2020.11.03 update

2020 WATCH COLLECTOR'S WEEK | Brands to Watch! Vol. 7: "Recommended Watches Known Only to Those in the Know"

This project, which focuses on what I consider a "good watch"—the theme of this year's "Watch Collectors Week" —will conclude with the seventh and final installment, where I will introduce watches from brands I "quietly recommend."

The brands we've introduced over the past six installments are well-known to many, but this time we've carefully selected three brands that are "known only to those in the know." We hope you'll take this opportunity to check them out.

► Click here for a list of articles from "2020 WATCH COLLECTOR'S WEEK"

Frederique Constant's first chronometer-certified watch.


Frederique Constant
"Highlife Automatic COSC" 236,500 yen
Stainless steel case: 41mm diameter, COSC certified chronometer, transparent case back, 5 ATM water resistance, automatic movement

First up is Frederique Constant. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the brand creates watches based on the concept of "Accessible Luxury." Now, this brand has released its first chronometer-certified watch.

More than 20 years have passed since the "Highlife Collection" was launched in 1999. The design, characterized by its integrated strap built into the case, was updated in 2020, achieving high precision COSC certification and appearing with a new look. The watch case has been changed to a more edgy form than the previous type. The sides of the case are polished, allowing you to enjoy the contrast with the satin finish on the front.

Furthermore, the transparent case back allows you to peek at the movement and structure of the internal mechanism, making it a great watch to admire its beautiful workings after taking it off in your room. It also comes with an interchangeable rubber strap, making it easy to switch between them to suit different occasions, truly embodying the concept of "Accessible Luxury."

Packed with features for enthusiasts! Sinn's financial watch


<gin>
"Frankfurt Financial Watch 6060" 440,000 yen
Stainless steel case: 38.5mm diameter, 10 ATM water resistance, automatic movement

Next, I'd like to introduce you to SINN. Its official name in German is SinnSpezialuhren, which means "Sinn Special Watch Company." As the name suggests, it is known for producing watches that are so over-engineered they could almost be considered industrial products.

What sets these watches apart is that they feature functions that might make you think, "They even make watches for professionals like pilots and divers, and even financial watches for people involved in finance and accounting—functions that are niche but actually useful."

The "Frankfurt Financial Watch 6060" is part of the "6000" collection, developed in response to a request from the Frankfurt Economic Promotion Association for a watch that represents Frankfurt. It is called a financial watch because it is a measuring instrument for people involved in finance and accounting.
It features a three-time zone display, consisting of two 12-hour displays and one 24-hour display, allowing you to check your home country's time even when you're in another country. Of course, this is a useful feature even if you don't work in the finance industry.

Furthermore, the movement inside the mechanism can be viewed from the back of the case. The rotor features the charming and stylish engravings of a bear and a bull, one of the hallmarks of the "6060" collection. These represent the bear (bear market) and bull (bullish market) used in the stock market. The special box comes with a leather strap and a removal tool, so you can change the strap to suit your mood.

The "Big Crown" from Oris, a pioneer in pilot watches.


<Oris>
"Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date" 242,000 yen
Bronze case: 40mm diameter, 5 ATM water resistance, automatic movement

The last brand we'll introduce is Oris, a watch brand based in Hölstein, northwestern Switzerland. The brand's name comes from the name of a nearby stream. In 1938, Oris released the "Big Crown," which featured a crown that was easy for pilots to operate even while wearing gloves, and it became immensely popular with US military pilots. The "Big Crown" remains Oris's flagship collection to this day.

The "Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date" is made of bronze, a material that allows you to enjoy the changes that occur over time. When thinking about changes over time, it might be easier to imagine if you think of the way a 10-yen coin changes color.

The dial and strap are brown, matching the bronze case, creating a harmonious and sophisticated urban look, making it especially recommended for those who appreciate fashion. The calendar display is located on the outer edge, making it easier to read than traditional sub-displays and improving the overall balance of the dial. The Arabic numerals give it a somewhat antique watch feel.

If you consider a watch to be a "good watch"—one from a lesser-known brand that is committed to craftsmanship, forges its own path, and creates highly original timepieces—then you should definitely check out these three brands.

► Click here for a list of articles from "2020 WATCH COLLECTOR'S WEEK"

► "Watch Collectors Week 2020" is happening again this year! What's the theme?


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Text: ISETAN MEN'S net

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