As 3sixteen set off in a new direction for the brand from its foundation in playful graphic tees to a new more refined and mature aesthetic, we cover exactly what helps get brand founders Andrew Chen and Johan Lam through the everyday toils and makes their lives that much easier. Despite blatantly cheating and admitting to it by showcasing in excess of five essentials (mostly Johan), Johan and Andrew offered detailed descriptions of their daily necessities. For a better look at each item, they can be clicked and enlarged (wait for the page to fully load).

Press Shots: Dan Chen
Product Shots: Caleb Lin

Andrew Chen

Sinn 656S
For the longest time, I was convinced that I didn’t need a watch because I had the time readily available on my phone, computer and plenty of other places; now that I’ve begun wearing one again, I wonder how I got along without it. Aesthetically, this Sinn timepiece is perfect for me - sleek and understated. I also really like that the brand’s heritage and history: the founder, Helmut Sinn, started out building airplane instrument clocks in 1961 to meet the demanding functional needs of aviators. This particular watch takes its design cues from one of their early clocks.

All that aside, the ETA 2824-2 Swiss automatic movement inside keeps great time too.

Mi Pueblo’s cafe con leche
A cup of coffee from the bodega across the street helps me shake off the morning cobwebs and get to work. I’m not addicted by any means but it sure helps to get my mind right before the day begins. What makes their coffee so special is the slight hint of cinnamon they add to the coffee grounds prior to brewing. Can’t mess with it.

Clarks Desert Boots
Every guy needs a few good pairs of shoes…. I love these in particular for several reasons: the oft-imitated silhouette is a classic, the price is reasonable, and like good denim, they change over time. The more they’re worn, the better they age.

Metrocard
The keys to the greatest public transportation system in the world fit right in my wallet. I have a car, but I only use it to run errands and to get around on the weekends… there’s just no reason to battle traffic and risk parking meter tickets on the daily (thanks a lot, Bloomberg). Plus, I’ve grown accustomed to using the ride home as a time to relax and unwind. All I need is “A Love Supreme” on the iPod and by the time I reach my stop, everything is right with the world once again.

Bible
My source of truth, hope and inspiration.

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