The clock and the clock that became the starting point for Kamine's CEO, Toru Uemoto

　What is the first watch that became the starting point for watchmakers active in the watch industry, and what is the final watch that these watch specialists hope to own? What is the so-called "final watch"?
　This time, we interviewed Toru Uene, CEO of Kamine Co., Ltd. Uene has been frequenting the previous owner's watch shop since he was a child, and is now a key figure in the watch industry. His answers gave us a glimpse into Uene's life, which can be said to have been one that has been closely linked to watches.

The watch experts we interviewed

Mr. Toru Kamine
Kamine Co., Ltd. / President and CEO
Born in Kobe City, he is the fourth-generation president of Kamine, an authorized watch and jewelry specialty store founded in 1906. He was one of the early adopters of Swiss watch brands in the Japanese market during the early days of the wristwatch boom. He graduated from an art university and has a deep knowledge of art. Drawing on his deep knowledge of watches and discerning aesthetic sense, he currently operates five stores in Kobe City. In the fall of 2019, he will open the new "Richard Mille Kobe Boutique."

●Kamine official website http://www.kamine.co.jp/

The origins of Toru Uene and the "Climbing Clock"

Q. Tell us about the first watch you ever owned.

A. My father gave it to me.Seiko "Playboy"It was when I entered junior high school that my father, the previous owner, called me to the store on his day off, saying, "You're about old enough to need a watch now," and let me choose one from the watches lined up at the edge of the display case. I believe it had an octagonal steel case, a black dial with a rabbit logo at around 5 o'clock. I liked the understated design, and always wore it when I went out on special occasions. This is a memory of my father from the store before it was rebuilt into the current building.

　The first watch I bought myself was when I was a university student, using the money I earned from my part-time job.Rolex Oyster Perpetual ExplorerLater, I wanted a motorcycle and had to give up the watch, something I regretted for many years. Having learned this lesson, I often tell people that you should never let go of a watch that you have an attachment to.

Q. Tell us about the last watch you would like to own in your life, the so-called "end watch."

A. I would like to commission a custom-made watch from a watchmaker I know personally. I trust their skills and knowledge, and hopefully create a watch that will be passed down to future generations. Up until now, I've received one-off orders from various brands, and for Kamine's 100th anniversary, we commissioned Philippe Dufour to create a commemorative model. But someday, I'd like to create a watch that includes my own personalization. For example, perhaps I could use the hands and dial removed from a watch made the year I was born as parts, or perhaps a cloisonné watch featuring a landscape of my beloved Kobe. It could be a wristwatch or a table clock. If that were to happen, I'd be incredibly happy if it were to become something that would be treasured by my daughters and future generations.

Afterword

　Kamine is located in the heart of the port city of Kobe. Having previously lived in Kobe, the author had long admired Kamine. When I visited the store for the first time in a while after moving to Tokyo, the dazzling atmosphere was just as I remembered, making me stand up straight and feeling empowered.

　Kamine, a long-established store that celebrated its 113th anniversary in 2019, has been caught up in many historical events, including wars and earthquakes. The glittering lights that were lit every time the store recovered must have been a source of encouragement for the people of the town at the time.

　During this interview, I was impressed by what Uegene said: "It's important for a watch shop to listen to the voices of the local community." This reminded me of how long-established watch shops are a shining light for the town and a mirror that reflects the local community.