Use "skimmer" time consciously and effectively.

First of all, please tell us about your occupation.

paddy field: Normally, the "Full size imageI represent a web-based design firm called I also work for a company called "BOOK AND SONSAs the owner of a bookstore called "Typography", I select books related to graphic design and specializing in typography. In the gallery space attached to the bookstore, I plan to hold events and exhibitions on an irregular basis. As in the store, I also plan to hold exhibitions related to graphic design and typography, and actively exhibit the works of young illustrators and designers that match the store's world view.

What are some of the points to consider when choosing a watch, such as function and design?

paddy fieldBasically, the most important point is that it is easy to read the time. Because of my profession, I have tried smartwatches, but if they are too sophisticated, I sometimes get distracted and cannot concentrate on my work.

Since most of the clothes I usually wear are basic, I tend to choose simple designs for my watches as well. I also pay attention not only to the exterior of the watch, but also to the text inside the dial.

I'd like to ask you about your attitude toward time, since you are also a watchmaker.

paddy fieldI hate meaningless decorations, partly because I work in design. It is the same with how I spend my time; I dislike wasting time. Since the work I do often involves producing and directing and looking at the whole picture, time is inevitably a concern for me.

I often check designs and communicate with clients in between meetings, and I consciously try to make effective use of this "spare" time. It is as if I am always thinking about what I can do in the small sliver of time I have.

As you use the watch, it will naturally fit your wrist.

What do you think is the appeal of Comono's Walther Nero?

paddy fieldThe band is leather, but it does not look too luxurious, so I think it can be used for a wide range of occasions from casual to formal. The dial is simple but well balanced, and I feel that it has a somewhat Japanese design. I particularly like the simple sans-serif typeface used on the dial.

What kind of situation (scene) do you imagine when you wear the "Walther Nero"?

paddy fieldI think a watch is just a tool, so I would like to use it frequently on a daily basis, regardless of the occasion. I believe that a watch will naturally become comfortable on your wrist as you use it. I know that many people use their smartphones to check the time these days, but I have always been a wristwatch person.

It is true that what we look for in a watch has changed since the spread of smartphones. What is the reason why you wear a watch?

paddy fieldI am always thinking about efficiency in my work, so I am always wondering if I am making the best use of the time I am spending. Of course, it is fine to use a smartphone instead of a watch. Of course, I could use my smartphone in place of a watch, but considering the hassle of taking my smartphone out of my pocket or bag, I think a wristwatch device is more efficient because I don't have to do that.

Like art that is hard to notice but certainly exists.

From your point of view as a typography book dealer, how do you feel about the "comonot" lookbook?

paddy fieldI like the way it is built to complement the photos. Naturally, there are trends in design, but because of my profession, I admire designs that are timeless. Such designs are always simple and beautiful in function. Like the watches in the "Comono" collection, this lookbook is minimalist and expresses the appeal of the product well.

Comono is characterized by its sophisticated design, which is typical of Antwerp, as "art to be worn". From your point of view, how do you feel about the design of "Walther Nero" by "Comono"?

paddy fieldThere are many contexts in which art can be found, ranging from the very shocking and impactful to the simple but evocative. In that sense, "Walther Nero" by Comono falls into the latter category.

It is not art that is traded at a very high price, but art that is found in everyday life. It is not art that is sold at a very high price, but art that exists in our daily lives, art that is not easily noticed, but is certainly there. Also, the brand name "Comono" is very Japanese.

I see. That is a way of looking at things that is very typical of you. Is that linked to your own approach to art?

paddy fieldI was raised in an art gallery, so there was a lot of art in the house. My parents' house was an art gallery, so we had a variety of art displayed in the house, but I grew up not knowing what the value was as a child. It wasn't until recently that I finally had the opportunity to experience art at art fairs, but in the end, what I was drawn to was art that could exist in everyday life.

I think it is easy to talk about large scale art and installations that jack up the city nowadays, but I personally think it would be nice to have art as small as a wristwatch.

Lastly, if there was one book that would go well with "Walther Nero" from "Comono", what would it be?

paddy fieldWhen I first saw this watch, the first thing that came to mind was an art book by Jan Tschichold, a German who is one of the giants of modern typography of the 20th century. The combination of simple geometric shapes and letters matched the design of "Walther Nero" by "Comono," and we had the same image.