With a name that leaves no doubt as to its origins, JPN focuses on the qualities that traditionally distinguish Japanese watches: cutting-edge technology, extreme attention to detail and a touch of audacity. The brand launched in 2020 offers a very sporty chronograph with a solar-powered hybrid movement in seven colour versions, a carbon and titanium case, sapphire crystal and polycarbonate dial. Materials also used for Formula 1 single-seaters, an environment from which the founder, Masato Shimoyama, a former professional racing driver, took inspiration.
The first model was christened the 130R, after the most famous curve on the Suzuka circuit, the scene of epic feats such as Alonso's incredible overtaking move on Schumacher in 2005. With its carbon case and grade 5 titanium case back, pushers and crown, it sports a 'sandwich' dial in which the lower layer is always polycarbonate, while the upper one can be brass in different colours or carbon. The rubber strap is also available in various colours, in addition to the standard black. It is driven by a solar-powered Seiko Epson quartz calibre, which requires no battery change and, theoretically at least, no maintenance.
The JPN project is a synthesis of its founder's activities. Shimoyama competed from 1996 to 1998 with the Tony Kart Racing Team in the Italian Karting Championship and is still a test driver for the Dallara team. Once his racing career was over, he became the importer for Japan for various independent Swiss high-end brands. Hence the birth of JPN, with which he intends to synthesise the technical skills and culture of the Rising Sun into a quality watch at an affordable price (EUR 1,000 or slightly more). Distribution is mainly through the e-commerce channel on the website www.jpn.incbut there is also a small network of outlets in Japan, which Shimoyama plans to expand to Europe.
