J. Press and Bamford London Launch Collaborative B80 Watch
J. Press, the iconic American heritage brand, has partnered with British watchmaker Bamford London to release a limited-edition timepiece, the B80. The collaboration blends J. Press’s Ivy League aesthetic with Bamford London’s watchmaking expertise, resulting in a unique and nostalgic design.
A Nod to Ivy League Style
Founded in 1902, J. Press is deeply rooted in American campus style and is often credited with defining the “Ivy League gaze.” The B80 watch reflects this heritage through its unconventional dial design. Instead of traditional hour markers, the dial features twelve pennant-shaped segments, each displaying the hour in a vintage collegiate banner style GQ. A gothic “J. Press” logo is prominently placed at the 9 o’clock position.
Technical Specifications and Design
The J. Press x Bamford London B80 is built upon the Bamford B80 model, featuring a 39mm titanium case that is 10.5mm thick Gear Patrol. The case is hand-brushed with polished accents and protected by a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 100m. The caseback features branding from both J. Press and Bamford London.
Powering the watch is the Sellita SW300-1 automatic movement, a reliable alternative to the ETA 2892-A2. This movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 56-hour power reserve Gear Patrol.
Availability and Pricing
The J. Press x Bamford London B80 is limited to 100 numbered pieces and is available for purchase through the J. Press website J. Press. The watch is priced at $1,595. Deliveries are expected to begin in May 2026 GQ. Each watch comes with a navy blue fabric strap and a presentation box that includes a bullion wire J. Press blazer badge GQ.
A Novel Direction for J. Press
This collaboration marks a growing emphasis on timepieces within the J. Press brand, following the appointment of creative director Jack Carlson, previously known for his work with Rowing Blazers and a series of watch collaborations with brands like Seiko, Zodiac and Tudor GQ.