This article is part of a series on the 2024 Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition;
- Sukiyaki Watch – Designed by Akira Yoshida
- Hide-and-Seek Watch – Designed by Masanori Kawamura
- Patternmaker’s Watch – Designed by Kotaro Usugami
- Panda Lovers Watch – Designed by Kiyotaka Sakai
- Masking Tape Enthusiasts Watch – Designed by Yugo Hibayashi
- Sunny Men Watch – Designed by Yu Ishihara
- Ambidextrous Watch – Designed by Kento Ito
The “Power Design Project 2024” will showcase the Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition at Seiko Seed in Harajuku, Tokyo, starting January 19, 2024. Organized by Seiko Watch Corporation, this initiative is part of an annual event that challenges in-house designers to delve deeply into the core of watchmaking, pushing the boundaries of their usual design styles and fostering innovative outcomes.
Centered around the theme of “incredibly specialized watches,” this year’s exhibition features seven designers who have approached the challenge from seven unique perspectives. The objective is to craft watches that are exceptionally exclusive, each creation highlighting fresh appeal through designs tailored to specific roles.
Masking Tape Enthusiasts Watch – Designed by Yugo Hibayashi
Hibayashi became a part of Seiko in 2007, initially involved in the development design of digital watches. Since 2012, he has predominantly focused on designing watches for the Asian markets. Currently, he leads one of the design development teams and is actively engaged in the design of Grand Seiko.
The Concept’s Genesis
A Unique Inspiration: Masking Tape and Watches
Hibayashi’s fascination with masking tape, initially designed for industrial use but transformed into distinctive stationery with the texture of Japanese paper and unique patterns, prompted an unexpected moment of inspiration. As a personal favorite, masking tape is not just for practical use but has evolved into a highly collectible and addictive item. Surrounded by rolls of masking tape in various colors, Hibayashi found himself drawn to the cute, user-friendly nature of the tape. Intrigued by its mysterious charm, he instinctively placed a roll on his favorite watch, realizing the strong connection between his nature as a watch designer and the allure of masking tape.
Insights from a Marketing Survey
A survey conducted by Neo Marketing Inc. revealed that a substantial majority of respondents who use masking tape and stickers predominantly in private settings formed a significant portion of the user base.
Expert Commentary by Yoshihiro Yokosawa
Mr. Yoshihiro Yokosawa, General Manager at Seal Do Printing Co., Ltd, found the concept intriguing and wearable. He affirmed the company’s capability to customize the width of the tape, ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm, highlighting their efficient printing technology and commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs). While the company is experienced in producing a diverse range of small-batch items, the idea of creating a case for a watch had surprisingly never crossed their minds.
The Concept’s Realization
A Simple Mechanism for Countless Designs
The product’s simplicity is a key aspect that contributes to the appeal of the masking tape design. Despite its straightforward mechanism, the tape’s ability to embrace countless designs makes it an intriguing and visually appealing addition to watches.
Ensuring convenience, the masking tape is effortlessly secured from the back through the strap. This design allows for hassle-free changes, enabling the attachment and removal of the tape without the need to take off the watch band.
A standout feature of this watch is its high level of customizability. Users can personalize their timepiece by crafting unique numbers, symbols, and marks through the cutting of masking tape, offering the freedom to decorate the dial area according to individual preferences.
With the capacity to accommodate tape rolls featuring an inner diameter of φ30 mm and a tape width ranging from 15 mm to 20 mm, the watch provides options for different thicknesses, creating distinct impressions.