• Ｔ, WP Design Engineering Department


• Recently interested in = Interior design
  I’m redecorating my house right now, changing the wallpaper and so on. I happened to find a bookshelf that’s the exact same width as the wall, which I’m very happy about.


• Favourite food = Toast
  I prefer to eat toast in the morning, and I recently became hooked on Hokkaido Anko Butter (a sweet red bean and butter spread). It’s smooth and not too sweet, so I haven’t gotten bored of it yet.

Tell us the name of your favourite watch.

It’s the Orient Star Elegant Classic Tonneau (model WZ0021AE *discontinued). Until I purchased this watch, I had only ever owned round-shaped watches. The F6 movement had just launched from the automatic calibre 46 series, so I decided to buy it sometime around 2017. I’d only owned round watches before, but now I think the tonneau shape is great. Orient Star’s current line-up only has round models, so I hope they bring it back someday.

Which parts of the watch were you particularly attracted to?

The barrel-shaped tonneau case, the asymmetrical placement of the small seconds hand at 5 o’clock (which must be an intentional choice, since movements that place the small seconds hand at 6 o’clock do exist…), as well as the colour and shape of the blue Breguet type hands. Otherwise, the model is quite normal in terms of performance and functionality; the automatic winding function performs well, and if you make sure to hand-wind the movement several times at the start of the week, it will continue to function throughout the week without additional winding. I mainly wear this watch during work, but not in the summer months since the strap is leather.

What is your next watch of choice?

It’s the M34 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase (model RE-AY0202A).

Why did you choose this one?

Because it has a beautiful dial. I was attracted to the exquisite colour of the mother-of-pearl dial and gradation. Apparently, the design inspiration was taken from the aurora in the dawn sky. Combined with the moon phase, I feel that it perfectly evokes the night sky. Like the tonneau-shaped model that I often wear, the Mechanical Moon Phase also incorporates many elements in its design and reveals the movement from the see-through caseback.

Perhaps I notice these things because I work in the design department, but the finish on various parts, especially the rotor, is done in a way that enhances the pattern. With a 50-hour power reserve, there’s no need to worry about it stopping as long as you wear it regularly on your arm.

What points do you consider when choosing a watch?

It needs to be something I can wear on a daily basis. I also aim for a sweet spot among functionality, design, and price.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Orient Star watches offer the ideal functionality for daily use in terms of precision, water resistance, power reserve and price, and also come with a convenient power reserve indicator. Both the movement and exterior design of Orient Star’s watches are evolving, so you can look forward to many great models to come.

● Editor’s note

For this shoot, we went to Epson Museum Suwa (a memorial hall commemorating the company’s founding). Behind T is the original company building that was built in October 1945. Today, the building is open to the public mainly for primary and secondary school events. By the way, the portrait of W, who was featured in the previous instalment, was also taken on the ground floor of this building. See you next time!