This watch is a photographic sample and is marked “Not for Sale.” Each watch offered for sale bears its own individual limited edition number. Leiji Matsumoto’s 80th Birthday Special Commemorative Watch To commemorate the 80th birthday of manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, we have created a limited-edition model called “U1000.s mother earth,” limited to 80 pieces. We chose a high-spec ZIN diver’s watch with 1,000m water resistance as the base model because it is said that, since astronauts conduct training underwater to simulate weightless conditions and must prepare for emergency landings in any environment—including underwater—upon returning from space, a diver’s watch is the ideal choice for them. For this reason, we considered it the perfect watch for this limited edition. The model’s most distinctive feature—the large, specially designed push buttons that can be operated underwater—is designed to be easily operated even while wearing a diver’s glove, and the crown is positioned on the left side with safety in mind to prevent it from getting caught on heavy weaponry. Limited to 80 pieces. Earth as Seen from Space Someday According to Mr. Leiji Matsumoto, this painting—titled “Mother Earth”—depicts “Earth as seen from space someday.” This has been my long-held dream, and I’ve always wanted to board a rocket and travel to space. Since this is a diver’s watch, I took special care not to compromise readability, carefully measuring and balancing the proportions of the hour markers and hands. I’ve heard that astronauts train underwater—which is said to most closely resemble weightlessness—to prepare for the weightless environment of space. This diver’s watch, featuring this illustration on its dial, boasts a water resistance rating of 1,000 meters; when diving into the deep sea, you’ll surely feel as if you’re being embraced by outer space. Germany is a country that holds a special place in my heart. Since childhood, I’ve had the opportunity to experience German and European culture, and I grew up finding solace in German music. This is because my ancestors were close friends with the German physician Siebold. They were on friendly terms with Siebold’s children and grandchildren, and there are so many photos of my ancestors with them that I sometimes wonder if I might have a little German blood in me. My father, for one, looks just like a German. Captain Okita from *Space Battleship Yamato* was modeled after my father. Furthermore, Siebold’s granddaughter, Takako Kusumoto, was a stunning beauty who served as the model for Maetel in *Galaxy Express 999* and Stasha in *Space Battleship Yamato*. Germany is a country that holds a special place in my heart. Reiji Matsumoto’s signature is featured at the 4 o’clock position on the dial. The back cover is engraved with Mr. Matsumoto’s trademark skull. While skulls have become a popular motif in many silver products and fashion accessories these days, for Leiji Matsumoto, this skull represents the “Immortal Knight” and symbolizes the resolve to “uphold one’s convictions even as a skeleton.” It is not meant to intimidate others, but rather to inspire himself. Additionally, the limited edition number is engraved on the back cover.