WALDHOFF (Waldhoff) is a watch brand that has gained support immediately after recruitment on the sister site Machi-ya, and records over 24 million yen orders at the time of writing.
It seems that it has become popular at a price range that can be reached at a high -end watch equipped with Tourbillon, where the highest technology is breathing.
This time, we have been a major watch repair company and have asked Kyoei Sangyo Co., Ltd., which is also in charge of after -sales support for "Waldhoff", about the appeal of products seen from professionals.
Kyorime Industry Co., Ltd.
(Right) Clock Wholesale Division Executive Officer Sales Manager Miki Hosono (Hosono Kanji)
(Left) Director of the Clock Metropolitan Division Dai Fujita (Hiroshi Fujita)
What is Tourbillon again?
Hosono: To put it simply, it's a device that distributes gravity.
This is a mechanism that puts the entire part that controls the accuracy of the mechanical clock in the carriage (basket), and turns it to stabilize the accuracy by diversifying gravity.
Fujita: Tourbillon was developed in a time when there was no machine tool.I heard that it was so difficult that the craftsmen were able to do a huge amount of parts and assembled the skilled craftsmen only when they were in good shape.
Mechanical watches are packed with craftsmanship in the first place, but among them, Tourbillon is a difficult mechanism that is difficult to make or assemble.
Where is the secret that Tourbillon attracts people?
Fujita: As a technician, the mechanism is still attractive.In Tourbillon, the carriage is sometimes resembled as a second hand, but it is amazing to see how it moves.
It may be a occupational disease, but the back skeleton clock is unconsciously seen from the back (laughs).The fact that there are not many existing watches may be one of the longing points.
Hosono: From the perspective of sales, it is a "shaped beauty".The balance between the case and the Tourbillon is great.Also, if you look at Flying Tourbillon without a bridge that supports rotation, you will be impressed with "I see."
I heard that the environment surrounding Tourbillon has changed a lot in the last 10 years.
Hosono: The top brand, Tourbillon, was more than 10 million yen, but I feel that the flow has changed since Tag Heuer announced a model that cuts less than 3 million yen.
It may be that a system that can mass -produce Tourbillon has been set up before and after that.
Fujita: Changes in price have a significant effect on the accuracy of machine tools and the evolution of equipment.Nevertheless, even if the price drops due to mass production, the accuracy should have improved than before.
Hosono: Since the old watches equipped with Tourbillon were made for royalty and aristocrats, it has been given priority to be used longer than accuracy.
The material of brass itself is better for old things, but the accuracy is overwhelmingly better.
──Is the more complicated the mechanism, the more difficult it is to maintain?
Fujita: That's right.The complicated mechanisms can handle the repair technicians who can handle them.Only a handful of engineers can handle Tourbillon.
Hosono: It is easy to respond if there is a technical guide from the manufacturer, but we often make repair and maintenance from first glance, as we have a huge number of repair requests from all over the country.
In that case, it is important to understand the work while reading the “intention of the creator”.
─ It is safe that Kyuzumi industry, which is experienced in after -sales support, is preparing.
Hosono: I think it's probably the largest watch repair company.There are about 80 engineers, including the headquarters and stores, and there are many people who have been active in our company after retiring from major manufacturers.
Fujita: There are many expensive clock repair equipment, but I think there is a sense of security that has been aligned over a long period of time.
In addition, maintenance except cleaning and polishing of the exterior is a Swiss system that does not divide, and skilled engineers work with each one.
─ Are there any tips to make a mechanical watch last longer?
Fujita: Regular maintenance is important.
After that, I think it's easy to understand if you imagine a car, but it's too hard to use it, so it doesn't stop for a long time.I think it's better to use it moderately.
Hosono: It's not good to stop because the mechanical watch is the most loaded at the moment of moving.
I think it's important to look at it as much as possible and notice small changes.If you keep using it with a bad condition, it will lead to parts damage, so it is recommended to put it into maintenance as soon as possible.
─ How did you feel "Waldhoff" from a professional who saw a number of watches?
Hosono: First, "The Vanguard V8" is a luxury sport atmosphere.
The shape of the bezel and the balance of the edge are very good.The three -dimensional effect seen from the diagonal is also good.The stainless steel belt is also good, and the whole is polite.
Fujita: The impression I saw at a glance is a sports and sharp image.It is a design reminiscent of German industrial products.After that, it's amazing to be able to do so so far.
I got a thinner impression than I thought, even though it was equipped with Flying Tourbillon.I've come across a number of watches so far, but this may be the first time I have seen Tourbillon, which can be used everyday.
Hosono: In terms of design, there is a sense of unity in asymmetry.You can feel the designer's desire to do this!
There are many designs with Tourbillon -mounted watches that are easily focused on the mechanism, but the "The Vanguard V8" first goes to the overall design, and then the surprise of Tourbillon has come.
This is a common part of "THE IMPERIAL".
── Then, how about "The IMPERIAL"?
Hosono: It was a sapphire glass case that was shocked after seeing the "THE IMPERIAL".Other manufacturers did not compromise on the parts that would be subject to cost cuts, and were surprised to find that they were calculated in the calculation of light.
Even if you check it with a loupe, there is no burrs, and it is a very polite job.It is one of the surprise that the Tourbillon is equipped with a design that has never been seen before.
Fujita: Sapphire glass is more difficult than metal, so it was impossible to use it in the past.
We had few opportunities to see it, and it was an image that was adopted only for a handful of top brands, so I was surprised that it was finally available at this price range.
Hosono: The balance between the case glass and the stainless steel is also good.
I rarely mistaken the price range of the clock I touched, but I was surprised at the gap for "The Imperial" was more than three times the planned price.
The style on the back side and the buckle with a buckle are preferred.Because it is a classical and luxurious atmosphere, a buckle with a buckle looks good.
The quick release mechanism of the calf belt is also convenient.First of all, you can enjoy black and brown belts, and then only the stitches should be burgundy (wine red).
Fujita: There are few people who have a Tourbillon yet, and I think it's wonderful that the price range that could be reached by what you couldn't really get.
This mechanism is filled with human wisdom.It is a technology that makes you feel like this kind of mechanism from the perspective of engineers.
I want you to experience it!
─ Finally, please tell us about the charm of mechanical watches because of the digital era.
Fujita: Watch is a machine for watching time, but it was a longing item that was expensive and difficult to have.I think that you can still feel the joy of owning.
It's worth jewelry for men who don't wear precious metals.
A mechanical clock is a completed device that can accurately measure time without using electricity or electronic.I think the joy of wearing one of the wisdom is the attraction of a mechanical watch.
Hosono: I feel like a luxury watch is close to traditional crafts.It is an item that tickles male hearts that dislike wearing others.Currently, smartwatches are popular worldwide, but I believe that the splendor of mechanical watches will come back again.
In addition, watches may change the model to be selected as a member of society.There is also such a way of enjoying the feelings and memories of the purchase.
WALDHOFF, a mechanical watch with professional after-sales support, is conducting campaigns on both models on crowdfunding sites Machi-YA.
The advantageous pre -order reception is about to end, so if you are interested, please check it out as soon as possible.
今回取材にご協力をいただいたKyorime Industry Co., Ltd.は、巣鴨を拠点とする修理のプロ。
It will support watch repair with enhanced equipment and technology, so if you want to repair or overhaul your favorite book, visit.
取材協力:Kyorime Industry Co., Ltd.
Image: Tridia Inc
Photo: Junior
So R: Machiya