“When it comes to ”one luxury item,” Omega is the only choice.
—You yourself, Utamaru, have been a longtime fan of Omega watches. What prompted you to buy your first one?
Utamaru: It was the mid-'90s, a time when I was starting to make a name for myself in music and earn a living. Back then, baggy streetwear was the mainstream style in the hip-hop scene, but when I saw a CD jacket featuring the international rapper, Sadat X of Brand Nubian, wearing a T-shirt and jeans—a casual outfit—but subtly accessorized with a high-quality, luxury mechanical watch on his CD cover. I was blown away and thought, “This is so damn cool!” From that moment on, I’ve been drawn to the style of pairing casual, street-inspired outfits with a single, luxurious, rugged mechanical watch.
—So, the first watch chosen as part of that “one luxury item” philosophy was the Omega “Speedmaster,” wasn’t it?
Utamaru: That’s right. First, I got a “Speedmaster,” and then, since I like bolder designs, I bought the “Jack Maillot” model from the “Seamaster” line. I just have absolutely no interest in things that are merely luxurious—I don’t even want them. No matter how high-end a watch is, I don’t find it cool unless it’s practical. Rather than the flashy status symbols of other famous luxury watch brands, Omega’s aesthetic—which is sporty yet understated, with proven durability and a rich history—just really resonated with my personal sense of style.
—Looking at Utamaru-san’s personal “Seamaster,” it really has a well-worn look to it.
Utamaru: I don’t think watches are meant to be displayed—they’re meant to be used hard in everyday life. Even Bond in the movies wouldn’t be carrying out grueling missions with a brand-new, shiny watch (laughs). The more scratches it gets, the more it tells my story, and the more it feels like a true partner. When I head out to work or on a business trip, I find myself thinking, “Alright, I’m going to channel my inner Bond.” Omega watches are packed with that kind of beauty—they’re tools that you grow increasingly attached to, scratches and all.
Of the two Omega watches that Utamaru cherishes, the “Speedmaster” is a memorable mechanical watch he purchased as his very first timepiece, in keeping with his philosophy of “one luxury item.” The “Seamaster Diver 300M Jacques Mayol Apnea” (models released from 2003 to 2009) features a 41.5mm chronograph case, a black dial, and a robust design with a special function for free diving—a red indicator that changes every minute and can measure up to 7 minutes—which he uses as a companion for streetwear and casual outfits.
