The Self-Defense Forces are the cornerstone of Japan’s defense and carry out their missions in harsh environments every day. As a general rule, each SDF member purchases a watch at his or her own expense while on duty. Therefore, there is always a constant demand for watches that are strong enough to withstand missions while reducing the financial burden on SDF personnel.
Here, we select recommended models from domestic and foreign brands, from models that can easily enjoy military taste to professional spec machines that can withstand harsh conditions. Variation models are already sold out, so it is expected that the stock will be small, so if you are interested, we recommend that you purchase it as soon as possible.
【Images】Carefully selected from domestic and foreign brands! Summary of Notable Self-Defense Forces Models
First of all, we will introduce the notable model of the “JSDF series” of Kentex, a domestic brand that handles authentic watches that are particular about Japan at affordable prices. The series has adopted the official emblems of the Ground Self-Defense Force, the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Air Self-Defense Force, and has been widely supported by members of the Ministry of Defense, including official events of the Ministry of Defense and contract products at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.
KENTEX
Left: Maritime Self-Defense Force Solar Pro
Ground Self-Defense Force Solar Pro
Right: Japan Air Self-Defense Force Solar Pro
(Left) ■ Ref. S803M-01. SS (42.5mm diameter). 200m water resistance. Solar. 38,500 yen / (medium) ■ Ref. S801M-01. SS (41mm diameter). 100m water resistance. Solar. 39,600 yen / (right) ■ Ref. S802M-01. SS (41mm diameter). 100m water resistance. Solar. JPY 38,500
The movement is solar-powered and can run for up to six months on a full charge. The indexes and hands of the dial, which is made of special plastic with high light transmission that can be charged indoors, are made of Super Luminous (strong phosphorescence) to improve visibility at night.
The “Maritime Self-Defense Force Solar Pro (left model)” is a full-fledged diver’s watch equipped with a day-date that reflects the real voices of the members who say, “When you go on a voyage, you lose your sense of the day of the week,” the “Ground Self-Defense Force Solar Pro (center model)” with a cool all-black DLC finish that suppresses light reflection, and the “Air Self-Defense Force Solar Pro (right model)” is an aviation chronograph equipped with a rotating slide rule. Three models are available.
Prices range from 38,500 yen to 39,600 yen. It is a big attraction to be able to get a watch with specifications that can be used even in difficult situations in extreme situations at an affordable price range of 30,000 yen.
【Contact】
Kentex Japan
TEL.03-5846-0811
Next is a Japan limited edition model with the motif of the Blue Impulse, which has left a big mark on the history of American railroad watches and is now based in Switzerland, a watch brand based in Switzerland.
BALL WATCH
Engineer Hydrocarbon Blue Impulse
■ TI (42 mm diameter). 300m water resistance. Automatic winding (Cal.BALL RR1402). Limited to Japan 70 pieces. JPY 484,000
A limited edition model named “Blue Impulse”, a specialized team that demonstrates the skill, performance, and operational capabilities of fighter pilots and aircraft of the Air Self-Defense Force, demonstrates mission performance and performs brilliant aerobatics.
It has a chronograph function that can measure the elapsed time of up to 12 hours, and the blue impulse logo is designed on the seconds display subdial at 9 o’clock. In addition, it is a professional watch with 1000 gauss magnetic resistance and 7500 Gs shock resistance.
Two variants are available, one with a stainless steel bezel and the other with a ceramic bezel, but the former is already out of stock. As of late March 25, only the latter is on sale.
【Contact】
Ball Watch Japan
TEL.03-3221-7807
Self-Defense Forces-related models, especially those related to Blue Impulse, are very popular, and it is not uncommon for them to be sold out as soon as they are released by each brand. On the next page, we will introduce two Blue Impulse models that have attracted a lot of attention in the past (* Both are discontinued as of March 25). While looking back on the topical works, I would like to look forward to the next work.
【Image】Blue Impulse 2 topical works
Text◎Watch LIFE NEWS編集部
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