Bapex.

Having had this watch now for 6 months I can say I'm really happy with how its held up, it still looks as new as the day I bought it and it's kept time flawlessly. For a first watch I think it's an excellent start - especially if you're a young gentleman who doesn't want anything too serious. I was really lucky and got a superb deal on this only paying a mere £300 as opposed to the £400+ UK RRP.

Hopefully this will last me till I can justify the big boys version.




Sam Sherwood.

ape shall never kill ape.

I'm not a huge Bape fan personally but even so I couldn't resist picking up the 15th aniversary hardcover, featuring 384 page's of collaborations to the various celebrities who have worn Bape in addition to a timeline of when various Bape products were released.

Love it or hate it you have to admire Bape, Nigo created the perfect brand for the type of underground street culture it targeted in the 90's, from stocking Bape in hidden shops called "nowhere" you only knew of the shops location if you were in the know yourself, throw in limited stock and special editions and you've got the key to success in this culture - exclusivity.

Nigo really is a marketing genius and even though the brand may have lost some credit in recent years he's still doing what he does best - making millions. The book is available at numerous websites and shops for around £20 and I really recommend it... perfect coffee table material.

Sam Sherwood.

A Few Bits I Found

On my trip abroad I, unsuprisingly, frequented a few shops and I picked up a few bits. These are some highlights.

The one shop I was most impressed with was J-Press. The day before I left my father had told me about it, comparing it to J Crew, but perhaps a little more up market. As far as he knew it was a traditional Madison Avenue outfitters similar to Brooks Brothers that had been bought out by a Japanese firm and therefore they had gone more traditional but less stagnant. There was plenty I could have bought in store but I simply didn't have the time nor money to look and buy seriously. I ended up picking up some very cosy and very warm socks as well as two eternally useful woolen hats, which I may add are very well made.

Before my visit to J-Press I went into Brooks Brothers to find something in particular and I found it straight away. Ever since Thom Browne started his Black Fleece range I had been after one of the oxford shirts. Their fit is fairly similar to one created by Gitman Brothers, but the quality is, in my opinion, on a different level. And luckily this one was in the sale.

I made two trips to Supreme. I attempted to find Mr. Jebbia but he was not around so all I got was his regards. I picked up a nice tee from the recent taps collaboration, the Vans released last year and a thermal long sleeved tee in the sale.

NYU t-shirts and sweats are one of my oldest memories of presents from trips abroad that my father would bring back. Since I have a new love of Champion, as well as the US collegiate look I purchased these from the NYU bookstore, and the fact they were student-y levels of cheapness they are wonderful additions to my wardrobe.

With some level over cash I picked up a plastic strapped Bapex. Not the one I had wanted, but a nice buy nonetheless.

Oh and a Patagonia Rain Shadow. Perfect outer shell for any weather and cheaper to buy across the pond

WANT - BAPEX

Before I own my first Rolex I need something to keep my wrist warm. This Bapex is something I reckon could do that. At just under £400 it is not a extortionate price, and with a potential cut on that it is well within my budget. I have not owned any Bape since I was a nipper, but I would happily change than in an instant if I could make it to Bape Store before all of these disappear.