Matching a clock to how you spend your day. How to choose a timepiece that suits you

The New Year. Just the sound of those words makes us want to try something new—starting a new hobby, rearranging a room, and so on. It's also a good time to reconsider how you spend each day, and as part of that, you might want to change the clock or watch you use every day into one that truly fits the way you live.

So what exactly makes a clock or watch feel like "you"? To figure that out, try recalling how you spend each day, and how your awareness of time shifts depending on the moment. Work hours when time really matters. Relaxing moments when you'd rather not be bound by the clock. Outings where you're a little dressed up. Of course there are differences between weekdays and weekends, but even within a single day, your sense of time changes depending on when and where you are.

"Time" is something none of us can separate ourselves from. We hope this article can serve as a hint for finding a timepiece that's truly you, and a starting point for a better relationship with time.

■What is a movement?

When choosing a clock or watch, you'll often hear the word "movement." The English word originally means motion, and from there it came to refer to the mechanism responsible for a timepiece's motion, or the moving parts of that mechanism. In a car, it would be the equivalent of the engine.

Within movements, there are broadly two types: 【quartz】 and 【mechanical】, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Quartz is generally the mainstream choice, but when it comes to wristwatches in particular, people often have the opportunity to choose between quartz and mechanical.

・Quartz

This refers to a timepiece powered by a battery. As long as the battery has power, it won't stop, and compared to mechanical types (discussed below), the biggest advantage is that it requires little maintenance. Quartz movements are widely distributed, and most of the timepieces ZUTTO carries are also quartz. Seiko, a Japanese brand, is famous for putting the world's first quartz wristwatch into practical use in 1969.

◇Recommended for those who...◇

want to enjoy a variety of watches, or want to wear a watch while staying active.

・Mechanical

This refers to a timepiece powered by a mainspring, which is wound either by hand (hand-winding) or through the movement of your arm (automatic winding). If it isn't wound, it will stop—but conversely, as long as you wind it, it will keep running, so there's no need to worry about batteries. Mechanical movements existed long before quartz, with a history stretching back more than 700 years. They tend to have a longer lifespan than quartz, and many of the world's famous wristwatches are relatively often mechanical.

◇Recommended for those who...◇

want to keep using the same wristwatch over a long span of decades.

■Knowing the features a timepiece offers

Picturing the scenes in which you'll use a clock or watch, and knowing its features, is the key to choosing one that helps you get along well with time. Please use the following as checkpoints when choosing a timepiece.

・Radio-controlled clocks

These reassuring timepieces receive a standard time signal and automatically adjust to the correct time.

・Luminous clocks

With a dial that glows, these let you check the time with confidence even in dark places.

・Continuous-sweep second hand, sweep movement

A quiet type that produces little to no ticking sound from the second hand. It's a smart choice if you're worried about the sound of a clock bothering you at night or while you're concentrating.

※This has nothing to do with whether or not the clock has a second hand.

※Types that do produce a ticking sound from the second hand are called step movement clocks.

・Water resistance level

Water resistance for everyday use is indicated in bar (atmospheric pressure), and is classified as follows.

【Everyday water-resistant watches】

2–3 bar water resistant. Able to withstand sweat and splashes of water from washing your face, or rain, in everyday life.

【Enhanced everyday water-resistant watches】

5–20 bar water resistant. Can also be used for activities involving contact with water (such as fishing). At 10 bar or higher, they can even be used for free diving.

※If the case back does not show a WATER RESIST indication, please use the timepiece with care to avoid getting it wet.

So, what kind of timepiece actually feels like "you," suited to who you are? Please read on while picturing how you spend your everyday life.

■A mood-maker that watches over your life, from good morning to good night

From the moment you wake up until you head out the door, there are so many things to do that mornings can easily turn hectic. In the living room, where you'll likely spend much of your daily life, hanging a radio-controlled clock that adjusts itself automatically lets you check the time with peace of mind, any time.

・Riki Clock 0401 Radio-Controlled Clock (Riki Watanabe)

◇Second hand sound: Yes　◇Luminous function: No

The designer is Riki Watanabe. This Riki Clock, named after himself, was designed when he was 92 years old, of all ages. It's now been nearly 15 years since this clock was born, yet it still hasn't faded, and if anything feels even more refined—surely because it's so genuinely simple. The dial is also highly legible, letting you tell the time at a glance.

There's also the 【Riki Clock 0312 Radio-Controlled Clock】, with a design that has more breathing room and a cleaner look. Since it uses a sweep movement that produces little ticking sound, this one is recommended for anyone who finds the tick-tock sound bothersome.

◇Second hand sound: No　◇Luminous function: No

■A beloved wristwatch that builds your morning routine

Many people probably have a habit of putting on a wristwatch every morning. If you're someone who takes a breather before heading out in the morning, a mechanical wristwatch is a good choice, since you can keep using it for decades without worrying about the battery.

・Hand-wound Black Dial MMD01B (GS/TP)

◇Luminous function: None　◇Movement: Mechanical (hand-wound)　◇Water resistance: Everyday water resistance

・Hand-wound Black Dial MMD02B (GS/TP)

◇Luminous function: None　◇Movement: Mechanical (hand-wound)　◇Water resistance: Everyday water resistance

GS/TP is an original watch collection born from a collaboration between design supervision by a designer of the British brand TENDER and the craftsmanship of Japanese artisans. Although it's a men's brand, the strap is adjustable, so it can be worn by anyone regardless of gender. It's packed with details that will delight watch lovers—from the dial, designed with an eye toward the way its color will deepen over the years, to the plump, satisfyingly thick "frog back" case back. Once you get used to wearing one, a mechanical watch is something you can use for the rest of your life.

■For dressier occasions

It's handy to have a watch you can confidently wear to formal occasions, such as when you're invited to a special event.

・CLASSIC F907YG-BK (FHB)

◇Luminous function: Yes (luminous paint type)　◇Movement: Quartz　◇Water resistance: None

FHB watches retain the charm of a longed-for vintage design while remaining an indulgently easy-to-use timepiece for today. It's practical to wear, yet its presence conveys the history of watchmaking. Being a luminous type, you can also check the time in the dark—its functionality is spot on.

>> About FHB watchesFor those who want to learn more, click here

・Konairo Asagi (Light Blue), Women's

◇Luminous function: None　◇Movement: Quartz　◇Water resistance: Everyday water resistance

This is a watch from Hanamokko, a workshop based in Ishikawa Prefecture. Its distinguishing feature is the material used—the dial is made using "iwa-enogu" (mineral pigment), a pigment that has been used in Japan since ancient times. Tracing its history all the way back to the Asuka period, it's a nice feeling to be able to sense this traditional Japanese technique so close at hand. What's more, the strap can be replaced, so you can use it with peace of mind for a long time.

>> See other variations from the same brand, Hanamokko

※About a planned specification change※ 
Due to circumstances related to raw material procurement, the "Asagi" model, which uses turquoise powder (iwa-enogu), will be discontinued once current stock runs out. It will be gradually replaced with a version using a different raw material (azurite-malachite), so please understand this in advance.

■For working out, a tough watch

・Field Watch Sterile Sage Green (MARATHON)

◇Luminous function: Yes (luminous type)　◇Movement: Quartz　◇Water resistance: Everyday water resistance

When exercising, choose a quartz watch rather than a delicate mechanical one. The MARATHON Field Watch is equipped with a movement made by ETA, a company renowned worldwide for producing excellent movements. This watch isn't widely distributed at general watch shops, so it's especially recommended for those who love a well-crafted military watch.

There are three colors in all: sage green, which suits a military watch perfectly; desert tan, which looks great in outdoor settings; and black, which goes with any outfit. Please choose the color you like best.

■With a stopwatch. Also handy as a calendar substitute while traveling

・Mach 2000 Design Watch, Chronograph, Black (LIP)

◇Luminous function: None　◇Movement: Quartz　◇Water resistance: Everyday water resistance

◇Comes with a stopwatch and calendar

The Mach 2000, with its cute, ball-like crown, has a playful charm—once you've seen it, it's hard to forget. LIP is a long-established French watchmaker, known for the saying "France has LIP," and is said to have been favored by figures such as French President de Gaulle and American President Eisenhower. Its history spans over 200 years. Although this watch's design dates back more than 40 years, its refined style still looks fresh today. It's easy to see why it's also part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. With both stopwatch and calendar functions, it's also recommended for long trips.

■Charming clocks perfect for relaxing time

By deliberately choosing a table clock without a dial, you can spend a relaxed time without feeling chased by the clock. And yet it's still nice that you can get a rough sense of the time.

・Table Clock rotation (PLYWOOD laboratory)

◇Second hand sound: Yes (fairly quiet)　◇Movement: Quartz　◇Luminous function: None　◇Alarm function: None

・Table Clock KLoKU (Magno)

◇Second hand sound: None　◇Movement: Quartz　◇Luminous function: None　◇Alarm function: None

Both of these are wooden table clocks with no dial and a quiet second hand. What's more, the Table Clock rotation is a clever design that can be used placed either vertically or horizontally. Its somewhat endearing shape stands out as a nice accent piece for a room. Being made of wood, it also gradually takes on a character of its own as it becomes familiar, which adds to its appeal. As it's a wooden product, please avoid using it in places with high humidity, such as near a window.

■Handy for checking the time while cooking too—and easy to carry around

・Alarm Clock BNC001 (BRAUN)

◇Second hand sound: Yes　◇Movement: Quartz　◇Luminous function: None　◇Alarm function: Yes

Hearing the concept of "Less, but better," it makes perfect sense when you look at the clocks from BRAUN. This alarm clock is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, yet it's a clever little device that keeps all the essential elements intact. A table clock isn't something you'd necessarily miss if you didn't have one, but there are plenty of situations where having one comes in handy. Since it's so easy to carry around, it's great for checking the time while cooking, and it won't take up much space in your luggage as a travel alarm clock.

＞＞If you'd like to learn more about table clocks, click here

■Choose a quiet wall clock for your bedroom and sleep soundly

・Riki Steel Clock, with numerals (Riki Watanabe)

◇Second-hand ticking sound: None　◇Luminous function: None

Once you start noticing the ticking of a second hand in the bedroom, it can be hard to fall asleep—something many of us have experienced. This wall clock puts that worry to rest. Its clean white color is perfect for the bedroom, and the simple design suits any room.

■An alarm clock, for the sake of tomorrow's you

・ARNE JACOBSEN Table Clock Station Light grey (ROSENDAHL)

Plenty of people wake up in the morning using an alarm on their phone, but if you want to avoid the mishap of forgetting to set it, the best solution is to keep a dedicated alarm clock nearby. This ARNE JACOBSEN Table Clock Station Light grey comes in a special color that differs from the standard lineup—a new shade is released each year. Its soft gray tone is understated, making it perfect for placing in the bedroom.

With its built-in LED light, checking the time before you go to sleep at night is easy. (*The clock shown in the image is a different color.)

So, have you found a clock that feels just right for you? Living day to day, there are bound to be days when you feel rushed and pressed for time, and other days when you feel like you've made the most of your time, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and joy. If how we spend our time can change our mood so much, it's worth trying to build a better relationship with time itself.

Owning a clock is the first step toward making the most of your time. May this year be a fruitful and fulfilling one, with a clock that suits you by your side.