Practicing Slow Living

Around the turn of the century, the term "slow living" began to be used frequently. It advocated for a slower pace of life in contrast to the high-speed lifestyle that preceded it. For many people working in urban areas, it was seen as an aspirational lifestyle.

Model Masashi Miura, active in magazines like "OCEANS," is a natural man who practices this slow living. He lives in Shonan, enjoys surfing, and sometimes cultivates his own garden. He only heads to Tokyo when he has work. He has been living this way for many years.

“I’ve lived here for a long time, so my style has been the same since I started modeling. I’ve only been farming for the past few years. So, when I’m around here, I hardly pay attention to time. The only thing I mind is the time to head to Tokyo (laughs). I’m often in the ocean in the morning, so on days I have work, I always wear my watch when I go in. A highly water-resistant wristwatch is essential for me.”

Divers Watches Are Essential

Wristwatches are often called partners, and it's said they succinctly express the wearer's lifestyle. Miura is a prime example of this. In a life where he doesn't need a watch that much, the importance of a divers watch is high.

“When surfing, I paddle, and I also fall off the board. It’s quite intense. My wristwatch has to withstand that. If it stops, I’ll be late for work (laughs). So, I need a proper divers watch.”

Therefore, when purchasing a wristwatch, Miura carefully checks the specifications. He seeks a divers watch that can easily withstand the water pressure, which is surprisingly high during underwater movements, and can be worn with peace of mind.

“I like simple watches. Not just in appearance, but like the Marinemaster Professional, I appreciate when functionality is pursued simply. Those kinds of things are cool.”

On Days Without Waves, He Stays in the Fields

“A senior recommended farming to me. He asked if I wanted to try it since there was some unused land. It was tough at first. It takes a lot of effort, and I had to work in the same posture. But once I started harvesting, it became fun. Now, on days without waves, I’m here all day.”

Nowadays, one can obtain expensive ingredients and famous vegetables simply by paying for them. Why then go through the effort of farming, which he describes as "tough"?

“Once you see results, you want to achieve them again. The process of growing vegetables is also enjoyable. Of course, you can easily get vegetables at the supermarket. But the vegetables grown here are truly delicious. So fresh. I can’t stop.”

Page.02Switching Between Work and Leisure During the Commute to Tokyo

Switching Between Work and Leisure During the Commute to Tokyo

Miura, who spends his off-duty hours in Shonan at a relaxed pace, keeps track of time with his divers watch while at sea and in the fields before heading to work. Since his life up to that point is deeply immersed in nature, how does he make the transition?

“When I check the time and head home to change, I’m still in my life here. I haven’t switched over at all. The switch to work time happens naturally while I’m driving to Tokyo. I’ve been doing this since my 20s when I started modeling.”

When he works as a model in a regular capacity, he dresses casually as usual, but he also has occasions where he needs to wear a suit.

“On those occasions, I wear a watch that matches. I believe there’s a watch that suits each style. I think it’s best to change watches according to your attire.”

Simple Is Best

However, there are also wristwatches that can be used universally. Holding the Seiko divers watch "Marinemaster Professional," Miura happily says, "This one can do it all, right?"

“When you pursue its functions simply, unnecessary elements are stripped away, resulting in a design that can be called functional beauty. Therefore, such watches can be used in various situations. I particularly value this model with its pink gold accent, which adds a subtle allure and pairs well with suits.”

Miura's practice of slow living is simply "doing what I love, simply." "Simple is best." This may be the ultimate philosophy that applies to anything and everything.

Page.03Seiko's Divers Watch Celebrates its 50th Anniversary This Year

Seiko Divers Watch Celebrates its 50th Anniversary This Year

It was exactly 50 years ago, in 1965, that Seiko released Japan's first divers watch. For half a century since, Seiko has developed a succession of epoch-making products equipped with its unique, groundbreaking technologies, earning immense trust from adventurers and professional divers worldwide.

The watch worn by model Masashi Miura this time is the "Prospex Marinemaster Professional SBDX014," a latest model with a unique design featuring the protector that is iconic of Seiko divers watches. In this final chapter, we delve deeper into the watch's appeal.