Articles published in March 2020
What is the first watch that inspired these watch sages, and the last one they hope to own—the so-called "final watch"? In this series, we interview key figures in the watch industry and, through their answers, get a glimpse into their timepiece-related lives and philosophies.
We spoke with Kimura Yoshihisa of the famous Orogio watch shop in Fukuoka, Kyushu. Kimura cited Panerai as the watch that inspired him, and Parmigiani Fleurier as the "final watch." Let's hear what he has to say.
Orogio's Yoshihisa Kimura
President and CEO of Oro-Gio Style Co., Ltd. and Oro-Gio Limited Company
Originally from Fukuoka City, he worked for a general company after graduating from university. He then switched to the watch industry after getting married. Aiming to open a luxury watch shop specializing in mechanical watches, he went independent in 2002 at the age of 49. In March of the same year, he opened "Orogio" in a building along Kokutai Road, which is considered the main street in Daimyo, Fukuoka. He was one of the first stores in Fukuoka to carry Panerai watches, and in 2004 he became the world's top seller with annual sales of over 300 watches. Even today, the store boasts one of the best selections in Japan, attracting Panerai fans from all over the country.
The original watch is the Panerai Luminor Marina
Q. Tell us about the first watch you ever owned.
A. Unfortunately, I don't keep it and my memories are hazy, but the first watch I ever owned was a gift from my uncle when I entered high school. He was a model for a men's fashion magazine at the time, and was a very stylish man, someone I admired. The watch he gave me was a Citizen three-hand mechanical watch. In fact, I was inspired by a see-through watch I saw in an overseas magazine, so I had the dial removed at a local watch shop and wore it. It brings back fond memories; I wish I had kept it.
This time, I'll choose the Panerai Luminor Marina Ref. PAM00001 as my starting point, a watch with a specific model. My encounter with Panerai dramatically changed my watch life. It was at the 1998 Geneva Salon. When I first saw a Panerai watch, I was captivated by its large size, yet beautiful and well-crafted design. It sparked a dream to somehow carry these timepieces. At the time, I was working at a watch shop in Kurume City that primarily handled quartz watches, and I was struggling to expand my mechanical watch offerings. In 2001, I returned to the Geneva Salon to discuss specific options with Panerai, and they responded, "There's a chance in Fukuoka City." This comment was decisive, and I resolved to go independent, never to regret, and establish "Orogio" in Fukuoka City. I had to start from scratch, raising funds, and didn't even have a store, but the people at Panerai understood my passion. The manager of Panerai at the time came to a nearby coffee shop to give a lecture on handling and sales methods, and my wife and I studied hard together. It's an unforgettable memory. The Luminor Marina Ref. PAM00001 was a watch we purchased to commemorate the successful opening of Orogio.
The "up" watch is Parmigiani Fleurier "Kalpa Hebdomadaire"
Q. Tell us about the dream watch that you hope to own one day, the so-called "previous generation watch."
A. The Panerai Luminor Marina, which I mentioned as my starting point, has been overhauled twice and I still treasure it to this day. I never get tired of it, and in fact, it feels fresh when I wear it after a long time. In that sense, the timelessness of design is especially important for luxury watches. Some of Orogio's customers come to us looking for a luxury watch that will be unique in their lifetime. We want to offer these people a watch that will remain a good watch even 30 or 50 years from now.
While prioritizing timeless appeal, I have actually already purchased my "final watch." It's a Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa Hebdomadaire, designed according to the golden ratio. One definition of a "final watch" is one that marks the end of a watch-loving life. I turned 67 in 2020, and I felt it was time for me to get my own "final watch." I wanted to get one while I was still healthy and capture the memories to the fullest, so I persuaded my wife to buy one for me. I've worked in the watch industry for many years, but the feeling of emotion I feel every time I wind the crown remains the same. Mechanical watches hold a special place in my heart. I would be delighted if my daughters and sons could experience the same feelings I've put into the watches I've acquired at each milestone when they pick them up in the future.
Afterword
Kimura Yoshihisa of Orogio, Kyushu's leading luxury watch retailer, entered the watch industry by joining a watch store that primarily sold quartz watches. Kimura was dedicated to adding mechanical watches to the store's lineup, demonstrating his talent by directly negotiating with IWC, Breitling, Girard-Perregaux, and others, and selling small quantities on consignment. Over the course of about 15 years, he gradually built up a track record, demonstrating his own mettle and the potential of mechanical watches. Those years were likely enough to fuel his passion for going independent. Just two years after opening Orogio, the store established itself as the world's top-selling Panerai watch brand, demonstrating its presence.
As Kimura looked back on those days, he spoke of his dedication to creating a store that prioritized customer comfort, and he repeatedly mentioned people to whom he owes a debt of gratitude, including his industry veteran, Yasuyuki Iima of Aiai Isuzu. His foresight and ability to execute, as well as his respect for others, gave the impression that this renowned restaurant was built in a single generation.
Orogio Official Website https://oro-gio.co.jp/
