“One of the things I love about motorcycles is the variety of people who are fanatics about them—you tend to have this idea of a motorcyclist as either a super trendy tatted café racing hipster, or a Sons of Anarchy denimed-up gangster.

But the truth of the matter is that people who love escaping into the hills on motorcycles are about as varied as they come,” reveals Maxim Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher, who also happens to be co-author of Assouline’s new uber-luxe The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles coffee table book. “That means that the type of motorcycles that were built to appeal to these passionate riders over the past 150 years are about as varied as Ben & Jerry’s.”

For the second edition of The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles, Stecher and co-author Ian Barry added ten new 21st-century bikes to the hundred they collected for the first edition, which focused on the previous century.

Featuring only the rarest, coolest, and most pivotal motorcycles since 1900, this new edition adds to Assouline’s vaunted Impossible Collection series, which has previously shined a light on everything from wines to Patek Philippe timepieces to even Formula One cars—which also happens to be included in our Ferrari F1 feature in Maxim’s September/October issue.

And these aren’t just routine coffee table books, mind you. They’re massive in scale (16 x 19 inches), and boast beautiful time-consuming and rare printing techniques such as hand-tipped images and hand-binding; the 170 images come presented on thick, archival-quality cotton paper with a PVC clamshell case and metal plaque.

With Barry’s pedigree designing and building museum-level custom bikes under the Falcon Motorcycles marque, and our esteemed editor’s long history in automotive journalism, the hundred bikes assembled here are each a gem worthy of the book’s title. Consider Evel Knievel’s famed Harley-Davidson XR750 on which he leapt over the Caesars Palace fountains, breaking countless bones upon impact when his jump fell awry.

Or early unicorns of engineering, such as Glenn Curtiss’s iconic 1907 V8, for which the famed aviator impossibly bolted a massive 4.4-liter V8 engine onto essentially a glorified bicycle frame to create a true spectacle of mechanical force. Hitting 136 mph, the Curtiss V8 shattered the land speed record and held it for decades.

But which is our deputy editor’s favorite? “That’s a tough one,” Stecher struggles, seemingly running through the hundred motorcycles in his mind. “I’d say my two favorites are the BMW R7, which graces the cover—an unbelievable one-off specimen of German engineering and art-deco design that was thought lost for nearly 70 years until discovered in 2005 in a BMW warehouse. What a story, and what a bike. And maybe the Britten V1000—a superbike entirely designed and built by a New Zealand madman in his garage, which beat factory teams with infinitely deeper wallets. That’s another thing: I really dig the visionaries behind these bikes, all of them the best kind of rogues and renegades this planet needs.”

Of course, a tome of this rare scale and quality boasts a $1,400 price tag to match. Find The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles (2nd Edition) at Assouline.com.

This article originally appeared in Maxim’s September/October 2025 issue. Follow Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher  on Instagram at @nickstecher and @boozeoftheday.

The latest volume on the legendary watchmaker’s most striking creations joins Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch That Unlocked The Deep, released last fall to great fanfare as the first-ever authorized Rolex book. An icon in measures of status, performance and luxury, the Datejust timepiece has proven nearly without compare since its 1945 debut. In proper fashion, the story of the groundbreaking Oyster Perpetual Datejust goes to great lengths to illustrate its origins and its enduring status in a luxurious, coffee table-approved package.

The Oyster Perpetual Datejust arrived as a self-winding, waterproof chronometer with an impossibly elegant and sleek design to match, befitting the times. It’s now available with a fitting companion tome billed by design publisher Wallpaper* as a “lavishly produced book” that now serves as the “definitive history of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust.” Naturally, it boasts official Rolex historical imagery and text from horology expert Nicholas Foulkes across 224 pages in hardcover format.

The tome celebrates the refinement and yet approachability of the timepiece for both men and women, noting its illustrious placement on the wrists of artists, athletes and icons. The timepiece even helped solidify the signature Rolex 3-o’clock date window as part of what the publisher calls its “sophisticated design and unassailable capability.”

The horology expert and historian Foulkes also penned the release of the silk-bound Submariner edition from Wallpaper* last fall. The ultra-premium new volume nods to the Rolex legacy in fitting fashion, said Wallpaper* Editor-In-Chief Bill Prince. The publisher notes “the Datejust became not only a symbol of worldly success, but a partner in life for all those committed to achieving their goals.” For those interested in a companion volume to pair with a legendary watch, pre-orders are available online now for about $136 via Wallpaper* until September 29th.

Two titans of high-end publishing and luxury lifestyle products, Taschen and Louis Vuitton, have joined forces to unveil exclusive coffee table books honoring the enduring saga of the America’s Cup. These handsome hardcover collaborations aim to celebrate the world’s oldest international sports competition, an epic maritime contest synonymous with thrilling voyages, avant-garde yachting innovations, and narratives of human triumph spanning three centuries.

The volumes trace the rich evolution of the America’s Cup, from its genesis in 1851 to modern-day races, culminating in this year’s highly anticipated Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. Readers will embark on a visual odyssey through rare, previously unseen photographs, intricate technical drawings, and comprehensive text, all curated to distill the essence of sailing’s most coveted prize.

“We are truly excited to embark on this landmark publication in partnership with Louis Vuitton,” said Marlene Taschen, CEO of Taschen, in a statement announcing the collab. “This endeavor has been years in the making and represents our inaugural foray into the maritime world within our publishing house’s 45-year history. There could be no grander or more ambitious starting point than this legendary race. We are privileged to recount this thrilling saga of sailing tradition and innovation through exquisite imagery and firsthand testimonies gathered from across the globe. Marc Newson’s masterful design, once again, elevates the entire project to unprecedented heights.”

Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, echoed the sentiment: “This book offers a singular journey through the annals of the America’s Cup, beautifully intertwining the allure of the sea with grand discoveries and profound encounters. We are delighted to collaborate with Taschen to illuminate this compelling narrative, a story that resonates deeply with the heritage of Louis Vuitton, a legacy that commenced in 1854, a mere five years prior to the America’s Cup’s inception.”

Acclaimed designer Marc Newson also shared insights into his creative process: “The bespoke case and stand I designed for these editions are a direct homage to the awe-inspiring vessels that grace the waters of the America’s Cup. This project has afforded another truly wonderful opportunity to work alongside two long-standing collaborators, Taschen and Louis Vuitton, in a collective effort to honor this utterly unique event.”

For the discerning collector, two distinct limited editions have been released. The America’s Cup. Limited Edition is a run of 1,000 copies, each designed by Marc Newson. Its striking cover, fashioned from authentic sail fabric and secured with a custom Louis Vuitton metal closure system, is a subtle nod to the cutting-edge technology that defines the sport. An even more exclusive offering, The America’s Cup. Marc Newson Art Edition, limited to just 175 copies, will include a Newson-designed carbon fiber bookstand, elegantly sculpted to resemble the keel of a sailboat.

The narrative within these publications is meticulously edited by distinguished sports journalist Pino Allievi, who dedicated the past six years to researching and curating the project. Allievi weaves together the voices of those who shaped the competition, from the daring contenders to the visionary boat owners, complemented by hundreds of captivating photographs and intricate drawings spanning over 170 years of history.

New general-trade editions of Taschen’s lavish America’s Cup. Limited Edition and The America’s Cup. Marc Newson Art Edition books will be unveiled on September 22 for $125. Check out a sneak peek at the images from the collectible coffee table volumes above.

Richard Mille watches are near-priceless works of luxury art (witness the haute horologist’s penchant for $1 million watches and a stunning 2025 Ferrari chronograph), and that sort of artistry deserves a proper celebration. Fittingly, a new tome from luxury publisher Assouline nods to Richard Mille’s efforts in the most eye-catching way possible.

Hot on the heels of celebrating the world of Formula 1 in a luxe volume, Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection (due out May 29th and available for pre-order now via Assouline) is a stunning addition to any library, with suitable attention paid to the intricate world of Richard Mille.

Richard Mille watches have broken new ground in the field of horology for more than two decades, playing off Mille’s penchant for automobiles and aviation as far as materials and design are concerned. Richard Mille counts everyone from Jay-Z to Drake, Rafael Nadal, Ed Sheeran and Sly Stallone as fans, and has worked with the likes of Ferrari on the world’s thinnest wristwatch. The occasion, of course, deserves its own toast of sorts, as Assouline notes.

“In barely twenty-five years, Richard Mille, the “bad boy” of contemporary high horology, has succeeded in building one of the world’s most highly prized watch brands.” the publisher said, calling RM creations “rare and costly” while noting the striking collector’s pieces “possess an unusual ability to unleash an almost visceral attachment in their owners.” Assouline further adds that “today, Richard Mille watches have become the absolute symbol of success for global entrepreneurs and megastars.”

The 224-page volume clocks in at nearly 18 pounds and boasts 190 beautifully detailed illustrations alongside copy from luxury editor and writer Fabienne Reybaud, who previously headed the jewelry and watches department at Le Figaro for 25 years. More than just visually stunning, there’s plenty of science behind the artistry of Richard Mille, and this book proves that approach quite handily. Assouline notes its “watches push the boundaries of lightness, thinness and shock resistance with technologically advanced materials found in no others.”

The book, accordingly, comes with a price tag that reflects both Assouline’s craft and the boundary-pushing horological science of Richard Mille: The handsome volume is available for pre-order for $1,400 now via Assouline). If you can’t score a Richard Mille timepiece (and truly, few can lay claim to owning a masterpiece from RM), then this elegant book is perhaps the next best thing.

The impressive volume joins Assouline’s illustrious roster spanning everything from the world’s most expensive cars to the style of James Bond and Italian-American culinary mecca Carbone. And for the publisher, it’s a chance to pay homage to Moscot, an iconic company that’s deeply intertwined with the Big Apple.

“You’re not just putting on a pair of eyeglasses when you wear a MOSCOT; you’re putting on a slice of history of downtown New York City,” said Chief Designer and fifth-generation eyewear designer Zach Moscot. The tome covers the entire Moscot story, dating back to the company’s humble roots operating out of a Lower East Side pushcart.

Of the lavish and beautifully crafted 304-page volume, which boasts more than 300 illustrations, Zach Moscot says that “this book embodies everything MOSCOT stands for: History, style, and a deep connection to New York City.” The accompanying text should suitably reflect those roots, with copy from former Time columnist Joel Stein.

The company’s enduring legacy is reflected in bold frame shapes and a distinctive design aesthetic that’s been celebrated in recent years via collaborations with the likes of famed New York City designer Todd Snyder. The luxe book also celebrates fans of the brand, like Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr., and features vivid imagery of time-honored styles like the Moscot LEMTOSH frames.

Assouline calls the $120 volume “a must-have for eyewear tnthusiasts, design aficionados, and lovers of New York City history.” Imagery spans the entire Moscot archive and chronicles its evolution into a fashion week and runway staple, filled with bold personality and of course, more than a dash of style. Adorned in the company’s vibrant shade of yellow, the book is almost as striking as Moscot frames with accompanying imagery to match.

Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch That Unlocked The Deep arrives from design-focused publisher Wallpaper*, and is available for pre-order starting today, September 16th (it retails for about $130). The elegant and richly crafted book, officially authorized by Rolex, joins a growing volume of handsomely appointed Rolex photo books. And yet, even more curious is the fact that the vaunted release comes right from the famed watchmaker.

The 252-page, silk-bound volume promises a whopping 256 images, complete with commentary from author and watch expert Nicholas Foulkes. The volume on the Submariner is, according to the publisher, the “first in a series of titles exploring the brand’s unique watch portfolio,” diving into the 71-year history of arguably the most recognizable dive watch (or watch, period) on the planet.

The release is one of great magnitude in the watch world and beyond, said Wallpaper* Editor-in-Chief Bill Prince. “Since its inception over a century ago, Rolex has defined the steady progress made by the wristwatch to become the essential lifestyle accessory that it is today,” Prince said, noting that the timepiece “represents the essence of this design-led approach, its emblematic features and quintessential appearance sculpted over decades by those pioneers who led the field in underwater exploration and continue to illuminate our world beneath the waves.”

Many variations of the Submariner have come and gone over the years, and as the Swiss watchmaker readies a vaunted new factory, it’s a safe bet that interest in the long-running style won’t let up anytime soon. The book could be a valuable artifact in that regard, as its publisher further noted that the volume is “an essential companion for anyone interested in the creation and evolution of a masterpiece in precision timekeeping.” Pre-order your edition online at Wallpaper* for about $130 today.

European Watch Company: The Connoisseur’s Guide to Fine Timepieces, hit shelves earlier this month and celebrates more than 150 exceedingly rare and exceptional watches.

“From grand complications that push the boundaries of engineering to legendary designs that define eras, these timepieces are the embodiment of horological heritage,” the publisher noted.

Timepieces from the likes of Cartier, Patek Philippe and Rolex are explored, along with impossibly intricate rarities that are the stuff of legend.

For Assouline, it follows hot on the heels of Rolex: The Impossible Collection and also nods to more than three decades in business for pre-owned luxury watch experts European Watch Company.

Founded in 1993 by computer scientist, engineer and watch enthusiast Albert Ganjei, European Watch Company stocks and sells luxury pre-owned watches from dozens of watchmakers, including heavy hitters like Rolex and Blancpain.

Extreme rarities from the likes of Richard Mille can also be found online at European Watch Company, if one is prepared to pay quite the price (one watch from the haute horologist, to the tune of $126,000, is up for grabs on the site).

The company’s relatively humble beginnings included a selection of watches with a top price of about $2,000, another far cry from currently available timepieces like the $69,800 Patek Philippe Nautilus or a $179,900 Patek Philippe Calendar Chronograph.

Penned by luxury journalist, editor and broadcaster Robin Swithinbank, the 304-page volume is packed with 300 stunning, detailed photos and illustrations of the world’s finest watches, each more envy-inducing than the last.

The impressive edition, available now for $195 online at Assouline “celebrates not only the legacy of European Watch Company, but also the shared passion for horological wonders that will continue to inspire and fascinate for generations.”

If one of the rarest watches on the planet seems out of reach (which they very often tend to be), then the latest handsome volume from Assouline should take place of pride in your library this season.

For watch enthusiasts elsewhere pining for a new Rolex, a fresh Assouline book makes it easier to admire the world’s most envy-inducing timepieces from afar.

There’s no shortage of eye-catching, groundbreaking Rolex timepieces on display in Rolex: The Impossible Collection (Second Edition), a handsome $1,200 tome that celebrates the watchmaker’s 100 most legendary pieces.

The photo-filled book traces everything from modern achievements (tennis great Roger Federer sporting Rolex after winning the 2017 Australian Open) to impossibly precise timepieces that defied convention throughout the 1900s.

It’s nearly impossible to quantify the scope and legendary status of Rolex timepieces: Sir Edmund Hilary wore a Rolex to summit Everest in 1953, George Lazenby as James Bond famously sported the Rolex Submariner, and Rolex produced the very first wristwatch in the early 1900s.

Where the dawn of modern watchmaking exists, there lies Rolex—witness how the most iconic Rolex watch models continue to gain value on the secondary market.

That next-level status includes the Rolex Submariner, which was the most coveted watch on the secondary market last year.

Luxury-focused journalist and watch expert Fabienne Reybaud delivers accompanying text spotlighting what publisher Assouline calls the “most coveted and most legendary brand of watches in the world.”

The second edition itself builds off a first edition sure to stir envy among the most devout Rolex fans, and indeed, anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and stylish design (both understatements in their own right).

The significance of the company, founded by Hans Wildorf in 1905, is not lost on Reybaud’s complementary prose or on the publisher itself.

“It comes as no surprise that Rolex is the most collected watch label in the world,” Assouline said, noting that the impressive, lavish volume includes “never-before-seen images of the world’s rarest timepieces.”

This display of those exceedingly rare timepieces, even in luxe book form, doesn’t come cheap: The beautifully crafted volume can be found online now at Assouline.

The Tennis Collection: A History of Iconic Players, Their Rackets, Outfits, and Equipment (the latest from publisher Rizzoli New York) goes beyond just match points and illustrious trophies, although each are covered in fine fashion across a handsome volume.

In fact, the volume goes a step further: It boasts more than 150 “pieces of extraordinary ephemera” hailing from iconic Western culture flagship and fashion museum the Museo de la Moda in Santiago, Chile, all tracing the story of the extraordinary sport.

The museum itself, as Rizzoli notes, houses “one of the world’s largest collections of tennis memorabilia,” and this just-released tome proves that point handily.

Adaptive tennis pioneer Gustavo Fernández takes readers through a journey stretching back centuries, to the first recorded mention of the sport in the 16th century, complete with his own selection from the museum.

A competition as stylish, intense and competitive as tennis naturally covers a lot of ground, and the volume responds in kind, featuring a glimpse at tennis memorabilia, numerous original interviews and a sneak peek at legendary tennis gear.

Among the items featured? Photographs spotlighting Bill Tilden’s 1920s tennis sweater, on-court looks from Chris Evert and Virginia Wade, and tennis kits worn by the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi.

Vintage tennis pieces that helped shape the sport also are given place of pride in The Tennis Collection, back to eighteenth-century wooden rackets and onwards to technological feats like the lightning-quick, ergonomic rackets swung by Roger Federer.

From artwork to vintage tennis magazines and accessories, an array of priceless moments across the history of tennis are covered. And if a trip to the hallowed Museo de la Moda in Chile feels out of reach at the moment, the latest volume from Rizzoli is a perfectly exceptional replacement in the meantime: Game, set, match.

As the publisher notes, Benetti has carefully crafted more than four hundred of the world’s finest yachts, a history of “unparalleled expertise in nautical construction.”

It’s just the latest Assouline volume to take readers on a jaw-dropping journey of sorts, from spotlighting a French institution to showcasing esteemed Saudi Arabian wildlife.

And this volume promises no shortage of stunning delights on every page, including iconic moments and vessels across the company’s history (try David Bowie’s El Caran or “the world’s first luxury yacht,” the Delfino, for starters).

Boasting more than 200 illustrations across 290-plus pages, the volume showcases Benetti’s knack for “turning dreams into reality,” complete with expert commentary throughout from marine journalist Kevin Koenig.

There’s also a comprehensive look at what makes Benetti yachts tick, so to speak, including “the brand’s evolution, sustainability commitment, and Italian craftsmanship,” Assouline noted.

Behind-the-scenes content and rare photographs shape the narrative arc of the impressive volume, which is available online now at Assouline for $195.