Welcome to the third instalment of my tribute to Japanese and Asian timekeeping, following [Part1](https://steempeak.com/hive-174578/@zacknorman97/a-hidden-gem-the-beauty-of-japanese-horology-part-1), [Part 2](https://steempeak.com/hive-174578/@zacknorman97/a-1960s-racer-the-beauty-of-japanese-horology-part-2), and also my handy [Handbook](https://steempeak.com/hive-174578/@zacknorman97/the-timekeeper-s-handbook-a-guide-on-horology) for all things horology, written by yours truly.

For today, I'd like to introduce to you a watch that hasn't really made the rounds, and remains illusive even to me - the Issey Miyake Nao Tamura 1/6. This is a watch conceived in a collaboration between Seiko, the namesake in Japanese horology, and the famed Issey Miyake Design Studio. 

<center>https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/pbG3dGfL-column07-img05.jpg</center>

***Credits to: [Issey Miyake](https://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/en/column/vol07.html) (Column by Nao Tamura.)***

This collaboration takes the creativity of designers to craft watches with their own flair and individuality, all under the watch-ful eyes of the Issey Miyake studio, and with engineering know-how from the folks at Seiko.

Also, on a sidenote, I haven't been writing posts as frequently as I usually do, and certainly not as I intended. For the past week and a half, I have been down with an internal ear infection. The throbbing and stinging pain from my ear is an unwelcome distraction from writing, and is only somewhat offset by painkillers. Grumbly rant over, now back to the watch!

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<center><h1>The Origins.</h1></center>

<center>https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/4Z6TNSD6-column07-main_w2000.jpg</center>

***Credits to: [Issey Miyake](https://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/en/column/vol07.html) (Column by Nao Tamura.)***

The origins of the 1/6 is a story that's just as interesting as the watch itself. With this watch, it marks the first time that a female designer has taken the lead on the project, certainly an empowering message to our female readers. 

The 1/6's creator is Nao Tamura, a Tokyo-born, and New York-based industrial designer, where she has worked with both large and boutique brands alike. With her crafty fingers, she's created amazing works in many disciplines, from interior décor, kitchenware, lighting, and with automobiles.

<center>https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/izoHcv8S-https20_s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com_htsi-ez-prod_ez_images_6_4_3_5_1065346-1-eng-GB_main_720df011-8df2-45d6-b5b8-addbec119afa.jpg</center>

***Credits to: [Financial Times](https://howtospendit.ft.com/house-garden/46863-issey-miyake) (how to spend it - Interview)***

The name stamped on the 1/6 however, is that of Issey Miyake, a famed Japanese fashion designer. He's made his mark for creating clothing lines inspired by technology and minimalism, creating garments, accessories, and perfumes. He's also famous for having designed Steve Jobs' famous black turtle neck. 

Usually, I don't like designer watches like those from trendy fashion houses, as they were conceived only for their looks, with little regard to function. That said, I feel that the 1/6 is an exception. 

Even to a self-declared "*watch snob* " like me, the 1/6 is a unique piece, harkening back to a time when the world was analogue, and the things that we created were shaped by hand, not by a computer.

<center>https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/6fQIYxQn-Capture.PNG</center>

***Credits to: [Nao Tamura](https://naotamura.com/projects/1-6-watch-issey-miyake/) (Projects)***

***

<center><h2>An Industrial Evolution.</h2></center>

The watch's name comes from the in-house Seiko movement, which beats 6 times per second (*more of that later* ). It has a seemingly cold, industrial, and utilitarian design language, with cues taken from analogue measuring instruments, like callipers, compasses, beakers, and even old-fashioned stop-watches.

The 1/6 is very round, and also large, surely to the dismay of @heroldius and myself, as much as I like the design. It has a **diameter of 43mm, and sits 11mm high**. Compared to the Lecronos [that we've looked at before](https://steempeak.com/hive-174578/@zacknorman97/a-1960s-racer-the-beauty-of-japanese-horology-part-2), it has the same diameter, while being 2.5mm lower.

<div class="pull-left">https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/TsyyTBCn-1_6_detail06.jpg</div>

<div class="pull-right">https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/87hetOTT-1_6_detail02.jpg</div>

***Credits to: [Isse Miyake Watches](https://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/en/watches/1_6.html) (Catalogue)***

One particular trait about the 1/6's case is the positioning of the lugs, where the watch seemingly sits on top of them, rather than being centred. Owing to the lower centre of gravity (lower height), and the lug placement that should allow for straps to taper off vertically - the 1/6 should sit rather well even on smaller wrists. 

<div class="pull-left">https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/p6hqJUzC-Capture1.PNG</div>

The crown sits at a peculiar location, on the 6 o'clock position of the watch, which may make it easier to wind, or to set the time. One downside that I can see, is that the protruding crown may snag on your cuff, possibly making the 1/6 a rather difficult wear with longer sleeves. 

The crown does have some grooves, which looks to have been inspired by old-fashioned dashboard timers (chronographs) that were mounted on rally cars of old. Another interesting observation on the case, is that it has some measurement rings along the side, which appears to be a purely aesthetic trait.

Looking at the dial, it has a rather busy look, although it's another purview of the 1/6's industrial design. The minute/seconds track has been placed on the outer ring, while the hour track was placed in the inner circle. 

Contributing to the dial's busy-ness, all the possible markers for the hour, minute, and seconds hand has been placed on display. As you look at the marker, you also notice that between each second are 5 indices, synonymous with the watch's heart beating at 6 times per second - which is a small, but neat detail!

***

<center><h3>The Beating Heart.</h3></center>

<div class="pull-left">https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/TwXsST1U-column07-img03.jpg</div>

<div class="pull-right">https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/rK35U9E6-column07-img06.jpg</div>

***Credits to: [Issey Miyake](https://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/en/column/vol07.html) (Column by Nao Tamura.)***

As for the 1/6's beating heart, it uses the same workhorse **Seiko NH35 movement** as in the Lecronos. However, unlike Lenvino, Seiko has had a direct hand in creating the 1/6. It has a **power reserve of 41 hours (generous for an entry-level movement), featuring 41 jewels, beating at 21,600 VpH (or 3 Hz), with 5 bars of water resistance, and the same seconds-hacking feature included**. 

One interesting aspect of the 1/6 is the omission of a date function, which is a feature on the NH35 (as with many Seiko movements), and also present on the Lecronos. Personally, I prefer watches without a date window, as it provides a cleaner look. Besides, considering how busy the dial already is, I think this design choice may have been for the better.

<div class="pull-left">https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/FGBfMNQI-1_6_detail04.jpg</div>

<div class="pull-right">https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/Ovqsz7cJ-1_6_detail01.jpg</div>

***Credits to: [Isse Miyake Watches](https://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/en/watches/1_6.html) (Catalogue)***

As for the whole watch as a package, there are 2 dial options - black with blue accents, or white with red accents. The are 2 finishings for the stainless steel case - brushed, or with a black PVD coating. There are also some strap options to choose from - between black calf leather, or a Milanese bracelet in either silver or black. 

Finally, we have the pricing. For a unique, designer, watch, it's perhaps not the worst value on the market. It costs between $660-$770, with the PVD coating and Milanese bracelet adding to the price tag. 

<center>https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/dBspypkz-Screenshot_2020-02-1220120620ISSEY20MIYAKE20WATCH.png</center>

***Credits to: [Isse Miyake Watches](https://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/en/watches/1_6.html) (Catalogue)***

***

<center><h4>Last Thoughts.</h4></center>

> *"…I used to have an impression that wearing a watch is being pressed for time, but now I noticed that looking at a watch to check the time is such luxurious behaviour that is separated from an enormous amount of information…"*
> 
> *Nao Tamura*

At that price tag, I can think of many other timepieces that I would rather buy. However, none of them have the aesthetic value of the 1/6, a watch that has been designed from the creative mind of one person. 

<center>https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/zacknorman97/8BDVcFW5-column07-img04.jpg</center>

***Credits to: [Issey Miyake](https://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/en/column/vol07.html) (Column by Nao Tamura.)***

Nao Tamura herself admits that she doesn't wear a watch, at least before the 1/6 came to her hands. This is a watch that exudes a sense of analogue desire, harking back to a time before digitalisation. 

The 1/6 is a watch that reminds us of the days before smartphones, the internet of things, and smart devices dominated over our daily lives. The 1/6 is a welcoming, comforting, and eventful distraction from all screens that desires our attention today. 

*For more about the philosophy behind the 1/6, you can read it from this interview with Nao Tamura, [link here](https://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/en/column/vol07.html), or from her personal website, [here](https://naotamura.com/).*

***

On a last, final sidenote, I do hope that this ear infection goes away soon. As of writing this, I can already slowly feel the painkillers wearing off. With enough pills, and ear drops, I intend to make my next post timely :-)

https://media.giphy.com/media/2fQGPJWCjIBsYtFP0P/giphy.gif

<center><h4>Thanks for reading! For more updates on my blogs, or the more minute things in life, feel free to follow me on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/zacknorman97) and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-n-68b74519a/), and maybe give a shout there as well!</h4></center>

<center><h4>While you're at it, follow along @zacknorman97 for more, coming soon :-)</h4></center>