Hiroyuki, a popular manga artist and watch enthusiast, has been on a luxury watch shopping spree again in 2024. His debt, which was 50 million yen in 2023, has ballooned to an extent that it's hard to imagine how much it has grown. Hiroyuki chose two of his favorite watches from his new collection, which he added to in 2024, and talks about his love for them. The two he chose are the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 and the Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Chronograph St. Barths.
Photographs & Text by Hiroyuki
[Article published on January 31, 2024]
Manga artist Hiroyuki's two favorite watches for 2024
Hiroyuki is an extremely popular manga artist whose four works have been adapted into anime: "Doujin Work," "Mangaka-san to Assistant-san," "Aho Girl," and "Kanojo mo Kanojo."
But he has another side to him: a watch enthusiast who has become obsessed with watches. In 2023, he published a book about his love of watches and his experiences, titled "How a Manga Artist Who Wrote Four Anime Works Got Obsessed with Watches and Got 50 Million Yen in Debt" (Wani Books), which became a hot topic.
This watch enthusiast will continue to buy watches enthusiastically in 2024, and his debt will likely easily exceed 5000 million yen. We asked Hiroyuki to introduce us to his favorite model from the many watches he purchased this year.
He chose a two-tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 and a Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Chronograph St. Barths.
Rolex "Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36" Ref. 126233
I had a strong preconceived notion that this was a flashy watch worn by older men, but when I actually wore it, it was surprisingly refreshing.
Compared to stainless steel models, the gold has a sparkle, but it doesn't give off a negative impression of being too glaring. Perhaps the crisp design of recent Rolex watches and the refreshing color of the dial give it a very crisp impression.
It also has less glare than solid gold, making it easier to wear in everyday life.
It's an exquisitely glamorous watch for those days when a rugged stainless steel watch just isn't enough. The one I purchased had a fluted motif dial.
Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Chronograph St. Barths
This watch is 50mm in diameter and about 18mm thick. At this point, many people will think it's too big and not consider buying it. My wrist is a little over 16cm around, which is quite slim.
However, when you actually put it on your wrist, you feel that this size is just right. Of course, it is a large watch, but the design and size of the watch feel natural. The case uses multiple materials and colors and has a complex shape.
I feel that the overall look justifies the 50mm size, and the case shape curves to fit the wrist, so it fits comfortably on my wrist.
Above all, I really love the design, and it's one of my favorite pieces that always makes me excited when I wear it.
Profile
Manga artist. Debuted with "Doujin Work" from Houbunsha in 2004. Four of his works, including "Mangaka-san to Assistant-san" (Square Enix), "Aho Girl," and "Kanojo mo Kanojo" (both Kodansha), have been adapted into anime, earning him immense support from young people. In recent years, he has become obsessed with luxury watches, snapping up Rolex, A. Lange & Söhne, Richard Mille, and more, and calling himself a "watch swamp dweller." In 2023, he published an essay summarizing this experience, "How a Manga Artist from Four Anime-Adapted Works Got Obsessed with Watches and Got 50 Million Yen in Debt" (Wani Books), causing a stir in the watch industry. He is currently preparing for a new series, scheduled to begin in 2025.
