It's That Time of Year Again in Japan
Pretty in Pink
The Precursor
Apologies to long-time readers. This might feel like the filler episode of your favourite ’90s sitcom - a collection of clips you’ve seen before, masquerading as something worth 22 minutes of your time.
What I’m trying to say is almost every watch has featured in a previous newsletter at some point in the last year. There is one exception, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
In my defence, it’s been a hectic week at work, filled with late nights and early starts. Things have settled down now, and I have some truly exceptional pieces coming back to me in April - if the various service centres play ball. Perhaps this newsletter should be viewed as the calm before the storm?
Custom Cherry Blossom “Mountain View” Watch
My tribute to the start of cherry blossom season in Japan. Admittedly, I’m a few days late - Tokyo officially welcomed the first blooms on 24 March. But don’t despair, as the season moves north, you can catch the blossoms as late as May in parts of Hokkaido.
And even if you’re not making the trip, Japan’s weakened yen is drawing tourists in record numbers. This year’s cherry blossom season is projected to generate $9 billion in tourism revenue - a staggering 22% increase from last year. To put that in perspective, London’s 2012 Olympics, which was deemed a huge success for the capital city, brought in an estimated $3.5 billion from tourism.
Simply put, pink Japan = big deal.
The dial itself blends embossed details with 20k gold-plated accents, paired with the deep blues characteristic of Sometsuke, or Blue and White Porcelain. Blossoms have been scattered across the bottom of the dial, as though caught in a breeze, while gusts of wind can be seen carrying a flock of cranes at the top.
Much like the previously released Black Waves, every hour marker is accounted for, even if they’re not immediately obvious. The golden blossoms along the minute track from 4 to 10 o’clock need no explanation, but the dial holds more subtle markers: the dark spots in the clouds are 11 and 1, the golden Japanese crane is 12, a Japanese wagtail marks 2, and finally, 3 is represented by the rising sun.
Powering it is the regulated, automatic Seiko NH71 - skeletonised, decorated, and golden in colour, making it the perfect choice for this watch.
The Chery Blossom “Mountain View” is now available to buy on our website.
In brand new, unworn condition. Available in very limited numbers.
Seiko Alpinist SBCJ031 HAQ
The warmest of the SCBJ HAQ Alpinists. Not a watch that needs much of an introduction, but if you're unfamiliar with this neo-vintage Alpinist series, please click here to read my full write-up.
All Alpinists trace their roots back to the 1956 Winter Olympics, when Chiharu Igaya made history by winning Japan’s first Winter Olympic medal - Silver in the Alpine Skiing event. His achievement sparked a surge in skiing and winter sports across Japan, prompting Seiko to release a rugged, adventure-ready watch designed for the Japanese Alps. With strong lume, a high-contrast dial, and mountain-shaped indices, the Seiko Laurel Alpinist quickly found favour among enthusiasts.
Not to be confused with the SBCJ021 and its fully lumed dial, the SBCJ031 is the classier, subtler variant. A fully lumed dial is fun, but that awkward stage when your watch transitions into low light and takes on a sickly green hue isn’t ideal. Give me this rich ivory tone all day.
The Seiko Alpinist SBCJ031 HAQ is now available to buy on our website.
In very good condition overall. Has the standard swirls you expect to see on unpolished titanium, and a handful of scratches on the case and bezel. On the original leather strap.
Seiko 21-3210 “Kotobuki” White Gold Emperor Watch
This watch was made in 1973 to celebrate Emperor Hirohito's upcoming 50th Wedding Anniversary. It is often simply referred to as 寿 in Japan, which means "Kotobuki" or Congratulations/Long life.
Interestingly, "Kotobuki" is also the name of a mythical Japanese creature that combines all the animals of the Chinese zodiac. As a symbolic gesture, the dial features two Kotobuki - both congratulating the Emperor and wishing him longevity.
The 21-3210 was produced in two precious metal variants: yellow gold and white gold. The white gold model offered today is the more subdued of the two, making it easier to wear as a unique daily piece.
The Seiko Emperor 21-3210 is available to buy on our website.
In great condition. Just serviced in Japan. No marks of any significance on the watch. On an aftermarket leather strap.
Seiko Laurel LJAR601 4S29-5000
One of the elaborate Laurels from the neo-vintage collection. The obvious comparison is the LJAK600 - a much-loved Laurel that’s featured in this Newsletter a few times. While the changes are subtle, they’re numerous. The Breguet numbers have been swapped for Roman numerals, but not wanting to be totally Breguet-less, the LJAR has Breguet hands! The dial showcases an intricate flinqué pattern throughout, and the addition of a power reserve indicator is always welcome on a manual-wind piece.
More than anything, though, this is a movement upgrade. And to ensure it doesn’t go unnoticed, Seiko thoughtfully fitted an exhibition caseback. The juxtaposition of the pre-war inspired dial and the modern 4S29 movement on display makes for an irresistible visual contrast.
The Seiko Laurel LJAR601 is available to buy on our website.
In great condition overall. No marks of any significance on the watch. On an unused OEM Laurel strap.
CTU57-0821 “Galaxy Dial” Minute Repeater
The Campanola “Grand Complication” is aptly named. A moon phase, leap year perpetual triple calendar, 12-hour split-time chronograph, 24-hour dial, and a minute repeater with GMT functionality. More complication than you’ll know what to do with.
On top of all of its technical accolades, it’s just undeniably pretty. The urushi blue lacquer dial has been flecked with titanium to create the swirls you might see as you gaze upon the Milky Way. And yes, it really is that blue.
The Campanola Golden CTU57-0683 is available to buy on our website.
In good condition overall. Just serviced by Campanola in Japan. Small scratches can be seen on bottom of the bezel near 5 o’clock, and the left of the bezel near 10 o’clock. The sides of the case also show signs of wear.
Don’t forget to follow my Instagram to see all of the watches above in full cinematic glory next week.