Noritaka Ishida, President and Representative Director, Best Sales

PRACTICAL WATCH

Selected by Noritaka Ishida, President and CEO of Best Selling

The role of a watch is to tell time, measure it, and to be enjoyed. It is an essential tool for living a richer life. Mr. Ishida, who deeply understands this, selects watches based not only on price and function, but also on whether they bring a sense of spiritual fulfillment.

Photos by Eiichi Okuyama@CUVA CUVAStyling by Eiji Ishikawa@TRSText by Tsuyoshi Hasegawa@04, Yasuyuki Ikeda@04

What kind of watch can teach us how to enjoy life?

"Practicality means 'to use.' I don't consider things that aren't used, that are merely decorative, or that must be handled with excessive care as 'practical.'"

When we asked Mr. Ishida to select watches for this feature, the GQ JAPAN editorial team anticipated that he would choose the ones he uses most frequently as the "most practical watches." We wanted to allow for his free sensibility, without constraints on price or category.

"Realistically, if I were to deeply consider this project, the watch that comes to mind might be a 'Rolex.' By the way, I didn't include 'G-Shock' as a nominee, but if it were to be considered a watch, I believe it would be the number one practical watch."
While saying this, he selected watches suitable for GQ's readership. The results were convincing.

"While the 1815 is expensive, it's an entry-level model within the 'Lange' lineup. It's stably supplied within this price range."
Unlike general merchandise, watches don't necessarily mean 'cheap' when they are inexpensive. However, he added that items with unaffordable prices are not practical. Furthermore, he emphasized that even if something is inexpensive and good, it must possess an inherent 'charm' as an object.

"A practical watch is one that is actually used, is convenient, and has some kind of benefit. That benefit is the ability to tell time, measure it, and enjoy time. It's a tool to enrich life."

Choosing a watch to enjoy life. Mr. Ishida's approach to selecting watches is a privilege reserved for discerning individuals who understand such richness.

A.LANGE & SÖHNE
1815
Not expensive at 2 million yen. The ultimate practical luxury watch.

The pocket watch-inspired style is further refined. Equipped with the new caliber "L051.1" and an increased case size of 40 mm. "An exemplary practical luxury watch. It's the ultimate practical watch that makes you feel time more accurately and charmingly, and allows you to enjoy life. The price of 1.9 million yen is also within reach. A masterpiece." Pink gold case x crocodile strap, manual winding, 40 mm diameter. 1,942,500 yen (A. Lange & SöhneTel. 03-3288-6639)

BAUME & MERCIER
Classima Executive GMT Power Reserve
Attractive price with power reserve and GMT!

"We've incorporated an independently operable GMT display and power reserve into a simple round case. The 24-hour GMT is a useful function for knowing the time abroad when traveling for business. The reasonable price is also appealing." The bracelet features a deployant clasp with a push-button for easy opening. Stainless steel case & bracelet, automatic winding, 39 mm diameter. 414,750 yen (Baume & Mercier Tel. 0120-07-1830)

BREITLING
Airwolf Raven
Integrates the functional benefits of analog and digital.

"A reliable movement with practical multi-functionality. It can be used anytime, anywhere, by anyone, whether they are knowledgeable about watches or not, without needing an instruction manual." It also features a full calendar, alarm, and timer. Equipped with a 24-hour GMT function. Stainless steel case x rubber strap, quartz, 43 mm diameter. 451,500 yen (BreitlingJapan Tel. 03-3436-0011)

SEIKO
Grand Seiko SBGH001
Seiko style with high-frequency oscillation for accuracy and reliability.

"While larger sizes are trending, we deliberately chose a smaller size. The fact that the high-beat movement, oscillating 10 times per second, is unobtrusive is also pleasing. It makes a good impression even for professions requiring trust, such as banking, and I believe it's an all-rounder that can handle any daily situation." Equipped with a 10-beat movement newly developed for the first time in 41 years. Stainless steel case & bracelet, automatic winding, 40 mm diameter. 570
,750 yen (Seiko Watch Customer Service Center0120-061-012

OMEGA
Seamaster Aqua Terra Annual Calendar
High-precision caliber with annual calendar.

"Among the various watches of this type, Omega offers us new mechanisms with proven durability at a relatively affordable price, which are likely to continue in the future. The design is truly simple and universally appealing, so it should be suitable for all occasions." Equipped with a Co-Axial escapement that requires minimal maintenance over the long term. Stainless steel case & bracelet, automatic winding, 43 mm diameter. 871,500 yen (Omega Customer Center Tel. 03-5952-4400

Noritaka Ishida
President and CEO, Best Selling

President and CEO of Best Selling. He oversees BEST Shinjuku Main Store and ISHIDA Aoyama Omotesando, which handle luxury brand watches, as well as the House of Breitling Ginza, a Breitling specialty store.

ISHIDA Aoyama Omotesando
Tel. 03-5785-3600
Address: 4-25-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo B1
Business Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Regular Holidays: Open daily
www.ishida-watch.com