Honjo is known for manufacturing the world's most beautiful fenders (mudguards), but they actually collaborate with SIMWORKS to produce one other item besides fenders.
That item is the SIMWORKS Turtle Bell.
They have been sold out for a long time, but are now back in stock at both Circles Nagoya and Tokyo.
SIMWORKS Turtle Bell
Material: Brass
Style: Striking type
Compatible handlebar diameters: 22.2 & 23.8 mm
Price: 10,780 yen (tax included)
An elegant tortoise-shell style bell that evokes the image of a golden koi fish. The material is brass.
Recently, we held a Honjo Factory Tour with the cooperation of Honjo Koken for the Circles Tokyo 1st Anniversary Event, and we were given the special opportunity to experience the making of this SIMWORKS Turtle Bell, so I would like to report on it.
It is manufactured by hand, one by one, using an original SIMWORKS tortoise-shell pattern mold.
Unlike the tortoise-shell molds typically used for fenders, this bell uses an original stamping die unique to SimWorks, which is why it reportedly takes several times longer to manufacture than the tortoise-shell pattern on a fender.
The manufacturing process for this tortoise-shell style is a trade secret, so we weren't able to see that, but we were given the chance to try our hand at the assembly process.
There weren't many parts provided on the tray, so honestly, I thought it would be easy. I'm sure everyone who participated thought the same.
We were guided by Mr. Arai of Honjo Koken, whose instructions were very clear, but it turned out to be quite difficult...
It isn't a complex structure by any means, but it requires a bit of finesse and, honestly, I struggled with it. (I don't think I would have been able to assemble it without guidance.)
With Mr. Arai's support, everyone who participated successfully completed their bells.
I experienced firsthand that every step, from the start to the final touches, is crafted by human hands.
Still, it's beautiful, isn't it? I could stare at it forever.
The beautiful, brand-new condition is attractive, but the ability to enjoy the patina that develops over time is another charm of this bell.
The bell that has been displayed at the Honjo factory for many years has oxidized and taken on a dulled color.
I like things that have beauty in their scars, dirt, and the changes that come from use. The bells that leave here will show entirely different expressions depending on the user and the environment.
It's a sense of attachment, perhaps, or the feeling that you can mark time together; I'm naturally drawn to such things.
And every crafted bell is engraved with a serial number.
It seems they will soon pass 1,000 units... that's a lot of bells made for a lot of people.
Each and every one of those 1,000 bells was undeniably crafted with care, one by one, by the hands of the people at Honjo Koken.
I've already attached one to my own bicycle. It’ll be interesting to see how beautifully it changes from here.
If you find one of these bells at the shop, please try ringing it once.
Enjoy the rich sound played by the brass bell, and by all means, make it a companion for your safe cycling life.
