Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster LOWERCASE Special Edition
If we just want to check the time, our smartphones are sufficient. What is the role of the wristwatch in this day and age? Creative director Yoshikage Kajiwara and stylist Fumihiko Okabe discuss, centered on the Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster, produced by LOWERCASE.
Born in 1976, he became an independent stylist in 2000. Known for his unparalleled love of the outdoors, he has styled for magazines such as "GO OUT". He is also involved in the planning and development of outdoor brands and runs his own web store.
www.vallicans.com
Born in 1965, he became an independent creative director after working for "BEAMS". After working for BEAMS, he became an independent creative director, and in November 2015, he launched the contents site "Ring of Colour" with Hiroshi Fujiwara, and has recently been involved in consulting for new businesses for apparel-related companies.
First of all, could you tell us about your "view of watches"?
Ministry of Revenue (Tang-dynasty China)To be honest, I don't have a very strong interest in watches. I am not really interested in luxury watches or antique watches. If I had to say so, what I value when choosing a watch is that it is sturdy. I don't want to take my watch into the outdoors and have it break immediately.
marshlandWristwatches used to be a symbol of status, but they are no longer such a thing. Today, a wristwatch is a "fashion item" that one chooses according to one's mood of the day, and a "gadget" that tickles a man's fancy. It is also a "gadget" that tickles a man's fancy, or perhaps we could say it is a "piece of gear.
Ministry of Revenue (Tang-dynasty China)Gear! That's a word that fits me perfectly. I am a gearaholic by my own admission and others, and I am attracted to things that have a "gear feel," not just wristwatches. To be more specific, things that have a gear feel to them are things that make sense in terms of design and materials used. I am attracted to things that have a clear functional meaning and reason, not just things that look cool, which is a prerequisite.
marshlandWhen you think of a watch as a piece of gear, it is very important that it be sturdy, that the battery never runs out, and that it be stress-free in all situations.
Could you tell us about the concept of the "Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster LOWERCASE Produce Model" that you are producing?
marshlandThe new model is similar to previous models in that it is both fashionable enough to look good on the street and tough enough to withstand the outdoors, and it also draws on Seiko's legacy. In addition to these features, this new model features a new digital display. I love the atmosphere of the digital watches of yesteryear, so I have incorporated elements of that into the details while updating the watch to make it more suitable for today's fashion.
Ministry of Revenue (Tang-dynasty China)The design is easy to understand in a good way, with large numbers on the digital display and volume on the dial. I personally like it. It also has a look that evokes toughness appropriate for the outdoors, but at the same time it is smart and has an urban feel to it.
marshlandWhile the design is suitable for daily use, it has high specifications as a field watch in terms of functionality. I think this watch has what Okabe-kun calls a "gear-like" finish.
Ministry of Revenue (Tang-dynasty China)Some of your models are divers' watches, aren't they? However, I am from the mountain side of my life, so I am not comfortable with divers' watches. But with this field watch, I can wear it without feeling uncomfortable.
marshlandAnother important point is that the band is made of silicon. How does it feel to actually wear it on your hand?
Ministry of Revenue (Tang-dynasty China)Very nice. It is lighter than it looks. I think comfort is one of the functions of a watch. I think it's great that you can wear it without feeling any discomfort. By the way, how much does it cost?
marshlandIt varies by color, but the most expensive model costs 30,000 yen without tax.
Ministry of Revenue (Tang-dynasty China)It is in an affordable price range. But when you actually hold it in your hand, you will find that it is so well made that it is hard to believe that it is in that price range.
Common specifications: solar recharging function / reinforced plastic outer body protector / plastic case (partly aluminum) / silicon strap / 20 ATM water resistance Left: SBEP001 ¥28,000+ tax, Middle: SBEP003 ¥30,000+ tax, Right: SBEP005 ¥30,000+ tax
There are three color variations in the inline line this time. What is your impression of the colors?
Ministry of Revenue (Tang-dynasty China)From the body to the band, the overall tone is black, and the matte finish is very appealing. This is a bit off topic, but my Toyota Hiace is also matte black. Originally, it was a different color, but I had parts of it customized to matte black. I love Hiaces and have been driving them for many years, and the one I am driving now is the third generation. It can carry a lot of luggage and is hard to break down. I like the quality and sturdiness of the vehicle. Coincidentally, it has many aspects in common with the field watch that Mr. Kajiwara created.
marshlandToyota and Seiko share the same sense of being Japanese brands that should be proud of the world.
What is the recommended coordination for each color?
Ministry of Revenue (Tang-dynasty China)All of them share a matte black base, but each color is accented with silver, gold, or red details. Just by adding one of these colors as an accent color somewhere in your coordination, you can make it look more fashionable. In any case, all three colors are simple shades that do not make too strong an assertion, so I think they can be incorporated into any outfit without discomfort.
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Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster LOWERCASE Special Edition Official Site
