The "Time Peace: Orient is a Japanese watch" exhibition will be held at the Epson Square Marunouchi Epsite Gallery from January 22nd to February 12th, 2020. At the venue, you can listen to the sounds of the movements and enjoy archive footage on a large projector screen. There will also be a replica of a watchmaker's work desk, where you can see a demonstration of the artisan's skills in assembling mechanical watches.
"Time Peace Orient is a Japanese watch" exhibition held
エプソンスクエア丸の内エプサイトギャラリー（東京都千代田区丸の内３-4-1新国際ビル１F）にて2020年1月22日〜２月12日までの期間（日曜、2月3日〜5日は休館日、祝日の2月11日は開館）「Time Peace オリエントは日本の時計でござる」展が開催される。この、Time Peace というのは「Timepiece」に「平和」を掛け合わせた造語。
This exhibition is one of Orient's anniversary events, which will mark its 70th anniversary in 2020. Since its founding in 1950, the company has a history of being a part of the daily lives of people not only in Japan but all over the world.
Orient Watch was a consolidated subsidiary of Epson, but in January 2017, part of its business was transferred to Epson through an absorption-type split. Epson is often thought of as a manufacturer of information-related equipment such as color printers, electronic devices, and precision instruments, but there is a reason for the absorption-type split of part of Orient Watch's business. The idea is that Orient Watch's technology and strengths will be useful for the future growth of the wearable device business that Epson is aiming for. It will be interesting to see how Epson, which has incorporated wearable innovation into its long-term management vision, will utilize Orient Watch's strengths.
The birth of Orient Star, the "shining star"
Tama Keiki Co., Ltd. was founded in 1950 and began operations at a watch manufacturing factory in what is now Hino City. The following year, the company changed its name to Orient Watch Co., Ltd. That same year saw the birth of the "Orient Star" series, which continues to this day. While the 1970s and 1980s ushered in the heyday of quartz watches, Orient continued to steadily produce mechanical watches. A pioneer among other watch manufacturers, Orient focused on exports overseas, actively expanding into China, the Middle East, and South America. Aiming for high quality, affordable prices, and unique designs that cater to regional tastes, Orient has made concerted efforts to compete with Swiss-made watches. This sincere approach is likely one of the reasons why Orient's watches remain fresh even after so many years.
What is Yamada Zenjido, which has 795,000 followers (as of December 2019)?
Among the illustrators who have become popular on Instagram, he is popular from all quarters for his surreal material and unique ukiyo-e style touch. His "Aru Aru" series is particularly popular, and he has compiled material that resonates with many people while capturing things that everyone feels are familiar with, such as "Winter Aru Aru," "Countryside Aru Aru," and "Karaoke Aru Aru," from a unique perspective. (Rather than being laugh-out-loud funny, it's the kind of laughter that makes you chuckle at the memory, but you can't help but be impressed by his perspective.)
What's interesting about his work is that his perspective is sharp and precise, so even if you don't know anything about the subject, you can empathize with it and think, "Oh, so that's what it feels like." For example, I don't ride a moped, but when I read "Mopeds Are Common," I can realistically imagine what a moped is like and what it feels like to ride one.
This time, "Orient Aru Aru" will be announced. It will be enjoyable for both those who know Orient watches and those who don't. It will cover topics related to Orient's corporate culture, such as "Designer Aru Aru," as well as topics related to watches in general. It will be an easy-to-understand introduction to the 70-year history of the company.
A mechanical watch assembly demonstration will also be held by a watch technician.
The venue will also have a corner where you can listen to the sound of the movement and enjoy archive footage on a large projector screen. There will also be a replica of a watchmaker's work desk, where a demonstration of the craftsmanship involved in assembling a mechanical watch will be held.
Performance dates: January 25th (Sat), February 1st (Sat), February 8th (Sat), 2020
Performance time: 10:30-17:30 Free viewing
Demonstrations with commentary are scheduled for 11:00 and 14:30, each lasting approximately 30 minutes.
The venue, Epsite Gallery, has until now been run as a photo gallery, showcasing the work of many photographers, but in the future it will evolve into a creative gallery that will not only showcase photography, but also show visitors new expressions using Epson products and technology.
