BAPE Recreates Patek Philippe Watches With Timepieces That Won’t Break The Bank
By Mikelle Leow, 22 Jan 2024
Image via A Bathing Ape
The mere mention of Patek Philippe will send watch aficionados’ hearts ticking, but for the budget-conscious souls who are also fashion-forward, the latest from A Bathing Ape could be what you’re looking for.
After brazenly embodying Rolex models, BAPE is reaching for seconds and reimagining another status symbol—the iconic Nautilus—but tagging it without the eye-watering digits.
In particular, the Japanese streetwear label is setting its sights on the Ref 5711, mirroring its signature rounded octagonal, porthole-like case, date function, and bracelet. With that, an engraved LINE CAMO pattern on the bezel sounds off the alarm that this is not your typical million-dollar timepiece.
Image via A Bathing Ape
The TYPE 10 isn’t just a pretty face, as a 21-jewel automatic mechanical movement drives it. The watch boasts a sturdy 316L stainless steel bezel and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face. Sized at 43mm, it’s a statement piece that’s also practical, offering water resistance up to 100 meters (328 feet) and a power reserve exceeding 42 hours.
You have the option of a streetwear-worthy silver and orange combination, or a black and green colorway.
Image via A Bathing Ape
Perhaps the greatest draw of the TYPE 10 BAPEX for most, though, is its more realistic price tag. At a comparably accessible US$710, it’s a wee fraction of the cost. It’s still a collectible timepiece, albeit one that doesn’t demand you to mortgage your future.