands designs taken straight from the history books. More specifically they borrow their design codes from the first Tudor Submariners as well as the Submariners of the 70s. The final result is a truly distinctive tribute to this era.

Furthermore, the dial pays tribute to the past with the self-winding text curved at 6 o’clock mark – another throwback to Tudor Submariners of the 50s and 60s.

No matter which option a wearer chooses, included in the box is a camouflage fabric strap set in stormy grey – a sartorial alternative to the traditional aged leather or stainless steel bracelet to give the watch a younger and fresher appeal.

Inside The Black Bay

Housed inside the stainless steel case is the Tudor Calibre 2824, a reliable workhorse movement that will remain faithful and dependable for years to come. The movement affords the timepiece an hours, minutes and seconds counters on a black dial with a flat sapphire crystal face. Water resistance meanwhile is rated at 150 metres alongside a 38 hour power reserve to ensure sufficient diving capabilities.

Final Thoughts

The Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36 will easily remind enthusiasts of tool watches produced by the company from the 50s and 60s with its classic sizing and strap options.

Wrapping it on the wrist brings with it the feeling of being transported back into the past whilst making a strong tribute to the historical models of Tudor’s history. With every different strap the watch effortlessly takes on a different persona whether it be the bracelet adding formality to a watch and suit, or the aged leather playing a perfect match to the smart casual dress code.

The camouflage strap meanwhile acts as the ultimate blend of sartorial menswear and streetwear style, pairing perfectly with an unlined jacket, bomber or white tee with sneakers.

Our verdict? The Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36 is not only a tribute to the history of the brand but also the perfect accessory for the modern man who demands versatility, heritage roots and a fresh new approach to watch design in the world of timing.

Find out more about the Tudor Black Bay 36.

The post On The Wrist: A Closer Look At The Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d be familiar with the modern phenomenon that is Virtual Reality porn. Pornhub recently jumped on the virtual reality bandwagon with a free channel and headset giveaways, but a site called BaDoinkVR has taken it one step further with VR Porn Therapy.

Instead of focusing only on lifelike adult films and increased titillation, the BaDoinkVr ‘Virtual Sexology’ service aims to provide videos that have educational undertones to help you improve your performance between the sheets.

BaDoink’s VR Porn Therapy service was developed in collaboration with marriage and family therapist Hernando Chaves, who told The Guardian, “People can experience insecurity and stresses of being sexual with other partners…Virtual reality can help them feel more empowered and confident so that when they are in real situations they can decrease anxiety to get an erection or have one that lasts longer.”

According to BaDoinkVR’s CEO Todd Glider, the sex therapy service could tackle issues like premature ejaculation, impotence and fear of intimacy, but also sexual hang-ups that women face as well.

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The beach house: an abode many dream of owning when their app idea takes off or a they help a Nigerian prince out of a tricky financial situation.

Let’s say you manage to lay your hands on one of these coveted seaside spaces. The next step is to decorate it. And therein lies the problem. Unless your taste is naturally A-list, your new holiday home will look like a bomb of cliches went off. Before your know it, seashells and driftwood adorn every surface and a ring-shaped flotation device is hanging from a door. Don’t even get us started on the mass-produced, pastel-coloured pictures of sea life on the walls.

You and your beach house deserve better. While it’s not wrong to be inspired by your balmy locale, there’s no need to decorate your home like it’s going to a Little Mermaid themed masquerade. The oceanfront homes in this gallery range from artfully cluttered to cool and minimal, but all embrace their location with sophistication and style. One even brings the sand indoors.

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Public perception is often more powerful than facts. A nation’s reputation can influence everything from whether tourists want to visit to foreign policy decisions. A recent study by the Reputation Institute, a reputation management consulting firm, identified the world’s 10 most reputable countries right now. Scandinavia is 2016’s big winner.

RI’s ranking system is based on online surveys of 48,000 people within G8 countries. A nation’s overall perception was explored across 16 attributes, such as: is it a safe place to visit? Is it a beautiful country? Does it have friendly and welcoming residents? Does it enact progressive social and economic policies? Is it run by an effective government?

In all, the Reputation Institute evaluated 55 countries based on levels of trust, esteem, admiration, and respect. Seven of the top 10 countries are in Western Europe, with two in Australasia and one in North America.

The #1 nation took the top spot because it’s a “great place for families with 16 months of parental leave and free day care services,” according to RI. It also “invests in green living” and is “a safe country for women.” Other perks are its “favourable economic growth” and “high transparency in the media.” The “beautiful nature and fresh air” don’t hurt either.

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OMEGA is bringing a touch of timeless elegance to the Rio Olympic games this year with a cool new concept. OMEGA House is the watchmaker’s exclusive members-only club situated in a stunning building called Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim that is rich in bohemian history and culture.

Boasting world-class architecture is just a part of it, with the property taking in views of one of the world’s most famous beach in South America. Located amongst the palm trees of Ipanema, OMEGA House will feature individual rooms which will serve as a celebration of the Olympic Games alongside the celebrated chapters of OMEGA’s diverse story.

Guest of OMEGA House will be treated with a 9m waterfall alongside statued artwork alongside a golden timeline which explores the brand’s rich timekeeping history.

The Patio inside OMEGA House is where guests will get to kick back in Summer luxury likened to those of Miami, Ibiza or Mykonos. Most importantly the Patio will come with it own bar set below a giant screen playing all of the Olympic Games action live.

Thrillseekers after something different can head upstairs where OMEGA House takes a completely different form inspired by space exploration and the brand’s history in this endeavour. Guests can expect plush velvet sofas underneath a canopy of stars created using a succession of LEDs. OMEGA’s Moonwatches also grace the walls beginning with the vintage models through to modern ceramic timepieces.

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There’s fine dining and then there’s fine hawker dining. Chan Hon Meng owns the latter, one of just two humble food stalls in Singapore awarded with a coveted Michelin Star.

On the menu aren’t creations of gastronomical proportions though. Look beyond the hoards of people queuing up long before the store even opens and you’ll find Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, an eatery serving up the cheapest Michelin-starred food in the world – think starting from AU$2.50 and you’re on the mark.

RELATED: What You Should Eat To Make Your Brain Happy

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It’s not that Marc Jacobs isn’t a stylish guy. It’s just that when you’re famous for wacky tattoos, nude selfie scandals, and hosting a 10-person orgy (reviewed by the New York Post), you aren’t exactly expected to be subtle or restrained.

And yet, somehow, that’s exactly what Marc’s New York City townhouse is. Architectural Digest scored a rare peek inside the designer’s US$10 million home for its annual Style Issue. Against all odds, the space is sophisticated, warm, and impeccably curated – a nod to the famously chic Paris digs of Yves Saint Laurent.

Jacobs told the magazine that he wasn’t interested in conforming to a particular concept or look in designing his dream home. “I just want to live with things I genuinely love—great Art Deco furniture, pieces from the ’70s, and contemporary art,” he said. “But I didn’t want the house to feel like a pristine gallery or a Deco stage set—just something smart, sharp, and comfortable.”

His description couldn’t be more apt. Interior designers Thad Hayes, John Gachot, and Paul Fortune turned the raw space into an inviting home that exudes old-school elegance. The townhouse is layered with art and design masterpieces from names like John Currin and Alberto Giacometti. Vintage pieces are dotted around as objets d’art. Furniture ranges from vintage to custom-made.

Of course, this is Marc Jacobs we’re talking about – a man known for dating porn stars, wild after-parties, and an unabashed love of kilts – so it wouldn’t be right if there was nothing outrageous. AD reports that Jacobs would go to any lengths to procure precisely what he wanted in his home.

Take the pair of bronze monkeys by François-Xavier Lalanne that now take up residence in the designer’s bedroom. “I saw them in a picture in Vogue, and I became fixated. I had to have them,” he remembers. “I called Paul Kasmin Gallery, I called Sotheby’s, and eventually I called [art collector and Warhol superstar] Jane Holzer. She introduced me to the Lalannes in Paris, and she found me the monkeys.”

Similar stories explain other pieces in Jacobs’ prodigious collection, the most interesting of which may be a giant sculpture of Dopey from Paul McCarthy’s ‘White Snow’ series. “The only place we could park it was in the television room, which was basically finished at that point,” recalls Paul Fortune. “So we closed the street and craned the thing in through the back. You do what you have to do.”

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Cuba is a country of maddening, magical contradictions.

Step onto its shores and you’ll feel trapped in a time warp. Classic American cars rumble through the streets. Mystical babalawos offer glimpses into the future. Internet access is spotty, and expensive when you can find it. The weathered architecture has seen sturdier days, though each crumbling facade enchants in its own way.

Will you seek beyond those surface layers? Go deeper and you’ll enter a nation of rich history, abundant natural beauty, and exuberant culture. Meticulously preserved colonial towns stun with nostalgic beauty. Outside urban boarders, a landscape of mountains, forests, and white sand beaches awaits. Music and dance are eclectic, dynamic, diverse – with styles imported from Africa, Spain, Jamaica, and native Taíno tribes. Local rum and cigars are some of the finest to be found anywhere in the world.

It’s these vibrant dichotomies that make the Caribbean’s largest island such an intriguing place. With travel restrictions lessened, now is the time to visit – perhaps your last chance to see the country untouched by serious tourism. Read on for our guide to Cuba, a confounding, astonishing, endlessly fascinating addition to your bucket list.

Survive

If this is your first time travelling to the República de Cuba, you have questions. Is it safe? Do I need a visa? When should I go? Our digital guidebook begins with the basics you need to know to survive and thrive during your stay.

Visas

A tourist card (not to be confused with a visa) is required for travellers from most nations. The card is valid for 30 days, which can easily be extended once you’re in Cuba. Some airlines hand out free tourist cards en route. If yours does not, one can be purchased ahead of time from a travel agency or airline office.

Citizens of a handful of countries may visit Cuba with only the tourist card for up to 30, 60, or 90 days. For everyone else, a visa is required. Check with your consulate or embassy before making travel arrangements.

Timing

Cuba’s high seasons run from November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier, and July to August. April and October are transitional times, when speacial off-peak deals may be found. May, June, and September to November are the least popular times for travel to Cuba, due to the higher risk of rain and hurricanes. Some resorts offer fewer facilities during these months, and others shut down altogether.

Money Matters

Cuba has two currencies, convertibles (CUC) and pesos (CUP). At the time of writing, 1 CUC is worth 26.5 CUP. Non-Cubans deal almost exclusively in convertibles, while locals stick to pesos. Changing Cuban currency can only be done in Cuba.

Right now you’re thinking, “That’s confusing. I’ll just use credit cards instead”. Think again. While the country is making moves to be more plastic-friendly, it’s still nearly a 100% cash economy. And make sure you keep a stash of that cash on hand for tipping. Tipping is an extremely important practice in Cuba, so do so liberally. Be sure to tip in CUC, when even a small amount makes a large difference to a local who earns in CUP.

Health

Travellers generally have no serious health concerns when staying in Cuba, as long as they avoid drinking tap water. All foreign visitors are required to have medical insurance in order to enter the country and may be asked to show proof of coverage upon arrival.

Internet

Access to the World Wide Web is notoriously hard to come by in Cuba. Higher-end hotels may have wi-fi and you’ll find the occasional internet cafe, but the connection will likely be slow and come at a steep cost. Consider it encouragement to take that digital detox you’ve been putting off.

Stay

If those details don’t have you thinking twice, a Cuban adventure could be in the cards. The question is, where will that adventure take you?

As the largest and second-most populous island in the Caribbean, there is much to choose from. Cuba’s cities offer art, architecture, music, museums, and monuments. Immersed in the nation’s nature, there are opportunities for trekking, bird watching, tobacco plantation tours, scuba diving, and other watersports.

The country’s lively capital is most visitors’ first stop. Havana is energetic, provocative, and colourful, a microcosm of what’s in store elsewhere on the island. Many of Cuba’s main attractions are concentrated in the provinces to the immediate east and west of Havana, making it an easy home base for tourists.

For nature, head to prehistoric Viñales Valley. Many a jaw has been dropped by the lush agricultural region’s striking topography and atmosphere of serenity. Here you can marvel at the immense hills called mogotes, venture into a cave system, walk through a tobacco plantation, or simply experience a slice of everyday life in rural Cuba.

An entirely different experience is on offer at Veradero, the country’s premier holiday destination. Some call it a picture-perfect seaside paradise; others decry it as a characterless, un-Cuban tourist trap. Your mileage may vary, but if it’s a high-profile resort and 25km of blanched sand you’re looking for, Veradero is the place to be.

Trinidad is a must for history buffs. The small colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is teeming with reminders of the island’s past. Centuries of architecture – from restored mansions to pastel-painted houses to manicured plazas – are on display along cobblestone roads. In these anachronistic streets, you’ll run into more horse-drawn carts than cars.

Other destinations of note include elegant Cienfuegos, spirited Santiago, and Camagüey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that fully merits the honour.

Eat

Cuba’s revolutionary history is well-known. It’s culinary revolution, however, has largely flown under the radar. Recent years have seen an explosion of the country’s food culture. Ingredients are easier to find, professional standards are up, and the government has loosened its tough regulations on the restaurant industry. The results bode well for the future of Cuban cuisine.

Your best bets for inviting eating experiences are the paladares and casas particulares. The latter are homestays run by residents who rent rooms or full apartments to tourists. Like a bed and breakfast, a casa particular often serves breakfast as part of the rental price and other meals for additional fees. With any luck, your host will be a whiz in the kitchen and can whip up Michelin-worthy versions of local fare.

Paladares are Cuba’s intimate, in-home restaurants. The phenomenon sounds odd to an outsiders, but paladares are legal, plentiful, and frequently serve the island’s tastiest food. Expect to encounter a range of experiences. Paladares vary widely in ambiance, structure, clientele, cuisine, and food quality. Still, they’re a firm favourite with tourists and locals alike, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without trying your luck at one of their tables.

See

Cuba’s abundant delights bewitch first-time tourists and continue to thrill repeat visitors. From colonial architecture and vintage autos, to fecund forests, to historical sites, to sublime beaches, to pulsing Afro-Cuban clubs, to colourful festivals and world-class cigars, travellers don’t run short on options on the island.

Any of the cities mentioned earlier is worth a visit. Each posseses its own charms and challenges, with sights and activities to please a variety of tastes. As to more specific destinations that are worth your while, popular options for your itinerary include:

• Capitolio Nacional (Havana)
• Hotel Nacional de Cuba (Havana)
• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Havana)
• Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón (Havana)
• Malecon (Havana)
• Plaza Vieja (Havana)
• Habana Vieja (Havana)
• Finca Vigía (San Francisco de Paula)
• Che Guevara Mausoleum (Santa Clara)
• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla (Regla)
• Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro (Santiago)
• Presidio Modelo (Isla de la Juventud)
• Comandancia de la Plata (Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra)

Play

Amidst the country’s sobering reminders of revolution, inadequate internet, and notoriously lengthy queues (think 30+ minutes for a 4-cent scoop of ice cream), you may forget a crucial piece of the puzzle: Cuba is fun.

The vivacious island nation overflows with memorable characters and stunning scenery. Those seeking respite can relax on one of its dreamy stretches of powdery, bone-white sand. Those seeking adventure can explore the Viñales Valley, trek up Pico Turquino, or venture into the untouched swampy wilderness of the Península de Zapata,

If it’s action you want, Cuba offers biking, hiking, diving, horseback riding, and… baseball? Yes, the Great American Pastime is wildly popular in Cuba, where the domestic league consistently draws enthusiastic crowds to its games.

A country with this much spirit would be lost without its music, dance, and celebrations. Cuba has all three in abundance. While you won’t find the mammoth nightclubs or gritty dive bars popular in other places, you’ll won’t lack for chances to try your hand at singing or salsa. Popular events include the Havana Cigar Festival and Carnival in Santiago. Kitschy cabarets and flamboyant drag shows are favourites for more small-scale entertainments. Live music is never hard to find, nor is someone willing to instruct you in the steamy art of Cuban dance.

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There’s much to consider when compiling a list of the ten most rewarding cars to drive for under $5,000. For starters, vehicles in this price bracket aren’t exactly bulletproof. Treated with absolute care and some polish however and it can lead to one of life’s most memorable drives without having to break the bank.

From convertibles to classics to hot hatches and precision German engineering, these are the seven best affordable cars that continue to slip under the radar as the most rewarding to drive.

1991 Porsche 944

Sporting a Porsche silhouette like no other in its glorious history, the 944 was built from 1982 to 1991 off the earlier 924 chassis. It was also one of the only models not to use the Stuttgart company’s revered boxer engine powerplant, instead opting for a variation of 2.5-litre to 3.0-litre in-line four cylinder engines in both naturally aspirated (208hp) and turbo (247hp) formats during its life cycle. Between 1982 and 1991 the 944 model was Porsche’s most successful car before the Boxster and 997 Carrera took over the reigns. To this day there are still die hard fans of this unique Porsche design which breaks all the rules without breaking the bank. It also looks pretty damn cool too.

1998 Jeep Wrangler

Rewarding doesn’t have to mean staying on the beaten track. The Jeep Wrangler name has forged itself a solid reputation ever since WW2 where it was used as a compact and robust work horse with the versatility of a Swiss Army knife. The modern Jeep Wrangler is obviously more refined but it still somewhat carries the adventurous DNA of its ancestors. The 1998 model is specifically unique as it falls just after the 1997 model update that revives the famous retro looks with a slatted grille, flat panels, open guards, cutaway doors and a foldable windscreen that sit flat. It mightn’t be dodging gunfire around town but it still turns heads in Summer with its cool colour options, the exposed roll bars and surfboards strapped to the roof.

1989 Mazda RX-7 FC3S

A highly respected cult car of Japan which brought rotary power to the masses, the RX-7 FC3S hails from the lightweight turbo era of highly tuneable performance cars. This particular model of the famed RX-7 line was produced between 1985 and 1991 and powered by a 1.3-litre Wankel rotary engine which delivered 215hp to the rear wheels in stock guise. Given the car’s lightweight design and sharp and balanced chassis, it served as a perfect platform for the purveyors of racing and tackling fast twisty roads. The FC3S is no doubt getting on a bit so finding a good one at the right price will probably mean settling for a straight-bodied one requiring an engine rebuild (common in rotary engines). If you can live with the excessive fuel consumption and intoxicating rotary noise then this is your unicorn.

1997 BMW Z3

Made famous by James Bond in Golden Eye, the BMW Z3 roadster was well received for its bold styling on its debut, but universally panned for its sluggish 1.9-litre four cylinder engine which made it a speck in the mirror when compared to true roadsters like the MX-5. Thankfully the Bavarian company wised up quickly enough to drop in a larger 2.8-litre and later 3.0-litre six cylinder engine to give it 142kW and 170kW respectively. This was enough to warm over the grunt issue but by then the Z3 had already earned itself the reputation of a soft roader built more for coffee runs in the city than the twisties of the mountains. That’s a good thing as the six cylinder variants have now dropped to an affordable price point for those looking for something a little different that still turns heads.

2004 Honda Integra Type S

When Honda decided to let their revered Integra grow up in 2004, they dropped the boy racer act of the Type R variant (more power, body kit, lighter weight and stiffer suspension) for something a little more refined. They called this the Type S. The change caused uproar amongst weekend racing enthusiasts but as early adopters soon found out, it was still just as involving to drive. It was notably less raw than the Type R and acted as a mature driver’s car designed to cut through corners whilst staying composed. The Japanese front-wheel drive coupe would eventually earn its stars from a razor sharp chassis paired with a high-revving 2.0-litre four cylinder engine that made it a pleasure to take through the twisties with an 8,500rpm redline, 154kW of power and 194Nm of torque. Easily one of the most reliable cars on the list, the Integra Type S is a bargain buy today which continues to offer an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.

1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 W114

For lovers of vintage luxury rides from Europe, the Mercedes-Benz W114 proves as a decorated vehicle which showcases the German engineering of Daimler-Benz. This unique model was the first car that the company engineered in the post-war period so it received sufficient attention in the power and design department. It was also a true milestone vehicle which proved that the manufacturer would forge ahead even after the debilitating bombings of the time.

1990 Mazda MX-5

Made for the driving purist, the MX-5 simultaneously earned the ‘hairdresser’s car’ tag and wore it with pride throughout the decades.

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