Independents

More than being dream watches to acquire some day, they put me in a dream-like state, sending me back into a time when Japan survived for hundreds of years practically isolated from the rest of the world - by its own choice, thereby developing  its own unique culture with almost unbroken traditions until the waning of the Samurais and the clans they supported was soon followed by the mutual discovery of the West.

I am particularly fascinated by the system of Japanese timekeeping with the hours set to expand and contract according to the intervals of light and darkness within the seasons of the year.  Imagine being in old Edo and living under such a system! I certainly would like to have experienced it then, but am living in a northern latitude that would be well off the scale of the japanese islands.

But that is an idea borrowed from a brilliant japanese clockmaker, whereas Mr. Kikuno, at his still early age, has acquired an impressive number of artistic and watchmaking skills. I like his choice of bronze for a case, which lends it a different meaning than the vast history of bronze, and a few watchcases, in the west. The samurai class scorned the use and acquisition of gold. I once had a hand protector for a sword made of iron with some flecks of gold in it, which I thought represented contempt for precious metals, that are supposed to last until eternity, while having just enough decorative value to remind us of the cherry blossoms, gone only a few days after they have appeared. Lacquered (and undecorated) drinking cups and soup bowls are among the greatest national treasures, stored in their museums!

It is also encouraging that Mr. Kikuno is on the quest for perfecting accuracy - something that Seiko has never neglected.

Regards,

Amery

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