Independents
Jay (Eire) offers WatchProSite readers a rare glimpse into the world of Naoya Hida & Co., sharing his firsthand experience from a trunk show hosted by The Armory. His detailed account provides valuable insights into the independent Japanese watchmaker's philosophy and the meticulous craftsmanship that defines his timepieces. This article explores why Naoya Hida's watches, though subtle, command such high regard among discerning collectors.
This is very much a #latergram as they say, I’d written up the below almost a year ago but somehow I just forgot. I saw these watches April 26, 2023 !
In any event, still worthwhile sharing I think.
The Armory, a clothing store / brand in Hong Kong and New York hosted a trunk show with Naoya Hida and his watches.
There is a strong watch connection with The Armory, with the owner being a known collector and the stores have long sold watches (vintage, as an AD for Grand Seiko and also these Hida watches). [It’s also unclear to me if there is a financial interest, something someone might be able to confirm].
Naoya Hida & Co is a small company based in Tokyo and founded by Hida-san a decade or so ago. The first watch was released in 2018 I think. At the time I saw the watches, almost a year ago, the company was Hida-san who drives the creative process and I assume the business side, a watchmaker and an engraver.
For me, I liked the vintage inspired watches from the outset. And, as a big fan of Japan and a regular visitor, this also played into my interest. I’ve been long seeking a modern Japanese watch (more indie focused than big brand).
I had planned to try and see the watches in person in 2020 and meet with Hida-san in Tokyo but as we know the world and everyone’s plans changed in 2020 and for the following years.
So, I was pretty excited to see the watches in person in New York. There was an opportunity in 2022, as Hida-san partnered with The Armory for a co-branded watch last year (I think) and those were on show in NYC. However I couldn’t make it to that.
Hida-san was there in person, and very gracious with his time. I do plan to visit with him when I am in Japan later this year (assuming schedules line up).
I’ll let the watches do the rest of the talking, many pictures below. My favourite of the watches is the Type 3B with the moonphase. The retail price for this watch is JPY 2,850,000 (roughly $18.5K on today’s weak JPY).
And please, for those of you who have experience with the watches please share your thoughts.
As an owner I have to say that everything from the winding feel to the hand engraved numerals and the case finishing gives the impression of a really high quality artisanal piece. It is subtle but gives a lot of pleasure when on the wrist. It feels more Japanese than Swiss, and that's a good thing. I was lucky to get mine but unfortunately it will be very hard to add another piece in the future. There is now serious hype thanks to Hodinkee and others ... I am happy for Hida's well deserved succe
Is Naoya Hida considered as highly as the Kikuchi Nakagawa pieces that have a 12-year wait?
I love the breguet numerals.
An in-house movement would be enticing, but perhaps too much to hope for.
Understand the order books will be open in May for these beautifully designed timepieces
Hope to see it in person one day 🙏🏻
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