Technology

Timex Ticks into the Metaverse with Bored Ape Yacht Club

TechnologyDec 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.

20221205_1-Timex Bored Ape Watch.jpg
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.
 
20221205_2-Timex Bored Ape Watch.jpg
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.
 
 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Zahn-Z Big Zaha Art Deco Ring
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design Awards

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

Rapaport's rebranding
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport Trade

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8M

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Cultus Artem River of Heaven Necklace
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ Desert

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Sean Dunn, Amy Greenberg, Elise Greenberg, Coleman Clark, Mitchell Clark
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With Nelly

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

A screen shot of The Clear Cut's website
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

Itä Aguaviva Tassel Pendant, Ashaha Anzar Cuff, Cultus Artem Quetzal Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design Atelier

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

GCAL 8x Cushion Cut diamond
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion Cut

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

Smart Age Solutions CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital Playbook

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Couture The Iridescence designers Aziza-Abdullah Nicole, Cindy Liebe, Danyell Roscoe, Jessica Liu, Marie Helena from Rebel Jewelry, Julia de Souza, and Xiao Wang
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry Designers

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show Buying

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

JCK Talks panel on stage
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas Schedule

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

CBG Curated Designer Project Logo
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas Show

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

Walters Faith
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is Coming

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.

Shot of attendees at a JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York Show

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

Buccellati Waikiki gold and diamond earrings
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4

The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.

Leigh Maxwell Bauble Earrings
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ Collection

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

Stuller 2026-2027 packaging and display catalog
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

My Next Question, Episode 5: Amanda Gizzi, Michelle Graff, Frank Everett
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in Perspective

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Springer’s Jewelers new flagship rendering
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury Shoppers

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

Nina Pugliese
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

WFDB International Summit
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDB

The addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy