The Gear Baton Dialogue has been well-received, with Chronos Editor-in-Chief Masamasa Hirota passionately discussing the appeal and attention to detail of watches.
As a special edition, we invited Tomonari Nakagawa from the independent watch manufacturer KIKUCHI NAKAGAWA as our guest to discuss the "conditions for a good watch."
produced by MITSUKOSHI WORLD WATCH GALLERY
Tomonari Nakagawa "Conditions for a Good Watch" 2
Masamasa Hirota, Editor-in-Chief of Kronos Japan
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Representative of KIKUCHI NAKAGAWA, Tomonari Nakagawa
Japan is a leading watch-producing nation, boasting unique, cutting-edge technologies like GPS solar technology and traditional watchmaking techniques. In addition to major manufacturers, many new independent brands have emerged. KIKUCHI NAKAGAWA is one such brand. Established last year by two watchmakers, Yusuke Kikuchi, who studied watchmaking in Paris and built a successful watch repair business there, and Tomonori Nakagawa, who trained as a swordsmith before switching to watchmaking, working for Citizen Watch and experiencing the process of small-scale watchmaking. Their debut work, MURAKUMO, features the classic style of a small two-hand watch with a small seconds dial, accented with design elements in keeping with Swiss watchmaking traditions, such as Breguet numerals and spade hands. In addition to this respect for its predecessors, the brand's unique character is expressed through the polished case and hands. The exceptional beauty of this watch is accentuated by the handwork of contemporary artisans. Classic yet modern, this is a noteworthy creation born of Japan's unique aesthetic sensibility and expert craftsmanship.
Hirota: Today's watches generally have better case finishes. Is that because the base blanks have improved?
Nakagawa: That's right. The biggest factor is the improved precision of machine tools. If the surface of the initial blank is fairly even, the subsequent processes become much easier. The shorter the buffing time, the neater the finish will be without any sagging.
Hirota: If the surface doesn't droop, the corners won't be as easily worn down.
Nakagawa: For example, the same can be said for the Royal Oak. I think the current crisp finish is only possible because of the improved precision of machine tools.
Hirota: The old Royal Oaks were good, but thanks to improved processing precision, modern watches have excellent exteriors.
Nakagawa: Yes, it is no exaggeration to say that I have also benefited from this.
Hirota: If we were to use the same old method, how long would it take?
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