timepieces

TIMEPIECES
INTERLOCKING LIMITED EDITION
Featuring ‘Tamamushi Lacquer’, the representative traditional crafts of Sendai in dials.
SWISS MADE
GUCCI TIMEPIECES & JEWELRY UNVEILS INTERLOCKING WATCH TO
SUPPORT JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP
Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry is pleased to announce a collaboration that blends Gucci craftsmanship
with traditional artisanship from the Tohoku region in Japan. The aim of this initiative is to create
a new watch that supports essential restoration work following the devastating event of March
2011 that hit the area.
In 2013, Gucci initiated the first fundraising concept in this region by designing a new Bamboo
handbag crafted with Sendaihira silk, a luxurious type of silk that dates back to the Edo period.
Proceeds from the sale of the handbag were donated to Sendai city, and used to support local
businesses.
Now Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry is collaborating on a second philanthropic project by creating
a limited-edition series of Interlocking watches featuring ‘Tamamushi’ lacquered dials. Tamamushi
lacquerware is designated by the nearby Miyagi prefecture as a traditional craft and the technique
will be carried out under the aegis of local designer, Mr. Koichiro Kimura. Named after the
Tamamushi beetle, this high-shine finish resembles the iridescent shell of this native jewel bug, and
is one of Japan’s best-loved traditional arts.
Tamamushi lacquer has now been applied to an exclusive collection of 175 Interlocking timepieces,
available in two versions: black PVD (37mm) or stainless steel (29mm). The special lacquered
dials feature a striking 3D pyramidal effect and are complemented by the iconic double ‘G’
around the bezel, a reference to the initials of Gucci’s founder Guccio Gucci. Due to the unique
landscape of the dial, the Gucci logo is printed on the crystal glass enhancing the depth effect of
the case. The final flourish is seen on the case back, which sees these special watches engraved
with ‘Limited Edition’.
Japan’s Sendai region, the birthplace of Tamamushi lacquerware and the home of Mr. Kimura, is
famed for its traditional craftsmanship that today upheld by skilled artisans. As Sendai, in Tohoku
province, was one of the areas most affected by the natural disasters of 2011, 20% of the
proceeds from the sale of these Interlocking timepieces will be donated to educational and artistic
activities within the city as part of a restoration project.
Just like the new Interlocking timepieces, this latest fusion of Gucci craftsmanship with timehonoured Japanese workmanship results in a uniquely appealing accessory. With this new watch,
Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry demonstrates the importance of keeping a cultural heritage alive that
is rooted in tradition yet which looks toward the future.
About Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry
Gucci Timepieces has been designing, developing and manufacturing iconic Gucci watches since
the early 1970s. Taking advantage of the worldwide recognition of the Florentine house – and its
unique duality in brand positioning, pairing modernity and heritage, innovation and craftsmanship,
trendsetting and sophistication – Gucci Timepieces is one of the most reliable and consistent
fashion watch brands, with a clear design approach and positioning. Made in Switzerland, Gucci
watches are recognized for their design, quality and craftsmanship and are distributed worldwide
through the exclusive network of directly operated Gucci boutiques and selected watch distributors.
Since January 2010, Gucci Timepieces has also been distributing the Gucci Jewelry collections,
capitalizing on the expertise gained in the watch sector and leveraging the synergies between the
watch and jewelry industries. For more information about Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry, please
visit www.gucciwatches.com.
Gucci is part of the Kering Group, a world leader in apparel and accessories which develops an
ensemble of powerful Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands.
About Koichiro Kimura
Born in 1963 in Sendai, Koichiro Kimura comes from a family with a 400-year history of producing
traditional Japanese lacquerware.
With his elegant yet extremely unusual style, he is regarded as one of Japan’s most avant-garde
designers. Kimura’s philosophy is to create art and design pieces that express the evolved
relationship between man and object, by blending traditional techniques with high technology.
His major works include Japanese lacquered tableware, art, and product and interior design.
About Tamamushi lacquerer
Tamamushinuri is the official name given to the patented lacquerware technique that originates in
Sendai and which is designated as Miyagi prefecture’s traditional craft. This unique decorative
art uses silver dust applied under a layer of clear Urushi Japanese lacquer, resulting in a beautiful
silvery luster. Tamamushinuri is named after the jeweled ‘Tamamushi’ beetle, due to its rich tone
and brilliant finish. Developed by the National Tohoku Craftwork Institute established in Sendai,
Tamamushinuri lacquerware has been produced by Tohoku Kogei under a patented license. It is
highly acclaimed for its combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques.
YA133318, limited edition
Inerlocking large version, black PVD case, black lacquered
dial withpyramidal effect, black PVD bracelet
YEN 185,000
YEN 199,800*
YA133514, limited editon
Interlocking small version, stainless steel case silver lacquered
dial with pyramidal effect, stainless steel bracelet
YEN 165,000
YEN 178,200*
*Price with 8% tax
2014 suggested retail price/all prices are subject to change without notice
gucciwatches.com
For information 03.5766.2030