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March 29, 2016
Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara appointed Zenith ambassador | ZENITH
ZENITH
Boston Red Sox Pitcher Koji Uehara Appointed Zenith Ambassador
Koji Uehara, pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball, has been appointed ambassador for the Swiss luxury watch brand Zenith, and a press conference was held. We asked him about his feelings on becoming the first worldwide ambassador.
Photos by Yoshinori EtoText by Takayoshi Kakihara (OPENERS)
Founded in 1865, Zenith is a long-established watch brand. For watch enthusiasts among our readers, you may have been captivated by Zenith's chronograph movement, the "El Primero."
Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara has been appointed as the new brand ambassador for Zenith. We were able to ask Uehara about his thoughts immediately after the appointment press conference held in Tokyo on February 2, 2016.
—What are your thoughts on being appointed ambassador?
It's been a while since I've spoken in front of so many media outlets, so I was a bit nervous. As the first Japanese worldwide ambassador, I feel a sense of responsibility. It's my eighth year since moving to the US, but I want to take this opportunity to refresh myself and approach the new season with a new mindset, so as not to bring shame to the brand's name. In the future, it would be great if we could even have a Uehara model.
—About how many watches do you own?
My senior, Masumi Kuwata, once advised me, "It's better to choose good watches." Since then, I've been choosing watches based on my own judgment. I own about 20 in total.
—What are your thoughts on becoming the first Japanese brand ambassador?
Zenith is a long-established brand that has pursued watchmaking with high ideals since its founding. I want to strive to achieve good results so as not to be ashamed of that brand philosophy.
—How was your training in Japan?
I was able to make good progress with my conditioning. I woke up at 7 AM and was completely asleep by the time the sports news started. So, I don't really know what the Japanese players are up to since spring training began (laughs).
—Have you met Yoshinobu Takahashi, who has been appointed manager of the Giants?
I try to make opportunities to meet him. Spending time with him and other special friends is the most relaxing time for me. We don't talk about baseball at all; instead, talking about family and hobbies seems to connect to my motivation for tomorrow.
—What do watches mean to you?
Actually, I believe watches are the only things I can leave to my sons. I think my children are growing up watching my example as a man, and someday I want to hand down this Zenith watch to them.
El Primero Stratos Spindrift
Ref. 86.2060.4061/21.R573
Case: 18K Rose Gold (DLC-coated titanium pushers)
Diameter: 45mm
Thickness: 14.10mm
Movement: Automatic (El Primero 4061)
Power Reserve: Over 50 hours
Water Resistance: 10 bar
Price: ¥2,430,000
Inquiries
LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan Zenith
Tel. 03-5524-6420
http://www.zenith-watches.com/jp_jp