The MR PORTER team discusses the investment items currently on their Wish Lists.

“Everything in moderation,” is a saying that reminds us not to overdo things. Originally credited to Socrates around 2,500 years ago, it was probably repeated by your mother when you asked for extra pudding as a child, or if you felt “a bit ill” after an evening in the pub during your late teens. What she didn’t mention, however, was Mr Oscar Wilde’s adaptation of the quote: “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” As fully formed adults entering the festive season, this is the version we are adopting. And it is the sentiment behind our “Indulgence” issue of The Journal, where we binge on burgers, TV and oversized bottles of wine – and let loose a little on the style front. Below, seven members of the MR PORTER team have selected something they would like to own if money were no object. An “investment piece” we like to call it. And as we’re approaching holiday season, it’s a generous way of letting the people who love us know exactly how they should show it. We may be greedy, but we’re certainly not thoughtless.

There are few better investment purchases than a proper mechanical watch: many hold their value, some will appreciate in value, all will have sentimental value. Looked after properly, a fine watch will last not just your lifetime but also that of your future grandson to whom you may bequeath it. The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 features an opening in the dial through which you can see the escapement beating a mesmerising 36,000 times an hour.

When I was 23 and sold my first freelance article, I took the proceeds, which seemed like a king’s ransom at the time, and invested it in a proper topcoat. I still have (and wear) that coat. Take it from your financial advisor: a navy blue cashmere topcoat, like this classic yet modern one from Hardy Amies, pays dividends in many ways. The soft warm fabric will cheer you on a grim winter workday, and the midnight blue shade is the perfect wrapper for black tie on a festive night out. This hound’s-tooth scarf from Begg will really pop against it, and I like a slightly rougher glove to round out the look, so you don’t end up appearing too precious.

I have reached the age where many of my peers are getting married, but not yet the stage of life when responsibilities and apathy cause friendship circles to drastically shrink – so I am officially in peak wedding invitation period. I have a couple to RSVP to before spring, but before I do, I need some appropriate attire. I wear most of my leather shoes for work or at the weekend, so they are beginning to show their age. I am therefore in the market for some classic black Oxfords that I can keep purely for special events. And since Grenson prides itself on Goodyear Welt craftsmanship, these guys should remain trusty friends of mine even when I have very few real ones left.

While the price tag of this denim jacket is eye-catching, it is the craftsmanship that really grabs me. I like to imagine that a cool Japanese granny has up-cycled her grandson’s discarded denim and unknowingly created a work of art (I’m definitely tempted to frame, rather than wear it). I think it’s important for guys to have “show numbers” in their wardrobe: garments that don’t get worn often, but always get a nod of approval when they do. The denim jacket is a classic item, yet this one stands out from the crowd.

With respect to my esteemed colleagues, none of their choices justifies the term “investment piece” quite like mine. An automatic watch from Zenith or a cashmere overcoat from Hardy Amies might be able to withstand the ebb and flow of seasonal fashion better than, say, a Givenchy tee, but neither of them improves with time quite like a Globe-Trotter suitcase, whose every scuff is a story, every dent a destination. A new one is like a passport with no stamps: it just doesn’t look right.

Gucci is currently having a bit of a moment under the guidance of new creative director Mr Alessandro Michele. But I always like to turn to the brand’s more classic pieces, like this handsome navy wool duffle, which is both boyish and sharply tailored. Timeless and well made, it is a long-term investment for any wardrobe, and well worth the extra zero. I’d pair it with this alpaca-blend Our Legacy sweater, which is festive without being brash. And the Bottega Veneta cardholder? If you’re reading this, Mum, it’ll fit perfectly into my stocking.

Toothbrush? Check. Sleeping mask? Check. Earphones? Check. Brown intrecciato leather Bottega Veneta holdall with detachable shoulder strap? So far unchecked. Travelling a lot for work (and pleasure), I have always wanted to invest in a handsome but sturdy leather bag, and this Bottega Veneta piece is just what I’m looking for: spacious enough for a weekend away, and also the perfect size for hand luggage on longer trips. Now, let’s try not to forget the passport this time…