I have wanted a Black Watch shirt like this for years.* There have, of course, been any number of not-dissimilar shirts available throughout this ill-defined period, yet I’ve never committed. 

That may well be about to change; save for my irrational logic that an item is 10% nicer if it’s by a Japanese brand, Beams Plus do timeless, slightly-off kilter heritage/ prep better than pretty much anyone, and this is no exception. 

The shirt, of course, is exactly as it looks here- brushed cotton flannel, mother of pearl** buttons, and understated aceness by the truckload. 

Should you be inclined as well this shawl collar herringbone cardigan is a beaut as well. 

Available from Mr Porter – £105

*I do, obviously, have a black watch ‘cape’ which looks like a travel rug. Its first outing was with a dear pal for lunch in Edinburgh’s stunning Timberyard restaurant, where they have tartan rugs on the seats, meaning I looked like I’d stolen one when I left. 

** which makes me think of this www.youtube.com