No short walk from your parked 7-series is complete with the ultimate leather briefcase. In case you're not sure which it should be, TBR hand-picked a few selections for our boardroom shortlist.
Viktor
The Boardroom's members are unabashed about Braun Buffel. The Germans don't go wrong with their obsession with quality and functionality. A good wallet can last decades if it's well-maintained but these things are normally kept very well in drawers or in your back-pocket. Taking a briefcase laden with documents and your laptop on trips is another thing altogether, shuffling from airport lounges to your transfers and endless places to put it. It needs to look good but while withstanding a fair bit of that wear and tear.
Material-wise, this is proper full-grain leather. (The only thing better than that is cordovan but you'd have to triple the price). It feels great and even smells great. If you're a quant analyst presenting your next set of slides to your CFO, this would take the edge off any fear of geekiness and elevate you to the status of Gordon Gekko protegé.
Functionally, Viktor is roomy and well-compartmentalised. Arrangement isn't a nightmare. The fittings wouldn't go out of place with where you're heading. We felt that it wouldn't help if the product folks at BB extended the zip openings wider to allow easy document entry. But that said, look no further if you want the best looking one of the lot.
Essential Specs
Crafted in Medium Grain Printed Calf Leather
Gun Metal in Satin Finish Hardware
Comes with Detachable Front Pouch and Card Holder
Comes with Detachable Nylon Webbing Shoulder Strap
385mm (L) x 290mm (H) x 60mm (W)
Our Ratings
Functionality: 4 out of 5
Value For Price: 5 out of 5
Boardroom Appeal: 5 out of 5
Master
The Master is a more compact briefcase for those who prefer compactness over storage. And this is important if you aren't as tall as others. The Master flatters those who need to project more height. That certainly helps if you're meeting a counterpart over that delicate alliance agreement face-to-face.
If the Viktor isn't much to your liking then the Master might sway you with its sleeker lines.
Functionally, the Master is still as roomy and well-compartmentalised as its European cousin. In the end, it's like Mercedes vs BMW. It's about personal choice. But that said, look no further if you want the best looking one of the lot.
Both are German and both are a delight to behold.
Essential Specs
Crafted in Medium Grain Printed Calf Leather
Gun Metal in Satin Finish Hardware
Zip Opening
Comes with Detachable Card Holder
Comes with Detachable Nylon Webbing Shoulder Strap
385mm (L) x 190mm (H) x 60mm (W)
Our Ratings
Functionality: 4 out of 5
Value For Price: 5 out of 5
Boardroom Appeal: 5 out of 5
Harrison
Michael Kors makes great handbags and while the Harrison looks similar to the Viktor, it has cleaner lines and feels more contemporary.
Essential Specs
100% Cow Leather
Gunmetal Hardware
Top Handle: 4.75"
Adjustable Strap: 21"-24"
Exterior: Back Slip Pocket
Interior: One Zip Padded Laptop Pocket, Two Slip Pockets, One Zip Pocket, Three Credit/Business Card Slots, Padded Tablet Sleeve
Zip And Magnetic Snap Fastening
Interior Lining: 55.5% Polyester/44.5% Cotton
16" X 12" X 3"
Our Ratings
Functionality: 4 out of 5
Value For Price: 5 out of 5
Boardroom Appeal: 5 out of 5