Selected by Toru Kamine, President and CEO of watch and jewelry retailer Kamine

Even High-Level Watches Can Be a Beginner's "Everyday Watch"

Selected by Toru Kamine, President of Watch & Jewelry Kamine

When selecting excellent watches with "practicality" as the premise, one naturally discusses the superiority of the movement and case. However, the stance of making them usable by anyone, with the criterion of "being easy for mechanical watch beginners to use," is truly insightful.

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

Even High-Level Watches Can Be a Beginner's "Everyday Watch"

"I believe a true everyday watch is one that can accurately keep time in any harsh environment in nature. A watch that satisfies both durability and reliability is a wristwatch of practical value."

The watch that caught his eye is the "IWC" Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth. Compared to its predecessor, the case has been enlarged and a crown guard has been added. The movement incorporates an anti-shock system, and the rubber strap enhances its sporty appeal.

"As a practical watch that maintains stable accuracy and can withstand harsh environments, 'Ball' comes to mind."

With design changes to the company's signature shock-resistant special buckle and the SpringLock crown system, it achieves world-leading shock resistance. The new Engineer Hydrocarbon is equipped with practical features such as micro gas lights for enhanced visibility at night. This is a collaborative model with astronaut Brian Binnie.

"Furthermore, 'Omega' and 'Galante,' which can withstand long-term use and be enjoyed at a low cost, are also indispensable for practical watches."

The importance of not having to worry about malfunctions and keeping initial investment costs low is a selection made with a thorough understanding of buyer demands. The "Breitling" also stands out, recommended for its ease of use by mechanical watch beginners. It reaffirmed that "practicality" is not limited to the environment but also applies to the user's level.

BALL｜BALL WATCH
ENGINEER HYDROCARBON SPACEMASTER
Face with excellent visibility, featuring luminous dial and hands

"The Engineer Hydrocarbon, first released in '04, has finally undergone a full model change. The micro gas light system, where glass tubes on the dial and hands emit light, provides excellent visibility day and night, a practical mechanism." It boasts impressive features including world-first 7500Gs shock resistance, COSC chronometer certification, and 12,000 A/m antimagnetic properties. Stainless steel case & bracelet, automatic winding, 41.5 mm diameter. ¥262,500 (BALL WATCH Tel. 03-3221-7807)"

IWC｜IWC
INGENIEUR AUTOMATIC MISSION EARTH
Integrated high shock resistance system in the movement

"Among the new models released in '09, this is the practical model I wanted the most. I believe it is a highly practical watch in terms of its ability to withstand any harsh environment." 12 bar water resistance and antimagnetic properties up to 80,000 A/m are sufficient for everyday use. It features IWC's original Pellaton automatic winding system with an integrated shock resistance system. Stainless steel case x rubber strap, automatic winding, 46 mm diameter. ¥777,000 (IWC Tel. 03-3288-6359)"

OMEGA｜OMEGA
SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA ANNUAL CALENDAR
Simplicity suitable for any scene or attire

"Simple design that is easy to use in any situation is also part of practicality. Omega's unique Co-Axial escapement prolongs the maintenance cycle, making it cost-effective in the long run." The movement is equipped with the latest caliber featuring an annual calendar. Stainless steel case & bracelet, automatic winding, 43 mm diameter. ¥871,500 (Omega Customer Center Tel. 03-5952-4400)"

BREITLING｜BREITLING
CHRONOMAT B01
Easy to use! First model equipped with in-house movement

Equipped with Breitling's first in-house movement, the B01. "Having an in-house movement provides peace of mind for future maintenance. Its power reserve, lasting over two days, is exceptionally practical. The calendar allows for date changes at any time, reducing the risk of issues and making it easy for beginners to handle." Stainless steel case & bracelet, automatic winding, 43.5 mm diameter. ¥798,000 (Breitling Japan Tel. 03-3436-0011)"

GALANTE｜GALANTE
SBLA053
Metal bracelet model with a comfortable fit

"Even when switching from a leather strap, the fit is supple. Combined with the watch's high water resistance, you can use it without worrying about water. The Spring Drive, with its accuracy comparable to quartz, is also practical, and its eco-friendliness, requiring no batteries, adds to its practicality." 20 bar water resistance, stainless steel case & bracelet, automatic Spring Drive, 44.9 mm diameter. ¥735,000 (Seiko Watch Customer Service Tel. 0120-061-012)"

Toru Kamine
President of Watch & Jewelry Kamine

President of Kamine, a watch and jewelry store with four locations in Kobe. He is highly trusted by customers and industry professionals alike for his innate aesthetic sense. Director of AJHH (Association of Japan High-end Jewelers).

Kamine Toa Road Store
Tel. 078-321-0039
Address: 3-1-22 Sannomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Business Hours: 10:30 - 19:30
Regular Holidays: Irregular
www.kamine.co.jp