DAMAN^AUGUST/SEPTEMBER2019161identity of BAPE,” said Gonzales de Cevallos in
a separate interview. “Whereas what Switzerland
brought to the table in this collaboration can
be seen more inside of the case, the Japanese
design can be seen more on the outside. The goal
was to bring forth a product that is a positive
provocation from both Japan and Switzerland,
and I think we succeeded. We both learned a lot
from this collaboration and especially how things
can also be done in a different way.”
Statement Pieces
The newest Swatch Big Bold product line serves
as a daring canvas for this limited-edition
collection. Furthermore, all six watches feature
the newly designed signature BAPE camouflage
pattern on the dial or strap and also comes with
the BAPE logo of an ape’s head. Notably, the
camo pattern on the London, New York, Tokyo
and Paris editions incorporate a world map into
the camouflage, while the enhanced Swatch
logo is invocative of the watchmaker’s debut in
the 1980s. In terms of size, the newest Swatch
Big Bold product line is truly a statement piece.
Boasting a 47mm case, this serves as a daring
canvas for this limited-edition collection. Up
front, the watch comes with a subtle touch from
both brands. The hour hands are tipped with
the BAPE logo itself, while the seconds hand
is a lightning bolt. After that, some of the dials
come with hour numerals (three, eight and nine
in particular) that are highlighted in contrasting
colors, as a special reference to 1983, when
Swatch was established, as well as 1993, the year
that BAPE was founded.
All in all, when it comes to legendary
streetwear brands, A Bathing Ape’s legend
precedes it. And ultimately, Swatch is proud
for this joint collection with BAPE through
the release of six limited watches. The five city
watches are numbered and limited to either 983
or 1993 pieces, paying tribute to each brand’s
respective birth years. Together with the sixth
model Big Bold BAPE The World, this limited-
edition collection shouts out to big personalities,
celebrating the world, diversity and time.
When urban street culture meets daring Swiss
watchmaking, needless to say that this collection
will play an important role in taking both of the
brands into the future.Swatch's VP and COO
Gonzales de Cevallos alongside
the representative from BAPE
presented a limited edition box
featuring all six SwatchXBAPE watches;
SwatchXBAPE Tokyo edition
Opposite page The first location
for the launc event of
SwatchXBAPE in Roppongi Hills“Together
with the sixth
model Big
Bold BAPE
The World,
this limited-
edition
collection
shouts
out to big
personalities,
celebrating
the world,
diversity
and time”