Hello everyone.
*Source: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20220328/k00/00m/050/172000c
In this 17th installment, we will be taking a closer look at the watches worn by the managers of the Pacific League of professional baseball . What kind of watches are they wearing?
So, let's play!
Manager Kazuhisa Ishii (Rakuten Eagles)
*Source: https://www.jprime.jp/articles/-/20462?display=b
Director Ishii Kazuhisa is popular among viewers for his laid-back personality.
In 1992, Ishii joined Yakult with a signing bonus of 80 million yen, the highest amount ever paid to a high school rookie player in the team. That year, Ishii made waves right from the start of the Japan Series, becoming the first player in history to start as a high school graduate who had not won a game in the regular season. With a fastball that reached a maximum speed of 156 km/h, a slider that had such a large amount of movement that it was called a curveball, and a fork, Ishii racked up a mountain of strikeouts, and in 1998 he recorded a season strikeout rate of 11.047, which was the Japanese record at the time.
He played for major league teams such as the Dodgers and Mets, and retired in 2013. After retiring, he worked as a commentator and became the manager of the Rakuten Eagles in 2021. He is currently in third place, which is a good position, so I hope he continues to do his best!
The watch that Director Ishii is wearing is
[Rolex] "Submariner" " Ref.1680 "
*Source: https://www.sanspo.com/article/20210326-Q6YDIXXVYFIBPCBFTFHMPMZA2I/
The Ref. 1680 is one of the most popular vintage Rolexes. The so-called "red Sub" with the word "SUBMARINER" written in red is one of the most popular Ref. 1680s. As a side note, there was also a "Sea-Dweller" with red writing, which was sold at the same time, and this is a rare model called the "red seed". This was the first Submariner to feature a calendar function, and it has a distinctive design with a date display with a cyclops lens and a plastic crystal.
I thought, "Director Ishii has great taste to choose the Ref. 1680!", but it turns out that this watch was actually a gift from Aiba Masaki, a former member of the popular group Arashi, to celebrate his appointment as director. Aiba is the one with great taste (lol). Director Ishii will be wearing this Submariner this season as a sign of good luck.
Manager Iguchi Tadashige (Chiba Lotte Marines)
*Source: https://full-count.jp/2022/03/24/post1196885/
Manager Iguchi Sugahito has set brilliant records since his university days.
During his time at Aoyama Gakuin University, he won the All-Japan University Baseball Championship. In the Toho University League, he is the only player to win the triple crown and set a league record of eight home runs in one season. In his first game as a professional, he hit a grand slam, the first Japanese rookie to do so, making for a spectacular debut.
In 2005, he transferred to the White Sox and played an active role from his first year, contributing to the team's league championship. He returned to Japan in 2009 and played at the forefront as an active player until 2017. He became a manager in 2018 and is just as active as a manager as he was as a player, achieving his 300th win as a manager in 2022.
The watch that Director Iguchi wears is
[Cvstos] " Challenge Jetliner II "
" Ref.CVT-JET2-PS AUTOMATIC "
*Source: https://cvstos.jp/cvt_jet2_ps/
*Source: https://bunshun.jp/articles/-/43550
As its name suggests, the "Challenge Jetliner II" series evokes the image of an aircraft. Based on the concept of comfort that can be worn 24 hours a day, this lightweight skeleton model is made using the same materials as real aircraft, and the powerful movement can be seen through the dial. This watch is a manifestation of CVSTOS's tireless challenge to continue to pursue physics, ergonomics, and mechanical movement functions without compromising.
The small second hand is designed with a large turbine motif, and the unusually shaped red second hand adds a pop of color, giving the watch a refreshing impression.
Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (Nippon Ham Fighters)
*Source: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/sports/articles/2022/05/023834.html
Director Tsuyoshi Shinjo is affectionately known as "BIGBOSS. "
Speaking of Coach Shinjo, he is a baseball player who entertained the audience (fans) with various performances, such as appearing in a headgear or descending from the ceiling, even when he was a player. Coach Shinjo tends to be noticed for things other than baseball, but he is also a highly skilled player, especially with his outstanding shoulder strength.
When he became manager in 2022, he appeared in a glowing uniform, announced the starting lineup on Instagram Live, and entertained us with his bizarre performances that reminded us of his time as a player. Currently, the team is at the bottom of the league and its performance is not remarkable, but I'm looking forward to seeing how it will turn around from here.
The watch that Director Shinjo wears is
[TAG Heuer] "Monaco 02 Chronograph" " Ref. CBL2111.FC6453 "
*Source: https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/photonews/photonews_nsInc_202202020000138-0.html
This model, which is the world's first waterproof square case with an automatic movement, has a special meaning for motorsport fans and is named after the F1 circuit. Just as the name "Paul Newman" brings to mind "Daytona," many people may also think of "Monaco" when they hear the name Steve McQueen.
This model is a faithful reproduction of the original model worn by Steve McQueen in the film "Le Mans," with a beautiful contrast between the blue dial, white subdials, and red second hand.
And one more,
[TAG Heuer] "Carrera 02 Chronograph" " Ref.CBG2051.FC6426 "
Inspired by the Carrera Van Americana Mexico, held from 1950 to 1954 and known as the "world's toughest race," the Carrera was born in 1963 as TAG Heuer's icon. The case is made of 18K rose gold and black PVD-coated stainless steel, which gives an exquisite and elegant impression. Equipped with the in-house developed movement "Heuer 02," it boasts an impressive power reserve of 80 hours.
The counters at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock on the dial are arranged in the same way as the original Carrera. This is a superb watch that follows the design of the original model while incorporating cutting-edge technology.
summary
How was today's match?
This time too, we hope you will learn what kind of watches the Pacific League managers of professional baseball wear and get even a little interested in luxury watches.
So, which sportsman's watch will we focus on next time? Please wait with excitement!
See You Next Match!!