Classics - which one to choose?

I'd go with Kouros and Antaeus. Also isn't Aramis Havana still sold in South Africa? I'd get that too.

Hey jellybean, I say Van Cleef & Arpels over Antaeus, since they both smell incredible but the former beats it by miles in the longevity department on me.

I would say Anteas if choosing from your list. Yategan is a must sample first. I think you will either love it or hate it. I just couldn't get used to that celery smell. In the caron vein I would suggest the third man or 3 homme as it is sometimes referred to. Spicy but in my opinion inoffensive. I am sure some would disagree as someone is surly unable to like third man. But I think it is a great old school frag with the longevity and silllage you seek.

Rick

After looking at your wardrobe, my vote is for Yatagan. My wardrobe is never without a bottle. The others you mentioned are noteworthy also. One exception is L'Heure Bleue, which is wearable but extremely feminine.

Patou PH if you can find it/willing to pay for it. Simply bacause it tops everything inc. any Creeds, Lutens, Malles, Chanels, Guerlains.. or whatever marketed as 'men/unisex' I've ever tried or owned. I wish I'd rather hate it though..

Absolutely, one could never go wrong with Patou PH. A true classic in a class by itself.
But the addiction might require a refi on the mortgage. There is no substitute either.
Yatagan provides alot of bang for the buck IMO. $30 for 125ML.

I would have both Chanel Antaeus and Van Cleef & Arpels pour homme rather than pick one from these two. They both are powerhouses and longevity and sillage is top class.

They do share some similarities as well but IMO are different enough to deserve their own place in the wardrobe. VCA is more floral of the two and thats what makes it different from Antaeus.

I'd say get them both. VCA can be had really cheap online & if you want a bottle of Antaeus, ping me.


gupts

Yatagan

Using your list, I would choose Yatagan. Antaeus would be my second choice.

I have been somewhat successful in taming the infamous Yatagan celery note by letting it dry to the touch before allowing fabric to come into contact with my skin. If I don't, Yatagan gets stuck on the celery note and doesn't develop any further.

I am into the classics as well - I am waiting on Guerlain Derby, Givenchy Gentleman (blind buy) and Caron 3rd Man as we speak. The average year of introduction when I had six fragrances in my wardrobe was 1981. The average year for my current wardrobe of 95 has risen only slightly - to 1985.

If I can add to your list, I would definitely like to see you consider the following:

Alfred Dunhill - Dunhill for Men (1934) [discontinued but available]
Aramis - Aramis 900
Aramis - JHL
Azzaro - Azzaro pour Homme
Boucheron - Jaipur Homme [great - you already have this!}
Calvin Klein - Obsession for Men
Chanel - Chanel pour Monsieur (1955) (not Concentree)
Chanel - Egoiste [excellent choice - you already have this!]
Creed - Green Irish Tweed
Davidoff - Zino Davidoff
Ermenegildo Zegna - ZegnaIntenso
Estee Lauder - Lauder for Men
Etro - Sandalo
Floris - JF
Gucci - Gucci pour Homme [you already have this one too!]
Guerlain - Derby [discontinued for the second time but available]
Guerlain - Heritage [and you have this one as well!]
Guerlain - Vetiver
Hermes - Bel Ami
Hermes - Equipage
Knize - Knize Ten
Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier - Santal Noble
Narciso Rodriguez - Narciso Rodriguez for Him
Parfums de Nicolai - New York
Ralph Lauren - Polo (green)
Serge Lutens - Ambre Sultan
Viktor & Rolf - Antidote

While a lot of these are considered classics now, some are recent introductions that IMHO will be considered classics someday.

No doubt: Antaeus (Chanel)
Ciao,

Sillage and lasting power?
From your list, Givenchy Gentleman.
From TwoRoads list:
Davidoff - Zino Davidoff
Hermes - Bel Ami

Of course, I'd vote for the Guerlain ;-) But L'Heure Bleue is not really manlyish though very very old school indeed! I love it on myself though - nothing like it! - and my male butch boss smells fantastic wearing it too! Though maybe the parfum-version may be too extreme-spicy for most men...

Antaeus. Stand's the test of time, with it's head held high!

One that may have not been mentioned it the Original Cerruti Pour Homme.

A genuine classic. Well worth considering.

Try to find the original,rather than the re-formulation,though.

I would choose these three in a following order:
1. Chanel - Antaeus

2. Van Cleef & Arpels - Pour Homme

3. Givenchy - Gentleman

The other two are also very good though.

Santos de Cartier is the only classic I couldn´t live without.

I couldn't live without .. Antaeus - Van Cleef & Arpels & Kouros ,, Elevate the King from hovering into your must have list ..

I am interested in Van Cleef & Arpels too but want to now how different it is from antaeus. Someone told here that VC&A is more floral but it is the only difference ?

I highly recommend Antaeus and Gentleman.

Gentleman would be fantastic for a balmy Cape Town evening!