Since its introduction the Dalvey Compass has been popular around the world, and undergone several iterations. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of engraving thousands of compasses with beautiful (and occasionally very funny) messages. Widely regarded as a perfect symbolic gift, people have given Dalvey Compasses on significant occasions - major junctures such as graduations, weddings, or really any occasion in which the recipient is making a positive move forwards in life.

The gesture is a meaningful one. Often the inscriptions we engrave will contain injunctions to follow the right path, or to remember to draw on the support of a distant loved one.

Mindful of our customers’ appreciation of the range, we’ve been working for some time to introduce what we consider to be the finest compasses we’ve ever made. We’re now very excited to be launching what’s been dubbed, internally, “the apotheosis of the Dalvey Compass”.

Voyager Compass | Black & Orange

Drawing on design skills and manufacturing techniques developed over years of work in areas as diverse as wrist and pocket watches, cufflinks, and engineered desk accessories, we’ve combined vibrant, intricate, luxury-watch-standard dials with mirror-polished, precision-engineered stainless steel casings and liquid-filled compasses to produce an exceptional collection of unique and varied characters.

The original and classic Voyager Compass, with its unique pull-pommel catch, tactile shape, and iconic design, has been updated with five different variants:

White & Red  |  Black & Orange  |  Turquoise  |  White MOP  |  Blue MOP

A cool, classic white ground that has a rich, satin appeal, accented by the traditional red-tipped needle and subtle details at the cardinal points.

An intricately textured black dial with mirror-polished detailing in the compass rose and increments, and echoes of the striking orange needle in subtle details at the cardinal points. A stylish, masculine piece that draws on a signature Dalvey colour combination (see our Salamander Torque wristwatch, or Continental Wallet).

A vibrant, richly coloured turquoise that both recalls and electrifies classic shades such as duck-egg and verdigris in a captivating finish.

A combination of intricate texturing, iridescent white mother-of-pearl, and mirror-polished detailing in the compass rose and increments - with a lustrous blue-tipped needle and cardinal increments.

A striking blue mother-of-pearl that’s like a captured storm: vibrant, moody, tempestuous and beautiful, articulated with a naval-looking gold needle.

Grand Voyager Compass | White Mother-of-pearl & Blue

At the real pinnacle of the range are the Grand Voyagers, featuring their characteristic deep-engraved cases and half-hunter-style windowed coverings.

Dalvey Flask with Compass | Blue Mother-of-pearl & Gold

Finally, we’ve updated the Dalvey Flask with Compass - a popular style that’s an exceptional gift (often bought for grooms, best men, or ushers - an ideal wedding gift), and a pleasing combination of two of our most iconic designs.

We’re excited about this launch, and can’t wait to hear our customers’ feedback. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to let us know which styles are your favourites, or to get some advice on the range and the suitability of different styles for different occassions - at [email protected], over the phone (+44 1349 884111), or via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

All the best

Neil

Our pocket watches have always been popular, and given our interest in precision engineering and men’s style, it was perhaps unsurprising that we decided to revive the “Albert”. Albert pocket watch chains were popular in the 19th century; Queen Victoria’s husband was particularly keen on them - hence the name.

Prince Albert (1819–1861),

husband and consort of Queen Victoria

The designation of what constitutes an “Albert” is fairly loose these days. Some use the term to refer to more or less any pocket watch chain, though in general, an “Albert chain” describes a typical pocket watch chain that has a “drop” - a small additional section of chain descending from the T-bar that attaches to a waistcoat (or jacket lapel). This short length of chain terminates in some kind of adornment, normally referred to as a “fob”. Historically, these were sometimes badges of affiliation of some form or other (family, military, club, or university crests), though the most common variety would probably have been purely ornamental.

Albert pocket watch chains

popular in the 19th century

“Double Alberts” have two full-length chains, meeting at the T-bar, from where the drop descends. People are often puzzled by double Alberts: what does the second chain attach to? Traditionally, one chain would attach to the watch, while the second would link to a “sovereign case” (a small case for large value coins), a case for matches, a locket, or a small smoking knife (for hacking at the residual tobacco build-up in your pipe).

Alberts look fantastic. They to add a small note of exuberant detail to an outfit, and somehow seem to communicate its completeness: you really look like you’ve got to grips with how you want to appear to the rest of civilisation when a beautifully tailored ensemble has the terminal punctuation of a small, neat, but eye-catching Albert.

Having that additional “drop” seems to accentuate the elegance of the main drape of the watch chain, as you have an immediate contrast between the gentle curve and the vertical descent. Visually tracking them is a bit like following the last gesticulations of an orchestra conductor: slow swell up before final, satisfying drop.

Dalvey Albert with Mother of Pearl fob.

Rear can be personalised by engraving.

Our Albert fobs spin in their cradles with a fluidity that’s so satisfying as to be almost precariously absorbing for the obsessive fiddler. In fact, were their status as the cherry atop the cake of dapper insufficient to persuade you of their value, consider the scope for Alberts to be pressed into service as ersatz aids to meditation, boredom-mitigation, or even smoking cessation.

All the best

Neil

After our last post we found ourselves in discussions around wedding themes, colours, and how best to navigate this dangerous territory. If you find yourself preparing for a wedding - or perhaps witnessing a wedding preparing itself mysteriously around you - chances are you’ll have come across the notion of wedding colours.

You may not have given the subject much thought. In fact it’s quite possible that the considerable consternation surrounding bridesmaids’ dresses managed to pass you by - or was even conflated, murkily, with other recent swatch-ridden topics, such as that of the appropriate shade for the new hallway carpet.

We put this post together in the hope of affording some conscientious men the chance to not only keep step with the chromatics of their upcoming nuptials, but to go so far as to coordinate their details, gifts, and finishing touches with the tones, hues, and shades of the day.

CHALLENGE: feign to snooze through crosstalk of colour-concerns, only to astonish your betrothed with perfectly colour-coordinated accessories and gifts for the groom’s party.

Of course weddings are an opportunity for friends and family to come together in celebration of the couple, and as such colour-coordination can help make the event more communal - stirring up tribal loyalties, and affording some pleasing photo ops. This is as true of the groom’s party as it is of the bride’s: coordinated <pocket squares, or a set of flasks, each with the respective initials of the ushers, father-of-the-bride, groom and best man, will help to forge the esprit de corps that’ll get you through the day.

When one of my childhood friends was married a couple of years ago (in the Highlands, not far from our factory), I organised flasks for the groom’s party - each engraved with a respective childhood nickname. The groom’s dutiful brother filled these with whisky so assiduously that it turned out to be a success - though was judged slightly less so the following day.

Good luck making your selections, and as always, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any assistance: [email protected].

All the best,

Neil

If you’ve ever been involved in organising a wedding you’ll know that it’s a task that can strain the nerves of all but the most unflappable. Lists proliferate. Colours are considered, decided upon, abandoned. Hypothetical guests shuffle between hypothetical tables in an effortful dance of determined decorum…

After the dress, venue, cake, flowers, composition of the wedding party, and dreaded table plans have all been put to their anxious beds, you probably won’t find an overabundance of time and energy to direct towards a few important details: namely the finishing touches to the groom and his party.

This is where we’re uniquely poised to help; this post has been put together with the express intention of de-stressing your preparations. Forgotten about the Father of the Bride? We can cover that. Need something that ushers will actually thank you for? We can sort you out. Want to coordinate your cufflinks and pocket squares with bridesmaids dresses? Consider it done - provided the bride can settle on a colour.

Full Hunter Pocket Watches

The Groom

Brides traditionally present their grooms with a gift prior to the big event, and many have opted for Dalvey Compasses, with their symbolic resonance of guidance afforded by a true north — or Pocket Watches, with their implicit allusion to standing the test of time. Both are ideally suited to being personalised with a special message, and a good proportion of the pocket watches and compasses we engrave in our factory leave the building with an enduring and carefully considered sentiment.

Grand Voyager Compass   |   Compact Flask  |   Pocket Watch & Albert

It’s probably safe to say that a groom will want to look his best on the big day, and no doubt a suit’s been arranged, but accessories are often overlooked until the eleventh hour. For mnemonic simplicity I recommend scanning from the feet up. Socks? Belt? Handkerchief? Cufflinks? Pocket square? Tie? Sunglasses?

Best Man

He’s given you alcohol poisoning and some blackmail-worthy photographs of a person resembling yourself on the Stag Night. He’s about to roast you in a speech delivered to your closest friends and family members. Why wouldn’t you want to get him something special?

Really, your Best Man will be backing you up and helping you throughout the day. He’ll be commanding the ushers/groomsmen, and doing his best to tackle the last-minute logistical mishaps that are bound to arise. It’s a privileged position, and one that most guys take pretty seriously. It’s also a position befitting an appropriate level of gratitude from the groom. A wrist watch makes an ideal Best Man’s gift: at once making him think twice about the rudest passages in his speech, and assisting in his efforts to keep everything running on time.

Torque Money Clip   |   Pocket Square  |   Torque Wrist Watch

Ushers / Groomsmen

Your retinue of assistants will be invaluable in shepherding the crowd. They’re the guys who will, perhaps forcibly, urge Uncle Fred to discontinue the diatribe he’s delivering to an unsuspecting fellow guest and move towards his table in time for the speeches.

To guarantee an indomitable esprit de corps, I recommend a Dalvey flask for each - engraved with their respective initials. A badge of honour, a recognition of their efforts, an emergency tonic in times of heightened stress or boredom. There’s also nothing quite like the bonding experience of huddling around a tremulous bottle of Single Malt while each man loads his flask - preparing for any eventuality.

Torque Cufflinks   |   Classic Flask  |   Card Case & Money Clip

Other ideas sure to be appreciated are money clips, card-holder-money-clips, cufflinks, or pocket watches (the open face style works well for ushers). Whatever you go for, try to pick something that’ll endure, and ideally something that can be engraved with respective initials, or the date of the big day.

The Father of The Bride

Easy to forget though not to be forgotten under any circumstances, the Father of the Bride needs to be kept on-side. He’s giving you your bride - it only seems fair to give him something he’ll appreciate. My own recommendations are: a Skeletal Pocket Watch with Stand, an impressive pair of cufflinks, or a Classic Flask.

Voyager Clock   |   Skeletal Pocket Watch  |   Desk Globe

I hope the above proves helpful! If you’re in doubt, re-thinking your colours, or descending into the murky depths of panic, give us a call on +44 1349 884 111, or write to us at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to set you right.

All the best,

Neil

Each of our Slim Fit Shirts is designed as a unique product. We don’t simply develop fabrics and apply uniformly to a block – we craft each unique shirt, adding depth to the overall impression through the application of key accents and contrast features. These shirts are versatile: perfect for wearing with a suit, or in less formal outfits, but strong enough to be worn in isolation. In fact they work very well as transition pieces: remove the tie and unbutton to expose contrast details in the inner collar and placket, achieving an impression of layered style that looks less like you’ve stumbled out of the office, and more like you’re dressed perfectly for wherever you need to be.

This season we’ve worked on refining elements of classic British style, drawing on well-loved design elements and reconfiguring them for a subtler, smarter, more contemporary look. Bruce, for instance, takes the classic dimensions of the windowpane check, and reduces the scale to achieve something smarter, more understated, and somehow more dignified.

Bruce

Caird proceeds from the classic Tattersall – a staple of the country gentleman’s wardrobe – but renders it in cool blue and navy (as opposed to more traditional browns and greens), on a micro-twill weave, and a at a much-reduced scale. These changes give the fabric an urban, contemporary feel, while the predominance of white and the proportions of the Tattersall pattern allow it to recall the classic British stylistic elements from which it was inspired.

Caird

In Cattanach we’ve created a super-subtle Glen Urquhart or Prince of Wales check, rendered in white and near-navy.  This shirt has some of the relaxed appeal of chambray, while being considerably more formal: an effect produced as the emergent softness - or almost chalky, casual feel - is constrained within the formal geometry of the complex check weave.

Cattanach   |   Donachie   |   Cassels

Donachie revises the classic herringbone.  Herringbone weaves can sometimes have a tendency to produce a loose, overly soft drape after laundering several times.  Donachie’s super-fine herringbone is constructed on a scale and with a tension that allows it to avoid this issue.  In another attempt to improve on the more traditional herringbone, the small repeat scale of the fabric’s pattern help to give the shirt a more understated, restrained, impression, as the herringbone is lending textural richness to a mid-to-sky-blue – as opposed to foregrounding the pattern itself.

Cattanach   |   Donachie   |   Alexander   |   Carson

Alexander and Carson, too, take the classic houndstooth and, respectively, shrink and refine it. The interlocking white and mid-blue of Alexander’s puppytooth create a satisfyingly bold but contained contrast; Carson features a crisp and striking dobby weave composed of micro-chevron repeats. It’s a fabric in which the almost-navy and white elements contrast strongly, allowing it to have that visually arresting “pop”, while the scale of their interaction is such as to keep things relatively understated.

As usual, we’ve favoured micro-twills over poplins for their superior drape, enhanced opacity, and greater textural depth. Cowan combines a crisp white micro-twill with the lively but tasteful addition of blue and navy Tattersall contrasts in the inner cuffs, inner collar-band and inner placket.

<Cowan   |   Donaldson   |   Crerar

When designing with pink it’s important to get the hue and saturation right.  Too strong, and too much red, and you end up with something too “piggy”; too little colour, and too much blue tonality, and you end up with something that’s so cold as to no longer be pink.  The fabric of the Donaldson shirt gets the balance just right, and its execution on a super-fine twill guarantees that satisfying drape and opacity.

Donaldson

I hope you like our latest range, and find styles that work for you. As always, please send us any comments, addressed to [email protected]. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

All the best, Neil

Men’s gifts can be notoriously tricky to get right, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Too much? Too little? Right style? Personal enough? Too personal? We thought we’d help you out with a few suggestions and guidelines…

Small and simple

For a small but thoughtful gift that’ll be used frequently, consider a money clip. You can have it engraved with a name, initials, or a message, and don’t need to worry too much about whether or not it’ll suit his personal style. If you’re pretty confident that you know what’ll go with his outfits, consider a card-holder-money-clip: this can also be engraved and is sure to be appreciated if he could do with slimming down his wallet.

Torque Money Clip  |  Continental Wallet  |  Voyager Money Clip  |  Insignia Wallet

Apparel accessories like socks and ties work too, though a pocket square’s particularly good: bright, graphic, and supremely fun. Take note of the colours he favours and see if you could add an exciting accent to one of his favourite ensembles.

Something special

If he likes the outdoors, sporting events, and a good single malt whisky, you can’t go wrong with an iconic Dalvey flask: the ideal gift for the modern gentleman. Perfect for engraving a personal message, it’s a great gift as it’s something to be used on fun occasions: weddings, matches, assorted adventures!

Classic Flask  |  Compact Flask

Shaving articles have the advantage of being used every day. We’ve tried to ensure that our shaving collection helps to elevate a quotidian activity into something enjoyable – why not start the day feeling good as you prepare to face the world? For smaller gestures our Artisan razors are great; for something more substantial, go with a shaving set, complete with razor, brush and stand.

Artisan Razors  |  Classic Shaving Set

Something really special

If you’re feeling especially appreciative of the man in your life, consider a beautiful timepiece. Our latest collection of wrist watches is bold, masculine and stylish, combining classic gentlemen’s style with design-led contemporary detailing. If you’re confident in getting the style right the gift will be hugely appreciated – any doubts, get in touch with us at [email protected], or

+44 1349 884 111: we’ll be delighted to try to take some of the angst away!

Nocturna  |  Voyager  |  Salamander |  Caelus

Good luck, and all the best,

Neil

The Torque Wrist Watch combines masculine engineering with meticulous attention to detail, robust functionality, and exceptional design. A versatile style, the Torque is the perfect gentlemen’s accessory for all occasions.

A bold statement piece, the Salamander combines deep, richly textured black with accents in blazing sunburst orange and mirror-polished stainless steel for a design that’s tough, refined and striking. Perfect in combination with the Kraken Pocket Squares and Insignia wallets. Impressive packaging makes this wristwatch an ideal man’s gift.

-   High performance quartz movement  -

-   Day, date and 24 hour functions  -

-   Centrally swept second hand  -

-   Case water resistant to 5 ATM (50metres)  -

-   Case is machined from non-allergenic 316L stainless steel  -

-   Scratch resistant mineral glass lens  -

-   Water resistant genuine leather strap  -

An intriguing and unique style, the Voyager combines a richly textured face with the shimmering opalescence of blue mother of pearl, and striking contrast details in vibrant sunburst orange – an accent echoed in the contrast stitching on the genuine leather strap. Impressive packaging makes this wristwatch an ideal man’s gift.

-   High performance quartz movement  -

-   Day, date and 24 hour functions  -

-   Centrally swept second hand  -

-   Case water resistant to 5 ATM (50metres)  -

-   Case is machined from non-allergenic 316L stainless steel  -

-   Scratch resistant mineral glass lens  -

-   Water resistant genuine leather strap  -

The Nocturna is an elegant combination of classic grey and rose gold with white highlights, featuring a richly textured face with a black crocodile, genuine leather strap.  Impressive packaging makes this wristwatch an ideal man’s gift.

-   High performance quartz movement  -

-   Day, date and 24 hour functions  -

-   Centrally swept second hand  -

-   Case water resistant to 5 ATM (50metres)  -

-   Case is machined from non-allergenic 316L stainless steel  -

-   Scratch resistant mineral glass lens  -

-   Water resistant genuine leather strap  -

Highly versatile, this watch has a clean, crisp, finely detailed and perfectly balanced aesthetic, combining a meticulously textured, icy white face with popping contrast accents in sunburst orange and deep blue: an ideal accessory for the discerning modern gentleman, and, with its impressive presentational packaging, a perfect man’s gift.

-   High performance quartz movement  -

-   Day, date and 24 hour functions  -

-   Centrally swept second hand  -

-   Case water resistant to 5 ATM (50metres)  -

-   Case is machined from non-allergenic 316L stainless steel  -

-   Scratch resistant mineral glass lens  -

-   Water resistant genuine leather strap  -

We’re excited to be launching a select range of exceptional carry items: strong card-holder-money-clips that inject a radical new character into two classic Dalvey designs, and a billfold that incorporates durable merino worsted fabric in a distinctive birdseye weave.  All three styles employ a fine, characterful leather: meticulously tanned to enhance its rich colour and soft, subtle grain.

INSIGNIA WALLET | Tan & Teal Leather

Slimmer than a conventional wallet, this version of the Dalvey Insignia combines an elegant tan leather, finished with perforated detailing, with a contrasting teal leather interior.

-   RFID Shielded  -

-   4 credit card slots  -

-   Engraveable stainless steel money clip  -

-   Presentation packaging  -

EXPLORER CREDIT CARD CASE & MONEY CLIP | Tan & Grey Leather

Casual, slim, and practical, this Explorer Card Holder Money Clip features an engraveable stainless steel money clip, tan leather with contrasting grey and perforated detailing, a practical tab for easy card extraction, and RFID protection for contactless cards.

-   RFID Shielded  -

-   2 credit card slots  -

-   Engraveable stainless steel money clip  -

-   Presentation packaging  -

-  Practical tab for easy extraction of cards  -

CREDIT CARD CASE & MONEY CLIP | Tan & Grey Leather

A tan leather card-holder with perforated detailing and grey leather interior contrast, accommodating up to 10 credit cards with an engraveable stainless steel money clip and RFID protection for contactless cards.

-   RFID Shielded  -

-   2 credit card slots  -

-   Engraveable stainless steel money clip  -

-   Presentation packaging  -

EXPLORER CREDIT CARD CASE & MONEY CLIP | Tan, Grey & Orange Leather

Tan, sunburst orange and grey leathers combine in this vibrant Explorer Card Holder, together with a practical tab for easy extraction of cards from the main card slot, an engraveable stainless steel money clip, and RFID protection for contactless cards..

-   RFID Shielded  -

-   2 credit card slots  -

-   Engraveable stainless steel money clip  -

-   Presentation packaging  -

-  Practical tab for easy extraction of cards  -

INSIGNIA WALLET | Tan Leather & Grey Birdseye Worsted

Slimmer than a conventional wallet, this version of the Dalvey Insignia combines an elegant tan leather, durable merino worsted fabric in a distinctive birdseye weave, an engraveable stainless steel money clip, and RFID protection for contactless card.

-   Durable merino worsted for an extremely resilient finish  -

-   RFID Shielded  -

-   4 credit card slots  -

-   Engraveable stainless steel money clip  -

-   Presentation packaging  -

SLIM BILLFOLD WALLET | Tan Leather & Grey Birdseye Worsted

A classic billfold wallet constructed from a rich, tan leather combined with a durable 100% Australian merino worsted heavyweight wool fabric in a distinctive birdseye weave. RFID-shielded to protect contactless cards.

-   Durable merino worsted for an extremely resilient finish  -

-   RFID Shielded  -

-   6 Credit card slots  -

-   2 Bill fold compartments  -

-   2 Receipt compartments  -

-   Presentation packaging  -

We’ve put together three “EDCs”, or everyday carries - three combinations of discerning men’s accessories that each takes a unique stylistic direction.

In the first we’ve combined the richly textured, fluid hopsack weave of our striking plum jacket - accented with pink and black overchecks - with classic accessories for a bold and elegant statement.

Pocket Square Pindot   |   Full Hunter, Black M of Pearl  |   Tie Pindot Sakura

Bullet Keyring, Black  |   Bastion Cufflinks, Purple   |   Nocturna Money Clip

In the second, we assembled a cool, crisp, professional look, with a Cracked Ice Fountain Pen, Mother of Pearl Torque Cufflinks, and fresh-looking blue silks in combination with a sober charcoal hopsack.

 Billfold Wallet, Natte  |   Roadster Wrist Watch   |   Pocket Square Pindot

Classic Business Card Case   |   Fountain Pen, Cracked Ice   |   Torque Cufflinks

The final assemblage has a more rugged, casual feel: evocative of the traveller. Brown tones are accented with the sunny orange of the Slim Wallet in woven silk and black Caviar leather.

 Metro Keyring, Brown  |   Clipper Clock, White   |   Aviator Sunglasses, Green

Compact Flask   |   Signature Continental Watch   |   Billfold Wallet, Madder

Assembling an EDC can be a pleasurable way of determining what you actually need to carry, and what can be dispensed with.  It allows you to perform a kind of stylistic audit on your gear, and it’s fun to see the personality emerging from the combination of items.  If you have any great EDC shots we’d love to see them!  Send to [email protected], or post on our Facebook page.

All the best,

Neil

This season’s fabrics are rich with textural detail, with two-fold yarns of different colours interblending to create complex weaves that combine overt simplicity with vibrancy and depth. Take a look at the fabric close-up shots to see how shirts like Dow and Brodie bristle with colours combined in intriguing dobby weaves, or how Purcell arrests the attention with a strikingly contrasting chevron-take-on-a-puppy-tooth.

Dow   |   Brodie   |   Purcell

Arthur   |   Lucas   |   Carrick

We’ve maintained our signature focus on interestingly textured solid colours combined with vibrant contrast elements - ensuring that the new introductions are perfect for both formal and more relaxed occasions. Notable elements are the three complex dobby weaves employed in Arthur, Lucas and Carrick - the last of which blends sky, mid-blue and pink to create a blue that’s vibrant with textural richness, while white, pink and wine contrast accents help to pull out its constituent colours and add points of unique difference to this versatile shirt.

Arrol   |   Connell   |   Morren

We’ve introduced three strong white shirts each of which combines a superfine micro-twill with contrasting elements that allow for that seamless transition from the office to the evening.

One of the most popular of the new introductions so far has been Saunders, which combines a vibrant, upbeat gingham in mid-blue and white, with white contrast fabric and subtle brown accents in the collar tape and the stitching of the final placket button.  It’s these kind of tiny additions that give depth to the shirts, and allow them to stand alone - as well-dimensioned characters in their own right, so to speak.

The same effect can be found in Hawson: it’s a relatively classic shirt, combining a cool pink micro-twill with white inner cuffs, placket and collar, but it’s really lifted and enlivened by the burgundy accents on the collar tape and lowest button stitching.

Carrick   |   Hawson   |   Dickson

We hope you like this latest collection. As usual we’ve emphasised versatility: these are shirts that you can wear with a suit, knitwear, casual tailoring or on their own. Button up your cuffs or roll them back; wear with a tie or with an open neck - however you style this range, the signature Dalvey Slim Fit will ensure you’ll look great: emphasising broad shoulders tapering to a slim waist for a masculine, tailored look.

All the best,

Neil