In this age of advancing digitalization and the dominance of mass-produced goods, I suspect I'm not alone in my yearning for works that convey the warmth of the human hand.
Most photographers use digital cameras these days, but I make a point of engaging them in conversation.
"Why not try it with film?" I'll ask.

And there's a watchmaker who stubbornly adheres to the charm of analog, just as I prefer.
He is Jörg Schauer, an independent watchmaker, a "watch builder," who meticulously crafts everything from the hands himself, using traditional craftsmanship. This is the man.

This time, I want to share my encounter with him and unforgettable memories.

The Spark: A Reunion with a High School Classmate

Before I tell you about meeting Jörg Schauer, there's someone who made that encounter possible.
It's Mitsuhiro Matsuzaki, the General Manager of the Watch Select Shop "TIC-TAC," which also handles watch import and sales.
He was actually my classmate in high school; we were in the same group for our school trip, visiting temples in Nara.
After graduating, we lost touch, and time passed. But then, our reunion came unexpectedly.
Eleven years ago, when I went to Basel for a watch report for "Men's Club" magazine, I was waiting at the entrance of the venue when I saw a familiar face.
But this was Switzerland, and nearly 20 years had passed, so my memory was hazy. Taking a chance, as the saying goes, "A traveler's shame is easily forgotten," I boldly called out, "Matsuzaki!" into the foreign crowd. And it truly was him, Matsuzaki!

He told me he was a watch buyer for TIC-TAC and was there for purchasing.
Then Matsuzaki said, "I've got an interesting watch. Shimada, make some time and come see it."

My watch report in Switzerland involved just two people—myself and photographer Sugiyama—handling everything from interviews to photography, all on a minute-by-minute schedule with heavy luggage!
Of course, there was no time for lunch. In fact, after the Basel report, I'd lost three kilograms – it was the height of hardship!
But it was a heartfelt request from an old friend. And after a 20-year separation, I felt I absolutely had to go.

A few days later.
I managed to reach the booth where Schauer and Matsuzaki were waiting.
They spoke passionately about Jörg Schauer's watches and the wonder of handmade timepieces. But Sugiyama and I, having skipped lunch and worked at full capacity, were near exhaustion by evening, our heads spinning... (laughs).
Looking back, it's all a fond memory.

I met Schauer again in October, when he visited Japan for an event at the TIC-TAC Ebisu store, about three years after our first meeting. Wearing a colorful shirt, he seemed well. When I brought up the current economic crisis, he said, "It's precisely in times like these that true value is sought. Isn't it a good opportunity to re-examine ourselves? I just keep making watches. That's all." Profound words, indeed.

Precious Time Spent at Schauer's Workshop

Much has been written in various watch magazines about the excellence of Schauer's timepieces, so I will omit further details here.

More than the watches themselves, what captivated me were the moments I shared with Schauer during my two visits to his workshop in Pforzheim, Germany. These are my cherished, heartwarming, and wonderful memories with him.

My first visit to Pforzheim nine years ago left me with the impression of a quiet, serene, and idyllic town nestled within the deep Black Forest.
Schauer's workshop and headquarters, located about a 30-minute drive away, were surprisingly small to me, accustomed to seeing other watch factories (laughs).
However, this small workshop in an ordinary residential area possessed a remarkably functional and pleasant atmosphere.

I can never forget the lunch we had there.
His wife prepared a lunch basket specifically for us. Spreading pâté on bread and eating it with homemade pickles – its simple flavor was a delicious impact, more than enough to delight our palates accustomed to luxurious meals!
Spending time with them in this bright, sunlit workshop, where they followed a similar routine day after day – the same meals, the same work, the same rhythm – made me reconsider what is truly important in life.

The wild apples were small, with a slightly tart, youthful flavor when bitten (laughs). Surrounded by endless greenery, a pleasant breeze blew. While he had four staff members then, he now has eight and is building a new workshop and headquarters. Watching Schauer diligently and steadily craft his watches inspires me to value perseverance.

Two years later, on my return visit to Pforzheim, he took me to one of his favorite places.
It was a vast, expansive green meadow dotted with numerous large wild apple trees (photo above).
Schauer often comes here to spend time when he feels stuck in his watchmaking.
He naps alone, has picnics with his family, or goes cycling.
It seemed incredibly enviable to us city dwellers.

A Unique Watch He Made for Me

And then, there was an incident that further solidified my appreciation for his warm personality.

My visit to Pforzheim nine years ago was apparently the first by a Japanese magazine editor, and he was overjoyed by my visit, welcoming us warmly.
In return for our visit, he poured his gratitude and welcome into a single watch.
He printed my name on the dial of his handmade watch and, astonishingly, presented it to me as a gift.

Apparently, Schauer repeatedly messaged Matsuzaki in Japan,
asking, "Please send me Mr. Shimada's name in a Kanji font."
Matsuzaki himself wondered what it was for, but he easily created the font and sent it via email. It was then used directly, appearing beautifully on the watch dial (laughs).

Every time I wear this watch, I'm reminded of those warm, gentle times and Schauer's bashful smile.

My name, printed on the dial of the "Kleine Schauer" model. His kindness, in secretly crafting this one-of-a-kind watch just to surprise me, brought me to tears. The time spent with him, and this unique watch – treasures that money cannot buy. I will cherish them for a lifetime.

What Matters Most in This Changing World

The world is on the cusp of immense change.
We are at a major turning point in history.
Economic conditions, politics, environmental issues, and even human connections.

I believe you all feel this as well.

I discussed these very topics with Schauer recently.
And with my mentor, Paul Smith, just last month.
A few days ago, I had a similar conversation with Keen Etro at a party.

It was in this context that I also informed them about the postponement of the new magazine, "ENZO."
I had previously mentioned my new project to them, and I felt it was important to personally explain the situation clearly.

Schauer, Paul, and Keen offered me the same words of advice, coincidentally.

KEEP POSITIVE,
KEEP POWER,
KEEP SMILE !!!

They said.

They advised me to cherish people, especially in times like these.
They gave me that advice.

And then, I realized once again.
Ah, I have such wonderful friends.
Being an editor truly is enjoyable, isn't it?

For you,
what is the most important thing right now?
What is it?