Staff Favourites – 6 Things We Loved This Week (August 9, 2026)

Man of Many’s Staff Favourites is back to brighten up your weekend as we celebrate the products, services, entertainment, and experiences that have caught our eye over the week.

We get to try so much of the cool, novel, and curious on a daily basis, but these encounters don’t always result in full write-ups or reviews. So we collect them here in the hope you’ll find something new and exciting to give your week a lift.

This week features a delightful watch winder, some very bingeable TV shows, a weekend reset, a pair of vibrant sneakers, and the pure joy of sporting excellence. Something for everyone. Let’s dive in.

1. WOLF Brogue Single Watch Winder – Never miss a beat

Rob Edwards – Branded Content Editor

As my collection grows, I find I go through phases where I’ll wear the same watch for a week or two before swapping it out for something else, rather than mixing it up day to day. The result is that by the time I’m ready to move on, my next choice has depleted its power reserve, and I have to reset it. That’s not always a big deal, but the more complicated the watch, the more effort it takes. 

This is particularly true of my beloved Baume et Mercier Clifton, with its handsome moon-phase complication. Once its five-day power reserve runs out, I have to Google where the moon’s at in its waxing-and-waning cycle before I can wear it again (is that OCD?). Then I have to get out my corrector tool to make the necessary adjustments. It’s worth it, but it’s a pain.

Enter the kind of folk at WOLF, who loaned me one of their watch winders to test out for a couple of weeks. Turns out, they’re handy pieces of kit. Who knew? Hailing from the new Brogue collection, the winder’s detailing – inspired by classic brogue shoes – left me unconvinced in its online pictures, but in person, it’s handsome. Covered in a burnished, plant-based material that feels very much like leather and fitted with brass hardware, it’s a natural fit for the most well-appointed of wardrobes.

It serves more than looks, though. Having been around since 1834, WOLF has developed a sophisticated approach to ensuring your watch is perfectly wound. Offering technology that precisely counts the number of turns per day, delivering clockwise, anti-clockwise, and bi-directional options, you can customise its program to suit your favourite timepiece. It’s also easy to set up and can run on AC power via the included universal adapter or a pair of batteries. 

Now that I have to send it back, I feel I have a winder-shaped hole in my life, and it’s only a matter of time before buy a WOLF for myself. Perhaps that was their plan all along. Crafty. 

Favourite Article of the Week: Porsche Unveils One-Off 911 Turbo S ‘Land Down Under’ to Celebrate 75 Years in Australia

Favourite Video of the Week: TCL just fixed the washed-out movie scene

2. The Converse X Pro Leather 1908 Low Top – Putting the ‘wrong shoe’ theory to the test

Jackson Langford – Digital Editor

Since starting at Man of Many, I’ve made it my quiet mission to just sharpen the way I dress overall (this is NOT an invitation for my colleagues to comment on whether I’ve been successful).

I’m always struggling with keeping things classic (and monochromatic) or taking a ~risk~ and throwing some vibrancy in my day-to-day wear. TMI: I’m a sweaty guy, and bold colours do not favour the perspirers among us. As fate would have it, on the same day I read Ally’s wonderful article on the ‘wrong shoe theory’ (peep the tip about wearing colourful sneakers with an all-black outfit), Converse reached out to me and asked if I’d like a pair of Pro Leather 1908 Low Tops. As a huge GOLF* le Fleur and Tyler, The Creator fan, that was a very easy “yes please!”

I very fortunately received two pairs, but I’ve been the most obsessed with the pair in the Amazon colourway. It’s a stunning, vibrant green that clashes (in the best way) with the extra-wide lavender laces, and pairs really nicely with a simple all-black, or even a black-and-white fit. As an added bonus, I’ve got wide feet and these are surprisingly accommodating. They don’t feel tight or restrictive like some other leather sneakers can. Truly a win-win.

Favourite article: BMW Put Spider-Man Ads in its Cars Without Owners’ Consent

3. Q Station Harbour Heat – Recovery with a view

Harry Parsons – Head of Branded Content

A reasonably local recommendation for you all this week, nonetheless, one that I am incredibly excited for. Or perhaps for those looking for an excuse to travel to the incredible Manly on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, here’s one to add to your list!

The contrast therapy trend is well and truly thriving in the wellness world, and Manly’s renowned Q Station has entered the chat… with a twist. The new offering, Harbour Heat, officially opens on the 15th of August, and what sets it apart is the setting it’s built on. North Head has been a place of healing for the local Aboriginal community for centuries, so this isn’t wellness culture discovering something new, it’s tapping into something that’s been there all along.

As for the twist, it’s a proper wood-fired sauna sitting right on Q Station’s private wharf, featuring harbour views. The cold part? Jumping straight into Sydney Harbour as you step out of the sauna. Add in the crackle of the fire, Harbour Heat’s signature scent, and a herbal tea to unwind with after, and it’s shaping up to be one of the more sensory recovery sessions in the city.

From opening day, it’ll run Wednesday to Sunday, with sessions bookable through Q Station and a free shuttle from Manly Wharf if you’d rather skip the parking. I’m planning on getting along to it myself, so if you spot me sweating it out on the wharf, come say hi. See you there.

Favourite Article of the Week: Porsche Unveils One-Off 911 Turbo S ‘Land Down Under’

Favourite Video of the Week: An unforgettable evening of fine dining, craftsmanship, and exceptional Australian wine

4. The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – How good is sport?

Rob Stott – Editor in Chief

With the FIFA World Cup recently sucking up a lot of our sporting energy, I feel like this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow flew slightly under the radar – despite Australia’s massive gold medal haul. But I was lucky enough to head over with our friends at Longines (the Games’ official timekeeper) for a few days, and what a few days it was.

I witnessed first-hand our thrilling triumph in the Men’s 4×100 metre relay, pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall breaking a Games record, a historic Aussie 1, 2, 3 in the women’s mile (and a new World Record in the men’s mile), along with golds for bantamweight boxer Jai Dixon and cyclist Leigh Hoffman, and a record for T38 para long-jumper Layla Sharp – too many Aussie success stories to mention here.

But more than the Australian dominance (as satisfying as it was), I was reminded of the power of sport to bring people together. Hundreds of athletes from all over the world, different cultures, different perspectives, all in the pursuit of excellence. I’m an old softy, but I shed more than a few tears watching athletes achieve their dreams, and don’t even get me started once we get a glimpse of the proud parents in the stands. How good is sport?

Article of the week: Longines CEO Patrick Aoun on Precision, Elegance, and the Future of Accessible Luxury

5. ‘Mobland’ & ‘The Capture’ – Two shows I’m late to the table on

Scott Purcell – Co-Founder

After banging on about This City Is Ours back in June, I’ve stayed firmly in the gangster lane and landed on MobLand. Cards on the table, I’ll watch anything with Guy Ritchie’s name attached, and this one had me inside an episode. Ten episodes of two London crime families, the Harrigans and the Stevensons, tearing into each other apart until somebody’s empire tips over. Tom Hardy plays Harry Da Souza, the fixer wedged in the middle, doing that thing where he barely says a word, and you still can’t look at anyone else.

Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren are the couple at the top of the family, and Mirren is having the time of her life, being genuinely horrible. No subtitles required this time either, although Hardy’s mumble gets close. It’s all on Paramount+, and season two lands on 18 September, which gives me a few weeks to get everyone else in the house caught up.

One more for the list while I’m here: The Capture on ABC iview, a BBC thriller about doctored CCTV footage that has gone from far-fetched to uncomfortably plausible in the years since it aired. Series one earned Callum Turner (who has since taken on the full-time job of being Dua Lipa’s other half) a BAFTA nomination, and all three series are sitting there waiting. So take the streaming money, all of you. Keep making things like this, and I’ll keep handing it over. The Gentlemen returns to Netflix on 3 September as well, so September is already a write-off. Have a squiz at the trailer above.

Favourite Article of the Week: Who Will Play the Next James Bond? 8 Actors Who Actually Stand a Chance

Favourite Video of the Week: TCL just fixed the washed-out movie scene

6. Bar Demo, Enmore

Frank Arthur – Co-Founder

Enmore Road has no shortage of great watering holes, but Bar Demo has quickly become one of my absolute favourites. Behind an old-school, heritage shopfront that blends seamlessly into Enmore’s historic strip, the team has created a warm, thoughtfully set-up space that strikes the perfect balance between high-end mixology and an easygoing, neighbourhood feel.

I went there recently on a date night, and the vibe was spot on. There is a strong focus on music, with a great vinyl selection setting a warm energy and just the right amount of buzz from the moment we walked in. The real standout, though, is the cocktail menu. The bar team takes an inventive, technique-driven approach to every drink, putting bold, modern twists on classic templates using innovative ingredients and seasonal flavours.

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Other Things We’re Checking Out This Week

A few more things that landed on our desks this week, from the brands we’re currently working with. Worth a look if any of them are your kind of thing.

• WHOOP: Inside the physiology of Tour de France contenders, straight from the wearable data.
• Dometic: Six fully equipped off-road getaways are up for grabs, gear included.
• CURREX: The insole upgrade professional pickleball players quietly rely on.
• Panasonic Australia: The shaver tech doing the heavy lifting behind a genuinely effortless morning shave.
• Teremana: Dwayne Johnson’s tequila brand turned football fandom into a world record activation.
• Goldfield & Banks: The Australian fragrance house whose best sellers need to be smelled to be believed.
• Fig & Bloom: The design-led florist worth bookmarking before the next occasion sneaks up on you.
• WHOOP: The first wearable-based research on GLP-1 therapies beyond weight loss.
• NAJO: A men’s jewellery range that finally makes Father’s Day gifting straightforward.
• Foot Locker: New season sneakers and apparel, all lined up in one place.
• Temple & Grace: The high-end jewellery route that saves couples thousands on the ring.
• WHOOP: A new member benefit landing WHOOP in the hands of Robinhood cardholders.
• Momcozy UK: The parenting gear modern dads actually swear by.
• Wingman Money: Keep your finances flying in formation with a no-nonsense guide to smarter budgeting for modern blokes.
• Superdry: Retro-inspired streetwear layers up for spring in this sharp edit of urban-ready essentials.
• WHOOP: Level up your training and recovery insights with this performance-tracking wearable on your wrist.
• Omoda Jaecoo Australia: Take a first look at the bold new hybrid SUVs redefining city commutes and weekend escapes.
• Brixton: Retro streetwear meets easygoing surf culture in this laidback capsule of clean lines and muted tones.
• BikesOnline Australia: Gear up for your next weekend ride and browse the best value deals on premium bikes and parts in this online hub.
• Furi: Sharpen your kitchen game with clever tools that make every chop, slice and dice feel pro-level.
• Spring Sleep: Upgrade your nightly routine with smarter ways to wind down and wake refreshed with this sleek sleep tech essential.

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