HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition Vol.12 Releases on June 15: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Nautilus and Bond's Aston Martin

Hearst Women's Magazine Society (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Nicola Froquet) announces the release of 'HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition vol.12' on Monday, June 15, 2026. This lifestyle magazine, published by HODINKEE Japan (https://www.hodinkee.jp/), a media brand dedicated to watch enthusiasts and lifestyle culture, offers a rich exploration of horological heritage and luxury living.

The 12th issue features a major special on the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. Through HODINKEE’s popular 'Reference Points' series, the magazine traces the Nautilus’ evolution from the original 1976 Ref.3700/1A to the globally coveted Ref.5711/1A, and previews the upcoming 50th-anniversary model. The issue also highlights the 100th anniversary of Rolex’s Oyster case, trademarked in 1926. It examines how the Oyster’s case architecture, screw-down crown, and its relationship with the Perpetual automatic movement embody Rolex’s philosophy of precision and practicality. Additionally, a lifestyle feature presents a roundtable discussion on the enduring bond between James Bond and Aston Martin. By revisiting iconic Bond cars, the article explores British elegance, danger, and the essence of 'true luxury.'

At a pivotal moment in horological history, marked by technological innovation and luxury as culture, 'HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition vol.12' delves into the rich narratives surrounding watches from multiple perspectives.

COVER MODEL: Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref.3700/1A (standard edition) | COVER MODEL: Aston Martin DBS V12 (special edition)

From the pages of 'HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition vol.12'

The 50-Year Journey of the Nautilus: Beyond the Hype to the Next Chapter

This 'Reference Points' feature traces the Nautilus from its 1976 debut with the Ref.3700/1A, through the mid-size Ref.3800, the iconic Ref.5711/1A, to the 2026 50th-anniversary model. It decodes the design language that defines the Nautilus: the porthole-inspired case, horizontally extended 'ears,' integrated bracelet, and horizontally embossed dial. The article goes beyond the recent frenzy over stainless steel luxury sports watches, focusing on Patek Philippe’s 2026 shift toward precious metal models. It positions the Nautilus not just as a popular timepiece, but as a bridge reconnecting the brand with its inherent elegance and the true value of high watchmaking.

From the pages of 'HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition vol.12'

The Philosophy Within: Rolex’s Oyster Case at 100

Marking 100 years since the 'Oyster' trademark was registered in 1926, this article reinterprets Rolex’s iconic Oyster case not merely as a waterproof housing, but as an invention designed to protect high-precision movements from everyday environments. It explores the Oyster’s development in relation to early hermetic cases, the Submariner, and the Borgel case, and delves into the screw-down crown mechanism that completed its design. The piece also covers the birth of the Perpetual automatic movement, created to solve the practical issue of forgetting to screw down the crown, and traces the evolution of waterproofing from the early 'Bubble Back' Oyster Perpetual to Twinlock and Triplock systems. It charts how Rolex established and continuously refined the standard for practical timepieces.

From the pages of 'HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition vol.12'

Aston Martin and the Bond Cars: Embodying Ultimate Luxury

Aston Martin, famed as James Bond’s car of choice, transcends its role as a mere movie prop. It reflects British elegance, danger, class consciousness, and the aesthetics of luxury. This special feature, held at The Playhouse in Aoyama—known as 'Vulcanize London'—brings together Tsubo Toshiyasu, Fujiwara Yoshio, and Mizutani Tomoharu for a roundtable discussion. They revisit classic Bond cars such as the DB5, V8 Vantage, V12 Vanquish, and DBS V12. The discussion explores why Aston Martin is essential to Bond’s world. Using the rare Casino Royale-spec DBS V12 as a starting point, it examines the deeper appeal of British cars beyond mere glamour and contemplates luxury as 'unnecessary yet essential extravagance.' This feature transcends the boundaries of a watch magazine, revealing the depth of lifestyle that HODINKEE envisions.

■ Additional Contents

・ The Quiet Light Under Cloudy Skies: Watches and Jewelry

・ The Revival of Universal Genève

・ Richard Mille RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer: An Invention to 'Measure Soccer'

・ Reinterpreting 100-Year-Old Designs with Modern Sensibility

・ Measuring Time is Also Living

・ Chanel’s Unique Medium: Ceramic, an Expression Only Possible at Chanel

・ Louis Vuitton’s Current Take on the 'Travel Clock' with Escale

・ The Third Collaboration with Louis Vuitton’s Independent Watchmaker, Walking with a Modern Da Vinci

・ What a Pure-Blood Manufacture Has Cultivated in the Valley of Invention

・ Kobe’s Port Town Culture and KAMINE’s 120-Year Legacy

・ The Time for Panerai’s Revival Has Come

・ Demna Revises the Brand Code

・ Does the Watch Industry Have a Future After Ignoring Three Warnings?

・ Heritage Maisons Rewriting the Definition of Luxury for a New Generation

・ The Creation of Audemars Piguet’s 'RD Series' in the Secret Room of Le Locle

・ A Photographer’s Perception of the Presence of Time Through Oris

■ Product Overview

Title: HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition vol.12

Release Date: Monday, June 15, 2026

Price: ¥3,300 (base price: ¥3,000)

Available at: Bookstores nationwide, online bookstores, ELLE SHOP, Amazon Store

'HODINKEE Japan' was launched in 2019 by Hearst Women's Magazine Society as the first global expansion of the New York-based watch media brand 'HODINKEE.' It inherits HODINKEE’s signature deep-dive articles, refined visuals, and interactive reader engagement, while delivering uniquely Japanese watch content. In 2020, it launched the print magazine 'HODINKEE Magazine Japan Edition,' which has become a beloved title among watch enthusiasts and readers who appreciate sophisticated lifestyles.

【About Hearst Women's Magazine Society】

Hearst Women's Magazine Society is a Japanese subsidiary of Hearst, a global company headquartered in the United States, operating information, service, and media businesses in 40 countries worldwide. Hearst Digital Japan Corporation, established in 2016, is a subsidiary of Hearst Women's Magazine Society focused on expanding digital business.