New Vertu Ascent Luxury Phone - $3,850

Two years ago, a Nokia subsidiary called Vertu introduced the world’s first luxury cell phone. The Vertu Signature became popular with celebs — Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Tom Ford and David Beckham all own them — but for mere mortals, even ones who drive Mercedes-Benzes and own plasma TVs, the price tag (from $5,750 to $26,550) could be daunting. While Signature remains its flagship, Vertu is launching Ascent this April, a model with styling and price a wee bit closer to Planet Earth.

As you might expect, the $3,850 Ascent has class. Lightweight at six ounces, it’s got a balanced heft you might associate with a well-made handgun. It’s made of ceramic, stainless steel and a durable alloy called Liquidmetal, finished with hand-sewn leather and a screen of sapphire crystal, a material second only to diamond in hardness. More masculine than the slender, elongated Signature, Ascent is a fit for men who collect cars and wear watches by Breitling or Jaeger-LeCoultre.  (TIME MAGAZINE)