The second day of the Chronos Japan 20th Anniversary Party, which readers were invited to, was reported by freelance writer Tsubasa Nojima. The moment of celebrating this milestone, with lavish events sponsored by Seiko Watch Corporation, humorous talk by Kendo Kobayashi, and delicious drinks, was an unforgettable memory for the writer.
Photography and editing: Kida Jutaku
Photographs by Yu Mitamura
Written by Tsubasa Nojima
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 13, 2025]
To express our gratitude to our readers, we are holding a party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the launch of "Kronos Japan"
The November issue of Chronos Japan, released on October 3, 2025, marks the 20th anniversary of its publication. A celebration to commemorate this milestone, "No Watch, No Life," was held over two days, on November 6th and 7th. Invitees to the first day were business partners of publisher Simsam Media Co., Ltd., such as brands, advertising agencies, and retailers, while those invited to the second day were readers. In this article, I would like to share with you the second day, which I attended. The report from the first day has already been published, so please be sure to check it out.
http://www.webchronos.net/features/146127/
The venue for the celebration was the Akasaka Prince Classic House in Kioicho, Tokyo. It is a Western-style building located a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the city. Built in 1930 by craftsmen appointed by the Imperial Household Agency, it is now a designated tangible cultural property of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and serves as a setting for special moments for people.
Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, 1-2 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0085
Entering the entrance and walking down a long corridor, one arrives at a spacious foyer where all issues of Chronos Japan are on display. It's a stunning sight that gives a visual sense of the weight of 20 years. Looking at each cover, one can get a digest of how trends in the watch industry and readers' interests have changed over time.
Passing through the green archway, you enter the main party room, which is laid out in a buffet style with several round tables, and at the very front is a stage decorated with the 20th anniversary logo.
And most of all, the must-see was the watch exhibition space along the wall to the right of the stage. This celebration was sponsored by Seiko Watch Corporation, which prepared a number of special events unique to the company. One of these was the touch and feel of watches. Current Grand Seiko models, including newly released new models, as well as vintage models, and current Credor models were on display, and anyone could try them on freely.
It seemed that many participants were impressed by the dial design of the current Grand Seiko models. Grand Seiko dials, which skillfully use embossed patterns, paint, and surface treatments to express uniquely Japanese aesthetics and scenes, look very different in person than in images. The emotion that can only be felt by seeing the real thing, where you can directly appreciate the delicate and rich expression, likely captured the hearts of many participants. Grand Seiko is full of charms that can only be appreciated by holding it in your hand, such as lightweight bright titanium, which has aesthetic qualities comparable to stainless steel.
There was also a rare model on display that you wouldn't even be able to see in person, even if you went to a store. It was the Masterpiece Collection Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon, Grand Seiko's most complication watch, equipped with a constant-force tourbillon. Visitors could compare the two models—the Ref. SLGT005, with its bright color reminiscent of the twilight before dawn, and the Ref. SLGT003, with its black color motif of the evening darkness—and enjoy the unique movement, finish, and three-dimensional structure. The Kodo development team was also on hand, and attendees were seen actively asking questions.
This vintage Grand Seiko is part of the "Grand Seiko Fine Vintage Watches" collection, available on the second floor of the Wako flagship store in Ginza. This service involves refining vintage models at the Grand Seiko Service Studio and then selling them, and as you'd expect, the condition of these watches is exceptionally good. There's no sign of corrosion on the hands or dial, and the edges of the case are well-defined. Even on the case back, which is prone to showing signs of deterioration, the medallion and the engraving around it remain clearly visible. These watches evoke the momentum of Seiko at the time, when the brand was burning with passion to catch up and surpass the world.
Credor has been experiencing a sudden surge in popularity in recent years. This year's Touch & Feel showcased the brand's impressive lineup, including the Gold Feather, a reissue of a classic thin watch; the Locomotive, designed by legendary watch designer Gerald Genta; the Quon, characterized by its form that embodies the slow passage of time; and the Eichi II, the ultimate in minimalist watchmaking. These models showcased the current state of Japanese dress watches.
There are plenty of events that will appeal to watch enthusiasts!
The exhibits in the venue alone were quite spectacular, but there were also many other events. Even though everyone was wearing a watch, I'm sure everyone lost track of time. It was such a fulfilling time.
The MC for the second day was Mai Yamada, who is also active as a freelance announcer and narrator. Her calm and clear voice resonated pleasantly throughout the venue.
Speech by Seiko Watch President and CEO Akio Naito
Following the opening remarks from Masamasa Hirota, Editor-in-Chief of Chronos Japan, there was a speech by Akio Naito, President and CEO of Seiko Watch Corporation, which is sponsoring the celebration. He began with a congratulatory speech on the 20th anniversary of Chronos Japan, and spoke about the role that watch media has played in the Japanese watch industry, drawing on his experience as a leader at the forefront of the industry.
The conversation then shifted to the company's future prospects. Grand Seiko's growth into a global brand through the unification of the dial logo, streamlining of the collection, and expansion of sales channels proved the company's strategy was on target. President Naito spoke of his next move: his desire to develop Credor into a global, high-end brand. Starting with Credor's planned exhibit at Watches & Wonders Geneva in 2026, he plans to sell craftsmanship-rich timepieces targeting discerning watch enthusiasts. Credor's presence is gradually growing, fueled by new releases such as the aforementioned Gold Feather and Locomotive. However, his speech hinted at further growth as a premium Japanese dress watch brand, and indicated that the company is not about to stop there.
A special stage featuring Takuma Kawauchiya, the developer of "Kodo," and Masamasa Hirota
At a talk event with Hirota and Takuma Kawauchiya, the developer of Kodo, a Grand Seiko watch equipped with a constant-force tourbillon, the story of how Kodo was developed was revealed from the unique perspective of someone involved.
Mr. Kawauchiya is an engineer at Seiko Watch Corporation who has been selected as a Contemporary Master Craftsman. He designed the Caliber 9ST1 used in the Kodo, and is responsible for fine-tuning it to within 1/100 to 2/100 mm, as well as assembling it, making him a key player in the development of the Kodo. However, Mr. Kawauchiya did not set out to become a watchmaker. He was originally a musician, but after his band broke up, a casual comment from his mother prompted him to enroll in watchmaking school and pursue the dream of becoming a watchmaker.
Kawauchiya joined Seiko Instruments Inc. in 2010, and thanks to his natural dexterity and inquisitive mind, he rapidly improved his skills as an engineer. It was only natural that Kawauchiya, not content with the status quo, wanted to further evolve Grand Seiko. Appointed leader of a special project aimed at creating a completely new watch, Kawauchiya came up with the idea of combining two complex mechanisms, a constant-force movement and a tourbillon, and worked tirelessly to realize it. After developing the concept movement Cal. T0, his efforts bore fruit in the form of the Kodo.
What's interesting is that he has even elevated the rhythmic 16-beat sound created by the constant-force mechanism and escapement to become part of Kodo's appeal. This is a perspective that only a musician can have, and Kodo embodies not only Kawauchiya's skills but also the journey he has taken.
At the end of the talk event, Kawauchiya expressed his enthusiasm for the future, saying that he would like to put all his effort into creating an exciting watch that will surpass Kodo. It seems we will continue to keep an eye on Grand Seiko.
Kendo Kobayashi appears! Talk event with Hirota
The biggest hit of the event was the talk event between comedian Ken Shimura and Hirota. Ken Shimura is a genuine watch enthusiast who previously appeared on TOKYO FM's radio program "BEST ISHIDA Presents Chronos Japan Edition Tick Tock Talk♪" and shared his enthusiastic history of watches. The event got off to a good start, with him mentioning a location shoot he had done during the day, drawing laughter from the audience at the contrast with the atmosphere at the celebration.
While the talk itself was light-hearted, the stories he shared were incredibly rich. Avoiding conformity and daring to stray from the mainstream, Kendo Kobayashi entered the world of luxury watches with the Rolex GMT-Master II, a watch that was relatively unpopular at the time. He continued to acquire one watch after another, following his own unique approach, choosing the Tudor Ranger even as the world went wild for the Rolex Explorer. His maniacal nature was most clearly evident when he revealed his penchant for the Lord Elgin, nicknamed "Iron Mask." The audience alternated between laughter and slow nods of admiration.
Design sketch by Grand Seiko watch designer Kiyotaka Sakai
Around the desk between the Touch & Feel corners, the gallery was filled with people looking intently at the table. Their eyes were fixed on Seiko Watch Corporation's watch designer, Kiyotaka Sakai. Sakai is the company's leading designer, having designed many iconic Seiko and Grand Seiko models. He is also the person who perfected Grand Seiko's new design grammar, "Evolution 9 Style."
With such a talent, it was only natural that attention would be drawn to Sakai as he drew design sketches for the Grand Seiko with a pen in hand. However, even with so many stares, Sakai's hands drew the slender lines of the Evolution 9 style without hesitation, demonstrating the extraordinary concentration and expressiveness of a professional. The venue was bustling throughout, but this corner had a dignified air.
"Kronos Japan" is a title to look forward to in the next 10 years
Kronos Japan has celebrated its 20th anniversary since its launch. However, this is merely a milestone. From here on, as it approaches its 30th and 40th anniversaries, Kronos Japan is sure to continue to be loved through the ages. This feeling is due in large part to the appeal of the magazine's content, as well as the gratitude the editorial team maintains. At this celebration, too, there were many words of gratitude expressed to the readers who have supported it up to now. From a purely literal perspective, a magazine conveys information in one direction. However, perhaps the secret to the magazine's success in growing its fan base is its commitment to communicating directly with readers through real-life events and social media, and its sincere listening to their opinions.
A big factor is that they value the relationship of trust not only with their readers but also with the brand. Seiko Watch Corporation President Naito, who respectfully calls Hirota his mentor, also said that he gained important insights from Chronos Japan when it came to branding Grand Seiko. They want to liven up the industry from the perspectives of the brand, readers, and editorial staff, and together build a watch culture. It is precisely because of this pure, altruistic desire at its core that Chronos Japan has captivated so many people.
How will Chronos Japan excite watch enthusiasts in the future? As a reader, I look forward to it, but as a writer, I feel a renewed sense of determination to not disappoint those expectations.
