REVIEW BY ARAB WATCH GUIDE

A fully mechanical watch designed by independent Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, KURONO delivers to watch collectors outside Japan a more accessible timepiece that shares the design DNA of Hajime's exclusive handmade atelier watches, but at a more affordable price.

By being serially produced, KURONO leverages the economies of scale that Hajime’s contract partners can deliver, but at a level of quality commensurate to Hajime’s exacting standards. KURONO is proudly made in Japan, hand assembled, and remains limited in production at just 50 pieces per dial variant.

“It has always been my wish to make my designs more accessible to a wider audience, and especially those that are just starting out in watch appreciation, or as a complement to their existing handmade Hajime Asaoka atelier watch.”

The production of KURONO is managed by Precision Watch Tokyo Co., Ltd - the same parent company as the more prestigious handmade Hajime Asaoka atelier. 

Precision Watch Tokyo has brought together the same case and dial makers that supply to Grand Seiko, to deliver a high-quality product that is both accessible yet exclusive in number.

The dial and caseback - signed Bunkyō Tokyo - refers to the special ward in Tokyo where Hajime's design studio is located, providing a subtle correlation to the genius and motivations of the watchmaker. 

For every KURONO purchase, a portion of the proceeds will go towards Rainbow Centre Singapore.

Rainbow Centre works with our partners to create opportunities for kids with autism and other disabilities to make the most of their abilities and participate meaningfully in society. Through practical education, meaningful support and effective training programmes, they strive to increase the quality of life for them and their families. 

Established in 1987, Rainbow Centre is a registered charity and Institution of a Public Character.