SHUN KATAKAI with Ventura
PROFILE
Born in 1982, he became independent in 2008. Since then, he has been involved in media production for numerous fashion magazines, websites, and brands. At the same time, he has styled many actors and artists.
Distinctive, yet reassuringly classic.
What kind of fashion item is a wristwatch for you?
Snail: I usually wear a casual style, so when I go out to meet people, I must wear a wristwatch. It may sound strange, but it is not impossible to judge a person by looking at his or her watch.
You say that wearing a wristwatch makes you look like a solid person.
Snail: I think that a person who wears a proper wristwatch is seen as a solid adult in many ways, and is trusted by the public. Therefore, it is an indispensable watch for me, and I wear it every day.
What kind of watches do you usually wear?
Snail: I choose simple designs. As a personal taste, I prefer standard designs with black leather belts rather than silver or gold. This has not changed since I was in high school, and I still have the watch I bought back then at home.
You have loved watches since you were young, haven't you?
Snail: As was the case with me, a wristwatch is one of the most coveted items for teenage boys. There may be plenty of inexpensive ones to choose from, but I have wanted to wear a well-known watch since I was in high school. Of course, they cost a certain amount of money. I think this "Ventura" is a watch that I would want to wear in that sense as well.
What kind of image did you have of "Ventura"?
Snail: I feel it is just the right watch. I mean that in a good way, of course. It's affordable, and as a wristwatch, you can tell it's a Hamilton masterpiece from the first glance. If you wear a Ventura when you meet someone for the first time, you can tell that you are a person who cares about his or her appearance.
It's true that the design is so iconic that it is immediately recognizable as a "Ventura" watch.
Snail: After all, the shape is unique, isn't it? The image of a watch is usually round or square, but this one is triangular. And even though the design is different from the others, it has a luxurious feel. I also like that the belt is black leather and not glaring.
The world's first battery-powered wristwatch, the Ventura, was introduced in 1957. Richard Arbib, an industrial designer who designed Cadillac and other models, designed the shield shape of the watch. It is said that he went through a lot of trial and error to create this shape.
Snail: It is amazing that these original ideas have taken root in the world and continue to be loved to this day. It is the same with clothing, but it is difficult for a design that is so unique to be widely recognized in the world.
It is true that there are many things that are transitory.
Snail: I think it is difficult for something unusual to be widely accepted, and it is often digested as a trend and becomes old-fashioned. The fact that "Ventura" is recognized as an icon proves just how attractive this watch is. Even looking at it now, I think this modern atmosphere is genuinely cool.
Katagai-san, if you were to coordinate "Ventura" with your outfit, what kind of style would you like to match it with?
Snail: Rather than changing my outfits to match "Ventura," I would dare to match it with my usual casual attire. Since I often work in a rough style, I tend to wear a solid watch and shoes to tighten up my outfit. Of course, they would go well with a dressed-up style, but I think it would be cool to wear them with relaxed, casual outfits.
Many people see "Ventura" in a rockabilly way after Elvis, so I feel it is very fresh.
Snail: In my case, I wear watches because my style is casual. I feel that the design of the "Ventura" watch fits well on my wrist, without being too assertive. The folding clasp is also a good feature to prevent the belt from getting damaged. The fact that it can be used for a long time in a beautiful condition is probably one of the points that make it so well-loved.
Ventura ¥91,000+TAX (Hamilton/Swatch Group Japan)
The Ventura was the world's first battery-powered wristwatch, launched in 1957. It is known not only for its functionality, but also for its bold design, which changed the history of wristwatches, and is loved by a wide range of people, from core watch lovers to fashion, music, and culture enthusiasts. The iconic shield-shaped form, which has remained unchanged since its launch, is often cited by many as one of Hamilton's most representative watches. It is also famous that Elvis Presley used to wear it both in public and in private.
