Watch & Jewelry
May 11, 2015
My Own Watch | The Watch Toshio Matsuura Loves
Part 3 | Toshio Matsuura x Omega Speedmaster
A Watch Worn Daily, Cherished for Every Scratch
A pioneer who helped build Japan's club culture,Toshio MatsuuraWe spoke with Matsuura, who is active worldwide as a DJ, remixer, and agent for international artists, about the watch he wears every day.
Text by OPENERSPhotos by Shuhei Nishida
Matsuura's cherished watch is a 1989 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 Limited Edition. He feels a deep affection for this timepiece, cherishing every scratch as a testament to the time they've spent together.
“I wear it all the time. Because of that, the case is covered in scratches, but I see them as like wrinkles on a person. The more I use it, the more attached I become, and I continue to wear it after numerous overhauls. I’ll probably wear it until they tell me it can’t be repaired anymore.”
This watch was passed down to him by a fashion designer with whom he has had a long-standing friendship. Matsuura noticed it on the designer's wrist one day, and a few years later, the designer, remembering his interest, gifted it to him. Matsuura describes this particular watch as having a "timeless, simple design that is beautiful in a way modern watches aren't."
“As a DJ, I use my hands a lot, so I tend to break watches if they're too delicate. This watch is 'robust and unpretentious,' you could say, with a tough style. It has a modern sporty feel and fits with any style, whether casual or chic.”
He owns a total of 10 watches and sometimes switches between them depending on the occasion.
“I also like and often wear a watch designed by Naoto Fukasawa for the 'Seiko Power Design Project.' I find a sense of 'functional beauty' in its minimalist design. I have the black and white versions, and since I tend to wear monochrome clothing, they are perfect. I use the Speedmaster when I want to add a touch of 'lustre,' so to speak.”
Brand is Secondary: Choosing Watches Based on Encounter
In the 1990s, Matsuura was also involved in designing G-Shock watches. The design, featuring motifs of the three members of "U.F.O.," his group at the time, engraved on the case back, became popular overseas. He even personally brought the watches to select shops in London, a fond memory. For Matsuura, a watch is not merely an "accessory" but something to be cherished and "used." When asked what watch he desires now, his answer was an "antiquediver's watch."
“If I were to choose one now, it would be a diver's watch. I tend to move my hands quite roughly during work (laughs). I’m not particularly interested in very high-end watches. I feel I can appreciate delicate designs when I’m a bit older. Something like an Omega Seamaster from around 1960 would be nice. Rolex might come to mind for antiques, but I tend to avoid what everyone else is wearing. It's not just about watches; for anything I choose, the 'encounter' is what's important. When I find something that feels right on my wrist, something that I can picture on my hand, I'll probably get it.”
Toshio Matsuura | MATSUURA Toshio
DJ & Music Producer. While DJing at clubs and festivals worldwide, he leverages his sensibility and network cultivated in those scenes to engage in a wide range of activities, including music production, event production, consulting, creative direction, and managing international artists. He currently also hosts "Tokyo Moon" on Inter FM.
http://www.toshiomatsuura.com
http://openers.jp/culture/matsuura_toshio/index.html