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Alon Ben Joseph & George Bamford Talk Time & The Bamford B80 ‘Ace’ Limited Edition Watch

“Don’t worry; it’s just a watch...Watches are made to be worn. To be used. To take knocks. And with this watch, the first knock is on us.”

- George Bamford/Alon Ben Joseph on the Bamford B80 ‘Ace’ Limited Edition

In Brief

With an ode to tool watches, Amsterdam based Alon Ben Joseph, CEO of Ace Jewelers teams up with George Bamford to produce the Bamford London x Ace Jewelers Limited Edition B80 ‘Ace’
Responsible for the Bamford London GMT, Bamford Mayfair Sport and the Crazy Hours Artic Snoopy in conjunction with Franck Muller, George Bamford is possibly the king of collabs and horological personalisation thanks to his official design studio, Bamford London.
Over the last 10 years, Ace Jewelers has dropped several new models with various top luxury watch brands which have all been met with the highest acclaim.
Limited to 50 pieces, the Bamford London x Ace Jewelers Limited Edition B80 ‘Ace’ oozes vintage with its worn out PVD finish, distinctive patina and aged lume.
Brimming with whimsy and testament to the trials and tribulations of wearing a watch, the Bamford B80 comes complete with a nifty miniature tool set, containing a miniscule saw, hammer and plier.
Set up to take everyday knocks thanks to the B80 cases made of titanium, this three handed wonder’s mantra is “if it’s too perfect, fix it.” And you have certainly found the perfect place to learn more as Alon and George take time out in an exclusive interview with Simon Lazarus, Head of Content & PR at Chrono Hunter.

Before we deep dive like a Rolex Deepsea Challenge into our interview, isn’t it time we found out about the Bamford x Ace Jewelers Limited Edition B80 ‘Ace’?

Watch alert Klaxon at the ready…

Personality Of The Bamford B80 ‘Ace’ Limited Edition Watch

“The first time we met, we immediately clicked and always stayed in touch. When the B80 launched, I immediately obtained the version with the smoked orange dial. I love that watch, because I love titanium as a material and field watches.”

- Alon Ben Joseph on George Bamford

There’s field watches…and then there’s field watches.

None more so than the first official drop between Bamford London and Alon Ben Joseph of Ace Jewelers, based in Amsterdam. And might we say, this collab is bloomin marvellous!

But what is a field watch? In essence, it should be hard wearing, tough like the Hulk, simple to read and with enough minimalism to rival Robert Morris or Sol Le Witt. With enough vintage vibes to fill a Vivienne Westwood show at London Fashion Week, military watches have highly legible dials, lumed displays and have a movement ticking under the most strenuous conditions.

Typical layout of a field watch as demonstrated by the stainless steel Sinn 856, Source: Sinn

Sure, we could harp on about some of the best field watches around such as the Seiko 5 Sports Midfield, Sinn 856 using the same Sellita SW300-1 movement as the Bamford B80, or Tudor Ranger, if you want to buy a watch under £5,000

But let’s cut to the chase for a minute. Does this project between Alon Ben Joseph and George Bamford cut the horological mustard? Well it ticks most of our timekeeping boxes.

Black dial watches have a tendency to scratch but they had a horological itch to do the scratching in advance. The duo came up with their very own patina that takes its influence from the original Bamford B80 field watch that was daubed in black PVD titanium. Yes, the former was created to be as hard as old leather. But it was not completely resistant to scratches. The solution?

The Bamford B80 “Ace” Limited Edition.

It’s A Hard Knock Life

Like those retro jeans you can’t throw out, they just have something about the original wear and tear that is still de rigeur.

Measuring 39mm x 10.5mm, this tool watch is the same concept for the case which enjoys a distinctive patina, as per bronze watches. Low and behold we are treated to an effortless hours and minutes timepiece imbued with a hassle free layout and a robust titanium B80 case.

This is reflected in their strapline; “if it’s too perfect, fix it

Smokier than a private gentlemen’s club, the “ghost” dial is another added touch that enhances the aesthetics of this novelty. After a few sessions in George Bamford’s Mayfair townhouse HQ, nicknamed The Hive, Alon and George have created a real buzz with the face.

Inspired by Alon’s passion for classic field watches, note the smoky gradient finish with numerals harking back to those age old military novelties. Meanwhile, the hand and indices don’t avoid the vintage treatment either thanks to a generous dose of lume that takes on an aged effect. Clearly, you can see there’s been lots of time spent on getting the essentials right.

Military By Name, Fun-Loving By Nature

So what else can we take away from the Bamford London x Ace Jewelers Limited Edition B80 ‘Ace?’ For starters on the timekeeping menu, this terrific tool watch has been simplified to its very inch…with an injection of light heartedness to boot.

Note the utilitarian style that is embodied across the Bamford B80. From its Sellita SW300-1 movement and hardy 28,800 VPH (4Hz) beat to the durable, textured Cordura strap, paying homage to age-old field watches that Alon is so passionate about.

Made of sapphire crystal, it has a weekend proof 56 hours power reserve and boasts 100 metres of water resistance (328 feet.) So whatever scrape you end up getting into, you know this beauty is built to last.

Well, until you run out of juice that is.

This means you can wear this during light splashes, swimming and even snorkelling, though we would advise against deep diving. You may need an Omega Ploprof for that. Flip this baby over for a minute and you will find an intriguing caseback that has been specially engraved with “You’re Ace” emblazoned on an etched spade from a deck of cards.

Let’s face it…If Lemmy did field watches, this would be it!

Other details on the back include limited edition information, Ace Jewelers x Bamford and water resistant 10 ATM. Presented in an aged brown and orange striped presentation box, lest we forget about the container of miniature tools, enhancing the utilitarian theme, containing items such as a hammer, plier and saw.

On the surface, it appears they have both nailed this one.

Where Can You Buy The Bamford London x Ace Jewelers Limited Edition B80 ‘Ace’?

We doubt this mighty fine field watch will be around for much longer. However, you can still pick up the Bamford B80 Ace Limited Edition for £1,250 directly through Bamford London at the time of writing.

Official Specs - Bamford London x Ace Jewelers Limited Edition B80 ‘Ace’

Brand	Bamford London Ace Jewelers
Model Name	Bamford 80
Watch Type	Automatic
Case Diameter	39mm
Case Thickness	10.5mm
Water Resistance	100m (10 ATM)
Caseback Material	PVD Titanium
Case Material	Titanium. Sapphire Crystal with antiglare
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds
Lug Width	20mm
Strap material	Cordura
Limited Edition	Yes, 50 pieces

Movement Specs

Movement	Sellita SW300-1
Movement Diameter	25.6mm
Movement Height	3.6mm
Vibrations Per Hour	28,800 (4HZ)
Rotor Style	Ball bearing
Number of Jewels	25
Power Reserve	56 hours
Other watches containing the Sellita SW300-1	Sinn U50

The Interview - Alon Ben Joseph & George Bamford

It’s time to introduce the men of the hour, Alon Ben Joseph, CEO of Ace Jewelers and George Bamford of Bamford London in this must-read interview, exclusive to Chrono Hunter.

George Bamford

In conversation with our Head of Content & PR Simon Lazarus…gentlemen…

Let's start the clock!

Q: Take us back in time (if you will), to where it all started. How did this collaboration come to fruition?

Alon: Ever since George started over two decades ago I admired both his work and him as a person. We met up many years ago in Switzerland during trade fairs and also in London. We became friends as we connected both on the sheer passion for watches and geeking out on the oddball watches.

As my wife is originally from London, we visit the town often and every time I am in town, I hang out with George and his team in “The Hive” the Bamford Watch Palace.

During one of these meetings he showed me the prototype of his newest model, then the B80. I immediately fell in love with the titanium field watch and with thinking I blurred out: “Can we do a collab together on this model?”. Without a pause George immediately said yes. The rest is history.

George: I’m very lucky to call Alon a friend, especially in the watch world. He’s one of those positive forces. We’ve always wanted to work together on a project and as soon as he saw the B80 he connected with it. He loved the design I created and it’s been a wonderful experience to make this watch together.

Q: What is it about field watches that in your view works so well on the Bamford B80? Why this particular type of watch?

Alon: I loved the fact that a British brand, Bamford London, made a modern interpretation of the legendary toolwatch, the military field watch.

The passion for real watches, so I mean by that tool watches, was instilled in me by my father, a veteran. Besides the historical significance, it also appeals to me so much on a visual level. I love matte finished watches. I love the clear lay-out of dials. And, often the fonts used on dials really appeal to me.

George: Alon and I were going to back and forth about the type of dials, type of watch. I’m highly dyslexic so I struggle to read a 24 hour clock. I loved chatting to Alon about this, he had an Eureka moment and everything just seemed to fall into place. The dial and case work together so well.

Q: From the factory original patina and PVD finishing to the “ghost dial”, is there one element of the Bamford B80 you are most proud of and why?

Alon: No, it’s the sum of it all. It was a true joint creation. We brainstormed together on it, came up with it rather quickly and we were so much on the same page, it was done very quickly.

George: This watch came together so amazingly. There is a Japanese saying, ‘doki doki’, which means the moment when you see something and your heart beats that little bit faster. I love that this watch did this for me, with the ageing on the case and the special dial. The creativity and pushing boundaries, design-wise.

Q: Aside from “You're Ace” featured on the caseback, were you considering any other alternatives or did any miss the cut?

Alon: No, this also was done in a second brainstorm session and we were unanimous literally within 3 minutes. It’s such a joy and pleasure to work with George and his teams. Everyone is so passionate, knowledgeable and professional.

George: It was so amazing working with Alon. Of course there are always ideas that get left behind, but that means you care about what you’re doing. This collaboration was step by step and I agree with Alon that in this particular process there was nothing left on the cutting room floor with the final design.

Q: Why did you opt for a Cordura strap and were there any other choices in the mix?

Alon: Good question. We briefly discussed a NATO strap, because of the historical aspect. But, we both are not such fans of NATO straps. We were very quick to choose cordura as you have the best of both worlds.

It gives you that historical vibe of a textile strap, with the pleasure and softness of a leather strap. Obviously the buckle got the same finish as the case. We did not cut any corners. A black version of this strap can be ordered from BamfordLondon.com

George: We were looking at fixed lugs with a NATO strap and I didn’t think that would work with the case back unless we really etched into it or did a relief. So for me the Cordura strap worked so well, and gave you that field feel without fixing the lugs, and meant that you could strap hack it yourself. Ageing the titanium case brought the two concepts together as a whole.

Q: How many brainstorming sessions did you end up organising to achieve the final concept and was there anything left off the timekeeping table you wish you could have added in?

Alon: No more than three meetings. Initial brainstorm session with a blank canvas. Second ones to dot the I’s for caseback, strap and how to market it. Final one was to approve the prototype and discuss the launch party. That’s it. One of the most efficient, smooth and fun collabs we have done at Ace Jewelers.

George: Three is the magic number! We had a great conversation, and we both know what we love.

Q: Is there going to be a follow up to the Bamford B80 collab, or should we pardon the pun…watch this space?

Alon: LOL! If it’s up to me, HELL YES. Just because it’s so much fun. I would be honoured if we can work on another project again.

But, we actually did. Because we had such a great experience on this project, at Ace Jewelers we have decided to ask for an authorised dealership to stock Bamford London watches. And, lucky us, Team Bamford granted us the exclusive retail dealership in the Netherlands. We are very proud and humbled.

George: I love watch this space! We are very lucky to have Alon and Ace as our retailer in The Netherlands, and I’m sure there will be others. When you see what he’s done with NOMOS - such a truly successful collaboration.

Q: I do like the accompanying tools collection alongside the Bamford London x Ace Jewelers Limited Edition B80 ‘Ace’. Can you tell us the inspiration behind this?

Alon: Both George and I love black watches. But, I am not such a fan of PVD coatings or DLC coatings. And, I am not a huge fan of ceramic, as it breaks easily.

As it’s a tool watch, it needs to withstand many shocks & knocks! So, I proposed to turn the disadvantage into an advantage. I love when these old blackened maglights and/or guns have wear and tear on them.

So, I proposed to age the cases. George loved it and ran with it. It also solves an issue for all the collectors that so much hate the first scratch or nick on their watch. So, we had decided to do it the proper way and customise every single case of the 50 by hand. Therefore none are the same.

George: I thought about RRL when it first came out, their belts and pre-aged clothing. It was done so well that when you put on a leather jacket for example, it already felt like it was yours. This was something I wanted to try and the project with Alon was perfect. Watching our watchmakers polishing the cases was so beautiful to see - each one is unique.

Q: In three words, how would you describe each other?

Alon: George is passionate, fun & authentic.

George: Alon is positive, erudite and awesome!

Rolex GMT-Master ref 16700 in steel. Alon’s timekeeping choice for Desert Island Watches

Q: Finally, which one brand, reference and watch would you take to your own deserted horological island?

Alon: Great question and most annoying one you can ask a watchnerd and collector. Oh my gosh. I am freaking out from the moment I read this question.

I want to say that on a deserted island you don’t need a watch and you live with the cycles of the sun and moon. But since you write that it’s a deserted horological island, we need a watch.

So, it has to be mechanical, waterproof and on a metal bracelet. So, I will opt for the Rolex GMT-Master I (reference 16700) that I received from my parents as a gift for my 18th birthday. Only because you have put a gun on my head

George: What a good question. I’d probably take my forged carbon Monaco that I launched in Basel with TAG Heuer and did the design for. It’s a combination of my signature colours: the Bamford aqua blue and black in a forged carbon case.

It’s a legendary watch. For practicality I’d take my Bamford G-Shock with the solar panel dial because then it would last forever on a desert island.

What’s Our View?

Let’s take a second (or two) to sum up the Bamford B80 ‘Ace’ Limited Edition.

It's easy to read, hard wearing and an ode to those typical military watches that were oh so popular back in the day. Utilised by the military over the years, Cordura straps are quite possibly the best in the business, known for their hard wearing properties.

This addition of treated nylon is both tear and water resistant that stands up to the test of time. Plus, it looks the part on the wrist whether for summer barbecues, scaling hills or for those adventure seekers.

And if you’re looking to buy a watch oozing military appeal or something with more pzazz, stand to attention, as we have the perfect platform to satisfy all your horological desires…

For now, it’s 10-4, over and out.

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Images (Unless otherwise stated): Ace PhotoStudio / Ace Jewelers.Bamford London

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