Mr. Mitsuaki Kamashima of Utsunomiya's "Watches and Jewelry Kamashima" believes in being an "ordinary watchmaker" and asks about the clock that inspired him and the clock that marked the end of his life.

FEATURES The watchmaker's origins and the rise of timepieces

2022.02.21

Citizen Vacheron Constantin

Mikio Ando: Illustrations
Article published on June 2020, 6

What is the first watch that was the starting point for these watch sages, and the last watch they wish to own, the so-called "final watch"?
In this series, we interview key figures in the watch industry and get a glimpse into their watch-related lives and philosophies through their answers.

We spoke with Mitsuaki Kamashima of Kamashima Watches and Jewelry in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. Kamashima cited Citizen as his starting point for watches, and Vacheron Constantin dress watches as his "final watch." Let's hear what he has to say.

The watch experts we interviewed

Kamashima Mitsuaki

Mr. Mitsuaki Kamashima
Kamasima Watches and Jewelry / President
He is the third generation owner of Kamashima Watches and Jewelry, which was founded in 1909 (Meiji 42) in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. When the store first opened, it was called Kamashima Watch Shop. After graduating from university, Mr. Kamashima trained at a watch shop in Tokyo, and returned to Utsunomiya in 1981 to become manager. With the resurgence of mechanical watches, he has implemented unique projects such as holding the "World Watch Exhibition" aimed at young people who are unfamiliar with mechanical watches. He has held his current position since 2013.

"Watches and Jewelry KAMASHIMA" official website　https://kamashima.com

The origin of the Citizen "Digi-Ana" watch

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

A. The first watch I have a special attachment to is a Citizen "Digi-Analog." My father gave it to me when I decided to take over the store during my senior year of university. It was the early days of quartz watches. Before joining Kamashima Watches and Jewelry, I was scheduled to train for three years at Nomura Watch, a large, long-established watch store in Ueno, Tokyo. My father gave me this watch because he believed that a salesperson working in the front lines should have the latest watches that customers would want. Even though I majored in precision engineering in college, I really liked the futuristic and innovative design of the "Digi-Analog." Of course, I've owned many other cutting-edge watches, but this one is special. I still keep it in a drawer, with the battery removed.

This was Japan's first quartz wristwatch combining analog and digital technology. The name "Digi-ana" was later adopted by many other companies' combination watches because the product was so well-known at the time and the term had become established. It features a chronograph function with 1/100-second measurement and a 60-minute totalizer. Quartz movement (Cal. 8900). Accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. Price at launch was between 25,000 and 35,000 yen. Released in 1978.

The "finishing" watch is a Vacheron Constantin dress watch

Q. Tell us about the dream watch that you hope to own one day, the so-called "previous generation watch."

A. (Taking out a watch from the store's storage shelf) This is a Vacheron Constantin watch I have here. I love the combination of its slim, dressy design and the teardrop-shaped lugs that were common in Vacheron Constantin models from the 1940s to 1960s. This might sound a little sentimental, but my father actually bought it with his own money as his own "final" watch, to later pass it on to me. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could wear it himself. Considering how he felt, I wouldn't be able to wear it so easily. But I hope that one day, when I'm able to accept myself for who I am, I'll wear it.

This Vacheron Constantin slim dress watch features the Caliber 1003, which was the world's thinnest at the time of its release, measuring just 1.64mm thick. Introduced in 1989, it was produced primarily between 1990 and 1994. Reference number 33084/000P. Manually wound (Caliber 1003). 18 jewels. 18,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 31 hours. Platinum case (31mm diameter, 4.54mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Discontinued.

Afterword

Entering the "Kamashima Watches and Jewelry" store, you'll be greeted by a nostalgic, calming display and lighting. In the center of the store is a large hall clock, a gift from a manufacturer as a thank you for the first owner's business performance. Third-generation owner Mitsuaki Kamashima, who maintains the store's ambiance from his predecessor, believes in remaining a "regular watch shop." "If we use brand-specific fixtures, it feels like the store loses its individuality and, ultimately, its history," Kamashima says. The store has attracted attention for its original projects. For example, in response to the resurgence of mechanical watches, the "World Watch Exhibition" was held from 1992 to 2007 in June, aiming to expose young people unfamiliar with mechanical watches to their charm. This exhibition showcased not only the latest models but also older archive models, making use of the store's long history. It is also fresh in our memory that Kamashima produced the limited edition "U1000.S MOTHER EARTH" model, a collaboration between Reiji Matsumoto and Sinn, which was announced in 2019. With his unique imagination, "ordinary watchmakers" are protected.

Tomoyo Takai