Japanese Clock - Wristwatch: Gold dial
$296
Feature
Castplaning's Japanese Lunar Calendar Clocks "Edo no Toki"
"Edo no Toki" is a modern-day replica of the Edo period's "temporary time system," which determines time based on dawn and dusk. By changing the dial ring to match the changing day length with the seasons, you can feel the natural rhythm of the traditional Japanese clocks of the time. A single craftsman handles everything from planning to sales and repairs, crafting this exquisite piece with uncompromising attention to detail.
What is Edo no Toki?
"Edo no Toki" is a wristwatch that displays the "temporary time system" used during the Edo period. At the time, the period from dawn to dusk (daytime) and dusk to dawn (nighttime) were each divided into six equal parts, each representing a "koku," meaning the length of time varied depending on the season. This watch, which rotates once every 12 hours, features 12 different zodiac rings that correspond to the seasons, allowing for a realistic reproduction of the changing time (patent pending). The zodiac rings are color-coded for day (white) and night (black) and also feature the number of strikes. This allows you to instantly tell the time in Edo times, such as "Hour of the Rabbit, Sixth Ark," while also featuring modern hour markers so you can check the current time.
What makes this manufacturer's products so special
- Recreating Japan's Unique Time System: This watch casually recreates the "temporary time system," a unique feature of Japan, where the length of time changes depending on the day, night, and season.
- Attention to Detail: No compromises have been made on the finest details, such as the crown being remade three times and the use of four color plates on the zodiac ring to create a worn, iron-like appearance.
- Unique Display System: This watch uses a "simplified zodiac temporal time display system" that uses 12 different removable zodiac rings to adjust the time for each season.
- Pursuits Unique to an Independent Manufacturer: This watch eliminates the compromises made by major manufacturers (aiming for bestsellers or passing grades) and instead delivers the quality of a "work of art" crafted to the manufacturer's satisfaction.
The workshop
Tokyo, Japan
Mr. Yoshinori Kanamori calls himself "Japan's smallest watch maker" and is a "watch planner" who handles everything from planning to sales and repairs almost single-handedly. Raised on a mandarin orange farm in Wakayama Prefecture, he learned from his father at a young age the philosophy of "make what you want yourself." This experience has driven him to maintain a "no compromise" attitude that is difficult to achieve at major manufacturers. He strives for perfection as a "work of art" rather than a product, overcoming all obstacles, such as modifying parts and adjusting delivery dates, to create his products. He believes in the motto "if you can do it, you can do it," and values the joy he feels when he creates something he's satisfied with.
Use cases
- Seasonal Adjustment: Once a month, change the zodiac ring to one that corresponds to the season (e.g., "Rat, Ox, Tiger") and enjoy the changing Edo time.
- Checking Edo Time: By looking at the white (day) and black (night) zodiac ring and the number of bells, you can learn the time of the Edo period, such as the "Hour of the Rabbit."
- Use as a Modern Timepiece: The watch face also features modern hour markings, making it easy to check the time on a daily basis.
- Creating Leisure: In today's time-crunched modern life, this watch can be used as an opportunity to become more aware of the leisurely flow of time based on the rhythms of nature.
FAQ
Why do I need to replace the dial ring?
Under the Edo period's "temporary time system," the length of day and night changed with the seasons, and the length of a "koku" (one hour) also changed accordingly. To accommodate these changes, the 12 different rings are replaced with each season.
How long did it take to develop this?
I started working on this about three years ago. I was intrigued by the uniqueness of traditional Japanese clocks and the seasonal time system, and after much trial and error, I've succeeded in recreating the time of those times almost realistically.
What are your design priorities?
I've repeatedly reworked every detail, from the overall design to the shape of the crown and the misaligned printing that creates a three-dimensional effect on the lettering on the ring.