Watch Enthusiast Lifestyle NC: "The guilloched dial, reminiscent of waves and swirls, is the very definition of the name Marine."

NC is the youngest of the watch enthusiasts featured in this issue, but her criteria for collecting watches are not brand power or public recognition. Having had a penchant for "cute things" since she was a child, she consistently pursues "cute watches" when choosing watches. And as long as she likes the model, it doesn't matter whether it's for men or women. She says that it was the staff at a certain boutique that strengthened her resolve. Her attitude of trusting her own sensibilities and sticking to what she likes has attracted numerous masterpieces, enriching her life.

"I didn't get swayed by the opinions of those around me, and instead trusted my own aesthetic sense, which is why I was able to find such a wonderful watch."

　Appearing in a Lolita outfit adorned with ribbons and frills, NC said with a smile, "I just love cute things!" This attitude is consistent even when choosing a watch. She says her golden rule is to choose a model that you intuitively feel is "cute" without being swayed by information from magazines or the internet. N's home was designed by a famous architect who has been featured in architecture magazines, and her grandfather and mother also purchased Swiss watches through department store representatives, so she was surrounded by an environment that nurtured her aesthetic sense from a young age. N's love of cute things apparently stems largely from the influence of her mother.

"My mother liked girly clothes, and she would dress me in Shirley Temple clothes as a child, which are also popular among Lolita fans. It was only natural that I would develop an interest in cute things."

　Mr. N first got his own watch at the age of 14, when he inherited an Ebel watch that his mother had been using for about 15 years.

"During a time when I was struggling with relationships at school, I didn't want to contact my classmates, so I started living without my cell phone. However, because I was using my cell phone as a watch, I lost track of time. Thinking, 'This is a problem!', I asked my parents for a watch, and to my surprise, they gave me one as a hand-me-down."

　Her first watch was a product of her adolescent worries. Not only was it cute, but it also satisfied her curiosity.

"I remember being amazed as a child because I had never imagined that there was a watch with a dial made of shell. At the time, I was delighted to see the color of the dial change depending on the light and how it sparkled."

　After that, Mr. N used Ebel for about seven years throughout his student days. He liked it so much that he thought, "I'll keep it for the rest of my life." However, he happened to come across a Frederique Constant Heartbeat in a watch magazine and was drawn to it. This was the fateful encounter that led Mr. N to become a watch lover.

"It was pure love at first sight. However, at the time I didn't even know the difference between mechanical and quartz watches. The shop staff explained how to use them, but I didn't know what a mainspring was, and thought I could look it up later. But the moment I saw the gears of the movement at home, I felt a thrill. I like the way machines move with a steady rhythm, so even now I choose watches with see-through backs, but it all started with this heartbeat."

　And the brand that Mr. N has a deep attachment to is Breguet. The Marine shown in the photo on page 50 is one that he acquired at the age of 24, but it took many twists and turns before he finally got his hands on it. Initially, he was considering a watch from a certain brand that was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Salon. Mr. N went alone to a boutique in Ginza to see the actual watch, but he received an unexpected response there.

"Maybe it was because I was young and wearing girly fashion, but the staff wouldn't even bother to talk to me and told me, 'We can't sell you the watch in the display case.' I was so upset by their cold attitude."

　Quite a shock, Mr. N gave up on the watch and, while looking at models from other brands, became interested in the Marine. However, it was a men's model. Unlike his previous watches, it was a size larger and thicker. I wonder if he had any hesitation.

"The guilloched dial, reminiscent of waves and swirls, is a fitting name for the Marine. I was also drawn to the intricate patterns on the movement and rotor. I knew it was a men's model, but I was more impressed by the fact that such a beautiful watch existed."

　Mr. N immediately went to the Breguet boutique in the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi main store. There, he received excellent customer service from staff member U, the complete opposite of the service he received at the aforementioned brand's boutique. He was given a thorough explanation and shown all of the watches in the store. Mr. N wanted to buy the Marine from U, but it was much more expensive than any other watch he had ever bought. Just to be sure, he consulted with another watch shop. However, the staff at the other shop strongly opposed the idea, citing reasons such as "it's a men's model" and "there are no women wearing it."

"I understand that size is certainly an issue, but I couldn't understand why women shouldn't wear men's models. Many people may think that small watches set with diamonds are appropriate for women's watches. However, I think there are also people who prefer the beauty of craftsmanship, like the Marine guilloched pattern. In the end, U was the only one who agreed with me. His encouragement gave me the courage to choose Marine."

　After that, when Mr. N put on the Marine, he was well received by those around him. He was surprised. Then, when he researched the history of Breguet again, he found an unexpected commonality with his previous hobbies.

"In fact, Lolita clothing is based on the clothing worn during Marie Antoinette's time. Breguet was the court watchmaker who made Marie Antoinette's watches, so I felt a strong connection to the brand."

　Ms. N, who fell in love with Breguet, purchased a Tradition the following year. Through Ms. U, she began to be invited to Breguet events, where she had the opportunity to see pocket watches once owned by noble ladies of the past. After these experiences, Ms. N chose her latest watch, the Classique 7137.

"Mr. U told me that this model is based on the historic pocket watch No. 5, produced by Breguet in 1787. I'm very happy to be able to own a watch with a design from the time when Antoinette was alive."

　N-san chooses different watches depending on the outfit, but often pairs her Breguet with Lolita clothing. Some people around her say that matching a high-end brand watch with Lolita clothing is unorthodox, but if you look into history, she is convinced that there is no more suitable combination.

"I love the character Yui Yumekawa from the anime Idol Time Pri♡Para. She's passionate about what she loves and sticks to the path she believes in, even when people around her try to stop her. I think I was able to find the perfect watch because I wasn't swayed by opposing opinions."

　Through her many experiences, Ms. N has learned the importance of trusting her own eyes. Seeing her way of life, you can truly see how enjoyable a life can be when you can say you love what you love.