My watch. Model Karen Takizawa and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph.

My beloved first watch, thrilled by its "mecha-like" feel

I bought my first watch when I turned 30. I reached a turning point and felt like I had become an adult, so I decided to take the plunge and buy one. At first, I imagined something delicate and sparkly like an accessory, but as I went to stores looking for one, I was drawn to chunky, mechanical-looking ones. It gave me the same excitement I get from robots in sci-fi anime.

I chose this Audemars Piguet watch as my first watch because it seemed to go well with my favorite men's fashion. I like the rugged impression of the crown and dial, and the all-silver color, which gives it a mechanical feel.

But even though I was attracted to it and bought it, it was the biggest purchase of my life. At first, I couldn't wear it casually and kept it carefully stored for special occasions. It's an automatic watch, so it will stop if you don't move it for a while, but at first, I didn't know anything about it, so I had to take it to the watchmaker every time it stopped. I felt like an overprotective parent (laughs).

However, after learning that not using a watch is bad for the watch, I started wearing it every day without worrying too much, and even if it gets scratched, I think of it as a sign of my own unique design. Also, since I got into the habit of wearing a watch, the pace of my life has improved.

That's because I set the time 10 to 15 minutes ahead. I remembered that my grandmother, who couldn't bear to see me getting ready so slowly, would set the clock at my parents' house 10 minutes ahead, so I decided to give it a try. The only problem is that when people unexpectedly ask me the time, I always end up telling them the wrong thing (wry smile), but being able to use it in my own way is one of the unique features of an analog clock.

This watch, with its basic design, is like denim for clothing. It's unpretentious and can be worn for work, play, or any occasion. It requires a lot of maintenance, but the more I use it, the more I grow to love it. Now, the sense of distance between me and the watch has disappeared, and it feels like it fits my wrist. Even now that I have other watches, I always end up coming back to this one, and it's the one I wear the most.