[Combined] From Aomori to New York! Editor-in-Chief Hirota's Choice of Travel Watches (Part 2)

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has lasted for around two years, has finally subsided, at least in Japan. While there is a high possibility that it will return, there is a sense of relief. Once released from confinement, one suddenly feels the desire to go out. If we force it, what is necessary for travel is, of course, a watch. There are only a few elements required for such a travel watch. It must give the owner a sense of something out of the ordinary. At the same time, it must be practical enough to be used while traveling. In reality, there are not many watches that can achieve both of these. However, considering that you cannot take five or ten watches with you on a trip, a travel watch must have even better performance than a watch you wear every day.

However, the nature of a travel watch is largely determined by its purpose. For a business trip, accuracy may be important, while a sea vacation requires high water resistance. If you're taking it to a party, it should have two hands, and a GMT timepiece will give it the feel of a real overseas trip. If your destination is the forest or the desert, you may need different elements. What's important is purpose, not function, and the only thing that matters is the quality of time you want to spend at your destination. So, this time again, we've selected five travel watches to suit your destination.

●From Aomori to New York! Editor-in-Chief Hirota's Choice of Travel Watches (Part 1)

http://www.webchronos.net/features/73907/

6. Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SLGH005 x Sumiya Ryokan (Kyoto)

　This new Grand Seiko model boasts high specs, including a 36,000 vibration frequency, a power reserve of approximately 80 hours, a free-sprung movement, and a new escapement. However, what really caught my eye was the careful attention to usability. The buckle plate is slightly curved, and the center of gravity has been lowered to improve comfort, giving the entire watch a sense of hospitality.

　In terms of hospitality, the closest place to me is Sumiya Ryokan in Kyoto. Not just here, but any long-established inn in Kyoto will prepare a bath for you in advance if you let them know your arrival time. You can take a bath as soon as you arrive, take a nap, and then your meal will be served. Seamless comfort without any thought is a luxury that is uniquely Japanese, yet applicable worldwide.

7. A. Lange & Söhne "Richard Lange" x Bülow Palais (Germany)

　The official A. Lange & Söhne hotel is the Bülow Palais in Dresden. Converted from an 18th-century residence, the hotel is classic in a good way. Its quiet location a little away from the tourist areas is also a plus. Its exclusive atmosphere, reminiscent of the A. Lange & Söhne brand, is a perfect match.

　Any model would look great, but perhaps the simple Richard Lange stands out against the tranquil elegance of Dresden. The long second hand slowly rotates across the dial, matching the rhythm of the ancient city of Dresden. The antique shop across the street is a treasure trove of old Meissen and other items. Be careful, though, as no one speaks English, and it's unclear whether the shop is even open.

8. Cuervo y Sobrinos "Prominente Solotempo" x Pub and Cuisine Saloon (Hiroshima)

　Hiroshima has a lot of delicious food, like dandan noodles and okonomiyaki. But if I had to pick just one, it would be the Cuban sandwich at Saloon. The owner, who is fascinated by Cuba, has recreated the famous Cuban sandwich.

　Of course, the only watch I can choose to wear is Cuervo y Sobrinos, which originates from Cuba. Eating a Cuban sandwich and sipping a Corona beer in a flashy restaurant naturally puts me in a good mood. The next day, I'll head to Itsukushima and enjoy grilled oysters, and I'll be able to experience Hiroshima. It's a bit disappointing, however, that Cuervo's current models don't have red dials. Red is Hiroshima's color, after all. The Carp's team color is red, and Hiroshima's specialty dandan noodles are bright red, too.

9. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer x SpaceX

　If a private citizen were to fly into space, the first thing they would wear would be a Speedmaster. Its exceptional magnetic resistance, high portability, and the peace of mind it offers, coupled with the fact that it's virtually unbreakable even when subjected to vibration, are irreplaceable. Yusaku Maezawa, who recently departed for space, reportedly took a Speedmaster with him. While the latest model hasn't passed NASA's tests, it's likely to perform well enough to pass.

10. Montblanc "Montblanc 1858 Automatic 24H" x Gon Coffee Shop

　Whether it's Nagano or Hokkaido, there are many good coffee shops in cold regions. One that you might say is rare even in the countryside is Ushitora Coffee Shop in Ohata, Aomori Prefecture. The reason it's constantly attracting customers is because of the great taste of its coffee. Buying a coffee here and taking a stroll around the Shimokita Peninsula will make you feel even more like you're traveling.

　The watch I'm wearing is the Montblanc 1858 Automatic 24H. It's a rare 24-hour watch with a single hand these days. It's quite a niche watch, but with the Northern Hemisphere on the dial and the subtle luminous paint, it's rare to find a watch that gets you in the mood for travel as much as this one. If you're feeling blue, just wrap this watch around a pair of sturdy gloves, pop open the top of your convertible, and head out into the cold air of the Shimokita Peninsula.