IN JAPAN, AN ARTISAN IS CALLED SHOKUNIN (職人). Artist Tasio Orate explains it best: “The Japanese apprentice is taught that shokunin means not only having technical skills, but also implies an attitude and social consciousness. The shokunin has a social obligation to work his/her best for the general welfare of the people. This obligation is both spiritual and material, in that no matter what it is, the shokunin’s responsibility is to fulfil the requirement.”
Indeed, as Grand Seiko celebrates the opening of its first boutique in Singapore with a resounding tribute to its Japanese roots, expanding its presence in the AsiaPacific region and showcasing the brand’s signature design philosophy for understated elegance and exacting refinement – what newcomers to the brand actually discover is a “secret cult” of aficionados drawn to its undeniable value when it was only available as Japanese Domestic Models (JDM).
That said, Grand Seiko has “grown up” in recent years and during a brief conversation at lunch with Akio Naito, President of Grand Seiko (whom we spoke to last year), he intimated that the eventual plan was to move Grand Seiko into a positioning to rival Rolex while moving King Seiko into a segment currently occupied by Tudor; setting the context for the brand’s plans for its global introduction.
Speaking with Senior Executive VP Yoshikatsu Kawada, we gained a deeper understanding of what makes a Grand Seiko masterpiece and a true emblem for nature’s beauty as interpreted by human hands.
Has social media today placed finishing at the forefront of watchmaking?
Bu hikaye August Man SG dergisinin Issue 190 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye August Man SG dergisinin Issue 190 sayısından alınmıştır.
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A New Dawn In Solar Energy
Augustman Speaks To Mandala Club Chief Sustainability Officer Lilly Gilbert About The Movement That Could Change How Businesses In Keong Saik Are Powered The Mandala Solar Collective.
The Gold Begins Again
The Tubogas Technique Has Been Seen Across The Years Of Bvlgari's Creations. Now, It Starts A New Chapter In The Italian House With Its Much-anticipated Debut.
Drink Through Space And Time
Preferably with a dram of The Macallan, in hand. The famed whisky maker celebrates 200 years of making perfection.
To The Glories Of Natur
Braun Büffel's Autumn/winter 2024 Collection Is A Celebration Of Natural Harmony And A Refreshing Shift In The Brand's Approach To Creation.
The One That Started It All
Girard-Perregaux celebrates 49 years of the Laureato, the timepiece that helped to kick-start the popularity of steel sports timepieces.
Return To Mont Blanc
Wes Anderson Brought US To Montblanc's Fictional Headquarters Several Months Ago. Now, He Shows Us More From The Collection.
Manners Maketh Man
The Principle Of Style Is Character, And The Core Of Character Is Conduct.
Slow Travel In Switzerland
The Swiss public transport system certainly aces the luxe factor with eye popping train rides, indulgent multi-course meals on a Belle Epoque era steamship, and even efficient luggage transport services.
THE POWER OF THREE
ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC IMAGES IN SINGAPORE TOOK THE FORM OF KOKILA PARVATHI, SITI AMIRAH (ALSO KNOWN AS CAMIRA ASRORI) AND SOBIKUN NAHAR ON THEIR WAY TO COURT. AUGUSTMAN SPEAKS TO THEM ABOUT THEIR IDEAS ON COMMUNITY ORGANSING, AND ABOUT RETHINKING OUR THOUGHTS ON POWER.
FLIGHT OF THE NARISAWA BEE
The esteemed Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa shares with us the intimate details of his brand's expansion into Singapore and what having the Mandala Club as its permanent address means to him.