The Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store is hosting the Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair, which began on August 20th. This fair brings together new products from approximately 50 of the world's most iconic brands. The fair will be held in the main event hall on the 7th floor of the Main Building, as well as the special clock venue on the 6th floor (until the 31st) and the central hall on the 1st floor (until the 25th). This year marks the 17th annual Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair. The fair will feature new releases from luxury brands such as Franck Muller, A. Lange & Söhne, and Vacheron Constantin, which were unveiled at Baselworld 2014 in Switzerland, the Geneva Salon, and WPHH. The fair will also feature approximately 30 pre-sale and pre-order items, making their Japan debut, as well as three exclusive Mitsukoshi items. The highlight of this exhibition is the Piccadilly Princess Royal Color cocktail watch (¥380 million) from BACKES & STRAUS, a prestigious British jewelry house celebrating its 225th anniversary this year. It features 225 rare diamonds in over 60 colors, including yellow, pink, and green, and 10 different cuts, including marquise, Asscher, and round, weighing a total of 38.69 carats. Other exhibits include a pocket watch from the first Swiss watch imported and sold in Japan, and a tower clock used during the Edo period when the seasonal time system was in use. The exhibition also showcases the traditions and history of watchmaking through historical museum pieces. Additionally, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the installation of Mitsukoshi's iconic lion statue, a lion statue wearing a special watch donated by Grand Seiko has been installed in the main hall on the 7th floor of the building. The special watch model is Grand Seiko's "Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 SBGH001."
Yoji Naka, head manager of Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi, said, "A watch is a veritable 'small universe' where 'art' and 'science' are combined within this space and the creator's passion is condensed. Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi declares itself to be a 'culture resort department store,' and we hope to disseminate a new culture through watches at this venue."
