What watch does judoka Tadahiro Nomura, a three-time Olympic champion, choose? / Celebrity Watch Hunting

What kind of watches do top celebrities choose? Celebrity Watch Hunting is a serial column that takes a snapshot of celebrities from around the world and introduces them. This time, we'll be introducing the watch chosen by judoka Tadahiro Nomura!

Tadahiro Nomura

　Nomura Tadahiro was born in Nara Prefecture in 1974. He is a judoka who achieved three consecutive Olympic gold medals, the first in judo history, at the Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000), and Athens (2004) Olympic Games. He is a gifted athlete nicknamed the "Little Giant" and "Heisei's Sanshiro" for the variety of sharp techniques he unleashes from his small, 164cm frame. Since retiring from competitive competition at the age of 40 in 2015, he has been active in giving lectures and appearing in the media. This photo shows him appearing at an event marking two years until the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, held in July 2018. Take a look at the hand holding the lantern.

　An octagonal case with eight screws embedded in the bezel, and a large gold-colored bridge and balance wheel laid out from 6 to 9 o'clock on the dial side. This is Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked.

Audemars Piguet
"Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked"

　Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in 2016. It's a stunning openwork watch with a beautifully intricate movement. The most eye-catching feature is the balance wheel located at 8 o'clock on the dial side. As the model name "Double Balance Wheel" suggests, there are two balance wheels stacked on the same axis. The advantage of having two balance wheels is that it increases the balance wheel's moment of inertia without reducing the vibration frequency, improving isochronism. In addition, by rotating each balance wheel 180 degrees and fixing it one above the other, the misalignment of the center of gravity (asymmetry) that occurs when the balance spring expands and contracts is offset, further improving isochronism. Furthermore, this design, in which the balance wheels are arranged vertically rather than horizontally, is an extremely smart design that eliminates the need for a differential gear. Audemars Piguet incorporated this design into their existing movement (automatic caliber 3120), achieving approximately 30% improvement in accuracy compared to using a single balance wheel, and also obtained a patent. Not only is the complex appearance aesthetically pleasing, but the rational design concept is also noteworthy.

　Nomura Tadahiro is also known as a fashion lover, and in 2004 he won the Best Dressed Award in the Sports category. Other unique watches he has worn include the Seiko Astron and the Franck Muller Conquistador. These days, he is often seen wearing formal suits, such as in his role as the Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay Ambassador, and he generally wears a Royal Oak. The Royal Oak is known as a pioneer of luxury sports watches, and is considered a "versatile watch" suitable for any occasion. Nomura Tadahiro's character shines through when he holds this distinctive model in his hands.

[2020 New Watch] Audemars Piguet "Royal Oak Automatic"

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