Base, the Ethereum Layer 2 network by Coinbase, recently dropped a limited-edition physical watch called “Time to Create” as their first official merch item. Only 1,500 units were produced.
Priced at 70 USDC each onchain payment on Base. Total cost including shipping and fees came to around $118 for many buyers. The drop launched via shop.base.org. It sold out in hours some reports say minutes, with high demand causing queues and rapid depletion.
This “phygital” (physical + digital/onchain) collectible features a retro-style digital design with functions like dual time, stopwatch, alarm, and water resistance. It’s branded with Base’s aesthetic and numbered.
The quick sell-out highlights strong community enthusiasm for Base—people weren’t just buying a cheap watch, but a symbol of the ecosystem, brand loyalty, and onchain culture. It’s a smart move blending merch, exclusivity, and crypto-native payments.
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The drop sold out in minutes despite queues and high demand, showing intense enthusiasm for Base. People weren’t just buying a retro-style digital watch—they were acquiring a symbolic collectible representing the ecosystem’s “Time to Create” ethos.
This highlights a highly engaged, loyal community that “votes with their wallets,” as one observer noted. It’s a clear signal of cultural resonance in crypto, where exclusivity drives FOMO.
Boost to Onchain Commerce
Payments were made exclusively in USDC on Base, contributing to a new daily high in USDC-settled commerce ~$89K on drop day. This demonstrates real-world utility for Base as a Layer 2: seamless, low-cost onchain transactions for physical goods “phygital” items.
It validates Coinbase’s push for Base as a consumer-friendly chain and could encourage more merchants to adopt onchain payments. Labeled as “Drop 01,” this is Base’s first official merch, blending nostalgia (retro design) with crypto-native elements (numbered editions, onchain purchase).
The hype generated massive organic buzz on X, amplifying Base’s visibility. It positions Base as a lifestyle brand beyond just tech, similar to how other projects use merch/NFTs to build identity. Expect more drops, potentially escalating community participation. Some community members speculate about rewards for buyers, though nothing is confirmed.
The limited supply creates scarcity, turning watches into potential collectibles. Early signs show quick deliveries and positive unboxings, reinforcing satisfaction. As of now there’s little evidence of widespread reselling on eBay or crypto marketplaces.
This suggests most buyers are holders keeping them as memorabilia rather than quick flips—unlike many NFT drops. Resale could emerge later if perceived as “onchain history.” This is a bullish signal for Base: proof of vibrant, action-oriented community in a competitive L2 landscape.
Base aims to onboard 25 million users and secure $100 billion in assets by year-end 2025, leveraging Coinbase’s distribution for seamless access. This could integrate more phygital experiences to drive adoption.
Q2 2025 enhancements targeted 200ms block times, 50 Mgas/s blockspace, and improved privacy, enabling faster, more secure onchain interactions—ideal for future merch drops or dApps. Hiring country leads in seven regions accelerates localized growth, potentially including region-specific merch or partnerships to broaden the user base.
As an L2 leader, Base emphasizes developer tools, DeFi integrations, and AI-onchain projects via partners like DataHaven or Zama seen in community discussions. Future paths may involve token launches or deeper Coinbase ties for L2 strategies.
It underscores how simple, well-executed ideas can drive real engagement and commerce. Keep watching for Drop 02—demand will likely be even higher.