@@sentry2236 Very true, artisans can come from anywhere. Staying true to your roots won't necessarily gain your notoriety, though is usually the most intuitive approach.
@@RahulKumar-ng2gh very pessimistic outlook. a lot of passionate artists these days can thrive as long as they are in a conducive environment, with or without the rich's support. the goal is to express artistic endeavor, and being commissioned by the rich for their own liking defeats this purpose
Pick almost any hobby or craft that humans have come up with and there’s always one humble Japanese guy who does it at a level of mind blowing sophistication. I love it. Mad respect for this watchmaker and thank you to filmmakers who documented his story so beautifully. 🥰
@Jipke Depends on how you define mass produced. Watches are being sold for more than 160k that are not one of a kind and don't take a full year to be made.
Absolutely amazing. There are many companies that make expensive, beautiful watches, but this is truly elevating them into an artform - each watch is a wearable artwork, and even just the designs alone are stunning. The dedication and commitment to his craft is simply awe-inspiring, as is the skill required to make such intricate watches. It's wonderful that he's taken this antique version of clockmaking and brought it forth into the 21st century too.
One thing that makes this watchmaking video stand out is that in this video, you actually see the parts being made. Machined, milled, drilled, lathed etc. It seems all other watchmaking videos just show watchmakers ASSEMBLING watches, and rarely show the making of individual parts.
Japan is one place where ancient techniques, artifacts, and culture still lives on with the same passion as when it started. I've seen many videos where Japanese craftsmen are able to economically survive and follow their passions.
It’s the same with Japanese hand tools. Take the KTC Nepros screwdrivers with their beautifully lacquered wooden handles and their socket drive sets. Almost too beautiful to use and definitely tools one would want on display!
An artist who doesn’t care about getting rich or famous. He just loves the work he does. Loves the watches he makes. In a world that moves faster than the hands of the watches he makes, I respect him for making his work successful in a competitive market.
I live in Geneva. Lots of folks who spent (and wasted) their lives in watchmaking live their final days eating in soup kitchens. Buy whole workshops here!
I have an 1883 waltham pocket watch movement...14kt Gold. No cracks, no scratches, runs perfectly, keeps time perfectly. I had to fight 50 people in a bid war, but I won in the end. And I'm so happy 😊 it makes a patek look like horse poo.
Beautiful! I’m a craftsman too. I’m 58 and have worked word, metal, wool and paint. These watches are wonderful. I know exactly what he meant when he stated how he enjoys making the pieces. I personally don’t get that same satisfaction in machine manufacturing. It’s satisfying, but when I do my work by hand, it’s on a different level of satisfaction, entirely different. Like cooking a premade meal vs making it from scratch.
Just like the master samurai sword makers of old. This gentleman creates poetic mechanical marvels for the wrist.. Much respect and honor for this craftsman.
This is amazing. I can feel his passion and love for what he does, which is so rare these days. I doubt I could ever afford one of these, but have no doubt they are worth every penny.
I find myself watching more than once, reading the captions on the first pass, mesmerized by the work the second or third time. Superb production values. This seems to hold true in all your videos. I'll always watch more than once. Thank you for making my evening. Bruce
Stunning. And I thought Grand Seiko and Credor were the only interesting handcrafted pieces coming out of Japan. I wonder how many kidneys one must sell to purchase one of his works. The “making of” book is everything.
You know how it goes when someone says they make the perfect suit. I believe he makes the best of what can be made possible by any tailor with current knowledge. His awareness of the improbability to make a perfect suit makes him the perfect man for this quest.
Sakubou is Kikuno's latest creation, having just been unveiled at Baselworld 2017, his most distinctive wristwatch, however, is undoubtedly the Wadokei wristwatch. This starts at (about US$160,000) for the basic version, rising to (US$225,000) for the fully engraved model. He is a inspiration to every watch maker.
They are NOT expensive if you look at the passion and craftsmanship. Patek Philippe has models well over 250K and they are industrial pieces. I think he is underpricing himself.
Its all about satisfaction, the maker gets satisfied making the watch sells it to his customer who gets satisfied wearing the watch. Watchmaking is an art!
Intelligence, knowledge, great skill, patience, perseverance, much drive and ambition as well as artistic vision and a sense of history..... and we could all be great watchmakers. Great video, thank you very much.
Stunning craftsmanship and breathtaking design of timepiece. I always love watching this kind of documentary cause it redefind the depth of life of human being.
Pretty cool. It must be nice to have that much passion in making something, and the patience to do it a step at a time, in the most thoughtful, and uncompromising way. And when looking at the finished product, you then understand why you did in just such a way.......🙂
Let's be honest...his work is priceless really. How can value this, amazing. Probably only ever be 50 pieces he ever makes. Can only imagine their value in the future.
Google on the price , Made completely by hand, 6 daylight hours and 6 night hours slowly move around the watch face with the seasons. Each ¥18million (approximately $160,000 USD) watch is tuned to the customer's latitude by Kikuno.
@@qiqiyawn8683 It's an old japanese time system where the day and night are split each into six units. The lengths of these units vary on the current season (in winter the night "hours" are longer than the day hours, in summer the day hours are longer than the night hours). This also depends on the latitude you are on, switching from northern to southern hemisphere would reverse this behavior of course.
Amazing dedication to a craft! Thank you for sharing. In Hawaii we used to have a show from Japan called Soko Ga Shiritai that showcased many of Japan's artisans!
My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from AMZWATCH
I didnt understand a word that he said, but he seems to be a person to admire. He is quietly proud of what he does, but isn't arrogant about it. I dont want to say that he is humble, because - to me anyway - that would mean that he downplays his abilities. He doesn't do that. He knows that he is good, but just lets his work speak for itself.
Amen ... Unfortunately today there is no value for tradition .. simply look how how many skills are lost ... No artistry... Listen to modern day music ... No honest work with a purpose ... Most industries have become self serving and profit minded .. I'm thankful that these series of documentaries are captured as an artefact of how things should ... Man and morality has become senile and redundant from birth
Wow...thank you for this video! Honestly I just ordered a wrist watch for myself lol I doubt it's handmade but with artwork like this is nice to see what happened behind the scenes. I would love to see more watches utilize the clock face grandfather clocks have with the moving sky that shows the sun and moon for the passing of time.
I think I've seen one of these watches before made by this man with the numeral blocks they move side to side according to the season 😌👍🏻✨ This man produces the most extremely beautiful watches with his machinery that he has to work with, & it must be wonderful to work with those machines.
Roger W Smith must feel very flattered... imitation being the sincerest form of flattery! At least in the dedication to solo watchmaking, if not in the actual design aesthetic of the end product
Tremendous! Back in late 80's i was giving a Swatch watch all black, it was the best feeling. This has nothing to do with this video lol i just taught i share how much i like watches😜
This is the first time , since wearing a watch as a boy, that I'd like a watch again . Of course , I could never afford his prices . But we're I able, then I would be on the flight to see this man .
How all began speaking with his commander: -Do you like old watches? -Actually i find them boring - you know you can make 200000 year? -i quit army right now! I began to love those magnificent machines
Placed lower, they can conflict with YT generated subtitles. This is my experience anyway. I now put my captions at the top, this way, any hearing impaired folks can use the YT subtitles.
In Switzerland there is a watchmaker (in fact-those have a "club" or society) whose watches are few hundred thousand dollar and there in waiting time of few years to get your order. He is not hungry- part of the money has to be made in advance. Arab bigwigs are mostly the customers. But the focus is not on appearances-More like unique materials and difficult processes are emphasised.
Take Rolex they are mostly machine made, they pump out 1 million watches each year and you still can't go into a shop and buy a submarine, there are waiting list. Crazy.
@@larsstougaard7097 That’s because Rolex artificially limits supply to drive up demand just like DeBeers does for diamonds and Hermès does for Birkin handbags.
@@PersonaN007Grata yes I have heard that argument, not sure its completely true, I just think they are super popular, but they play with fire in away. I have seen a lot of hate towards Rolex the last year because the waiting lists and shop sellers treat customers badly. I will never get on my knees and beg Rolex to take my money. Plenty other options. I think one of the reasons Grand Seiko has got a lot of hype lately is partly because of the Rolex sales "strategy".
What's the exact name of that Panto engraving machine? I'm assuming the dro is added. Someone from Switzerland said he buys up failed Watchmaking shops. It that Niel's Machines?
More than anything else, a measure of a prosperous society is one in which a person such as this is valued and can thrive.
If you think a bit deep, it's like old aristocratic society when kings and nobles used to support artisans, now rich people doing the same
Rahul Kumar Yes that's true
IF only the same could be said for Mexican Artisanal Salt Producers
@@sentry2236 Very true, artisans can come from anywhere. Staying true to your roots won't necessarily gain your notoriety, though is usually the most intuitive approach.
@@RahulKumar-ng2gh very pessimistic outlook. a lot of passionate artists these days can thrive as long as they are in a conducive environment, with or without the rich's support. the goal is to express artistic endeavor, and being commissioned by the rich for their own liking defeats this purpose
Pick almost any hobby or craft that humans have come up with and there’s always one humble Japanese guy who does it at a level of mind blowing sophistication. I love it. Mad respect for this watchmaker and thank you to filmmakers who documented his story so beautifully. 🥰
Clearly, passion and artistry cannot be reduced to a price tag, but for those wondering, wikipedia says his watches sell for around $160,000 USD.
That actually seems cheap somehow.
@Jipke It does to me given the craftsmanship and the fact that other watch brands sell for more while mass producing.
@Jipke Depends on how you define mass produced. Watches are being sold for more than 160k that are not one of a kind and don't take a full year to be made.
@Jipke Seek help.
@Jipke must have never heard of AP or Patek
I am an old musician. I so appreciate what you do. This is where craft at the highest level transforms into art. Peace
Absolutely amazing. There are many companies that make expensive, beautiful watches, but this is truly elevating them into an artform - each watch is a wearable artwork, and even just the designs alone are stunning. The dedication and commitment to his craft is simply awe-inspiring, as is the skill required to make such intricate watches. It's wonderful that he's taken this antique version of clockmaking and brought it forth into the 21st century too.
One thing that makes this watchmaking video stand out is that in this video, you actually see the parts being made. Machined, milled, drilled, lathed etc. It seems all other watchmaking videos just show watchmakers ASSEMBLING watches, and rarely show the making of individual parts.
Japan is one place where ancient techniques, artifacts, and culture still lives on with the same passion as when it started. I've seen many videos where Japanese craftsmen are able to economically survive and follow their passions.
It’s the same with Japanese hand tools. Take the KTC Nepros screwdrivers with their beautifully lacquered wooden handles and their socket drive sets. Almost too beautiful to use and definitely tools one would want on display!
He is amazing! His dedication and passion are inspiring.
An artist who doesn’t care about getting rich or famous. He just loves the work he does. Loves the watches he makes. In a world that moves faster than the hands of the watches he makes, I respect him for making his work successful in a competitive market.
Oh please lol his watches sell for $150,000 and up
Remember that 150k had to cover his entire living expenses and operation costs for a whole year - not much when you think about it
I love that he documents the making and gives that with the watch. I am sure his watches will go down as Japanese horological treasures.
Somewhere a Swiss man is shedding a tear of joy watching this video.
I live in Geneva. Lots of folks who spent (and wasted) their lives in watchmaking live their final days eating in soup kitchens. Buy whole workshops here!
@@xres1329 That is super sad... Why is that though? Those men are craftsmen and artists too and dont deserve such an undignified end.
@@johanvandersandt8904 Surprise! The life is not fair. Then-we die. Is not it a bitch?
@@xres1329 Yeah... That is true... I just like to remind myself that it could always be worse man and often times it is.
@@johanvandersandt8904 Just don`t overdo it-Because it just MAY do that!
I have an 1883 waltham pocket watch movement...14kt Gold. No cracks, no scratches, runs perfectly, keeps time perfectly. I had to fight 50 people in a bid war, but I won in the end. And I'm so happy 😊 it makes a patek look like horse poo.
Beautiful! I’m a craftsman too. I’m 58 and have worked word, metal, wool and paint. These watches are wonderful. I know exactly what he meant when he stated how he enjoys making the pieces. I personally don’t get that same satisfaction in machine manufacturing. It’s satisfying, but when I do my work by hand, it’s on a different level of satisfaction, entirely different. Like cooking a premade meal vs making it from scratch.
His craftmanship and patience is out of this world
wow every japanese craftsman on UA-cam is so damn talented. They are gifted with something that others can only dream about.
Just like the master samurai sword makers of old. This gentleman creates poetic mechanical marvels for the wrist.. Much respect and honor for this craftsman.
He is smart, i admire his art ! And his looks!!
Wish to visit his shop when i visit japan
Same
This is amazing. I can feel his passion and love for what he does, which is so rare these days. I doubt I could ever afford one of these, but have no doubt they are worth every penny.
I find myself watching more than once, reading the captions on the first pass, mesmerized by the work the second or third time. Superb production values. This seems to hold true in all your videos. I'll always watch more than once.
Thank you for making my evening.
Bruce
Stunning. And I thought Grand Seiko and Credor were the only interesting handcrafted pieces coming out of Japan. I wonder how many kidneys one must sell to purchase one of his works. The “making of” book is everything.
Around 150K, fairly reasonable when you consider labor.
Damn, I don't have enough kidneys to sell!
There’s a few other independents in japan making more (relatively) affordable watches, also very nice
Check out kikuchi nagawa and asaoka hajime
You know how it goes when someone says they make the perfect suit.
I believe he makes the best of what can be made possible by any tailor with current knowledge. His awareness of the improbability to make a perfect suit makes him the perfect man for this quest.
Sakubou is Kikuno's latest creation, having just been unveiled at Baselworld 2017, his most distinctive wristwatch, however, is undoubtedly the Wadokei wristwatch. This starts at (about US$160,000) for the basic version, rising to (US$225,000) for the fully engraved model.
He is a inspiration to every watch maker.
They are NOT expensive if you look at the passion and craftsmanship. Patek Philippe has models well over 250K and they are industrial pieces. I think he is underpricing himself.
@@gungho57well...guess he's a humble man, but I do belive ur point of view
Its all about satisfaction, the maker gets satisfied making the watch sells it to his customer who gets satisfied wearing the watch. Watchmaking is an art!
Truly passionate watchmaker!! A dream!
Intelligence, knowledge, great skill, patience, perseverance, much drive and ambition as well as artistic vision and a sense of history..... and we could all be great watchmakers. Great video, thank you very much.
This is amazing piece of art. Respect for this man and Japanese as a nation of high esteem.
Stunning craftsmanship and breathtaking design of timepiece. I always love watching this kind of documentary cause it redefind the depth of life of human being.
Pretty cool. It must be nice to have that much passion in making something, and the patience to do it a step at a time, in the most thoughtful, and uncompromising way.
And when looking at the finished product, you then understand why you did in just such a way.......🙂
Let's be honest...his work is priceless really. How can value this, amazing. Probably only ever be 50 pieces he ever makes. Can only imagine their value in the future.
Google on the price ,
Made completely by hand, 6 daylight hours and 6 night hours slowly move around the watch face with the seasons. Each ¥18million (approximately $160,000 USD) watch is tuned to the customer's latitude by Kikuno.
yep, check him on Instagram, the watches he make are pure art.
What do you mean by 6 daylight hours and 6 night hours?
@@qiqiyawn8683 It's an old japanese time system where the day and night are split each into six units. The lengths of these units vary on the current season (in winter the night "hours" are longer than the day hours, in summer the day hours are longer than the night hours). This also depends on the latitude you are on, switching from northern to southern hemisphere would reverse this behavior of course.
I can’t believe that I’m saying $160,000 is way too cheap.
@@prmdc1 I believe he needs to charge his pieces 3,4 times that price.
Amazing dedication to a craft! Thank you for sharing. In Hawaii we used to have a show from Japan called Soko Ga Shiritai that showcased many of Japan's artisans!
making books about your passion is so great, to share is everything!
Absolutely fascinating. What a craftsman. I’m lucky to own 3 mechanical watches. I love them because they are alive.
I'm a watch enthusiast as well, which ones do you have?
@@Mikeyvn I have golden coated DOXA a Swiss made watch a gift from my father. It is maybe around 50 years old.
My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from AMZWATCH
I didnt understand a word that he said, but he seems to be a person to admire. He is quietly proud of what he does, but isn't arrogant about it. I dont want to say that he is humble, because - to me anyway - that would mean that he downplays his abilities. He doesn't do that. He knows that he is good, but just lets his work speak for itself.
Such an incredible process, I'm new to watches in general and seeing the passion people put into it is just amazing.
Priceless... tradition, artistry, honest work with a purpose. Love ancient values.
Amen ... Unfortunately today there is no value for tradition .. simply look how how many skills are lost ... No artistry... Listen to modern day music ... No honest work with a purpose ... Most industries have become self serving and profit minded .. I'm thankful that these series of documentaries are captured as an artefact of how things should ... Man and morality has become senile and redundant from birth
時計のデザインも素晴らしく魅力がありますね
Creative and innovative people are the most satisfied people in the world
Sometimes the most tortured also
A true Artisan! I don't have that level of expertise or focus.
Not many do
Wow...thank you for this video! Honestly I just ordered a wrist watch for myself lol I doubt it's handmade but with artwork like this is nice to see what happened behind the scenes. I would love to see more watches utilize the clock face grandfather clocks have with the moving sky that shows the sun and moon for the passing of time.
great guy- the book is a genius touch
This gave me the same feeling as watching the Nissan GTR engine being hand built by the masters. Built to perfection.
Honoured to see a great artist
Pray we preserve the treasure of our world
Truly, a remarkable craftsman! If only I could afford a watch made by you!
They are works of art in the form of a watch.
That book is a stroke of genious. He should make high end videos too.
He is a brilliant watchmaker!
At that rate there will be not many that he will make in his lifetime.. makes them even more desirable, rare.. he is an artist..
A true artist with timeless art pieces 😉.
I think I've seen one of these watches before made by this man with the numeral blocks they move side to side according to the season 😌👍🏻✨ This man produces the most extremely beautiful watches with his machinery that he has to work with, & it must be wonderful to work with those machines.
I hope one day I can make one... its so inspiring watching this video... thank you Sir for sharing.
A lovely story and a great man.
This is truly beautiful.... I'll be truly honored to have a watch made by your very hands ..
If I was a balling rapper this is the man I’d go to.
then proceed to bling out the piece after getting it
Amazing skill great watch it's a work of art.
That is incredible, art on another level
I also used to take a year to finish an assignment and all that just to have to explain that it was so good that my dog ate it.
Simply OUTSTANDING!
Amazing skill and passion!
I admire every watchmaker
This guy is so passionated
this is another level of art
Passion is not something that can be found through scientific analysis
Google AI hold my beer ...😁😁😁
02:46 anybody else noticed it?
Nope
Yes the ball sac was a perfect dimension.
Don't worry, I did 😂😂
Truly amazing young man.
Beautiful timepieces!
He is amazing at what he does, but personally his designs are not for me.... Then again way to go mister... u r truly gifted
This is art
Wow Great Stuff
Real passion
Beautiful time pieces
Roger W Smith must feel very flattered... imitation being the sincerest form of flattery! At least in the dedication to solo watchmaking, if not in the actual design aesthetic of the end product
The books should be hand written, containing written notes, measurements, and sketches....in his blood from a cut he got while making the watch.
You misspelled "Bateman".
@@BobBob-oe9uf Should've went with "Bob" I guess. Easier to spell, even if you get it backwards.
Let's see Paul Allen's watch.
Now this is passion!
Amazing skills !
Master craftsman and artist in one.
Tremendous! Back in late 80's i was giving a Swatch watch all black, it was the best feeling. This has nothing to do with this video lol i just taught i share how much i like watches😜
Beautiful 🙏
Japanese are masters at watch crafting
thats more than design and art togheter
This is the first time , since wearing a watch as a boy, that I'd like a watch again . Of course , I could never afford his prices . But we're I able, then I would be on the flight to see this man .
Beautiful watches
This Japanese man is Awesome...he has good potential
Bruh he is a master
@Bruno Desrosiers yes
@Bruno Desrosiers good potential mean he has talent to create something good
Mind blown!! Amazing
How all began speaking with his commander:
-Do you like old watches?
-Actually i find them boring
- you know you can make 200000 year?
-i quit army right now! I began to love those magnificent machines
Pretty amazing. The only criticism is that the subtitles are covering part of the video. They need to be placed lower.
Placed lower, they can conflict with YT generated subtitles. This is my experience anyway. I now put my captions at the top, this way, any hearing impaired folks can use the YT subtitles.
Beautiful
Sweet video. Thank you.
Incredible.
Stunning work, hope to own one someday
Good luck
Super!!!😊😊😊
In Switzerland there is a watchmaker (in fact-those have a "club" or society) whose watches are few hundred thousand dollar and there in waiting time of few years to get your order. He is not hungry- part of the money has to be made in advance. Arab bigwigs are mostly the customers. But the focus is not on appearances-More like unique materials and difficult processes are emphasised.
Hmm , cuddling my Casio ri8 now after watching this.😊
I wished one of them could have been gifted to that army superior, I would love to be there for a moment like that too
Felicidades por su trabajo, soy relojero de México saludos
I'm a certified watchmaker, and i'm speechless.
incredible.i am speechless.❤❤❤❤
2:48 what’s he machining into that one there???? 😂
It looke to me like he is using the pantograph reducing copy machine to copy and machine a design decoration much smaller than the master template.
Even well-known companies requires 1-3 months making a single watch. But they have about 20-50 watchmaker so they can make a bunch on the same time.
All major companies make parts on an assembly line and still cost several thousands of dollars.
Take Rolex they are mostly machine made, they pump out 1 million watches each year and you still can't go into a shop and buy a submarine, there are waiting list. Crazy.
@@larsstougaard7097 That’s because Rolex artificially limits supply to drive up demand just like DeBeers does for diamonds and Hermès does for Birkin handbags.
@@PersonaN007Grata yes I have heard that argument, not sure its completely true, I just think they are super popular, but they play with fire in away. I have seen a lot of hate towards Rolex the last year because the waiting lists and shop sellers treat customers badly. I will never get on my knees and beg Rolex to take my money. Plenty other options. I think one of the reasons Grand Seiko has got a lot of hype lately is partly because of the Rolex sales "strategy".
Indeed Japan is famous about technology
That's Alchemy, through passion.
What's the exact name of that Panto engraving machine? I'm assuming the dro is added. Someone from Switzerland said he buys up failed Watchmaking shops. It that Niel's Machines?