Kiku Kimura, President and Representative Director, Orologio

PRACTICAL WATCH

Selected by Kiku Kimura, President and CEO of Orogio

The conditions for a "practical watch" pointed out by the owner of a leading watch shop in Kyushu are the durability of the mechanism and the precision of the movement. In addition to "reliability," a crucial selection criterion related to the watch's function, there is also an unexpected point in choosing a watch that reflects regionality.

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

An Unexpected Selection Criterion for Practical Watches Favored by Kyushu Men

“Honestly, I was worried that all the nominations would be filled by new IWC models alone.”

Kimura’s selection criterion is "reliability." He states that while the durability of the mechanism is important, the precision of the basic design that accurately tells time is also indispensable for a practical watch.

“IWC watches boast excellent, sophisticated design, but they also possess solid reliability. The change to a white dial for the Big Pilot is also noteworthy. With the release of the Japan-limited model, I almost felt like this one watch would be enough.”

“Breitling” and “Bell & Ross” pilot watches are also highly praised for their user-friendliness and practicality.

“The convenience of operating all functions with a single button is a great feature. Also, typical calendar watches can be troublesome, with certain times when you shouldn't adjust the calendar, or it being forbidden to adjust the display by turning the crown backward. Panerai and Breitling can be considered practical because even mechanical watch beginners who are unaware of these tedious rules can use them with peace of mind.”

Models from “Baume & Mercier” and others with accessible price points are also recommended as practical watches. Incidentally, large-face watches have been popular in Kyushu for the past few years.

“They have a masculine and bold impression. Small watches seem to make the wearer appear somewhat understated. Men from Kyushu have big hearts and choose big watches!”

PANERAI
Luminor 1950 3 Days Automatic
New movement enables an attractive price point

The Manufactura collection, equipped with Panerai’s newly developed in-house movement “Cal. P9000,” offers an appealingly reasonable price. “The ability to adjust the calendar forward and backward also makes it a design that is less prone to malfunctions. Such reliability should be an important selection criterion for users.” Stainless steel case x crocodile strap, automatic winding, 44mm diameter. ¥682,500 (Officine Panerai Tel. 03-3288-6660)

IWC
Big Pilot’s Watch Japan Limited
Where masculine elegance meets intelligence

“This big face has a great masculine and energetic impression. The appeal of IWC lies in its reliability; it’s incredibly durable. The seven-day power reserve is also outstanding in terms of functionality. The silver dial, different from previous models, gives the impression of an intellectual and elegant practical watch for adults.” Limited to 100 pieces in Japan. Stainless steel case x leather bracelet, automatic winding, 46.2mm diameter. ¥1,753,500 (IWC Tel. 03-3288-6359)

BREITLING
Chronomat B01
In-house developed movement is user-friendly for calendar beginners

Breitling, celebrating its 125th anniversary, has equipped this watch with its first in-house developed movement, the “B01.” “Not only is the design excellent, but I find the face to be quite striking. The functionality is impeccable, and the ability to change the date at any time provides peace of mind for beginners with calendar-equipped mechanical watches.” Stainless steel case & bracelet, automatic winding, 43.5mm diameter. ¥798,000 (Breitling Japan Tel. 03-3436-0011)

ZENITH
Grand Port Royal Open Concept SS Case Black Dial
Emphasizing case and dial design alongside mechanical reliability

The movement is the world's first high-speed self-winding chronograph, the “El Primero.” “The beauty of the dial is captivating. The curved square case offers excellent wearability and is comfortable despite its large size.” The dial features the super-elastic plastic “TR90.” Stainless steel case x leather strap, automatic winding, 36 x 51mm. ¥1,218,000 (LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan Zenith Tel. 03-3613-3946)

BAUME & MERCIER
Hampton Classic XL Silver Dial
The rectangular watch, suitable for business style, is renewed

The “Hampton” series celebrates its 15th anniversary. “A classic rectangular design with a silver guilloché dial and blued steel hands. I think the design is suitable for business style. The fact that a watch from a long-established brand, founded in 1830, can be purchased at this price is also appealing.” Stainless steel case x alligator strap, automatic winding, 30 x 45.5mm. ¥252,000 (Baume & Mercier Tel. 0120-07-1830)

EDOX
Grand Ocean Day-Date
A marine sports watch that also suits business attire

The case back features a porthole design, and the dial has an embossed design inspired by a compass, with marine sports elements throughout. “While it’s a sports watch, it has a design that also suits business suits. Its wide range of usability, from formal to casual, combined with its affordable price, makes it practical.” Stainless steel case x rubber strap, automatic winding, 45mm diameter. ¥241,500 (GM International Tel. 03-5828-9080)

BELL & ROSS
BR03-92 Aviation CFB
Official watch for French Air Force pilots

This aviation watch was manufactured at the request of the French Air Force. “It features both a quartz analog watch and a digital display, and all functions such as the stopwatch and alarm can be operated with a single crown. Personally, I think this is the most practical.” The bezel allows for countdown timing up to 60 minutes. Stainless steel case x rubber strap, quartz, 42mm diameter. ¥399,000 (World Commerce Tel. 03-3549-3011)

Kiku Kimura
President and CEO, Orogio

President and CEO of Orogio. Founded in 2002 in Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City. Orogio is the leading seller of luxury watches such as IWC, Panerai, and Breitling in Kyushu. He also enjoys hobbies such as road biking and bonsai cultivation.

Orogio
Tel. 092-725-7766
Address: 1F Ilcassette Bldg., 1-2-5 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Closed: Tuesdays
www.oro-gio.co.jp