HOUYHNHNM

Takahiro Goko, President of Swimsuit Department
In addition to being an importer and distributor of interior goods from around the world, he also selects and buys for BATHHOUSE, a store made by appointment, and stores.
www.swimsuit-department.com

. something tougher and more carefree than upscale.

. What is the point of choosing a watch, Mr. Gohko?

Gohgo:The most important thing is the balance of appearance. Especially the dial is important. . and if it is to be used like a watch, I don't like anything too delicate. . In my work, I often pack and unpack packages, and sometimes my arms hit the wall and scratch the windshield while carrying cardboard boxes. So I prefer to be able to use it with a gun. Solar or winding watch, the best is the one you don't have to worry about.

Gohgo:. The font on this dial looks like the numbers used on baseball uniforms. Look, (pointing to the Indians vs. Cubs MLB World Series game that was just televised on TV), especially the "8" and "2" on the Indians' uniforms. This could be the same font.

You're right!　I didn't notice that until you mentioned it.

Gohgo:I am not a designer myself, but I think the font is important when choosing a watch. Of course, the shape of the hands and the total balance of the watch are important, but in human terms, the font is like the expression on a person's face, so I pay close attention to the font.

How about a one-piece case without a back cover?

Gohgo:. This machined look is cool, isn't it? I like the way it looks, like the custom parts for radio-controlled cars and bicycles, as well as the MacBook Air, which is also machined out of aluminum. The dial is large and easy to read, and I don't mind the weight. On the contrary, it is better to have a presence like this so that you feel like you are wearing a watch.

The length of the nylon band is easily adjustable, so it can be worn over clothing. A spare band in a different color is included, so it can be changed to match your outfit.

(This model comes with a black nylon band.)

With a body made of rust-resistant Super Titanium™ and a high water resistance of 20 atmospheres, it can be used on any occasion in town, in the mountains, or in the ocean.

Citizen's original surface hardening technology "Duratect" makes it scratch-resistant, so you can concentrate on tough work. . It is a reassuring partner that always fits on your wrist without worrying.

The indexes, which are luminescent and emit a soft, natural light in the dark, should be useful at night as well as in outdoor situations where both hands are occupied with luggage.

The beauty of an object can only be seen when it is used.

. Once again, I am overwhelmed by the amount of things in the room. Earlier, you said, "It is better to display and use things than to put them away for fear of an earthquake.

Gohgo:Of course, when I go on a long business trip, I will take precautionary measures such as putting dishes down on the floor. However, if an earthquake were to strike, I would not be able to do my business, and I would be more worried about my life afterwards. Besides, if something were to happen to me, it would be no good if only my things were neatly stored away. Even if they are broken as a result of proper use, I think that would be a more beautiful form for them as objects.

Have you always been of that mindset?

Gohgo:. As I have gotten older, I have begun to think about the future. . I have come to believe more strongly that it is best to be happy in the present.

. Do you still find vintage items more appealing than the latest products?

Gohgo:. For things like electronics and iPhones, the newest is probably better, but as long as there is no stress, I would like to use old things. Old denim was dyed with indigo instead of chemical dyes, so you could enjoy the texture and changes over time. The Mexican wood carved animals in our house are dyed with natural dyes, so the colors fade as they are exposed to the sun. When I see these changes, I like old things better and think they are better.

When you collect vintage items, do you feel as if you are in the time frame of the items being used for a long time and then being passed on to the next person?

Gohgo:Old things come to me, and I sell them and hold exhibitions to let people know how good they are... I never had a sense of a time line, but perhaps I do things like that naturally.

. . it is also a feeling of protection, he said.

Gohgo:. some used books are bought, satisfied, and remain on the bookshelf. . It's both a desire to own and a desire to keep. However, when I go to antique fairs or flea markets and see good things being treated crudely, I sometimes force myself to buy them, thinking that I have to preserve their appearance, even if only a little. If the item doesn't sell, I might break it and throw it away, and I think that's how things are going to decrease.

. . if you take a look at the kitchen, you will see that folk art is also commonly used. To be honest, I would be nervous if I broke it. ......

Gohgo:You can fix it and use it. . It is the same as with clothes: you take good care of them. When denim is torn, you fix it and wear it again, right? If you don't use it, you can't see how good it is, so I think it is best to put a watch on your wrist and see how beautiful it looks when you are using it.

PROMASTER × mont-bell collaboration model (limited to 550 pieces each)

(Pictured left to right.)
BN0111-11E, BN0111-38Y, BN0111-20L ¥35,000 each , BN0111-54E ¥40,000 (ALL+TAX)
(The nylon band model comes with one nylon band in a different color.)