The latest model to be launched by Issey Miyake watches, a brand of Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII), based in Chiba, Japan, has been designed by car designer Satoshi Wada, the man behind Audi’s much-lauded A5 coupé model. After becoming independent in 2009, he set up his own design studio “SWdesign TOKYO” and, in addition to the development of new vehicle designs, has focused on his concept of “Minimal x Future” design to bring new simplicity to products.

The Issey Miyake “W” watch series

He has now turned his design flair to the world of watches, producing the “W” watch, which reflects a minimalism that is based on traditional Japanese aesthetics. The watch nevertheless incorporates elements of car design, from the solid case, which is inspired by an alloy wheel on a car, to the dial, which resembles a gauge on the dashboard.

The “W” watch is available in four different versions in a 43mm diameter stainless steel or black IP stainless steel, with black, white or grey dials and a stainless-steel bracelet or black leather strap. It is powered by a quartz chronograph calibre with date and is water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres).

Satoshi Wada

The Issey Miyake Watch Project, which started in 2001, has seen a number of distinctive watches produced under partnerships with leading designers active in various fields under the direction of Issey Miyake.