A wristwatch is a symbolic expression of a person's originality. This is the view of stylist Arata Kobayashi, who is a fan of Hamilton's "Benchura," the world's first battery-powered watch. His favorite watch is the "Ventura" by Hamilton, known as the world's first battery-powered watch. It is also a masterpiece known as Elvis Presley's favorite watch in both his public and private life. As evidenced by the fact that the watch is engraved in the memory as the personality of the person who wears it. What is the reason why people with style are attracted to this watch? We asked Mr. Kobayashi, one of our favorite users, to tell us the answer.
Born in 1978 in Kanagawa Prefecture, he became independent in 2006. He mainly works on styling for magazines, musicians, and advertisements. He has a deep knowledge of American things, including clothes and shoes, and has gained the support of many people, both men and women.
Rather than buying things, they are buying stories.
How many watches do you own, Mr. Kobayashi?
KobayashiI have about 10 watches. Some people may not wear watches, but I like to wear something on my wrist every day.
In men's fashion, the arm area shows a person's individuality.
KobayashiI think it depends on the style, but men don't often decorate their hands that spectacularly. However, the hand is often seen, and I think it is important. Especially when I work as a stylist, my arms are often seen when I dress people, so I try to wear something, whether it is an accessory or a watch, while being careful not to overdo it.
In particular, a watch can be seen as an indicator of a person's status.
KobayashiI have the impression that many people, especially overseas, view watches in this way. In that sense, a watch is a tool to express one's individuality. Perhaps it is similar to a car. Is it just for convenience, or is it for design or status?
What do you keep in mind when selecting watches?
KobayashiSometimes I buy current items, and sometimes I choose antiques. I don't just buy anything, but I value the story behind the object. It is more important to me to know the historical background of an object, rather than just something that was created somehow. Rather than buying things, I may be buying stories (laughs).
A completed design is one that is easy to match.
We heard that you have a "Ventura" in your collection. Could you tell us why you purchased this watch?
KobayashiThe first watch I bought as an independent stylist was a Ventura. It may not be a good idea to compare it to other watch brands, but I don't think it is a watch that anyone can wear. It had a unique shape, and it was the kind of watch that someone with good taste would choose. At the time, there were people around me who wore this watch, and I was influenced by them. Of course, I was also attracted by its historical background.
The Ventura was born in 1957. At a time when symmetrical wristwatches were the norm, this unique shield-shaped form was born.
KobayashiThe designer is Richard Arbib. He is famous for his Cadillac design. The 50's was a time when many innovative designs were created, including industrial products and architecture, and the American form of the good old days has been incorporated into this clock.
I also like the fact that I can wear it on my wrist as if I were wearing an accessory, not as a watch. I know this is a bit of a stretch, but even if the watch wasn't moving, it would still work. My wife sometimes wears it. There are smaller models for women, but I think it's cool that she wears a big one.
On the other hand, do you ever get tired of wearing it because of its unique shape?
KobayashiOn the contrary, I find them very useful. I don't wear flashy clothes, so I often add a bit of fun with watches and accessories. Sometimes I wear both a watch and an accessory, but with "Ventura," a single "Ventura" watch is enough to coordinate with my outfits.
Hamilton's "Hamilton" was created in 1957.Ventura". The shield-shaped form, which strongly reflects mid-century design, still shines with originality today. On the left is a model with a calf leather strap with crocodile print. On the right is a model with a flex belt that is easy to put on and take off. It looks like an accessory.VenturaThe design of the "M" is strongly emphasized. Elvis Presley was a fan of this type. Each ¥91,000+tax
As well as the design, the point that "Ventura" was the world's first battery-powered watch is also part of the watch's history.
KobayashiBattery-powered watches are simply easier (laughs). Compared to automatic or hand-wound watches, I don't have to worry about maintenance. It's the same as when you get older and start to choose more comfortable clothes.
Are you less particular about movements?
KobayashiWhen I was young, I admired automatic and hand-wound watches, and of course I still like them, but I am not so particular about them anymore compared to the past. Rather, the birth of the battery-powered watch has given birth to a new history, and I have positive feelings toward such stories.
The "Ventura" watch is also known as Elvis Presley's favorite watch for both his public and private life. In the movie "Blue Hawaii," you wore it with an Aloha shirt.
KobayashiI have been wearing it on a daily basis, so I am not conscious of "wearing it with this kind of fashion" in particular. If the clothes are simple, it is easy to match with anything, and of course, it fits with a suit. It has a unique shape, but I never found it difficult to match.
It may be a bit of a misnomer to say that it goes with everything, but it is as close as you can get.
KobayashiThat is often the case with completed designs.
Unlike the 1950s, when "Ventura" was born, the modern world has become so convenient that we can easily tell the time without wearing a wristwatch. In this day and age, what is the reason for Mr. Kobayashi to wear a watch on his wrist?
KobayashiOf course, you can easily check the time by looking at your phone. But it's boring if everyone is on the same side. It is precisely because we live in such an age that we wear watches. Besides, as I have gotten older, I have come to understand the importance of time more deeply.
It may be important to consciously develop a sense of time by wearing a watch.
KobayashiAlso, as I mentioned at the beginning, it is to express my character. I think watches are tied to individuality and linked to memory in the sense of "that person always wears that watch," and so on. It has a symbolic role to express my originality. That is why you want to choose carefully what fits you.
A special one-night-only live "# Ventura_is_Yours" concert will be held on June 28 (Fri.) to celebrate the still unchanged "Ventura" more than half a century after its launch. The first 50 pairs of 100 people who purchase "Ventura" at participating stores during the event period will be invited on a first-come, first-served basis. For details.this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)The following is a list of the most common problems with the
