Takano Chateau Precision Super, 1960s

— A Japanese virtue that vanished —

Takano (Takano Precision Industries) shone for just four years and four months in Japanese watch history before disappearing. The Ise Bay typhoon brought that history to an end, and the brand has since become an object of some longing among collectors — a maker that seems almost imaginary.

This is the summit Takano reached in its final years: the Chateau Precision Super.

— A spiral of concentric circles —

What takes the eye first is the extremely fine radiating guilloché across the whole dial. The spiral spreading from the centre like ripples is Japanese craft of the 1960s at its best.

It changes deftly with the angle of the light and sets off the classical gold markers and hands as well as anything could.

— Evidence of survival —

Open the case back for the handsome hand-wound calibre 125, stamped "TAKANO 19 JEWELS".

The crown incorporates a part from ORIENT, fitted at some later date — the trace of a watch that was maintained and kept going for a very long time, and part of its story.

Appointments for the WatchTender Ginza boutique can be made through our reservation form.