Two luxury watches worn by Sho Sakurai that exude elegance and intelligence

While active as a member of the national idol group "Arashi," Sakurai Sho also displays his diverse talents as a newscaster and actor. Now at 43, the timepieces he wears on his wrist reflect the dignity and intelligence of a mature man who transcends the boundaries of an idol. His deep attachment to the prestigious brands Jaeger-LeCoultre and Breguet gives a glimpse of his sincere attitude toward watches.

櫻井翔

On June 12, 2019, Sho Sakurai appeared at the event 100 days before the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
Photo: Tokyo Sports
Written by Yukako Numamoto
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 8, 2025]

The announcement of Arashi's disbandment brought tears to the nation's eyes. The shocking news that shocked the Golden Week holidays.

 It was suddenly announced that Arashi will hold a concert tour around spring 2026 during the Golden Week holidays in 2025, and will conclude their activities at the end of May. This must have come as a huge surprise to the fan club members, estimated at over 3 million. Also, longtime fans who have left the fan club but still want to see the final tour live, as well as people of the same generation as the Arashi members who have spent half their lives following the group, will surely want to witness the band's final performance firsthand. Tour tickets are sure to be a hotbed of competition.

 In the video announcing the final tour, Sakurai Sho pledged, "I want to create that scene together with the many staff members who have taken care of me for over 20 years." While it's nice to be able to see the members reunited on tour, fans are still struggling with mixed emotions as it will mark the last time they'll see Arashi in action.

 早くもコンサートツアーに関する偽の情報まで飛び出し、宿泊先の心配をする声も上がっている。というのも、嵐のデビュー20周年を記念して2018年11月から2019年12月にかけて開催されたツアー「ARASHI Anniversary Tour 5×20」は、5大ドームで合計50公演が行われ、総動員数237万5000人という単一ツアーにおいて国内史上最大規模を記録しているからだ。

 Attention will likely continue to be focused on how large the final live concert will be, and how the culmination of Arashi's activities will be carried out, including live streaming and live viewing at movie theaters across the country.


The masterpiece shining on Sho Sakurai's left wrist: His deep attachment to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

 Meanwhile, our editorial team spotted a Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 976 on Sakurai Sho's left arm in a photo taken in 2019. It pairs perfectly with his high-quality navy suit and regimental tie. The Reverso, which asserts a modest yet intellectual presence, perfectly matches Sakurai Sho's character in Arashi.

Sakurai Sho Watch

A close-up of the hand in the image above. At the time, Sho Sakurai was wearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 976.

 There's also an episode that gives us a glimpse into Sakurai Sho's attachment to the Reverso. In a 2022 broadcast of "Sakurai Ariyoshi THE Yakai," Olympic silver medalist in women's pursuit, Takagi Nana, asked about buying a watch as a reward for herself. She commented on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, one of her final three choices, saying, "I think it's definitely a good choice. It's not something you can wear out in five or ten years. I've been using the Reverso I have for about 15 years." She went on to say, "You can even change the strap to change the look over time," adding, "It's expensive, but I think it's really nice to have one that's good in the long run."

 Perhaps with the help of Sakurai's encouragement, Takagi Nana ended up purchasing a Reverso. This series of exchanges also shows Sakurai Sho's love for watches.

The Reverso is one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's signature collections. The origins of the Reverso, with its reversible case, date back to the early 1930s, when a British officer stationed in India asked Jaeger-LeCoultre to develop a watch that could withstand the shocks of polo matches. By sliding the dial, the back is revealed, protecting the dial from blows from sticks.

 In that sense, it can be said to be the origin of luxury sports watches. The elegant rectangular case with its golden ratio does not lose its elegance in any situation. The Reverso has a timeless appeal that never fades over time, earning it the trust of many watch enthusiasts.

Confirmed in a special interview at Keio University: The Breguet Type XX speaks of its adventurous spirit

Keio University's YouTube video "The Encouragement of Learning for Us Living in the Modern World (Part 2)" was released two years ago and has already been viewed 46 times.

 Meanwhile, in this YouTube video, Sho Sakurai is wearing a Breguet Type XX Transatlantic. He spent 16 years at Keio University, and in this video, he appeared as the first guest in a special talk with the school's president.

 In the video, Sakurai Sho spoke about his desire to "always maintain an attitude of learning," and this watch is one he wears as his companion on "NEWS ZERO," where he serves as a newscaster. Perhaps he matches the color of his tie to the color of the watch strap, or perhaps vice versa, but it's a choice that blends in with the classic atmosphere of the school building.

Type XX Transatlantic

Breguet Type XX Transatlantic Ref. 3820
Automatic winding (Cal. 582Q). 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 39mm).

 The name of the watch refers to the aircraft developed by Louis-Charles Breguet that achieved the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean between Paris and New York in 1930. This model evokes Breguet's connection with aviation and its challenging spirit.

 The Type XX, created in the 1950s for the French Air Force, is still part of Breguet's collection today, available in two versions, civilian and military. It features the flyback function characteristic of aviation watches, as well as a variety of useful details, including luminous hands and indexes, and a strap fastening system that allows for easy strap changes.


The aesthetics of time tell the true adult choice

 Now 43 years old, Sho Sakurai is not only an idol, but also an actor, newscaster, and presenter, demonstrating his diverse talents. His quiet and refined demeanor is well-liked by both men and women, which is why so many companies use him in their commercials. His watch choices also reflect this intelligent and sophisticated personality.

 Sakurai Sho's attitude of continuing to wear the Reverso for 15 years gives us a glimpse into his philosophy of viewing a watch not just as an accessory, but as a partner in life. His honest words, "In the long run, it's really good to have one good watch," represent the essence of choosing a watch for an adult.

Reverso

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 976, Ref. Q3738420
Manual winding. Approximately 48 hours of power reserve. Stainless steel case (38.5 x 30 mm). Water resistant to 3 bar.

 Jaeger-LeCoultre's tradition and innovation, and Breguet's history and adventurous spirit, overlap in many ways with Sakurai Sho's own journey, which has continued to evolve for over 25 years since his debut. Perhaps it is his deep understanding and resonance with the spirit of the artisans embodied in the watches and the brand's philosophy that has led him to continue choosing these prestigious brands.

 Now that his career as an idol is in the countdown, the value of the time marked on Sakurai Sho's wrist has become even more significant. However, one thing can be said for sure: the Jaeger-LeCoultre and Breguet shining on his wrist will continue to keep time as it always has. What kind of watch would a true adult choose? Sakurai Sho's choice quietly but eloquently reveals the answer.


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