TechnologySep 19, 2022
Signet Enters the Metaverse With Banter, DressX PartnershipTechnologyDec 05, 2022
Timex Ticks into the Metaverse with Bored Ape Yacht Club
The watch brand will create 500 custom timepieces for holders of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs.
The Bored Ape Yacht Club is a collection of NFTs featuring cartoon apes generated by an algorithm. Timex is partnering with the brand on a limited-edition collection of one-of-a-kind watches, available only to Bored Ape NFT holders.
Middlebury, Conn.—Timex is entering the metaverse with its first collection of one-of-a-kind watches accompanied by an NFT.
An NFT, or a non-fungible token, is a financial security comprised of digital data stored on a blockchain.
The timepieces will be available to select members of the Bored Ape Yacht Club and Mutant Ape Yacht Club communities.
Created by Yuga Labs, the Bored Ape Yacht Club, often shortened to Bored Ape, is a collection of NFTs built on the Ethereum blockchain.
Members own unique profile pictures of cartoon apes that are generated by an algorithm, choosing from more than 170 possible traits, including expressions and clothing. Owning the NFT also gets members access to an online community.
The price of a Bored Ape is 0.08 ETH, or $103 as of press time, when purchased directly. There are only 10,000 available.
Ownership of an NFT is able to be transferred to a new owner as NFTs are sold and traded. Bored Apes sold on a secondary marketplace can sell for much higher prices.
Bored Ape created an extension of the community via the Mutant Ape Yacht Club, a collection of NFTs that display a Bored Ape that has been mutated. There are 20,000 available.
Like the NFT, each Timex watch will be unique, custom made in physical form and as a digital collectible.
Only 500 of the watches and their matching NFTs will be made available to Bored Ape and Mutant Ape NFT owners.
Based on the Timex Waterbury Classic design, the watch will be personalized with the holder’s ape and customizable case, strap, and etchings options.
There will be 500 watches and matching NFTs available exclusively to Bored Ape and Mutant Ape NFT owners.
"Timex is entering Web3 [another name for the metaverse] by keeping creativity and community at the forefront," said Shari Fabiani, senior vice president of global marketing and creative services at Timex Group.
"In partnership with the Bored Ape Yacht Club community, we are redefining and pushing the boundaries of physical, virtual and now ‘phygital’ products."
Timex consulted long-standing Bored Ape community members—including Josh Ong, CryptoVonDoom, The Miami Ape, Logik, BaronVonHustle, and Zeneca—about creative direction, design, and Web3 utility,.
"As a part of the OG [original gangster] Bored Ape community, it's been dope to collaborate with the OGs of watchmaking," said CryptoVonDoom.
Community member Josh Ong said, “From customizing the digital collectible and unboxing the physical watch to flexing at ApeFest, these incredible timepieces will delight Ape holders and keep them guessing at surprises yet to come."
ApeFest is a community gathering of Bored Ape and Mutant Ape holders hosted by the Bored Ape Yacht Club team.
A Timex pre-sale event for community members was held Dec. 2 at an invite-only launch party during Art Basel in Miami.
From Dec. 4-31, all Bored Ape and Mutant Ape NFT holders can buy a Timepiece Forge Pass NFT for 2 ETH ($2,566) to purchase the watch and verify its authenticity.
In mid-December, pass holders can go online to customize their one-of-a-kind watch, expected to arrive at the beginning of Q2 2023.
Timex is working with Daz3D, a leader in Web3 strategy, marketing, and full-stack development, to create the watches. The company also operates a 3D creation platform with millions of professional and recreational artists.
Tiffany & Co. also entered the metaverse in August, launching a collection of pendants available exclusively to CryptoPunk NFT holders. Priced at more than $50,000, the limited-edition collection quickly sold out.
Signet Jewelers brand Banter also stepped into the metaverse via a partnership with DressX, launching a jewelry collection that’s available in physical and digital form.
More on Technology
The Latest
MajorsJul 26, 2024
Diamonds Direct Opens Store in AtlantaIt’s the Signet-owned banner’s first location in Georgia.
TrendsJul 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Double Loop’ EarringsCommemorate “brat summer” with these green hoops.
EditorsJul 26, 2024
Out & About: A Dispatch from the Nation’s Smallest StateEditor-in-Chief Michelle Graff returns from Rhode Island with thoughts about in-store shopping and a trends report.
Brought to you by
The End of an Era? Lab-Grown Diamonds' Journey Towards Price StabilityAs the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
Supplier BulletinJul 25, 2024
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionSponsored by Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 25, 2024
De Beers’ H1 Revenue Falls 21% in ‘Weak’ MarketLab-grown diamond sales in the United States and ongoing economic challenges in China are impacting natural diamond demand.
IndependentsJul 25, 2024
Store Designer Ruth Mellergaard DiesA longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionGIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
FinancialsJul 25, 2024
Boucheron, Pomellato Post Double-Digit Growth in Q2 The gains come amid a tough time for parent company Kering, which saw sales slide 11 percent in the first half of the year.
MajorsJul 25, 2024
Shane Co. Partners With Kids In Need Foundation to Donate 7,200 BackpacksThe fine jewelry retailer filled backpacks with back-to-school essentials for students in 13 states.
FinancialsJul 24, 2024
LVMH’s First-Half Jewelry, Watch Sales Dip 5%Tiffany & Co. is focusing on its “iconic” collections while the company has made changes at the top at TAG Heuer and Hublot.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
See Chaumet’s Paris Olympic Medals Inspired by its High JewelryThe Parisian brand is the first jewelry company in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Acquires Pawnbroker Insurance ProviderUnion Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
Ben Bridge Announces 2024 Lonia Tate Scholarship WinnerLos Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
ColumnistsJul 23, 2024
Peter Smith: The Case for Optimism in Sales In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
SourcingJul 23, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 15% in Q2The company also reported the $150 million sale of an iron ore royalty right, part of its ongoing effort to divest “non-core” assets.
IndependentsJul 23, 2024
Long’s Jewelers Is Giving Away a Luxury Cape Cod VacationThe giveaway is part of the New England jeweler’s summer bridal event.
CollectionsJul 23, 2024
Guzema Debuts ‘Flower Power’ CampaignThe ad features three celebrity florists creating floral sculptures while wearing jewelry by Guzema.
Policies & IssuesJul 23, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its 2024 Entrepreneurship Grant WinnersThe grant provided a total of $100,000 to support 13 entrepreneurs from diamond communities in Africa and India.
CrimeJul 22, 2024
Florida Jeweler Shot, Killed Following Argument With CustomerGhazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2024
JVC’s Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez Joins RJCThe organization also announced Effie Marinos as its new specialist advisor for technical standards, as well as four other appointments.
SourcingJul 22, 2024
AWDC Names Karen Rentmeesters as CEORentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
IndependentsJul 19, 2024
Longtime D.C. Jeweler Brian Mann Dies at 70Mann, whose family’s jewelry store was located inside the Pentagon, is remembered for being a thoughtful champion of the industry.
IndependentsJul 19, 2024
The 1916 Company Opens New Tudor BoutiqueThe 500-square-foot boutique is located in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
CollectionsJul 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Messika’s ‘So Move Max’ NecklaceDance all night long with the “So Move Max” set’s necklace.
WatchesJul 18, 2024
TAG Heuer, Hublot Will Have New CEOs Luxury giant LVMH is reshuffling the leadership in its watches division.
MajorsJul 18, 2024
New Etsy Campaign Prioritizes Creators Amid BacklashSellers and shoppers have spoken out against a rise in mass-produced merchandise on the platform meant to highlight handmade goods.
