Takuya Matsumoto Brings Again a King Seiko Traditional from the ’70s

The VANAC’s a type of watches the place the nearer you look, the higher it will get. It’s additionally a type of uncommon items that appears even higher in particular person than it does in photographs. So you may think about my pleasure once I lastly held one in my arms — proper in entrance of its designer, no much less. In a quick dialog with Takuya Matsumoto, Deputy Supervisor of Seiko’s product design division, I discovered what went right into a two-year design course of that concerned greater than 30 designers to excellent.

What in regards to the design of the watch nonetheless resonates with individuals right now, 50 years later?

TAKUYA MATSUMOTO (TM): One motive the design continues to be in style right now is that it strongly retains the ambiance of Japan’s vibrant cultural period within the Seventies.

In Japan, there was a latest motion to re-evaluate the tradition and way of life of the Showa period—the interval throughout by which VANAC was born—and we really feel that VANAC is being appreciated inside that cultural pattern.

Moreover, lots of the design components that make up the watch—such because the case, bracelet, dial colors, arms, and indexes—function varieties and traits that weren’t seen in King Seiko fashions from the Sixties and earlier. We imagine that these distinctive design options proceed to resonate with individuals even right now, many years after their authentic debut.

What had been some non-negotiables when it got here to retaining design components from the unique VANAC?

TM: We undoubtedly needed to protect the angular case form, in addition to the selection of daring colors of the unique fashions, as a way to protect its daring, virtually rebellious spirit. Our intention was to create a timepiece with sturdy angularity and visible influence—one which resonates with design-conscious people searching for a watch that displays an lively and expressive persona.

What new modifications did you make to accommodate present tastes?

TM: One of many key updates is the introduction of a newly developed index ring. In contrast to the individually formed indices of the classic VANAC, this ring consolidates all important dial markings right into a single, outstanding element—enhancing legibility and reinforcing the mannequin’s distinctive id.

The dial itself options horizontal stripe patterns impressed by Tokyo’s horizon, evoking the expansive view of the town’s skyline. The case design has been reinterpreted to convey a way of solidity, as if sculpted from a single block of steel. By adopting a bezel-less construction, we achieved a sleeker profile, whereas the elevated case measurement provides a sporty and up to date edge.

The bracelet enhances the dial with a horizontally increasing stripe motif, additionally drawing from the Tokyo horizon idea. Although the brand new VANAC might seem visually distinct from its predecessors, it faithfully preserves the spirit of the unique by way of its dynamic silhouette, daring presence, and refined magnificence.

What particular feeling or emotion do you hope individuals expertise once they placed on this contemporary VANAC?

TM: Simply as a king units his sights on the unseen world past the horizon, this Tokyo horizon idea embodies our want to encourage VANAC homeowners to embrace new challenges.

We hope that carrying this watch will encourage a way of braveness and confidence in those that select it.

Are you able to describe a eureka second you had in the course of the design course of?

TM: For the dial design, we aimed to create one thing daring and unconventional—breaking away from conventional watchmaking norms.

The distinctive design, which mixes the 12 o’clock index with a ring-shaped element, was impressed by the facility button icons discovered on vehicles and laptops.

We needed the dial to metaphorically symbolize a “begin change,” suggesting that placing on the watch marks the start of a brand new day.

How do you know when the design for the brand new VANAC was completed?

TM: In creating VANAC, we created extra pattern prototypes than typical, fastidiously analyzing the design particulars all through the method.

Throughout improvement, viewing CG photographs on a pc display by no means gave us the sensation that the design was actually full. It was solely after we tried on the ultimate pattern that we felt the design had lastly come to life.

As a designer, I’m actually happy with the way it turned out. We’d be delighted if readers might attempt it on in-store and expertise it for themselves.

Images: Jaya Khidir

This story was first seen on Esquire Singapore.

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