Launched in the late Eighties, Bench had its roots in the skateboarding and BMX scene. It was initially an underground menswear label, that only really captured the public's heart in the mid Nineties when the company upped sticks and moved to Manchester (or Madchester as it was known back then). In 1998 Bench introduced a womanswear label and later an accessories range, including chunky watches, belts and hats.
When Bench moved to Manchester in the Nineties, the city was integral to the British music scene. Bands like The Stone Roses, The Charlatans, New Order, The Smiths and Joy Division had been massively influential on the city's music culture and were shaping the musical landscape. New bands like Oasis, The Verve, Badly Drawn Boy and Elbow were all in the wings, waiting for their chance to grab the limelight and then there was the hugely famous Hacienda club and increasing dance scene which jostled with the indie boys for space in Manchester's exciting but crowded musical backdrop.
Although the legendary Hacienda venue closed in 1997, the label still remains, and holds club nights with DJ's like Graeme Park, Peter Hook and A Guy called Gerald spinning the decks around the globe. Bench has been affiliated with the Hacienda since the early days and they are currently supporting the music label on their tour around the world - the 'Hacienda/Bench World Tour 08/09'. As well as being all tied up with the Hacienda label, Bench are big supporters of the NME and in this years NME awards sponsored the 'Best New Band' award, which was won by MGMT.
You can't mistake Bench wrist wear. On the face of each watch is the distinctive logo be it large or small. This marks the wearer out as a bearer of good taste and someone who is familiar with a 'skate' lifestyle. All the Bench watches we have for you to choose from on Shade Station are analogue and largely chunky in style. There is not a great deal of distinction between men's and women's watches, however men's wrist wear tend to have a slightly fatter strap and watch face.
Leather straps are common throughout the Bench time wear collection, with some rubber straps for those who prefer a more utilitarian look. And you'll be very pleased to hear that our Bench watch range comes at a pocket pleasing price (as little as '24.65), which leaves you plenty of cash left to accessorise with your favourite pair of sunglasses, also available at Shade Station! We stock an enormous amount of watches and shades from cool brands like Nike, Oakley, Adidas, Briel, Tokyo Flash and Ted Baker. Check out our online store for more designer names or if you wish to visit our store, we're based in Leeds city centre. Alternatively for more information call our hotline on 0844 55 55 001 or email us at info@shadestation.co.uk.
