Bell & Ross Goes Bape

In celebration of Bape’s 25th anniversary, the renowned Japanese streetwear fashion brand has partnered with a host of fellow lifestyle-oriented companies – everyone from Moleskine to Barbie and Montblanc – to produce a range of collaborative goods under the banner “Bape XXV Project”.

Bape – a contraction of A Bathing Ape – has selected Bell & Ross as watch partner for its XXV Project, spawning two limited-edition pieces based on B&R’s BR03-92 watch.

The first, limited to 25 pieces, is named the BR03-92 25th Anniversary and features the ape head logo, with the phrase “APES TOGETHER STRONG” at 6 o’clock. This phrase, and variations of it, appears regularly on Bape products. The watch is presented in a water-resistant Pelican case with two straps: one rubber, with dial-mirroring Bape logo and “APES…” phrase; and one leather, proudly bearing Bape’s signature camouflage motif in grey and black.

The second, limited to 100 pieces, has been christened the BR03-92 Green Camo and displays Bape’s camouflage pattern (this time in the beloved, original “woodland” colours) across its dial. Also, like the 25^th Anniversary’s dial, the ape head logo and “APES…” text can again be found at 6 o’clock on the Green Camo.

The BR03-92 watch itself is a 42mm square-cased timepiece, realised here in matte-black ceramic, and powered using the self-winding, Sellita-based BR-CAL.302 movement. Notably, its dial employs “sandwich” construction and Super-LumiNova against sword-shaped hands to ensure maximum visibility in low-light conditions. Inspired by the instrumentation found in fighter jet cockpits, it is Bell & Ross’s most recognised creation and forms part of the brand’s Instrument collection.

The pop culture phenomenon A Bathing Ape was founded in Tokyo’s Ura-Harajuku district – the spiritual home of Japan’s legendary streetwear movement – by designer and musician Nigo (born Tomoaki Nagao). Its name and frequent primate references are said to stem from Nigo’s love of the film Planet of the Apes (1968) and, ironically, the Japanese saying: “a bathing ape in lukewarm water”, used to describe overindulgence and complacency among the youth. It has found popularity with the likes of The Notorious B.I.G, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Rihanna and Eric Clapton, amongst countless others.