Why this Japanese watchmaker takes up to one year to make a single timepiece

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Remarkable Living

Why this Japanese watchmaker takes upwards to one twelvemonth to brand a single timepiece

Independent watchmaker Masahiro Kikuno makes each of his wristwatches about entirely by hand, and by himself. His dedication and passion to his arts and crafts is why his exquisite creations can cost upwards of US$45,000.

Seven years agone, at the age of 30, Masahiro Kikuno became the youngest member of the Academie Horlogere des Createurs Independants (AHCI), an exclusive and prestigious clan of aristocracy independent watchmakers. (Photograph: Threesixzero Productions)

15 January 2022 06:30AM (Updated: 16 Aug 2022 02:20PM)

Working out of his home studio in Matsudo city, in Japan's Chiba prefecture, Masahiro Kikuno devotes all his fourth dimension to craft up to two watches a year. That'south a total of under twenty watches in his curt tenure equally an independent watchmaker. Not the most economical way to work, but the artisan wouldn't take it any other way.

"I enjoy that only one person is responsible for the entire procedure. Anyone with a craftsman's DNA volition love to brand things by hand," said Kikuno.

Contained watchmaker Masahiro Kikuno makes each of his wristwatches virtually entirely by hand, and by himself. His dedication and passion to his craft is why his exquisite creations can toll upwards of US$45,000.

Largely inspired past the craftsmen of Japan's Edo menses (1603 to 1868 CE), Kikuno'southward creations adhere to the traditional techniques of production, using only a few manually-operated machines.

"Watches are not commonly fabricated by just ane person. I think in that location are but a few watches that have been made by a single craftsman. There are even fewer watches made using erstwhile-fashioned machines and transmission techniques. I think that is what's unique about my watches," he shared.

Kikuno's creations adhere to the traditional techniques of product, using only a few manually-operated machines. (Photo: Threesixzero Productions)

All his masterpieces are intrinsically Japanese in their dazzler and function, and are reflective of his character and passion for history.

"In that location are many things even the Japanese don't know about, [such as] the history and civilization of making ancient clocks. I promise to utilise these techniques and showcase them on an international platform to permit people know virtually our civilisation through fourth dimension," he expressed.

"Watches are not ordinarily made past simply one person. I think at that place are only a few watches that accept been made by a unmarried craftsman... I think that is what's unique about my watches," shared Kikuno. (Photo: Threesixzero Productions)

His passion for mechanical timepieces started way back from when he enrolled himself in Hiko Mizuno Higher of Jewelry in Shibuya, which taught the fundamentals of watch repair. Rather than learning to design timepieces, Kikuno developed a better agreement of the intricate mechanisms that brand a clock tick. It was in that location that he produced his first timepiece – a time-only wristwatch with retrograde display.

Not long after, he made his first tourbillon wristwatch in 2010. Just, information technology was his modern reinvention of the traditional Wadokei that took the world by storm in 2011. The Wadokei is an ancient mechanical clock made in the 19th century that was designed to adjust time according to the seasons.

The Temporal Hour Spotter from 2022 was 1 of Kikuno's earliest creations, and featured an automatic index that adjusts according to the flavour. (Photo: Threesixzero Productions)

"There were no advanced machines back and then, merely the craftsmen were able to make such impressive clocks. I thought I'd exist able to practice the same, and challenge myself to practice equally much equally possible with the existing tools," he explained.

Part of the Wadokei's attracting beauty is the intricate forest-grained patterns on the watch face – a feature often seen on swords in 17th century Japan.

The Orizuru lookout man from 2022 featured intricate wood-grained patterns on the dial – a motif oftentimes seen on swords in 17th century Japan. (Photo: Threesixzero Productions)

"Creating this was really difficult only cute. While I was trying to make everything by manus, I noticed that the procedure was really enjoyable. I enjoy rolling the handle, trimming the metals into meaningful pieces and watching everything being built from scratch," he enthused.

A twelvemonth subsequently that, at but 30, he became the youngest member of the Academie Horlogere des Createurs Independants (AHCI), an exclusive and prestigious clan of elite independent watchmakers. This esteemed honor is a nod to Kikuno's amazing talent, considering his abilities were primarily self-taught. "Without rigorous practice, y'all can't develop your skills," he reminded us.

"Without rigorous practice, you lot can't develop your skills," Kikuno reminded united states of america. (Photo: Threesixzero Productions)

To give the client a closer look into the creation of each piece, Kikuno documents the process from start to finish in a journal, and gifts it to the customer along with the final product.

"I hope that people tin experience my passion and philosophy when they read my 'Making Of' book."

Adapted from the series Remarkable Living (Flavour iii). Sentry full episodes on CNA, every Sun at 8.30pm.

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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/remarkableliving/japanese-watchmaker-masahiro-kikuno-246771

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