When Shotaro Ishinomori designed Kamen Rider 1, a transformation belt was the coolest gizmo. Fast forward to today’s minimalist world, and it would probably make more sense for Takeshi Hongo’s transformation gizmo to be something handier—like, you know, a wristwatch. Thankfully, fans of the franchise, specifically the OG Kamen Rider, can help Hongo realize that with the Tendence Kamen Rider 1 55th Anniversary Watch.
Obviously, crying out “Henshin!” while striking the Henshin Pose seen after Kamen Rider 2 came into the picture will not turn you into a bug-eyed tokusatsu hero. Unfortunately. But nobody’s stopping you from screaming “Henshin” whenever you check the time, or someone asks for the time. Anyhoo, I’d say this is the best method of wearing the Typhoon for modern Kamen Rider, besides having it on the phone.
To mark the 55th anniversary of the original 1971 Kamen Rider television series, Swiss watchmaker Tendence has unveiled a special-edition collaboration watch based on the brand’s KingDome collection. The KingDome is a unique quartz watch series known for its rotating dial, which Tendence has cleverly Kamen Rider–ized.
The commemorative watch’s rotating dial is designed to resemble Kamen Rider 1’s Typhoon transformation belt with the iconic windmill dynamo at its center. As the wearer moves their wrist, the dial spins, recreating the visual effect of the Typhoon during transformation—or when the hero recharges his energy, unleashes his finishing move, or overcomes a moment of weakness. Personally, I think the energy-recharging bit is the most fitting because, in reality, moving your arm is the closest thing you’ll get to powering up. Well, kind of.
Peeking out from beneath the rotating dial are the Tendence and Tachibana Racing Club logos, which are revealed as the dial turns. The KingDome’s signature oversized 3D indexes are also carried over, encircling the windmill dynamo.
Around the back, the watch features a special Kamen Rider 1 55th Anniversary engraving alongside its unique serial number. Beyond the Kamen Rider details, it sports a 50 mm (2 in.) nylon case, silicone strap, mineral crystal, quartz movement, and 5 ATM water resistance. All of this is wrapped in Tendence’s signature oversized styling while lightweight materials help maintain wearing comfort.
The timepiece comes packaged in a collector’s presentation sleeve featuring artwork of Kamen Rider 1 and the commemorative anniversary logo.
The Tendence Kamen Rider 1 55th Anniversary Collaboration Watch (TY023019) is priced at 66,000 yen (tax included) [JP], or approximately US$405 based on current exchange rates. It is a limited edition timepiece with just 255 to go around. And yes, Tendence Japan totally supports international shipping.
There’s also a Kamen Rider Kabuto version celebrating the 20th anniversary of the series’ broadcast. This edition takes inspiration from the hero’s suit, with the ZECT Kabuto emblem occupying the center of the dial. And yes, it spins too! Production is limited to just 175 pieces worldwide, with each priced at 66,000 yen [JP] in Japan.
Images: Tendence [JP].