MASASHI SHO with Khaki Field Mechanical
PROFILE
Born in 1993. Studied under stylist Hiroyuki Kai and became independent in 2017. He is an up-and-coming stylist who has styled numerous men's fashion magazines and brand visuals.
One with solid roots.
Do you like watches?
Sho: I have always liked watches. I have been interested in cars since I was in junior high school, and that is how I got interested in wristwatches. Boys are always into mechanical things. I also have an image of wristwatches as a man's luxury item. I also like the fact that it is an object that reflects one's taste.
It seems that many people who like cars also like watches.
Sho: But in recent years, combined with the zeitgeist, the car models of the era I like and the cool designs of cars are being lost rapidly. However, I like the fact that wristwatches have been reissued or have been loved as antiques for many years and have remained in the present day. I feel that the character and value of wristwatches are more protected than those of cars. I think this is also the charm of wristwatches.
What kind of fashion item do you consider a wristwatch to be?
Sho: I think of it as an item that completely shows style. It is an accessory, but I would like to always wear the same watch according to my style, rather than changing it depending on the occasion. When I style a watch, I also put a message that I want this watch to be worn by this kind of person.
For example, do you have an image in mind?
Sho: To take it to the extreme, if someone who likes hip-hop wore a gold watch, wouldn't you be convinced for some reason? (Laughs). I personally like Japanese ninkyo (chivalry) movies, and I have an image of gold watches appearing in those movies as well. I think it's nice because it fits the character, but I don't think I would wear one myself....
I see. What kind of image did you have of Hamilton?
Sho: I have been going to Reese's for a long time and styling Hamilton watches, but I think the iconic watches are the "Ventura" and "Pulsar" watches. I have the impression that "Hamilton" releases many unique and well-designed watches.
I think many people have the image of a watch that is focused on design.
Sho: Right? It has an image of appearing in a movie depicting the near future. I've even seen a watch that I looked up and said, "What's this watch?" and found out it was a "Hamilton" watch. Although it is different from those watches, the "Khaki Field Mecha," which has its roots in military culture, has a standard design, but it is cool that the colors are used to make it look casual. Is the crown a little big compared to the size of the dial?
The military watches that the Khaki Field Mecha is based on are commonly known as "hack watches," and it is said that they were used in war zones to set the time with the call of "hack. The crown is said to be large so that the time can be adjusted easily.
Sho: I see. So that's why the case is matte black. Many people who buy watches nowadays choose watches simply for their design or convenience, but the "Khaki Field Mecha" has a lot of background as a product, so I think it will be fun to look into it after you get it. I feel that it is a watch with roots that can become one of the most talked-about items. It was originally supplied to the U.S. military.
Men tend to respond to history, don't they?
Sho: And I also thought the textile NATO belt was nice. I often change my wristwatch to a belt similar to this "Khaki Field Mecha," but I feel that NATO belts and leather belts are easier to use because they blend more naturally with fashion. In the "Khaki Field Mecha," the button holes are reinforced with leather to prevent them from spreading out, which is also kind of nice. The manual winding and 80-hour power reserve also makes it easy to use.
What kind of clothes would you like to wear the Khaki Field Mecha with?
Sho: If I were to wear it, I would style it as usual. I would like to wear it casually without changing my style. In particular, I usually wear navy clothes, so a watch with this kind of design is easy to match. I also think it's great that the watch has military roots, but is still elegant and minimalist in design. I also enjoy the fact that it has a black dial and is luminescent.
How do you match your watch with your clothes?
Sho: A watch with a silver or gold belt or body makes it look a little more like a watch. With my style, I feel that they seem to suddenly appear on my hand, so this kind of coloring is easier to incorporate into my style naturally. That being said, I think it would look cool with a suit as well as a casual style. I think this is a watch that young people can easily pick up and enjoy for a long time.
Khaki Field Mecha ¥66,000+TAX (Hamilton/Swatch Group Japan)
Hamilton watches have a history of delivering military watches to the U.S. military. The Khaki Field Mecha, which has its roots in military watches, has a 38mm case with Super-LumiNova® indexes, triangular hour markers, and a manual-winding movement with a power reserve of approximately 80 hours. The case in glossy black PVD has a fresh gray textile NATO belt reinforced with leather.
