In 2001, Seiko launched a mission referred to as “Issey Miyake Watch.” The idea is pretty easy. Below the cautious inventive eye of (you guessed it) Issey Miyake of the famed Miyake Design Studio, a world-class designer is chosen and tasked with making a watch bearing his or her distinctive design language. Nevertheless, there are some standards to think about. First, it should be a “recent” design by Miyake requirements. Second, it should be analog and created in Japan. Thirdly, the designer should be straight concerned within the watch’s packaging. The advertising of this mission is somewhat imprecise and non-specific, albeit enjoyable and fascinating. The gathering has produced some hits and misses for me, personally, however there’s little question in regards to the distinctive inventive path of every piece within the assortment. Enter the Issey Miyake Nao Tamura 1/6 Watch, a slick new addition to this enjoyable collaborative.
The designer of the 1/6 watch is Nao Tamura, the primary feminine designer the mission has seen, which I really feel is important. We don’t see sufficient ladies taking heart stage within the design phase of the watch trade, so it is a nice step in that path. Tamura arrived on the identify “1/6” as a result of Three-Hz motion being six beats per second. Curiously sufficient although, she claims the affect for the 1/6 is conventional measuring instruments like beakers and glasses. She needed to hearken again to a time with out digital measurements, once we used our fingers to function measuring instruments. In that regard, I really feel she succeeded. The very first thing fanatics are going to note is the distinctive case and its “measuring instruments.”
Out there in chrome steel with or with out a black PVD coating, my eyes have been instantly drawn to the minute/second observe positioned in a peculiar location: on the surface of the bezel and case. I’m undecided I might name it essentially the most sensible utilization of a chapter ring, however I suppose the argument might be made that it’s distinctive as a design aspect. The spherical case measures in at a somewhat giant 43mm x 11mm. The peak is basically on account of the truth that the case sits on high of the lugs as an alternative of between them. Aesthetically, I discover it a enjoyable characteristic paired with the mesh bracelet.
From a wearability standpoint, I wrestle with the concept this may feel and appear like a hockey puck on the wrist. Little doubt this may contour properly with a smaller wrist, however at 43mm, it’s definitely not designed for one. It’s not significantly specified, however I think about transferring the lugs beneath the case permits for a a lot simpler strategy of adjusting the time. Contemplating the crown is at 6 o’ clock, theoretically, there can be ample area to tilt the wrist, pull the crown, modify, and push with out ever taking the watch off your wrist. Once more, from a purely design and useful standpoint, it is a cool characteristic. From a sensible standpoint, I’m undecided I get it, although I’ll reserve any stark opinion till I see it within the metallic. The watch can also be rated for as much as 5 bar water resistance.
The dial is one in all my favourite options of the watch and the place I discover essentially the most direct design affect. Out there in both case model, the dial is accessible in both black with blue accents, or white with crimson accents. My favourite of the fashions is the chrome steel and black dial. Whereas I benefit from the white dial, there’s something oddly medical about it. The half-sunken chapter ring options each single mark the seconds, minute, and hour fingers could make. Every second marker of the chapter ring comprises 5 smaller markers between them, actually tracing each beat of the motion, and in one other enjoyable design aspect, the hour observe has been moved to the within of the dial with a cross-hair sample. From 6 to 12 o’ clock is one other micro-measurement unit that pairs properly with the hole hour hand. Once more, maybe not essentially the most sensible, however visually attractive nonetheless. Total, the dial is busy however nonetheless stays coherent.
The three hand watch doesn’t embrace a date, though the NH35A features a date wheel. I really agree with this resolution, as I don’t really feel there’s an opportune location to make a date work within the total aesthetic. As said earlier, the NH35A beats at 21,600 VpH, or six beats per second. The motion options 41 jewels and a beneficiant energy reserve of 41 hours.
Total, I discover the 1/6 to be a singular addition to the Issey Miyake Watch Challenge. From a pure design standpoint, it’s apparent that quite a lot of effort and time has gone into the aesthetics of the 1/6. The loupe-requiring particulars of the dial markers give the watch an fascinating utilitarian reminder of how intricate these little machines are. Tamura explains it finest: “On this period through which time appears to fleet away as gadgets like smartphones have develop into a necessity in our on a regular basis life, I needed to design a watch that enables us to absolutely really feel the time ticking.”
Value for the Issey Miyake Nao Tamura 1/6 ranges from $660-$770. The grey stainless 1/6 in leather-based is the most affordable at $660. The grey stainless 1/6 with Milanese bracelet and the black PVD-coated 1/6 on a leather-based strap are available in at $700. The Black PVD 1/6 coated with Milanese bracelet is available in at $770. You may learn extra in regards to the mission and this watch at isseymiyake-watch.com.
