by Seiko watch design

JPEN
Sukiyaki watch

Designed by

Akira Yoshida

Akira Yoshida

Yoshida joined Seiko in 2015. Since joining the company, he has been designing Seiko brand and Prospex for the European and U.S. markets. Since 2019, he has been mainly designing Grand Seiko.

The origins of the idea

All for the sake of delicious Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki. It's the dish I adore most in this world. Over 150 years ago, sukiyaki spread throughout the nation during Japan's rapid pursuit of Westernization. Through the contributions of numerous predecessors from generation to generation, this iconic dish has evolved throughout the years, while still preserving the essence of tradition. Through this evolution, the ultimate recipe for sukiyaki has been developed. Ideally, it should be savored alone, to foster a sincere connection with the dish. The ingredients should be orthodox, not arranged in any unusual way, as each component has its perfect moment to be enjoyed. I pondered the question: How could someone truly relish the exquisite flavors of sukiyaki? In my contemplation, I grappled with what I—not being a seasoned chef or culinary expert—could contribute to this beloved dish that holds a special place in my heart. Fueled by my profound affection for sukiyaki, the solution became clear—I decided to embark on the journey of developing a dedicated item created solely for the purpose of making the most delectable sukiyaki imaginable.


Survey resultSurvey result
Survey result: Sukiyaki ranked No. 1 in a survey of people’s favorite nabe (hotpot dishes) "People’s Favorite Nabe (Hotpot Dishes) Ranking 2023” survey by Recruit Co., Ltd.

Expert’s Comments

Mr. Fumihiko MizutaniGeneral Manager, Ningyocho Imahan Co.,Ltd

Mr. Fumihiko Mizutani

Initially, I was a bit lost as to what Mr. Yoshida was trying to convey. However, as the meetings progressed, I began to feel the authentic passion and energy of the designers. I became very excited. As chefs, we take a meticulous approach to cooking the very first piece of meat in the dish, channeling all our efforts into ensuring that it tastes just right. That very process is replicated precisely in the watch's function. Moreover, we have developed our own manual to make sure all the ingredients are cooked at the perfect timing, and Mr. Yoshida has faithfully reproduced it. His love for cooking sukiyaki was obvious. At first, I thought it might be impossible, and I considered him stubborn, but he pulled it off magnificently! Sukiyaki, when you break it down, is a science. Essentially, there's always a numerical value involved. He has won me over in his ability to quantify and capture it in a watch.

The realization of the idea

The more you use it, the more you progress
—the Sukiyaki way

Mastering the art of sukiyaki demands significant experience. We envision that, through steady use of this watch, akin to a cooking utensil, you'll accumulate valuable experience and forge your own path to mastering the art of sukiyaki.

Following the directions of the hands, it is easy to make delicious sukiyaki.
The sturdy case, reminiscent of an iron pot, puts you in the mood for sukiyaki even before you begin cooking.
The strap is made of leather from Kobe beef cattle, which is considered to be resistant to water splashes and oil splashes. In addition to practicality, it is also important to remember appreciation and respect for the cow.

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