Gold is the standard case material for luxury mechanical watches. Despite this unwritten rule, watches with stainless steel cases first appeared in the early 1970s. Watch enthusiasts at the time were immediately captivated by their novelty and light design, and before they knew it, these watches had become a major trend. This was the moment when a new frontier was broken: the luxury sports watch. And today, men are inspired by the everyday enjoyment of high-end mechanical watches with refined practicality.
Ryohei Katsuma: Hair & Makeup, Kenji Goyama (VELBED): Model
Tsuyoshi Abe: Editing and writing (styling page)
Chronos Japan Edition (Masahiro Hirota, Yukiya Suzuki, Taketo Hosoda, Yasuki Doi): Text
Photographs by Yuji Kawata, Eiichi Okuyama, Styling by Yonosuke Kikuchi
Hair & Makeup by Ryohei Katsuma, Model by Kenji Kureyama
Edited and Text by Takeshi Abe
Text by Chronos Japan (Masayuki Hirota, Yukiya Suzuki, Yuto Hosoda, Kouki Doi)
Articles published in November 2021
Advice from the editor-in-chief of Kronos Japan!
What to Look for in a Luxury Sports Watch
Luxury sports watches are currently taking the watch industry by storm. In addition to their sporty design, their toughness makes them suitable for any occasion. That said, don't expect the same ruggedness as a sports watch from today's luxury sports watches, which prioritize comfort. Even if a watch looks sporty, if it's only water resistant to 50m, it's probably best to avoid splashing around in the water. The key to choosing a watch in this genre is to find one that's comfortable to wear. No matter how cool a watch is, if it's uncomfortable to wear, you'll eventually stop using it. Feel the case and bracelet to choose one that isn't too edgy. Also, as long as you choose a model that isn't too heavy, you shouldn't be disappointed.
After working as a salaryman, he began working as a watch journalist in 2005. He has contributed to watch magazines and lifestyle magazines both in Japan and overseas, and has also served as a lecturer at seminars and events held by watch brands and retailers. Even when overseas reporting was not possible due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued to interview people involved in the watch industry, such as CEOs and R&D/planning staff of brands based in Europe, including Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, by utilizing online resources. He has been in his current position since 2016.
8 Luxury Watches You Should Buy Now
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT Stainless Steel
This stainless steel model joins the ultra-thin chronograph lineup. The case is just 8mm thick, giving it 100m water resistance, giving it a sportier character than the titanium model that held the record for the world's thinnest chronograph. It features a beautiful sunray-finish blue dial.
Automatic (Cal. BVL318). 37 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 43mm, thickness 8.75mm). 100m water resistant. 2,024,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Bvlgari Japan Tel. 03-6362-0100
Harry Winston "Zarium Variation Yellow"
This model, born from the HW Ocean, features a case made of Zalium, a zirconium alloy used in aerospace engineering. Based on the Project Z10, it features a vibrant yellow dial and strap.
Automatic winding (Cal. HW3305). 35 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 65 hours. Zalium (diameter 42.2 mm, thickness 10.6 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 100 pieces worldwide. 2,805,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Harry Winston Client Information Tel. 0120-346-376
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Ti230
Titanium was discovered in England 230 years ago in 1791, the same year Girard-Perregaux was founded. This limited edition model was produced to commemorate this anniversary, with the case made extensively of grade 5 titanium. The dial features a beautiful gradient.
Automatic winding (Cal. GP3300-1060). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 46 hours. Ti (diameter 44mm, thickness 14.65mm). 300m water resistant. Limited to 230 pieces worldwide. 1,111,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Sowind Japan Tel. 03-5211-1791
Breguet Marine 5517
This new model features a slate gray dial with guilloched details. Its basic design is dressy, with coin edges on the case sides, but the central lugs and three-fold buckle add a touch of ruggedness and sportiness.
Automatic winding (Cal. 777A). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 18KRG (diameter 40mm, thickness 11.5mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 341 million yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Breguet Boutique Ginza Tel. 03-6254-7211
Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF
This special edition is equipped with a high-frequency movement that beats at 57,600 vibrations per hour. The exterior is made of lightweight grade 5 titanium, and the dial, which is inspired by the iris of an eagle, is colored in Valse Gray.
Automatic (Cal. Chopard 01.12-C). 28 jewels. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Ti (diameter 41mm, thickness 9.75mm). 100m water resistant. Limited to 250 pieces worldwide. 2,398,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Chopard Japan Press Tel. 03-5524-8922
Parmigiani Fleurier "Tondagraph GT"
A new color for daily use watches added in 2020. The integrated bracelet and "reverse panda" dial color give it a sporty feel, while the bezel with mortage decoration adds a touch of luxury. It also features a chronograph and annual calendar.
Automatic (Cal. PF043). 56 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 45 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 42mm, thickness 13.7mm). Water resistant to 100m. 2,475,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Parmigiani Fleurier Tel. 03-5413-5745
Tissot "Tissot PRX Automatic"
This is the mechanical version that followed the "Tissot PRX Quartz." Its high-quality finish is more than worth the price. The biggest difference in the exterior is the "embossed checkered pattern dial," which changes its appearance depending on how the light hits it.
Automatic winding (Cal. Powermatic 80). 23 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 80 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40mm, thickness 10.93mm). 100m water resistant. 91,300 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Tissot Tel. 03-6427-0366
Citizen "The Citizen Mechanical Model Caliber 0200"
This Japanese-made "Luxpo" features a mechanical movement developed by Citizen for the first time in about 11 years. The bracelet, which blends seamlessly with the stainless steel case, not only offers a beautiful finish but also a comfortable fit.
Automatic winding (Cal. 0200). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40 mm, thickness 10.9 mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. 605,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Citizen Customer Watch Consultation Center Tel. 0120-78-4807
A "perspective of use" essential for daily use
A progressive spirit can be felt there
Its stainless steel case, chronograph, GMT function, and water resistance of 10 bar make it a truly modern and elegant sports watch. It offers a new perspective on luxury for the modern age. This is the everyday use of a high-end mechanical watch. What's important is not the amount of money involved, but the way you use it. Refined practicality is of paramount importance.
Blouson / 71,500 yen, Aspesi. (Inquiries) Toyoda Trading Press Room Tel. 03-5350-5567. White T-shirt / 17,000 yen, Stockholm Surfboard Club. (Inquiries) Edström Office Tel. 03-6427-5901. Denim / 37,400 yen, Triple Double. (Inquiries) Known Tel. 03-5464-0338. Sneakers / 20,900 yen, ESTNATION. Cap / 20,900 yen, Settefili Cashmere. Both ESTNATION. (Inquiries) ESTNATION Tel. 0120-503-971. Sunglasses / 48,400 yen, Ivan 7285. (Inquiries) Ivan 7285 Tokyo Tel. 03-3409-7285. Tumbler / 3300 yen, Thermo Mug. (Inquiries) Kamei Proact Tel. 03-6450-1515. BMX / 81,400 yen, 2021 STRANGER LEVEL. (Inquiries) Arctise Tel. 03-5466-1338
* All prices include tax
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