What is the first watch that inspired these watch sages, and the last watch they hope to own - the so-called "final watch"? In this series, we interview key figures in the watch industry and glimpse into their watch-related lives and philosophies through their answers. This time, we spoke with Kawabe Shuntaro, president and CEO of Isseido, a watch shop that stands tall in front of Jiyugaoka Station in Tokyo and was founded in 7. Kawabe cited the Citizen Chronograph Challenge Timer as his starting watch, and Harry Winston's Project Z as his final watch. Let's hear what he has to say.
Shuntaro Kawabe
Born in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, he is the third-generation president of Isseido, which was founded in 1932 in front of Jiyugaoka Station. After studying abroad as a student, he attended an optical school and obtained a license to learn about eyeglasses, a product offered by Isseido. After gaining practical experience at a private company, he joined Isseido in 1985 and has been in his current position since 2007. Although Isseido was founded in 1932, its roots date back to 1877. The founder, originally from Ishikawa Prefecture, moved to Tokyo and began selling imported eyeglasses in Nihonbashi. The third-generation owner moved to Jiyugaoka, where Isseido began selling watches and jewelry in addition to eyeglasses. The store's exterior design reflects the second-generation owner's inspiration from a visit to Europe, and the nearby Isseido Museum of Art, featuring exhibits such as Art Nouveau lamps, conveys the company's unique aesthetic.
The original watch was the Citizen Chronograph Challenge Timer
Q. Tell us about the first watch you ever owned.
A. When I was about to enter junior high school, my parents bought me a Citizen Chronograph Challenge Timer as a gift for my entrance into junior high school. At the time, I didn't know what a chronograph was, but the dial, which incorporated various displays such as the chronograph, tachymeter, and date, and the design with two horns appealed to my inner boy, so I requested one myself. Isseido became the six-story building it is today in 1970, and I remember it being inside the new store a few years later. I still have it at home. It's been in my safe ever since, but I think I'll get it overhauled and wear it again. This interview brought back many nostalgic memories.
The "Award" watch is Harry Winston's "Project Z"
Q. Tell us about the dream watch that you hope to own one day, the so-called "previous generation watch."
A. Looking back, I've bought watches at every milestone in my life. I've bought a variety of brands. For my college graduation, I saved up my pocket money and part-time job earnings to buy a Rolex Submariner. When I turned 30, I bought an 18k gold Oyster Perpetual. The president of Chanel Japan was a guest at my child's wedding, so I wore a matching Boyfriend watch, which my wife and I purchased together. When I turned 50, I bought a Cartier Venueil. My wife wanted to share it with me, so I chose the white strap and large diamond bezel. Now that I'm approaching my 60th birthday, I've been wanting a red watch, not a "chanchanko" (a traditional Japanese watch), and I'm currently on the hunt. I think Harry Winston's Project Z series is a cool design, but unfortunately, it's only available in blue. If they added red, I'd choose it right away. Either way, Baselworld 2020 is sure to be a fun time looking for my own watch.
Afterword
Kawabe embodies the joy of buying a watch at a turning point in life. This applies not only to himself, but also to his family. For example, when his grandson was born, he bought him an Omega Speedmaster. "I plan to give this to my grandson when he turns 1. Until then, I'll keep it brand new in the safe." With a smile on his face, it seems as though he can already picture a happy scene from the future.
