＜Profile＞ Yu Sekiguchi

Editor-In-Chief of HODINKEE Japan

Born in 1984. After working for entertainment magazines and product information magazines, he served as editor-in-chief for a specialized watch magazine for four years, and in September 2019, he became the editor-in-chief of HODINKEE Japan. In his previous role, he traveled not only overseas but also all over Japan, conducting interviews with watch retailers. Coupled with his innate love of airplanes, he continues to fly 100 times a year. Through active interviews and interactions with users, he is well-versed in the characteristics of watch fans in each region and local trends. His hobby is road biking (in 2018, he participated in a charity race held in South Africa, which was also for work, and completed the 202km long course for the first time).

＜Profile＞ Yu Sekiguchi

Editor-In-Chief of HODINKEE Japan

Sekiguchi: It was after I joined the publishing company. I happened to have the opportunity to go on a business trip to Switzerland, where I covered a watch exhibition. The first watch I ever bought was an Omega when I was a university student, but at that time it was just another fashion item. I was shocked to see tiny watches displayed and presented with such reverence in brand booths that were as huge and luxurious as houses. And the watches themselves had a unique individuality unlike anything else. Every year when I went to Switzerland, I learned more about the evolution and depth of watches, and before I knew it, I was completely captivated.

Sekiguchi: I think I own about 40 watches, and 16 of them are mechanical watches. Among them, the Cartier "Tank Cintrée" is my absolute favorite.

The one I have is a reissued model from 2023, and only 150 pieces were manufactured worldwide. This model faithfully reproduces the one manufactured in 1923, with a ruby embedded at the tip of the crown, which is a symbol of the platinum model. It makes a suit look even more elegant, yet it has a gentle charm that doesn't overstate itself. It's truly worthy of its nickname, "King of Tanks."

Sekiguchi: It was after I joined the publishing company.
I happened to get an opportunity to go on a business trip to Switzerland, where I covered a watch trade fair.
My first wristwatch was an Omega that I bought when I was a university student, but it was just one of my fashion accessories.

Sekiguchi: I think I own about 40 watches, and 16 of them are mechanical watches. Among them, the Cartier "Tank Cintrée" is my favorite.
The one I own is a model re-released in 2023, and only 150 pieces were manufactured worldwide.

Sekiguchi: They are personal items that express who you are.
Watches differ in design, size, functions, parts, and materials depending on the model.
By wearing them while appreciating their individual characteristics, you can boost your mood for the day, thinking, "Let's do our best today," or express yourself to others, "I'll wear this watch to match the person I'm meeting today."

Also, masterpieces loved worldwide still today each have their roots and incorporate sophisticated techniques passed down through generations.
It's nice to think about such romance, as it makes you cherish things and grow fond of them.

Sekiguchi: They are personal items that express who you are.
Watches differ in design, size, functions, parts, and materials depending on the model.

Sekiguchi: It's a crucial element that expands the range of one's personality.
In the past, there was little distinction other than the iconic items produced by brands, but recently, there are many attractive fragrances from specialized manufacturers, and I think the joy of choosing has also increased.
With the emergence of various fragrances, users' literacy has increased, allowing them to link their preferences, for example, recognizing woody notes derived from cedar or cypress.

With the increased variety of scents, I think perfume is an item that acts as a switch for my mood and situation. For example, "I want to be in a positive mood today, so I'll wear a citrus scent," or "I have an important event tonight, so I'll wear a unique oriental scent."

Sekiguchi: It's a crucial element that expands the range of one's personality.
In the past, there was little distinction other than the iconic items produced by brands, but recently, there are many attractive fragrances from specialized manufacturers, and I think the joy of choosing has also increased.

The "Tank Cintrée" was born in 1919 and was given its name because its case is curved, stretching vertically from the original Tank model's shape.

It is a masterpiece with collectors worldwide, known as a formal watch that pairs well with suits.

The "Tank Cintrée" was born in 1919 and was given its name because its case is curved, stretching vertically from the original Tank model's shape.
It is a masterpiece with collectors worldwide, known as a formal watch that pairs well with suits.

The musky Authentic Musk, while formal, isn't too overpowering and gives off a mature impression. I felt it had a similar vibe to the "Tank Cintrée", making it a cool choice for someone in their 40s or 50s to wear with a tuxedo at a formal occasion.

The musky Authentic Musk, while formal, isn't too overpowering and gives off a mature impression.
I felt it had a similar vibe to the "Tank Cintrée", making it a cool choice for someone in their 40s or 50s to wear with a tuxedo at a formal occasion.

The "Santos-Dumont" was born in 1904 and is a watch characterized by its rounded, square shape.

This time, I've attached a beige leather strap, close to the original Dumont, which I received from a friend.

The "Santos-Dumont" was born in 1904 and is a watch characterized by its rounded, square shape.
This time, I've attached a beige leather strap, close to the original Dumont, which I received from a friend.

I felt that Golden Frankincense has a familiar sweetness with a citrusy, lemon-like scent.
It would create a good impression for people in their 30s and 40s to wear it daily.

It matched the "Santos-Dumont" which is a bit dressy but somehow approachable.

I felt that Golden Frankincense has a familiar sweetness with a citrusy, lemon-like scent.
It would create a good impression for people in their 30s and 40s to wear it daily.
It matched the "Santos-Dumont" which is a bit dressy but somehow approachable.

A model representing "cheap Casio" that can be purchased for around 7,000 yen.
It has a brilliant gold color, but its characteristic is its solid and robust nature, typical of a Japanese brand.

When I visited France on a business trip, I was impressed to see them displayed at casual jewelers and general stores. It seems they are also popular as an alternative to wearing gold watches in Paris, where it can be risky to wear them daily.
I thought it was a Parisian-like choice, so I'm copying it (laughs).

A model representing "cheap Casio" that can be purchased for around 7,000 yen.
It has a brilliant gold color, but its characteristic is its solid and robust nature, typical of a Japanese brand.

I felt that Fine Aromatique, with its initial notes of grapefruit and lime, is a casual fragrance that can be worn year-round. Regardless of age, it's suitable to wear subtly as part of one's grooming for both work and leisure.

The fact that it can be used without fuss also aligns with the "Classic A-168 WG-9W."

I felt that Fine Aromatique, with its initial notes of grapefruit and lime, is a casual fragrance that can be worn year-round. Regardless of age, it's suitable to wear subtly as part of one's grooming for both work and leisure.

This model, designed by Gérald Genta, hailed as the "Picasso of the watch world," was released in 1979. It features hexagonal designs throughout, and it was considered groundbreaking in the industry at the time because the entire watch, not just the case, but even the bracelet, was meticulously designed.

It was revived in 2024, and I had no intention of buying it at all, but after repeatedly interviewing about this watch, I gradually fell in love with it and ended up getting one.

This model, designed by Gérald Genta, hailed as the "Picasso of the watch world," was released in 1979. It features hexagonal designs throughout, and it was considered groundbreaking in the industry at the time because the entire watch, not just the case, but even the bracelet, was meticulously designed.

Ginza Roots, with its sweet white tea fragrance at first, smelled like something you’d find in a luxury hotel, a scent I don't usually encounter.

The "Locomotive," with its unusual and striking design, came to mind.
I later realized it was a coincidence that Seiko's roots are in Ginza.

With its initial sweet white tea aroma, Ginza Roots had a unique scent that I don't usually encounter, reminiscent of a luxurious hotel.
The "Locomotive" with its distinctive design made a strong impression on me.
I later discovered it was a coincidence that Seiko's roots are in Ginza.

This model incorporates two of Rolex's three major inventions: 1. the Oyster case (water resistance) and 2. Perpetual (self-winding), out of the three: 1. Oyster case, 2. Perpetual, and 3. Datejust (instantaneous date change).

In 2020, a vibrant lacquer color dial was introduced, and I was lucky enough to acquire the turquoise one I am currently wearing.

This model incorporates two of Rolex's three major inventions: 1. the Oyster case (water resistance) and 2. Perpetual (self-winding), out of the three: 1. Oyster case, 2. Perpetual, and 3. Datejust (instantaneous date change).
In 2020, a vibrant lacquer color dial was introduced, and I was lucky enough to acquire the turquoise one I am currently wearing.

With its lively notes of lime and lavandin, I felt that Dry Mojito is perfect for energetic and fun gatherings.
It seems like it would lift the spirits of people in their 20s and 30s who want to have an exciting time.

The "Oyster Perpetual" is a sporty watch, and I think its playful combination with a pop-colored dial is quite similar.

With its lively notes of lime and lavandin, I felt that Dry Mojito is perfect for energetic and fun gatherings.
It seems like it would lift the spirits of people in their 20s and 30s who want to have an exciting time.

This model evokes vintage divers from an era before crown guards, but with a compact case that makes it suitable for any style.

This is a special watch with our logo, sold exclusively to the Hodinkee family.

This model evokes vintage divers from an era without crown guards, but with a compact case that makes it suitable for any style.
This is a special watch with our logo, sold exclusively to the Hodinkee family.

With bergamot and juniper berry evoking invigoration, Smooth Gin & Black Pepper is a natural, unobtrusive scent perfect for restaurants and cafes.
It's suitable for casual occasions, regardless of age.
I felt it's similar to the "Black Bay 58", which has a strong presence but fits comfortably on the wrist.

With bergamot and juniper berry evoking invigoration, Smooth Gin & Black Pepper is a natural, unobtrusive scent perfect for restaurants and cafes.
It's suitable for casual occasions, regardless of age.
I felt it's similar to the "Black Bay 58", which has a strong presence but fits comfortably on the wrist.

Sekiguchi: I think they are key items that allow you to look at your own sensibilities and taste from an objective perspective, enriching your life.
By wearing various perfumes and watches, you come to understand when and in what situations you want to choose them.
As you get to know your preferences, it becomes easier to get in the mood and express your individuality.

For those who want to express their personal side, not just as a fashion statement, perfumes and watches are very compatible items, I believe.

Sekiguchi: I think they are key items that allow you to objectively view your own sensibilities and tastes, enriching your life.
When you wear various perfumes and watches, you start to understand when and in what mood you want to choose them for different occasions.