From Judo to Jewels: How a Chiropractor Found his Calling in Vintage Watches

For many, the path to a dream job is a straight line. But for Matsui Yuuki, now a valued member of the Fire Kids watch team, the journey took a few unexpected turns – from the dojo to the doctor’s office, and to the dazzling world of vintage timepieces.

Yuuki’s story is a testament to the idea that passion can be found in the most unlikely places. His previous career as a judo chiropractor, a role requiring national certification and providing insurance-covered medical treatment, might seem worlds away from horology. Instead of a chiropractor with a major therapist role, he performs treatment. To put it simply,judo chiropractors are those who provide medical treatment covered by insurance, Yuuki explains.

The discipline and dedication required to master judo and chiropractic medicine are undeniable. After three years at a vocational school and passing the national exam, Yuuki spent four years as an apprentice under an experienced teacher, honing his skills. This rigorous training mirrors the meticulous craftsmanship found in the vintage watches he now admires.

However, life had other plans. Circumstances led Yuuki away from chiropractic work, and he found himself exploring other avenues. After that, I worked with a job that had nothing to do with chiropractic treatment, and as soon as I turned 30 I entered the world of clothing that I had been interested in for a while, he recounts.It was during this time, through an encounter with a stylish tailor, that Yuuki’s interest with vintage watches began.

The tailor’s watch sparked a curiosity that quickly grew into a passion. At that time, the tailor I had been using was wearing a nice watch. At that time, I started thinking about what a watch would fit well in a suit style, so I took the plunge and he told me it was a vintage watch from the XX. That’s how I first became aware of vintage watches, Yuuki recalls. This chance encounter is reminiscent of how many collectors begin their journey, often sparked by a single, captivating piece.

Yuuki’s first vintage watch,an Omega Constellation from 1959,ignited a deeper interest in the history and artistry of these timepieces. My first one was Omega’s ‘1959 Constellation. It’s not a 12-sided, it’s a type of playsing dial, and it’s a bit of a dent in the Minute Circle. Then I became interested in the history of watches and started digging deeper. I became more and more into the swamp (laughs), he says, using a self-deprecating term to describe his growing obsession.

This “swamp,” as Yuuki calls it, is a familiar place for many watch enthusiasts. The more you learn, the more you realize there is to discover. From the intricacies of movement design to the historical meaning of different models, the world of vintage watches offers endless opportunities for exploration.

Driven by his newfound passion, Yuuki set his sights on working in a vintage watch shop. After all, if I were to know anything, I wanted to know the essence of it. The ideal store would be a store that only sells vintage watches, so if that were the case, it would only be Fire Kids. So I knocked over the door, he explains. His desire to immerse himself in the world of vintage watches led him to Fire Kids, a company specializing exclusively in vintage timepieces.

Fire Kids’ commitment to vintage watches resonated deeply with Yuuki. For 30 years as its founding, Fire Kids has only been using vintage watches. They don’t have current products or jewelry. I thought that was a good idea. I really felt that they were fighting and sincerely facing vintage watches where there was no escape. I wanted to join that group, he says. This dedication to a specific niche is a hallmark of many triumphant businesses, allowing them to develop deep expertise and build a loyal customer base.

Joining Fire Kids has been a stimulating experience for Yuuki. He appreciates the open communication and strong individuality of his colleagues. I think there are many things that make me think it’s different from my impression, but I never did that. They really do group together without hiding their feelings, and they send out the details to the outside world as well. Also, the staff also have a colour. I guess they have strong individuality. I feel that way, and I also want to become one of these colours, he notes.

While his previous career involved teaching patients about their health, Yuuki finds working with customers in the watch world to be a different kind of rewarding. Chiropractors are just teachers, so they’re fully different in terms of awareness. What’s more,when it comes to knowledge,watches are still a little long ago. But once you’re in store,you’ll learn new things and it’s also stimulating. Fire Kids has many experienced seniors, which is also encouraging, he says. The opportunity to learn from experienced professionals is invaluable,especially in a field as specialized as vintage watches.

The experience of launching a new Ginza store earlier this year has been a significant asset for Yuuki, providing him with hands-on experience in the retail side of the business. This real-world experience is crucial for developing a complete understanding of the vintage watch market.

Yuuki’s journey from judo chiropractor to vintage watch enthusiast is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. His story is an inspiration to anyone considering a career change or looking to explore a new hobby. It also highlights the importance of finding a company that aligns with your values and provides opportunities for growth.

Further inquiry: For U.S. sports fans interested in vintage watches, exploring the connection between specific brands and iconic athletes coudl be a compelling area of research. For example, Rolex has long been associated with golf legends like Arnold palmer and Jack Nicklaus, while Omega has a strong presence in the world of the Olympics. Investigating these connections could provide a unique outlook on the history and appeal of vintage timepieces.