It was a hallmark of the international sporting set in the grand old days that a gentleman always brought along a handsome pair of field glasses in a fitted leather case when attending race meetings, horse shows, steeplechases and the like. Ditto while on safari, conducting military campaigns and observing regattas. Often they were of solid brass and wrapped in saddle leather, a worthy accessory to the morning coat, silk topper, or club blazer. Now the famed French house of Hermès has revived the habit with a stylish new set of binoculars. Wrapped in Hermès’ signature saddle leather, with a handstitched leather carrying strap, they’re priced at about $2,500.

Though it’s not an official collaboration, to our trained eye the binoculars themselves appear to be Leica’s compact, super-sharp Ultravid model from their sports optics collection (Hermès owns a stake in the famed German camera-maker). Whether attending cricket at Lords, polo at Windsor, Wimbledon, the regattas at Henley and Cowes, or especially Royal Ascot, these are essential kit. Remember the words of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Hedworth Meux (1856 – 1929) on Ascot: “The best horses in the world and the prettiest women are seen on the Royal Heath. We racing men go to see the horses, non-racing men such as Lord Curzon go to look at the women.” We of course do both.

© Copyright 2010 Duncan Quinn. All Rights Reserved.