Seiko Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition – Sukiyaki Watch

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.

Sukiyaki Watch – Designed by Akira Yoshida

Yoshida became a part of Seiko in 2015, where he initially designed watches for the Seiko brand and Prospex, focusing on the European and U.S. markets. Since 2019, he has shifted his primary focus to designing watches for Grand Seiko.

The Concept’s Genesis

All Driven by a Love for Delicious Sukiyaki

Yoshida’s deep affection for sukiyaki, a dish he adores above all, led him to explore its origins. Over 150 years ago, sukiyaki became a culinary sensation in Japan during the country’s rapid Westernization. Passed down through generations, this iconic dish evolved while preserving its traditional essence. Reflecting on how to truly relish sukiyaki’s exquisite flavors, Yoshida pondered his contribution, despite lacking culinary expertise. Fueled by his profound love for sukiyaki, he resolved to develop a dedicated item aimed at creating the most delectable sukiyaki experience.

Expert Commentary

Fumihiko Mizutani, General Manager at Ningyocho Imahan Co., Ltd, initially found Yoshida’s concept confusing but gradually appreciated the authentic passion behind it. Mizutani drew parallels between meticulous cooking processes and watch functions, praising Yoshida’s faithful reproduction of a sukiyaki cooking manual. Mizutani recognized Yoshida’s ability to quantify the science behind sukiyaki, expressing admiration for his successful execution of the idea.

Implementation of the Concept

Progressing through Regular Use — The Sukiyaki Approach

The art of sukiyaki mastery requires experience, and the watch is envisioned as a tool to accumulate valuable knowledge, akin to a cooking utensil. The watch, designed with the sukiyaki enthusiast in mind, is not just a timepiece but a companion in the journey to mastering sukiyaki.

Following the watch’s hands provides an easy guide to creating delicious sukiyaki, and the sturdy case, resembling an iron pot, sets the mood for the culinary experience. The leather strap, sourced from Kobe beef cattle, not only offers practicality but also signifies appreciation and respect for the animal, resistant to water and oil splashes.