Shinichi Hidaka is a young man living in Tokyo that describes himself as “a comedian trying to make a watch”
Using Swiss based movements, Mr Hidaka specializes in his unique dial designs. As he is essentially a one man operation, all models are very limited production runs.
When he was younger, Mr. Hidaka was more interested in video games than working. Slowly he started becoming interested in design. Then one day a friend recommended checking out mechanical watches.
He quickly became fascinated by them. Although he says he couldn’t afford a watch back then, he started collecting catalogs from local watch stores. Soon he was studying the likes of Philippe Dufour, Masahiro Kikuno and Hajime Asoka. This lit the fire that started his dream. Now he felt a sense of purpose and direction.
He kept researching watch brands online. The plan was to use a Swiss based movement but make designs that were different that what he was seeing around him. He is self taught, all from researching online about movements and event learned how to to CAD himself. Still without having much money he started to work various odd jobs to help raise money for his watchmaking dream. Slowly he saved enough to get some of the tools needed and slowly he started to produce watches with his own name on them.
He is so happy he has found his direction in life. He says
“I just want to tell young people that what you love can be a job, and that it’s great to earn an income while playing with what you love.”
He says his pieces are inspired by both vintage watches and Japanese anime and art. A unique combination that really makes his pieces special!
Grenon’s of Newport is proud and honored to be his only representative in the United States. These are the passionate artists we love working with!
