Blog

Valextra Zip Purse 12 Cards

It is said that it is better to change your wallet regularly according to feng shui. I recently replaced my wallet after seven years, and chose a zip wallet that is useful in this cashless era. The wallet I selected is the Zip Purse 12 Card, which can hold 12 cards, sold by the Italian company Valextra.

Valextra

I regularly replace my wallet, but I had never considered purchasing a high-end brand wallet before, so this is my first time choosing one. Prior to this, I used a Whitehouse Cox bridle leather long zip wallet, which had aged beautifully over seven years.Since wallets are leather products, I had planned to purchase the same Whitehouse Cox model again due to its ease of use and maintenance.

However, Whitehouse Cox has ceased operations, and while a Japanese company has acquired the brand rights and is attempting to resume operations, no concrete plans for restarting production have been announced yet. As a result, I decided to explore other options and selected the Valextra Zip Purse 12 Card, which I am introducing today.

A brand that is not well known but is of high quality.

The image of the Valextra brand comes from a senior colleague who took care of me about 20 years ago. I can’t remember the model name, but it was a slightly large zip wallet with a handle, which my senior colleague used regularly, so it stuck in my memory.

This senior colleague spent much of his time overseas, mainly in North America, and led a lifestyle that was unconventional and beyond my reach, in terms of how he enjoyed himself and travelled. When we ate together, he would pay without even offering to contribute, always covering the entire bill in a very smart manner. However, instead of carrying a bag, he always had a Valextra zip wallet with a handle, in which he kept everything from cash to credit cards, cash cards, his passport, and driver’s licence.

Since it belonged to a senior colleague who lived a life that was beyond my reach, I felt intimidated and lost interest in the Valextra brand for a while. It was also this senior colleague who taught me about Barolo, an Italian wine.

My impression of Valextra was that, since it was chosen by a senior colleague who had travelled the world and broadened his horizons, it must be a product with excellent quality and well-thought-out usability, even before considering its brand image. However, I thought that it might be too daunting for someone like me to actually use it, so Valextra faded from my mind.

Wallet options

The quality of Whitehouse Cox wallets is evident in their high-quality bridle leather construction, and with the cream provided for bridle leather, regular maintenance will give them a unique patina that differs from when they are new. The construction is solid and practical, typical of a British company, and the more you use it, the more you will grow to love it. It is an excellent wallet and leather product.

The drawbacks are that the bridle leather is quite stiff, making it difficult to remove cards from the card holder and causing cards to rub against the zip when opening the wallet, potentially causing scratches. Additionally, the wallet’s opening is not very wide, making it challenging to neatly store bills. Furthermore, if you add more cards or store them in pockets other than the card holder, the wallet may lose its shape.

Even so, I feel more attached to leather products that I have nurtured myself, and the more I use them, the more I grow to love them.

I begin searching for another wallet that I can grow attached to. The junior colleague featured in the Berluti article recommends Berluti’s zip wallet and Louis Vuitton’s Zippy. Since I cannot imagine myself owning a high-end brand wallet, I consider other options such as Camus Forne’s zip wallet, known for its watch straps, or Enri Begrin’s zip wallet.Berluti and Louis Vuitton wallets are indeed top-tier luxury brands, and seeing the actual products in person reveals they are far superior to what you see online.

I am interested in the Berluti double zip wallet, but although it is well-made and an excellent product, it is a little large, so I realise that it would be impractical for use in the bag I usually carry.

Camuflore is also an excellent product, but the desired colour is not yet available, so it has been removed from the list of candidates. The Enlibegrin zip wallet has a strong handmade feel, which I like, but it only has four card holders, so it has been removed from the list of candidates.

With no clear candidate in mind, I recall a wallet used by a respected senior colleague in the past. Although I feel a sense of awe and reverence towards it, considering that 20 years have passed, I think it might be appropriate for me to own one now, so I research Valextra. I recall that they had a storefront in Ginza, but upon checking their official website, I find that they no longer have a storefront and instead operate as a tenant in department stores and other commercial facilities.

It’s also available at Yurakucho Hankyu Men’s, so I’ll go check it out right away.

Famous items selected by experienced experts

We visit Valextra at Hankyu Men’s and are shown their wallets. There are two types of wallets, the Round Zip 12 Card and the Zip Purse 12 Card, each available in a variety of colours.

The Round Zip 12 Card wallet features a zip-style coin pocket in the centre and bill compartments on both sides that fold out like an accordion, similar to the Whitehouse Cox wallet, but with the difference that it can hold 12 cards.

The Zip Pouch 12 Card differs from a standard zip wallet in that it does not have a zip-style coin pocket in the centre or an accordion fold, allowing for independent pockets on both sides for bills and other items. It can hold six cards on each side.

Both are well-made, with Valextra’s signature edge finishing meticulously crafted. The card slots are cut into the brand’s iconic V shape, making it easier to remove cards compared to traditional zip wallets.

The surface is embossed leather, but it is softer than it looks, feels good in your hand, and is resistant to scratches.

The size is well thought out, measuring 21 cm in length, 11.5 cm in height, and 2 cm in thickness, providing ample storage space. The height of 11.5 cm allows you to store your passport in one of the pockets.

Both are very attractive, but the major difference is that the Zip Pouch 12 Card opens 180 degrees. This feature makes it easier to take out cards, so I decided on the Zip Pouch 12 Card as it suits my needs better.

I went to look at wallets with my wife, but she has been decluttering her belongings recently and decided that she only needs a few credit cards and some cash, so she chose a wallet with a coin pocket that can hold six cards.

My wife has been using a Hermès Silk D’Or zip wallet for many years, and for the past few years she has been using a tiny beaded Monile series zip wallet by Brunello Cucinelli. However, she wanted something a little more compact, so she saw this coin purse with six card slots and decided to buy it.

I chose black, but there are various colours available for women. Valextra is known for its meticulous edge finishing, which is very beautiful, so I think choosing a colour with black edges as an accent would be enjoyable. My wife chose yellow, and the soft, vibrant Italian yellow with black edges makes for a cute wallet.

Valextra Zippurse 12Card

As you can see in the photo, it can hold six cards on one side and has a V-shaped cut-out that reflects the brand image. There is a coin pocket with a zip on one side, two bill compartments, and the other side can be used as a pocket, providing ample storage space.

Unlike zip wallets with coin pockets in the centre, this wallet opens approximately 180 degrees, making it very easy to take out cards, which is why I chose this wallet.

Valextra Zippurse 12Card

The packaging is very careful, so it would make a great gift.

I wrote an article about the iPhone 16 Pro last time, and the photos shown here were taken with the iPhone 16 Pro.

Actual storage

Valextra Zippurse 12Card

When you insert the cards, the V-shaped cut of the card holder becomes clearly visible. I have been a fan of AMEX cards for 25 years and use four types: two corporate cards, one personal card, and one personal business card, each for different purposes.The card types are as follows: one corporate card is Platinum, the other corporate card is Green, the personal card is Centurion, and the personal business card is Green. American Express is an excellent credit card company that has built a wide range of services for its customers over the years, many of which have been pioneered by American Express and later adopted by other card companies. Since this article is about wallets, I will omit further details, but I would like to write about them in a future article.

The photo has been omitted, but on the opposite side, you can store transportation cards, driver’s licences, bank cash cards, My Number cards, social insurance cards, etc., and arrange the cards for easy use according to their purpose. The storage locations are fixed, so you can quickly take out the cards. The moderate softness of the leather, the careful edge finishing, and the V-shaped cut make it very easy to take out and store cards.

Detail

Excerpt from Valextra official website

Inspired by the vintage-inspired design of a round zip wallet, this design features luxurious leather and Italian craftsmanship.The interior features 12 credit card holders with the brand’s signature V-shaped cut, two compartments, and a zippered coin case. The lining is made of soft leather. The edges, known as ‘coba,’ are hand-finished with multiple layers of Valestra’s proprietary dye ‘Costa,’ then polished to a smooth finish.

Size：21×11.5x2cm
*Due to manual processing, sizes and weights may vary slightly.

Conclusion

I have always loved leather goods, particularly bridle leather and cordovan, and have been using wallets made from such materials. However, the brand I had been using, Whitehouse Cox, ceased operations, so I began searching for a new wallet and eventually came across the Valextra Zip Purse 12 Card, which I am introducing today.Unlike the wallets typically chosen by leather enthusiasts like myself, this wallet combines functionality, meticulous craftsmanship, and a focus on the leather and dyes used, while also incorporating playful elements for a fashionable touch. It is a wallet I would not have chosen before, but it offers exceptional functionality and is perfectly suited for the cashless era.

I had a vague idea about Valextra because a senior colleague I used to work with used it, but I never imagined that I would end up using it myself 20 years after first learning about it, so I decided to write an article about it.

Shop

The Valextra Zip Purse 12 Card featured in this article was purchased at the Valextra store in the Hankyu Men’s Building in Yurakucho.The Hankyu Men’s Store offers a better shopping experience than the flagship store, as the products are easier to view and try on, allowing you to explore a wide range of items. The Valextra staff are extremely friendly and provide detailed explanations while showing you various products. Even if an item is not displayed in the show window, they have it in stock, so you can request specific products or colours to find the perfect match for you.

The actual products are even better than the photos on the online shop, with a nice texture and just the right softness. Every item feels very well-made when you hold it in your hands. The bags and other leather goods are also very well-designed, with great functionality and texture, making this a brand that is highly recommended for those who want leather products with high craftsmanship. The dyeing technique is also excellent, resulting in leather products with beautiful colours. The product lineup is enjoyable for both men and women, so why not take a look with your wife on the weekend?

Valextra Online Store

2025-07-15
iPhone16 Pro

Although there have been improvements in performance and functionality, I feel that this is a prototype of the next-generation iPhone designed to meet the demands of the AI era.

iPhone16 Pro

iPhone

Smartphones have continued to evolve, and even the iPhone, which I used to upgrade every two years, has been in use for five years without feeling the need for an upgrade since switching to the iPhone 11 Pro Max. After five years of use, with some battery degradation and the end of the iOS update cycle, I decided to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro this year.

Although there have been improvements in performance and functionality, there is nothing particularly innovative compared to previous models. This is because smartphones have reached a stage of stability in terms of performance, and although there are definite improvements every year, the changes are only slight in terms of user experience.

In terms of usability, I feel the improved responsiveness, battery life, camera and image/video performance, and personally, the speed of iCloud synchronisation and the optimised Wi-Fi and 5G connection speeds definitely make me feel like I’ve experienced five years of evolution.

Having upgraded my device for the first time in five years, I can definitely feel the improvements in responsiveness and other hardware aspects. If you are currently using an iPhone 14 or earlier model and are considering upgrading for overall performance improvements, I would recommend this model.

However, the price of high-performance smartphones has been rising rapidly in recent years, with models exceeding 200,000 yen now available. Therefore, we recommend this model to those who are satisfied with the overall performance and price.

If you are using a model from the 12 series or later and are considering an upgrade, it may be better to wait and see how Apple Intelligence develops in the future. If you are using a model from the 12 series or later, you may not feel a significant difference in performance, so there is no urgent need to purchase immediately.

Purpose of smartphone use

I use my smartphone for a variety of purposes, including Apple’s native apps, communication tools such as email, SMS, and messenger apps, business tools such as Asana and Trello, schedule management using to-do apps like Things, household budget apps and banking apps, text editors like Bear, tech tools like Terminus, and music apps like Deezer.

I use a Macbook as my PC, so the ability to synchronise data across devices using iCloud is a major factor in my decision to use an iPhone, as it allows me to access my data and IT environment even when I am away from home.

As an aside, when using a smartphone, people are often surprised that I use flick input for text entry. Few people my age use flick input, so it surprises them, but I found that using flick input is similar to touch typing on a computer keyboard, so it became second nature to me. One of the advantages of flick input is that it is easy to use with one hand.

I used voice input a little when I had an iPhone X, but I hardly use it now. Voice input is useful on my Apple Watch, but only for simple words, and I occasionally use it to reply to notifications on messenger apps.

When I first used the voice call feature on my Apple Watch, I was reminded of a scene from a children’s special effects programme I watched on TV when I was a child. In the programme, the main character gave commands to Giant Robot by saying, ‘Fly, Giant Robot!’ into his watch. When I used the voice call feature on my Apple Watch, I was moved by the fact that the technology I had imagined as something used by humans in the future in a children’s programme on TV had become a reality right before my eyes.

Convenient Magsafe

While MagSafe charging has been supported as a charging method for iPhone 12 and later models, this is my first time using MagSafe charging as I previously used an iPhone 11 Pro Max. I am currently charging my iPhone 16 Pro using MagSafe charging, and by using a 35W charging adapter, the charging speed has significantly improved.

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone16 Pro & Magsafe

iPhone16 Pro & Magsafe

One of the advantages of MagSafe is that the charger attaches securely to the charging space using magnetism, so you can simply place it down to charge, eliminating the occasional problem of poor placement preventing proper charging.

iPhone Pro and Pro Max

The reason I upgraded from the previous Pro Max model to the Pro is that the Pro Max was difficult to operate with one hand due to the size of my hands. With the Pro, although not everything can be operated with one hand, it is possible to do so to some extent, resulting in an improved user experience.

Before the 11 Pro Max, I used the iPhone X, which was easy to use in terms of size, but I wanted to try the large screen of the Pro Max, so I switched to the 11 Pro Max. However, after using it for five years, I realised that the Pro Max was a bit too large for me, so this time I opted for the Pro.

The difference between the previous models, the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, was that only the Pro Max had a telephoto lens and optical lens, and there was a difference in battery life. However, in the 16 series, there is no difference in the optical lenses between the Pro and Pro Max. The battery life is still better in the larger Pro Max.

iPhone 16 and iPhone16 Pro

In terms of performance, there are differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, but considering actual use, the 16 is sufficient. The main reason I chose the 16 Pro is its titanium body, as I prioritised the feel in my hand when holding it. Although there is a price difference, considering the expected usage period, I felt the price difference was not significant, so I opted for the model with my preferred texture.

The differences between the models include the external structure (titanium vs. aluminium), the protective glass used on the back, the USB-C port (USB 2 vs. USB 3), the A18 chip (Pro vs. standard), the number of GPU cores (5 vs. 6), the availability of an always-on display, the presence or absence of wide-angle and telephoto lenses, and the difference in macro image quality. Additionally, there are differences in the video recording capabilities when compared side by side.

The structural differences are significant, and since they cannot be replaced later, we have chosen the Pro model made of titanium. Personally, I do not frequently take photos or videos with my smartphone, so this is not a priority for me. However, I believe the difference in photo and video quality would be significant for those who frequently post on social media.

Although it is a modest feature, the always-on display consumes almost no battery power and displays the time.

The difference between the 16 and 16 Pro is for those who frequently take photos and videos on their smartphones and want to make a difference in quality. In particular, the difference in the availability of telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses will result in differences in what can be photographed and the quality of the photos.

Differences in chips and GPUs are also definitely reflected in the feel of the controls.

The iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and later models are designed with the use of Apple Intelligence in mind, but since Japanese language support is not yet available, the extent to which users will benefit from this feature remains unknown.

In conclusion, I feel that those who want to do various things on their smartphones or frequently use them and want to do various things will be more satisfied with the Pro.

Pages: 1 2

2025-06-30
S-Works Tarmac SL8
About Specialized’s flagship S-Works Tarmac SL8 racing bike

S-Works SL8

Introduction

I’ve been neglecting my blog since I stopped having time to go out for photos due to changes in my living environment, but I have some articles I’ve been wanting to introduce, so I’m thinking of finding some time to gradually introduce them.

This time, I’d like to introduce the S-Works Tarmac SL8, which I switched to from the Specialized Tarmac SL7 I introduced last summer. Ideally, I would have liked to introduce it together with cycle wear, cycling shoes, helmets, etc., after getting a bit more use out of it, but due to the fact that I haven’t had time to take photos, the photos are just of the bike.

I made the switch from the Specialized Tarmac SL7 to the S-Works Tarmac SL8 in August 2023
The main photos in this article are from when I took the bike out for a short ride in August 2023.

Specialized road bike

Specialized products are made up of a combination of complete bicycles and frames, with the parts you want to use selected and assembled. The SL8 I bought was a complete bicycle assembled with a frame of my choice. However, as the parts that Specialized assembles into complete bicycles are assembled with a frame of your choice, it is a semi-component structure that is similar to a complete bicycle.

When I bought it, I had a choice of Shimano or SRAM components, and there were different frame colours available for the complete bike and the frame only, so I bought the complete bike because I liked the colour of the frame.

Originally, road bikes are more strongly associated with training gear than as a general hobby, and are used in a different way to how road bike enthusiasts use them, such as for touring rides with friends or for competitions. The reason I chose white is that I often ride at night on national roads in rural areas where there are few cars, and I chose the colour white marble with a glossy finish because I thought it would be highly visible even on dark roads.

The purpose of the purchase was to take on the challenge of a triathlon.

Originally, S-Works road bikes are not intended for use by people like me, but rather for competitive cyclists. Specialized road bikes are already quite high-performance bikes, and while there are aspects that are over-specced for my own use, the reason I bought the latest high-performance S-Works SL8 model was because I decided to try my hand at triathlon.

Triathlons are divided into classes, and the class I was going to try was called the Olympic Distance, which is made up of three events:
- swimming (1.5km)
- cycling (40km)
- running (10km)
The reason I decided to take on the challenge of triathlon was that I was already doing two of the three disciplines of triathlon on a daily basis, doing light running of around 7km or 12km when I had the time, and riding my road bike for distances of around 30km or 70km when I had the time, so I thought that if there was a swimming event here, I could take part in a triathlon and complete it.

There are also special TT bikes for triathlon, but I didn’t think about it that seriously, and I thought it would be difficult to ride it for training on a regular basis, as it would be dedicated to competition use only, and the timing of my interest in triathlons coincided with the announcement of the SL8, so I received advice from the shop where I bought the SL7 and Divage that the SL8 would be easier to use for the purpose of completing an Olympic distance, and that the SL8 would be better suited to triathlon use than the SL7, as it would cause less fatigue for the same distance. (I think there are different options for people like me who are approaching middle age and are aiming to participate in middle-distance or long-distance triathlons, rather than just completing a short-distance triathlon.

In reality, since I bought the bike, I haven’t had much time for either my work or my personal life, so I’ve had to put my triathlon plans on hold for the time being, and I haven’t had time to go running or ride my road bike either.

I am writing this article with the hope that I will be able to maintain my motivation and goal of eventually challenging myself to an Olympic-distance triathlon, by resuming light running and riding when I have more time.

The S-Works Tarmac SL8 is the latest racing bike from Specialized, and I had high expectations for its aerodynamic performance based on the Venge of the past, but when the product was announced, the aerodynamic concept was not what was expected, and there were mixed reviews, so I thought that people might be interested but wonder how it really is (that’s just my own imagination), and I thought that I could write about that in an article, even though I’ve only been able to ride it a little since I actually bought it, because it’s a good road bike.

About the S-Works Tarmac SL8

I think the easiest way to understand the difference between Specialized and S-Works is to think of Specialized as a manufacturer that originally produces high-performance road bikes and MTBs, and then sells professional models used in races etc. under the separate S-Works brand.

The relationship between Specialized and S-Works is easiest to understand if you compare it to a German car manufacturer, and it is like the separate brands that sell GT-class racing cars developed for racing by the manufacturer’s works team, such as M for BMW, RS for Audi, and AMG for Mercedes-Benz. The difference between cars and bicycles is that cars cannot be driven on public roads as racing cars, so they are sold as commercial vehicles in a state that allows them to be driven on public roads, and so they are different from actual racing cars. Bicycles are sold as they are, so even amateurs can buy the same road bikes as those ridden by professionals in the Tour de France.

I would like to briefly touch on the differences between the Specialized Tarmac SL7 and the S-Works Tarmac SL8, and whether it is worth changing bikes based on my own experience of changing bikes.

When the S-Works Tarmac SL8 was announced, it became a topic of conversation, for better or for worse, but regardless of road bikes, the evolution of modern technology is incredible, and when it comes to whether you can actually feel the difference, the answer is both yes and no. It’s a bit like the situation of whether you need to buy the latest model of an iPhone or something similar, and in the end, the conclusion is whether the person using it thinks they need that performance and want it.

There is also an evolution from the SL7 to the latest SL8, but the difference between Specialized and S-Works is also significant, so I will briefly touch on this.

As this blog is not dedicated to road bikes, I hope that even those who are not familiar with road bikes will be able to get some kind of idea from it.

The difference between Specialized and S-Works
- Frame: Both Specialized and S-Works are made of carbon, but S-Works is of a higher grade (lighter and stronger, etc.)
- Components (gears, chains, brakes, etc.): Both Specialized and S-Works are made of Shimano electric components, but Specialized is of a higher grade called Ultegra, and S-Works is of a higher grade called Dura-Ace. The difference between the two is in the lightness and feel of operation, and Dura-Ace has a function called a power meter that measures your riding ability (your leg strength). (SRAM is the same.)
- Handlebars: Both the Specialized and S-Works models are made of carbon and have aerodynamic features, which is a recent trend. The handlebars used on the SL8 are lighter and have better aerodynamic performance.
- Seat post: Both the Specialized and S-Works models are made of carbon and have aerodynamic features, which is a recent trend. The seat post used on the SL8 is lighter and has better aerodynamic performance. (The seatpost that can be used differs between the 52 and 54 sizes, but the battery for the electronic shifters interferes with the seatpost, so the seatpost size needs to be carefully matched.
- Seat Both the Specialized and S-Works models are made of carbon, and the seat used on the SL8 is lighter.
- Wheels In line with the current trend for road bikes, the wheels are made of carbon with deep rims and disc brakes that are aerodynamic. The wheels used on the SL8 are also lighter and have better aerodynamic performance.
- Tyres: Specialized recommends clincher tyres (with tubes) for their road bikes, although they are tubeless-ready and have been designed with maintenance in mind, so we have fitted clincher tyres. (Tubeless tyres have their advantages, such as the ability to be regularly filled with sealant, but they are also more difficult to maintain, so they are not suitable for amateur cyclists who only ride occasionally. ) The tyres fitted to the Specialized and S-Works bikes are also of different grades. The tyres fitted to the S-Works bikes are also higher-performance and lighter.
The accumulation of the slight differences mentioned above results in differences in weight and aerodynamic performance, and the benefits of this numerical difference in weight and aerodynamic performance can be seen when you compare the two cars. As well as speed, you can also feel the difference in physical precision and experience the difference in mechanical accuracy, so you can feel the difference when you compare the two cars.

The difference between components is when you buy a ready-made road bike, or you can buy the frame and put together the components and parts yourself, so for some people the only difference is the frame.

The difference in the parts used and their grade is what makes the difference in price. (It’s a shame that the price has risen so much due to the sudden depreciation of the yen recently.)

Pages: 1 2 3 4
2025-06-14
Hat and Cap

On the hats I always wear

Hat and Cap

Introduction.

As I mentioned in another article, hats are a very useful item for me, as I am a lazy person by nature, my hair is always in a state of dishevelled sleep and I don’t even look in the mirror from the moment I wake up until I go to bed. In this article, I would like to introduce my favourite hats.

Bucket hats

I love bucket hats and have several. In summer, I often use Ten-C nylon fabric and Borsalino denim fabric. Straw hats are also good in summer, but bucket hats are very easy to use because you can fold them up and put them in your bag when they get in the way. Because of its volume, it is good to match it with a jacket, but it is also a convenient hat that looks great with a T-shirt or polo.

Brunello Cucinelli Slim Fit T-shirt and Borsalino

Schiesser Revival Karl-heinz and Ten-C

Caskets and berets

Caskets and berets are also a favourite and often worn. Caskets and berets have a classic image and look like winter items, but considering the fabric, they are also useful in summer. They are usually worn with jackets, but they are also useful items that look good with just a T-shirt.

Brunello Cucinelli Slim Fit T-Shirt and The SKILLED WORKERS

Baseball caps

Baseball caps are enjoyed in a casual style. In summer I wear it with just a T-shirt, but if I wear it with a shirt, it gives a strong American image and makes it easy to create the American casual style that I love. Surprisingly, it is also recommended to wear it with a tailored jacket, as it gives a good casual feel without being too stiff.

Cord’s 50’s and Fresh Service

Conclusion.

I originally wore hats because I was lazy and it was a hassle to do my hair, but once you start using different things and always wearing them, you naturally develop a kind of style. Hats are not formal, so they are useful when you want to change your casual style, so if you are interested, try them out and you will discover something new and interesting.

2024-05-21
Apple Watch

It is not only a clock, but is also packed with various functions. A useful tool to keep track of your physical condition.

Apple Watch Ultra

Watch-type device useful for health management

The Apple Watch is useful not only for its watch function, but also because it allows me to see my physical figures. In today’s IT-driven society, you don’t need a watch if you have a smartphone to keep accurate track of time, but I am an old-fashioned person and I just can’t get out of the habit of looking at my watch. I use mechanical watches with the same feeling.

The Apple Watch is also used as a wristwatch, as it provides information on calorie consumption, cardiorespiratory function and so on, but it is also useful for keeping track of my physical condition.

I am not physically fit because my own exercise is very light, but I have a habit of light running, and if my cardiopulmonary function is normal or higher than normal, my body is light and I feel good, so I look at the data called Vo2max. It is the maximum amount of oxygen that the body can consume during exercise, and is a value that indicates aerobic exercise and endurance. The actual measurement is done with a special device that applies a load to the body over a certain period of time, but the Apple Watch gives you a simple measurement, so you can get a rough idea of the value.

My figure of about 45 is based on a light running schedule of 6 or 7 km mixed with walking, which the Apple Watch measures during that light running, so it is not as high as the figures for serious runners or cyclists, but it is higher than the average figure for people in their 50s.

Cardiopulmonary function of the Apple Watch (Vo2max)

The reason why I am aware of my Vo2max is because I am in my 50s and my body feels heavy and my head also feels heavy, but light exercise improves blood circulation and oxygenation throughout the body, so my body and head no longer feel heavy and I feel light and fit. In order to maintain this state, I continue with light running and try to keep track of my Vo2max at that time. I feel that this function alone is worth using the Apple Watch, and I use it every day.

The Apple Watch has a very wide variety of functions, and there are other useful functions, but the functions I mainly use at the moment are this function to keep track of my physical condition, which is called healthcare, and the function to record my daily calorie consumption and physical activity, which is called fitness. I use them.

My Apple Watch is the Apple Watch Ultra, which has a variety of functions, but the biggest reason I chose this watch is that the dial is large and I can manage to see it even with my presbyopia without reading glasses during exercise.

I also use an Apple iPhone, so I have a high affinity with it, and the fact that I can use it immediately after purchasing it without any problems is also a major reason.

If I wanted to get more serious about running or cycling, I could consider a smartwatch such as Garmin, but if I enjoy running or cycling for health maintenance and the feeling of light exercise, as I do, the Apple Watch is more than enough to get the data I need, so I am very satisfied with it. I am very satisfied with it.

I don’t think it will be very useful for you because I am talking about my level of light exercise, but if you want to exercise lightly from now on, I highly recommend this model.

When you exercise, if you feel the effects of taking data on a daily basis, it will last longer. It is quite a tedious task, but with the recent advances in IT technology, the device does it all, so why not use the device well and keep your body in good condition? Even 30 minutes a day of walking a little faster is more effective than doing nothing.

2024-05-17
Boncoura Buggy Short Pants Denim black
Black denim baggy shorts.

Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Introduction.

Boncoura was introduced in 66Model, but the products they offer include many items that will hit the spot if you like vintage clothing. It is a brand that I love, characterised by the quality of the workmanship that goes down to the smallest detail. This time we will introduce the Buggy Short Pants Denim black, which are made from black denim (yarn-dyed) baggy trousers that have been cut and finished into shorts.

Trousers that are unlikely to be found, but that I would like to have

Boncoura’s product range includes many products that can be enjoyed aging after purchase, with a modern interpretation of vintage clothing as a motif, especially jeans, which I love and use, including their good quality. My basic jeans are blue jeans, but sometimes I want to wear black jeans, and since last year, I have been looking for a variety of jeans. The Buggy Short Pants Denim black introduced this time are well made and the yarn-dyed black denim fabric is wonderful and the colour is exquisite, I thought the baggy pants might be a bit thick, but since I wear them in summer, a bit thicker is cooler and very comfortable when I wear them. They have only been washed twice since rigid, so there is no fading, but I would like to enjoy wearing them and ageing them well from now on.

I have a pair of straight, cinch-back blue denim shorts that I’d like to introduce in a separate article.

Wearing example.

Boncoura Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Boncoura Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Boncoura Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Boncoura Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Boncoura Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Boncoura Buggy Short Pants Denim black

Details.
1. Attention to the origin of the raw cotton, blending, twisting and other aspects of the spinning process.
2. Unlike most coloured denim, the warp yarns are medium white, so you can enjoy the effect of the warp as it ages.
3. The weaving is done on an old-style BONCOURA special specification power loom, and all the processes from the fabric part are made with uncompromising care and attention to detail.
4. Stitches are made with all cotton threads.
5. Sewing with different colours and counts depending on the part.
6. Leather patches are made from raw hides and specially tanned deerskin patches.
7. Pockets are made of BONCOURA’s original broken herringbone slacks.
8. Vintage typewriter stamps on the slacks and waist label.
9. All parts such as buttons and rivets are made from materials with our original logo.
10. All the parts themselves can enjoy ageing as they are worn.
11. Size 28inch.
12. Waist 76 cm Hip 113 cm Inseam 28 cm Inseam 26.5 cm
13. Levi’s 501 1995 model cut-offs
14. Paper patch
15. Small e red tag
16. Waist measurement 32inch Length 32inch *Actual size 30inch
17. Indigo colour moderately faded
Combinations.
- T-shirt : gicipi GRANCHIO size 3
- Denim : Buggy Short Pants Denim black
- Hat : Borsalino
- Watch : Rolex Sub Mariner 1680(1972)
- Sunglasses : Ray-ban WAYFARER 90’s(BAUSCH+LAMB)
- Belts : The Real Mccoy’s
- Shoes : New Balance 1700
Conclusion.

Shorts cut from Levi’s 501s are my summer staple, but while they are black denim yarn-dyed, tucked baggy and hard to find shorts, they are very easy to wear and have a good colour and construction Boncoura’s Buggy Short Pants Denim The black colour has not been worn in much yet, but I am looking forward to the process of ageing from the new black to grey in the future. The lining like blue jeans is also an accent when the hem is lightly rolled up, while the silhouette is a little loose, and you can also enjoy wearing them around. As it is a black denim rigid, white T-shirts and the like have colour migration, so I match them with brown T-shirts that are a little loose-fitting. The combination of black and brown is also a good colour scheme and I enjoy this colour combination in sportswear.

Shop

The Boncoura Buggy Short Pants Denim black introduced this time are purchased at Post78.
Post78 is a shop that handles many high-quality, long-lasting items that the owner, who loves clothes, is particular about, and I often shop here. I also enjoy discussing fashion with the owner, who loves clothes, when I shop there.

Post78

“Post78” Global shipping is not supported. Come to the shop when you come to Japan.
2024-05-13
Cut-off Denim Levi’s 501 90s
A classic pair of jeans to wear in summer.

Levi’s 501 90s paper patch residue

Levi’s 501 90s No. 524 on the back of the front button.

Levi’s 501 90s

Introduction.

Cut-off denim is an essential part of my summer staple. I have especially loved Levi’s 501 cut-offs for many years. Shops that deal in second-hand clothes also stock them from early spring to summer, and many of them are reasonably priced, so I tend to buy them when I find ones that fit my size. This time we will introduce shorts cut from Levi’s 501s.

501s from the 90s

I have two pairs of 501s cut-off denim, both of which I bought cut-off, both of which are 90s models. 90s 501s are used rather than vintage, and are naturally sold for less money than new. They have no vintage value, but they are Levi’s 501s in make, silhouette and detailing. However, unlike earlier 501s, the ones that were washed and faded considerably at the point of sale were sold new, so used versions of such models are lined up in second-hand clothing stores. When I was a child, my mother used to cut off my jeans and wear them for summer instead of discarding them when they became old and damaged, so I am familiar with the extension of this custom and wear cut-off jeans in the summer.

The cut-off 501 which is introduced this time is commonly called 524, and it becomes the model in which the No. dug in the back of the front button is 524, and is called a red ear. It becomes a model made in 1995 because there is a notation of 524 0995 in the product tag of the front left pocket back. The patch is still there, so the size is marked as waist 32inch length 32inch, but the actual size of the waist has shrunk to about 30inch, because it has been washed in a dryer or something.

Levi’s in the 90s were usually jeans (I dare to describe them as jeans…) when I was young. I love not only cut-offs, but also 90s washed jeans and deadstock rigid 505s.

Even with the cut-offs, the style is exactly 501 and the waist and buttocks line up nicely. I wear them in the summer, so I often wear them with a T-shirt or polo shirt. I don’t worry too much about fading or deterioration, and when I sweat, I usually wash them and wear them, enjoying them as a summer staple.

Wearing example.

Cut-off denim Levi’s 501 90s Schiesser Revival Karl-heinz

Cut-off denim Levi’s 501 90s Schiesser Revival Karl-heinz

Cut-off denim Levi’s 501 90s The fading is just right.

Cut-off denim Levi’s 501 90s

Cut-off denim Levi’s 501 90s 501-like clean silhouette

Details.
1. Levi’s 501 1995 model cut-offs
2. Paper patch
3. Small e red tag
4. Waist measurement 32inch Length 32inch *Actual size 30inch
5. Indigo colour moderately faded
Combinations.
- T-shirt : Schiesser Revival Karl-heinz White
- Denim : Levi’s 501 1995 model
- Hat : Borsalino
- Watch : Rolex Sub Mariner 1680(1972)
- Sunglasses : TOM FORD
- Belt : The Real Mccoy’s
- Shoes : New Balance 1700
Conclusion.

As shorts to wear in summer, I use my long-standing favourite 501 cut-offs, 90s 501s cut-offs, which are moderately priced and moderately faded, so I wash them normally when I sweat and enjoy wearing them normally in summer when I sweat. I wear them basically with just a T-shirt or polo shirt, but they also work beautifully with button-down shirts and other summer tops. I like to wear a size that fits me, but I can also wear a larger size on the waist and still look cool, so it’s a good thing that I don’t have too much trouble finding something that fits.

Shop

The Cut-off denim Levi’s 501 90s introduced this time were purchased at Post78.
Post78 is a shop that handles many high-quality, long-lasting items that the owner, who loves clothes, is particular about, and I often shop here. I also enjoy discussing fashion with the owner, who loves clothes, when I shop there.

Post78

“Post78” Global shipping is not supported. Come to the shop when you come to Japan.
2024-05-10
Bicycle and Leica M

Trying to take a selfie with a Leica M for a road bike article.

Specialized Diverge

Introduction.

I have always loved vehicles and I love riding my bike. I wanted to write articles about road biking for this media outlet, but it didn’t happen because I take selfies, so I had to use a tripod and carry a set of SLRs, but I tried using a small tripod and a Leica M, which is smaller than an SLR, and it seemed like a good idea, so I decided to start shooting and loose road I’m hoping to start an article on photography and loose road biking.

This article will be a simple explanation of how to shoot. I hope to write more about the details of the road bike, related goods and places I visited in the near future.

Photography process

I have decided to do all the work for this media as much as possible by myself, so I also set up a tripod and take my own photos. Most of the other articles are shot on rural beaches, so I load my equipment into my car and park it in a car park near the beach. Since I consider my equipment to be transported by car, I use a No. 3 carbon tripod and a Leica SL2-S camera, as explained in other articles, and I use the Leica Photos app to check composition, focus and exposure on my smartphone, then release the shutter and take the selfies. This photographic equipment is very easy to use for taking the photos used in this medium and I am satisfied with the quality of the photos.

The tripod is large because I am thinking of travelling by car and the Leica SL2-S is not that large, but I thought it would be impossible to think of shooting while carrying this equipment on a road bike and I wanted to create an article about road biking but it never happened.

I originally used Leica cameras, both digital and film, and currently own three digital M models: a Leica MD (262), a Leica Monochrom (early model) and a Leica M10R. Of these three, the Leica M10R is compatible with the Leica Photos app used with the Leica SL2-S, so I decided to use the Leica M10R this time and use a small carbon tripod (No. 1) to move my road bike and take some selfies. I wanted to start a little earlier, but the fact that the rangefinder of the Leica M10R was out of order and I had asked for its adjustment, and the Apo-Summicron M35/2 I had asked for came in my hand.

Leica M10R Apo-summicron 35/2

Leica M10R Apo-summicron 35/2

It’s not a very good photo, but I took it anyway.

I have two road bikes: the road bike I use in Tokyo is a Specialized Diverge gravel road bike and the road bike I use in the countryside is a Specialized Tarmac road bike.

The Specialized Diverge is used for longer journeys in Tokyo and I also enjoy riding the Specialized Tarmac in the countryside, but when I have time at night, I put on my binding shoes and cycle clothes and go for longer rides as training. I ride a little longer distances. I chose to ride on the road in the countryside because at night, when the roads are empty and there are few traffic lights, I can ride at my own pace and it is easier to ride like a training rider. When I have time, I ride a distance of around 70 km.

I wanted to shoot Specialized Diverge in a place without any buildings around, such as a park or a beach, but due to the time constraints, the shooting day was a holiday and there were many people around, so I thought of a place where I wouldn’t be bothered by people setting up tripods and taking photos of bicycles. The road is currently under construction and no cars are allowed to enter, so we are shooting in an environment that is similar to a construction site.

We are currently filming on a road that is under construction and is closed to cars, so we are filming in an environment that is similar to a construction site.

The Specialized Tarmac was also taken in the evening when I was able to ride the bike, so I couldn’t go out far, so I took photos at the nearby sea.

The M Leica is manual focus and the focus ring on the lens needs to be moved to show the focus peak on the Leica Photos screen on the smartphone, so to set up the tripod and take a selfie with the bike, I can’t check the focus and I can’t adjust the focus. You need to move to the focus position.

I have a general sense of depth of field, so I take photos thinking that if I stand in this area, it will be OK, but when I get close or, conversely, a little further away, the distance indication on the lens is also rough, so the photo ends up out of focus. We hope to establish a shooting method for this area in the near future.

I would like to introduce the detailed specifications and equipment of each road bike in another article.

The road bike I am riding in Tokyo is a Specialized Diverge EXPERT CARBON gravel road bike with wider tyres (42 mm) and suspension than normal road bikes, with a SRAM single front 12-speed component. It is a road bike with specifications that allow it to be ridden not only on ordinary roads, but also on rough roads. I often go out with my wife on holidays and use it as a slightly longer means of transport, often parked and walking, so I don’t use binding pedals, and when I ride I often have the opportunity to ride in sportswear that is comfortable even if I sweat, rather than a cycle jersey.

Specialized Diverge　Leica M10R Apo-Summicron M35/2

Specialized Diverge　Leica M10R Apo-Summicron M35/2

Rab and Wonder Inov8 Leica M10R Apo-Summicron M35/2

The road bike we ride in the countryside is a Specialized Tarmac SL7 EXPERT carbon frame bike, a real road bike with SHIMANO ULTEGRA DI2 electric components and disc brakes. I also have binding pedals, but as I use them during the day for transport, I ride during the day in normal sneakers and sweaty clothes like Patagonia instead of cyclewear, and when I have time at night, I put on my binding shoes and cyclewear and ride longer distances as a training ride.

Specialized Tarmac Leica M10R Apo-Summicron M35/2

Specialized Tarmac Leica M10R Apo-Summicron M35/2

Specialized Tarmac Leica M10R Apo-Summicron M35/2

The tripod is fixed to the frame with Velcro. (GITZO No. 1, 4-section)

The tripod is fixed to the frame with Velcro. (GITZO No. 1, 4-section)

Conclusion.

This time, for the first time, I tried taking selfies with an M Leica and a tripod, but I haven’t been able to keep up with the pace, and because I do things as soon as I have an idea, and I shoot in my spare time, I haven’t been able to take very good photos, including of the shooting location. I would like to make time in the future to take more proper photos. I love riding my road bike, but I am not a competitive rider, so I enjoy it in a much looser way than most road bike riders. In the future, articles will mainly be about simple equipment, gear and useful items, clothing, and places I’ve visited where I’ve enjoyed the scenery, but I hope you’ll be interested in reading them.

2024-05-07
Jeans silhouette

Consider the silhouette of jeans.

The silhouette of a pair of jeans

Jeans come in all shapes and sizes, but I will examine the silhouettes of my jeans by looking at photos to see what the silhouettes of my jeans look like when worn.

Straight.

Straight jeans that are not very tapered, Levi’s 501XX and Lee 101Z fall into this category.

Levi’s501XX 54’s

Lee 101Z 50’s

Levi’s501XX 55’s

Levi’s 501XX 54’s, Lee 101Z 50’s and Levi’s 501XX 55’s are orthodox straight jeans. The three photos are shown here. Although it may be difficult to tell from the three photos above, they are not narrower than other jeans and have a wider hem than other jeans. Compared to the slim jeans described below, the overall silhouette is more of a box silhouette, with a ‘rectangular’ image from the shoulder to the leg.

Straight (tapered line)

Compared to the above straight jeans, the hem width is slightly narrower and the silhouette tapers towards the hem. 502, Ciota and Boncoura 66 fall into this category.

Levi’s 502 60’s

Ciota

Boncoura66

Levi’s 502 60’s, Ciota and Boncoura 66 jeans are straight (tapered line). Compared to the above straight, the hem width is slightly narrower and the silhouette is cleaner. The 502 is a pair of jeans made in this line, and the Ciota and Boncoura 66 are also made in this line. If the straight line of the XX and 101 was a “rectangle”, the tapered line was a rectangle shaped like a “trapezoid with a narrower bottom”. The image is like a “trapezoid with a narrower lower part”.

Straight (tapered line) variant

Basically a tapered line of straight jeans, but with a thicker leg and a slightly different silhouette, such as the TENDER Co.130 UNBORN. The image is of jeans from the period before the 501XX, when they were used for workwear.

TENDER Co.130 UNBORN.

The basic silhouette is similar to the straight jeans above, but they are made thicker, the waist is narrowed and from the hips to the hem, they are thicker than normal straight jeans. The overall silhouette gives the impression of volume at the bottom, but it is not extreme, more like the image of work clothes from the end of the 19th century than a fashionable silhouette. From the shoulders to the feet, it looks like “two trapezoids with a narrow bottom”.

Slim-fit

I originally like straight jeans, so I don’t have many Italian-style slim tapered jeans, and this is a style I have recently started wearing. The silhouette narrows down towards the leg, so it looks like a sharper version of the above TENDER style, with a loose inverted triangle that bulges out at the waist, so it looks like the narrow bottom part of a style with two narrow trapezoids at the bottom has been sharpened.

Slim fit comfort denim : Brunello Cucinelli

I originally like straight jeans, so I don’t have many Italian-style slim tapered jeans, and this is a style I have recently started wearing. The silhouette narrows down towards the leg, so it looks like a sharper version of the above TENDER style, with a loose inverted triangle that bulges out at the waist, so it looks like the narrow bottom part of a style with two narrow trapezoids at the bottom has been sharpened.

Conclusion.

We have considered how the silhouette looks when worn based on four broad shapes: straight, straight tapered, old-style jeans style and slim tapered.

Straight is rectangular and voluminous all the way down to the leg, giving it a hard, masculine silhouette and a classic American style fashion. It is a universal silhouette, and regardless of when it goes out of fashion, it is the image of a classic silhouette that never looks old-fashioned. I myself have been familiar with this style for many years and feel that it is the most comfortable style to wear with jeans that have not faded and a slightly longer length with heeled shoes.

The straight tapered line is also a style I have been familiar with for many years, as is the straight line. Compared to straight jeans, they have a sleeker silhouette, so a casual style with trainers feels right. The colour of the jeans can be easily matched, from rigid dark blue to those with advanced fading, and no matter what jeans you choose, they are easy to match and you can choose the clothes and shoes you want to wear with them. Shorter lengths are more comfortable as a style than straight jeans, so while straight jeans are longer than 32inch, tapered jeans are shorter than 32inch or 30inch, and can be worn with trainers or other shoes with a low heel. They are matched with shoes without a high heel, such as sneakers.

Jeans like TENDER Co.130 UNBORN, which are straight but more like old-fashioned workwear, have more volume at the bottom, so you can make the most of the interesting details by tucking in a T-shirt or something, and the silhouette comes together nicely. I myself only own one pair of TENDER Co.130 UNBORN jeans, and they are a dark blue rigid pair, so I feel at home in them, but the impression may change as the colour fades and becomes a little more blue. I would like to continue to enjoy these jeans in various ways, as they are interesting jeans that give you a different world view when worn with the image of good old-fashioned work clothes.

The slim tapered jeans from Brunello Cucinelli have a silhouette with a strong Italian fashion colour, so naturally the matching tops and shoes from the same Brunello Cucinelli brand fit best. Compared to the rugged image of straight jeans, these are stylish, fashion-conscious styles that are designed to show off the lines of the body, giving them a more sophisticated styling than straight jeans.

We have summarised and discussed the silhouettes and images of the four types of jeans when worn. If there is an opportunity, I would like to write more detailed articles on the details and combinations.

2024-05-04
LACOSTE Slim Fit Polo Shirts
You’ve probably worn it at least once.

LACOSTE Slim Fit Polo Shirts

Introduction.

Polo shirts are an indispensable item for men’s summer fashion, and I always wear one in the summer.
When it comes to polo shirts, Lacoste and Fred Perry, introduced here, are two of the most popular, but when combined with other items, I often choose plain, plain Lacoste over Fred Perry, which has stripes on the collar.

I enjoy Fred Perry in a slightly more relaxed form, so I hope to be able to introduce this on another occasion. This time, I would like to talk about Lacoste polo shirts.

A classic amongst classics is still good.

A classic amongst classics is still good.

The Lacoste deerstalker polo is so well-known and standard that I don’t need to introduce its merits, but I would like to introduce it here because I have been wearing it for many years.

I choose to wear slim-fit polos, which have a slightly shorter length and are tighter than the regular line, including width and armholes. The regular line is also good, but I choose slim-fit, which has a cleaner body width.

The slim fit is chosen on the basis of the way it is worn with jeans. You can make your choice in this area according to your preference and the style you like.

I like white polo shirts too, so the basic colour is white, but black, red, yellow, or this season, green or brown are also great and can be enjoyed with the outerwear you combine them with.
Because it has a collar, it is basically worn alone, but I also enjoy wearing it as an inner layer of a tailored jacket instead of a shirt, or in combination with outerwear with a collar, such as a work jacket made of the same French moleskin.

The polo shirt has a collar, so it does not become too casual like a T-shirt and does not fall apart when worn alone, which is a good thing about polo shirts. The feel of the deerstalker is good and sturdy, so toughness that does not hurt even after repeated washing is also a feature of Lacoste’s deerstalker polo.

example of wearing

LACOSTE Slim Fit Polo Shirts

LACOSTE Slim Fit Polo Shirts

LACOSTE Slim Fit Polo Shirts

LACOSTE Slim Fit Polo Shirts

LACOSTE Slim Fit Polo Shirts

LACOSTE Slim Fit Polo Shirts

DETAILS.
- 94% cotton, 6% elastane mini piqué fabric
- Slim fit, fitted against the body lines.
- The fabric is moderately soft and slightly thicker, so it is not transparent, even in white.
- Short sleeves with narrow ribbed lantern sleeves.
- Slightly shorter length for a modern, leg-lengthening look.
Combination.
- Slim-fit polo shirt : LACOSTE size S FR3
- Denim : Levi’s 501XX 55Model Waist 29.5inch:Length 30.5inch
- Denim : Levi’s 501 90’s Cut Off Waist 30inch
- Hat : Borsalino
- Watch : Rolex Day Date 1803(1969)
- Watch : Rolex GMT Master 1675(1964)
- Sunglasses : Ray-ban WAYFARER 90’s(BAUSCH+LAMB)
- Belts : White House Cox
Conclusion.

The LACOSTE polo shirt is such a big classic that everyone has probably worn it at least once, but when you wear it, you can enjoy a sophisticated look. This time I have chosen a slim fit instead of the standard regular fit, but it fits the body and the length is exquisite, so I can enjoy it in a slightly sporty style.

Like the 501, the LACOSTE polo shirt is a versatile top that goes with everything, so why not choose your favourite size and colour and try it on? It is a versatile item that you can never have too many of.

Lacoste’s deerstalkers are sturdy and very long-lasting: the deerstalker crew neck I bought 20 years ago has faded a bit, so I use it as loungewear, but it hasn’t sagged at all and is still in working order.

Shop.

The slim-fit polo shirts introduced here were purchased at the LACOSTE Ginza shop. The shop is new and clean, and as soon as you enter the entrance on the ground floor, you can see all the colours of the standard polo shirts on display, so check the actual colours and tell the shop staff the size you want. The staff are young but very polite, so you can shop comfortably.

LACOSTE also offers shopping on its website, so if you know your size, this is also recommended.

LACOSTE official website
2024-05-01