12 Expensive Products That Are Worth Their Price

These Expensive Items Have Exceptional Value!

A recurring theme here at the Gentleman’s Gazette is that the actual value derived from a product – how well it functions relative to its price – is often more important than its initial upfront cost. Essentially, investing in a well-made, well-functioning item, even if it is expensive, is a better long-term financial decision than throwing away money on a cheap alternative that does not function as well. 

This conception is best explained by the theory of cost-per-wear, or the “real” price of an object expressed relative to how much use you can get out of it: the more regularly you benefit from an object, the more justified the initial upfront cost becomes.

In this guide, we will share with you 12 types of items that we have purchased and enjoyed and found to be fully worth their relatively high price tag. While these items are certainly expensive, we have found them to be a great value and to have repaid that initial investment many times over. 

Leather Weekender Bag

Your Classic Constant Companion

Leather goods are some of the most expensive in menswear because of the production and craft costs associated with high-quality leather. 

Quality leather also, however, offers a lifetime of dependable service, and nowhere is that service more appreciated than in a sturdy regular-use bag like a weekender. 

A bag with these superlative features will naturally command a high price, and you should expect to pay $1000 or more for a comparable new product. Unlike a nylon or canvas bag, however, it is likely that no one else will have one, so you are more likely to stand out. Leather bags, when properly cared for, can also last a lifetime, offering exceptional cost-per-wear.

One of Raphael’s most useful possessions is his brown-toned weekender made from Italian leather. It is leather-lined, but because the interior leather is skived, that lining does not add excessive bulk or wait. 

Because the leather was artisanally chrome-tanned and treated, it has a gorgeous pull-up effect: stretching the leather puts the full depth and range of color variation on full display. Waxes and oils in the leather also make it “self healing:” any little scratch or ding causes secretions that cover the mark and essentially integrate it into the unique look of the leather. 

Leather of this quality patinas as it ages, only becoming more beautiful with time, and as you live with a bag like this, it changes with your experiences and becomes a totally unique item.

Quality Over-the-Calf Socks

The Key to Comfort and “Staying Up” All Day

You probably wear socks almost every day, and when it comes to items that help you look good and keep you comfortable, it pays to invest. Quality socks can start at anywhere from $20 a pair to over $75 or $100 if made from luxury materials like silk or cashmere.

You might be wondering: what makes relatively expensive socks better than socks that cost $3, $2, or even less than $1 a pair? The biggest differences all center around the wearing experience. 

Cheaper socks save on costs by giving you “less sock:” many sit in the middle of or below the calf. But in this position, gravity will naturally drag the sock down, requiring you to constantly hoist your socks back into place. 

The best socks will sit over the calf, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit all day long so you look your best and don’t need to worry about whether your socks are puddling. 

Quality socks are also constructed with thin, elegant seams and superior materials: these features ensure your comfort, as thick seams won’t be rubbing against your toes and your skin will be able to breathe thanks to the use of natural materials and not cheaper synthetics.

Classic Overcoat

Invest in Your Warmth, Comfort, and Style

Like comfort, warmth is worth investing in, and for classic gentlemen, nothing is more comfortable, warmer, or more stylish than a classic overcoat. Not only does it keep you warm during the cold months of the year, but it’s also very refined. You can wear it on top with a suit, a jacket, or just your regular sweater.

Overcoats can be had for as little as $200, but expect to pay around $1000 for an article made from genuine, high-quality wool and even more for luxury fabrics like cashmere. 

For the best value, select an overcoat made from 100% heavy wool. For a more luxurious but also more expensive wearing experience, consider a cashmere blend: pure cashmere will be softer but will not be as warm and will wear out more quickly.

If you can just invest in one overcoat, we suggest selecting an example in charcoal gray, navy, or dark blue. The paletot is a useful and versatile style with its elegant peaked lapels and double-breasted construction that keeps you extra warm thanks to its extra layers.

Raphael’s Overcoat Collection

Well-Fitting Gloves

The Hallmark of a Classic, and Comfortable, Gentleman

For decades, a gentleman wasn’t fully dressed without gloves, and on most days, he wore an elegant pair of beautiful, well-fitted day gloves. 

Dress glove prices depend largely on materials: kid or calf leather will start around $150 while gloves made from peccary, the “king of glove leathers,” should cost at least $300 retail.

What makes a quality pair of gloves?

Conventionally, men assume that the insulation provided by gloves is the only factor you need to consider when assessing quality. While warmth is essential, it is not the only hallmark of a genuine, high-quality dress glove. 

First of all, your gloves should fit tightly, and should be made of a soft glove leather that stretches with the movement of your hands. You also want quirks between the fingers: these cut-out inserts increase the range of movement of your hands and fingers and make wearing the glove more comfortable. Quality gloves should have some by-hand stitching, as it is more relaxed for increased movement, and the best examples will improve with age, becoming softer and more malleable. For example, lamb nappa is incredibly soft, but it lacks durability. Peccary leather, while hardy, becomes broken in with age. 

Precious Metal Cufflinks

Beautiful Heirlooms to Last Generations

On a French-cuffed or evening shirt, cufflinks are a functional accessory with remarkable styling potential. When crafted from precious metals like gold or platinum, these pieces of jewelry can range from $300 up to $25,000 in cost, and while this price represents a considerable investment, we consider it fully worthwhile. 

Cufflinks are an example of classic menswear jewelry that is easy to wear in this day and age, making them the ideal piece for those who are new to wearing jewelry. A pair of cufflinks instantly elevates any ensemble and makes it appear more formal, adding discreet, dapper charm.

Unfortunately, most modern cufflinks are examples of mass-produced costume jewelry assembled from cheap materials with gaudy detailing that is loud and obtrusive, dragging down the look of your outfit. 

Classic cufflinks should subtly highlight your ensemble, emphasizing their own beauty with a tasteful design, like a timeless monkey’s fist knot, and fine elements like precious or semi-precious stones or cloisonné enamel. Crafted by dedicated artisans, these pieces are works of art in themselves and are intended for decades of use: not only can you wear them your entire life, you can pass them down to your children and grandchildren. 

Be wary of name brands!

Like many luxury products, jewelry also features a mark-up for designer names. Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany all inflate their prices to reflect the legacy of their brands, their store of experience, and the social cachet of wearing their products. 

Only you can decide if these aspects are worth the additional cost. Many designer cufflinks are made from precious metals but are hollow and have basic designs that don’t feature hand-carved elements. These pieces can easily cost $2700. 

At Fort Belvedere, we offer a pair of classic monkey’s fist knot cufflinks that are plated in gold or platinum at a thickness that guarantees they won’t wear through with regular use. Each cufflink is crafted from solid metal and, as such, has a fine, weighty feel in the hand. The design was hand-carved by a skilled craftsman and perfectly replicates the appearance of a real knot. They currently retail for around $400. 

Fort Belvedere Monkey’s Fist Cufflinks: Available in Three Lusters

Your Grandchildren Will Be Fighting Over These!

Pinky Rings

Timeless Statement Pieces for Refined Gentlemen

Like cufflinks, pinky rings are a timeless and elegant piece of jewelry that can be worn by anyone and could represent an exceptional addition to your wardrobe. Prices will vary widely based on materials, with second-hand silver rings available for less than $50, while custom rings in gold or platinum could easily cost thousands of dollars. 

Pinky rings come in many styles, including simple bands, set with stones, or as signet rings. The key is to find a ring that suits your personal style and can be integrated into your larger aesthetic. 

Peruse Raphel’s Pinky Ring Collection

Fountain Pens

An Elegant Writing Instrument from a More Civilized Age

If we may be forgiven a truism, the pen is mightier than the sword, and in many ways, a fountain pen is the mightiest of pens! 

Quality fountain pens can be found at every price point, from budget to mid-range to high-end. Popular brands include Omas, Montegrappa, Parker, Waterman …, and the list goes on! But we have had particular success with Montblanc, especially the Meisterstück line. 

Today a Meisterstück can easily cost $1000. Bargains can be found online, but beware, as many counterfeits exist. Therefore, if you buy any expensive fountain pen second-hand, be sure that it comes from a reputable source.

Goodyear Welted Shoes

Put Your Best Foot Forward!

The selection of your footwear should align with your lifestyle preferences. Opting for a Goodyear-welted shoe typically means investing in superior-quality leather, as opposed to the materials used in glued footwear. Goodyear-welted shoes are designed with a timeless last, offering durability that withstands the passage of time. In addition, the possibility of resoling extends the life of the shoe and proves cost-effective compared to purchasing new ones.

Luxury shoes often feature meticulous, hand-stitched Goodyear welting, exquisite shaping of the waist, and considerable attention dedicated to their construction. When prepared to invest over $2,000, one has the opportunity to commission a bespoke Goodyear welted shoe, an unparalleled experience yielding a product tailored exclusively to the contours of one’s foot.

Deciding whether to invest $3,000 instead of $200 in a pair of shoes is a deeply personal decision. However, if your foot is compatible with the lasts offered by high-end brands—which frequently come in varied widths and shapes—selecting a premium shoe could represent greater value. Nonetheless, it is important to note that even the most luxurious factory-made shoe may not match the comfort provided by bespoke footwear, which is crafted to the specific measurements and nuances of your foot.

Quality Leather Belt

Keep Your Trousers Up with Style!

Belts are a widely variable accessory in terms of price and quality. While it is possible to find belts available for as little as $10, luxury options can exceed $3,000. The value of a belt often correlates with the materials and craftsmanship involved in its creation. High-quality belts typically start at approximately $150 and are notably distinguished by their use of premium-grade leather, both internally and externally, as well as in the lining.

The finishing touches on a belt greatly impact its durability and aesthetic appeal. Many belts on the market undergo edge painting, a process where the edges of the leather are cut, burnished, and then painted to achieve a cohesive appearance. However, superior quality belts often exhibit thinned and carefully folded edges that are then stitched together. This method requires more leather and results in a construction that significantly extends its lifespan when compared to merely edge-painted belts.

The Benefits of Buckles

The buckle is another critical aspect of a belt’s quality. Commonly, belt buckles are composed of zamak, an alloy consisting of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper. While cost-effective, zamak is prone to aging poorly and succumbing to scratches, leading to a diminished appearance over time. On the other hand, high-end belts might incorporate solid brass buckles known for developing an attractive patina. These may be further enhanced through gold plating or coatings of platinum or palladium, especially in formal dress belts.

A solid brass buckle with a substantial layer of gold or palladium plating offers considerable value, balancing longevity with cost. For those with fewer budget constraints, options extend into the realm of solid 925 sterling silver or 14 to 18-karat gold buckles. Such buckles can be considered investments, as they often hold intrinsic value exceeding that of the belt itself. Whether the additional investment for a sterling silver buckle as opposed to a solid brass buckle, which can increase the cost by several hundred dollars, is justified depends on individual preferences for luxury and aesthetics, considering that silver will develop a unique patina not found on plated alternatives.

Professional-Grade Camera

In an age where smartphones are ubiquitous, many users tend to equate their capabilities with those of professional cameras. However, there are distinct advantages that professional-level cameras offer. For instance, cameras with larger sensors provide a shallow depth of field, yielding images where the subject appears sharply focused against a smoothly blurred background. This effect enhances the visual appeal of photographs by isolating the subject and adding depth.

For individuals seeking the pinnacle of image quality and resolution, medium format digital cameras, such as those by Hasselblad, represent the zenith. These cameras can produce images upwards of 100 megapixels, requiring robust computing power, ample storage solutions, and specialized workflows to manage effectively. It’s important to note that the complexity and cost associated with this level of equipment make it more suitable for professional photographers rather than casual users.

Luxury Wallet

Instant Elegance Stored in Your Pocket

As a companion carried with you almost every day, you never want to skimp on your wallet, especially when it plays such an important role as a functional tool and as an emblem of your personal style.

Wallets made from synthetic materials can cost as little as $5, but considering how often you will use your wallet, investing in an example that will last for years to come and look lovely while doing so is usually a wiser strategy. Most leather wallets will cost at least $100, with higher-quality leathers and superior craftsmanship commanding a price of between $200 and $350 dollars for a full-sized bifold wallet. 

In addition to their boring appearance and poor functionality, cheap wallets are most seriously plagued by a durability issue: they break down extremely quickly with regular use and have to be replaced. If a wallet only costs $50, but it has to be replaced every year, you will be shelling out the equivalent of hundreds of dollars very quickly. 

Conversely, let’s say you invest $285 in a Fort Belvedere wallet which is made of the highest quality leather available in Germany. If you break it down to the cost per wear, you probably end up at 5 to 15 cents a day depending on how you treat it, which impacts how long the wallet will last.

Smartphone

If You Use It Every Day, It Should be Quality

It lives in your pocket, and you check it almost every moment of every day: it’s your smartphone! Whether employed primarily for business or pleasure, any piece of technology that is used regularly is worth spending money on to ensure your desired functionality. While smartphones have a high upfront cost, especially if you are constantly upgrading them, daily use effectively drives down that cost according to the principle of cost-per-use.

As a case in point, consider the recent acquisition of a Google Pixel. Including taxes, the initial investment exceeds $1,000. However, distributed over a 24-month usage period, the cost is effectively reduced to roughly $1.40 per day. This calculation demonstrates the practicality and affordability of high-end smartphones when considered on a daily use basis.

The Environmental Concerns of Planned Obsolescence

The quest for sustainability in technology solutions highlights the necessity for more environmentally conscious options like modular phones. These allow users to customize and upgrade specific components without the need to replace the entire unit, thereby mitigating electronic waste. Despite the appeal of modular designs, current market offerings do not fully address the ecological concerns associated with rapid technological turnover.

Conclusion

You made your money the hard way, so when you spend it, you want to spend it in a way that makes sense. We hope that by highlighting expensive products that we have found to be worth it, you feel encouraged to invest in expensive products that make sense for you, too.

What are some high-end purchases that you consider worth their cost? Let us know in the comments!

Want to see even more expensive but worth it products? Watch this!