ARCHIVE
2024
Introducing クロノ ブンキョウ トウキョウ 34mmに第3弾となるカリグラが登場
"単なるダイヤルバリエーションと侮るなかれ。本作においても、独立時計師にして現代の名工であるデザイナー、浅岡 肇氏のこだわりが満載だ。"
ARTICLE BY KYOSUKE SATO
Introducing The Kurono 34mm Calligra Special Project is Asaoka’s Vision of Breguet Numerals
"Kurono's deliberately small time-only watch comes back with a very desirable set of dials and numerals."
ARTICLE BY BRICE GOULARD
The new Kurono 34mm ‘Calligra’ Special Project is a slick US$1,170 Breguet-numeraled three-hander
"... Kurono has built a reputation and cult following among watch enthusiasts due to the brand’s high attention to detail, quality of dials, and quality of external finish, at proportionally low prices."
ARTICLE BY ZACH BLASS
Kurono Tokyo Unveils The ‘Calligra’ Special Project
"Kurono Tokyo has developed a near cult-like following with watch enthusiasts over the past few years."
ARTICLE BY MICHAEL PENATE
Kurono Tokyo 34mm ‘Calligra’ Special Project Introduces Breguet Numerals to Famous Watchmaker’s Repertoire
"Kurono Tokyo’s launches are always some of the most exciting due to the intoxicating mixture of accessibility and the design work of legendary watchmaker Hajime Asaoka."
ARTICLE BY MICHAEL SONSINO
Kurono unveils the "Calligra" Special Project
"Kurono Tokyo founder Hajime Asaoka taps into his art school background to use his training in lettering to design a typeface for his new "Calligra" Special Project."
ARTICLE BY STAFF
【“クロノトウキョウ”34ｍｍシリーズ最新モデル】2月23日23時に一般発売開始
"“現代の名工”に選ばれているデザイナー・独立時計師の浅岡肇氏が立ち上げたブランド“KURONO TOKYO（クロノトウキョウ）”が、34ｍｍシリーズに新作3モデルを追加。あわせて、実機プレビューや購入方法についても発表した。"
ARTICLE BY POWERWATCH
クロノブンキョウトウキョウの34MMシリーズに、新作「カリグラ」が登場！ 浅岡肇によるブレゲインデックスを採用
"そして、浅岡氏はクロノブンキョウトウキョウの新作を生み出すにあたり、このブレゲインデックスを自らの手で描くということに挑戦した。"
ARTICLE BY WEBCHRONOS
グランドセイコー、ブライトリング…船長兼人気時計YOUTUBERの私物６本
"... 個人的には、F.P.ジュルヌ、パルミジャーニ・フルリエ、クロノ トウキョウあたりが注目です。"
ARTICLE BY NAOKI MASUYAMA
クロノブンキョウトウキョウ 34mm「カリグラ」
"34mm新モデル「カリグラ」は、ブレゲインデックスを採用しました。通常、算用数字をインデックスとして環状に配置しバランスをとる事は非常に難しいものです。"
ARTICLE BY WATCH MEDIA ONLINE
Independents to Watch: Kurono Tokyo is the Worst-Kept Secret of the Independent World
"Pulling designs from nature, Kurono Tokyo is creating affordable masterpieces that deserve all the recognition they can get."
ARTICLE BY GREG GENTILE
2023
Kurono Tokyo launches the Chronograph 3 Hisui
"Kurono Tokyo reveals its latest timepiece, the Chronograph 3 Hisui. Inspired by a piece of natural jadeite sourced from Itoigawa, the watch features a jade-green band that encircles the dial and two light turquoise subdials that are inspired by Itoigawa jade."
ARTICLE BY STAFF
Kurono Tokyo Chronograph 3 Hisui
"Kurono announced a new version of its chronograph — with the same Seiko movement as its predecessor — and a new color scheme."
ARTICLE BY JASON PITSCH
クロノブンキョウトウキョウ クロノグラフ 3 HISUI：翡翠
"浅岡氏が率いるクロノブンキョウトウキョウ、その中でも人気の高いクロノグラフに新しいバリエーションが追加されます。"
ARTICLE BY CC FAN
【予約できるのは40分間だけ!】独立時計師・浅岡肇氏の新作“HISUI:翡翠”が予約受付を開始する
" KURONO TOKYOは、独立時計師アカデミー（AHCI）会員である浅岡肇氏が富山県の天然翡翠からインスピレーションを得て製作したという新作腕時計“HISUI:翡翠”を公開。あわせて合計40分だけの予約受付日時と購入方法を発表した。"
ARTICLE BY POWERWATCH
2023新作 KURONO BUNKYŌ TOKYO「クロノグラフ 3 HISUI：翡翠」
" 3年ほど前(2023年現在から)、能登に漆の技法研究のために出向いたことがあります。その帰りに富山の通称「翡翠海岸」に寄ってみることにしました。翡翠海岸はその名の通り翡翠を拾うことのできる海岸で、散歩がてらにトレジャーハンティングしようと思ったのです。"
ARTICLE BY GRESSIVE
A new Kurono Chronograph Shows How the Brand Develops New Refinements with Each Release
"There was a time not too long ago when news of a new watch from Kurono Tokyo could nearly break the internet. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but as the brand was building up a head of steam, it felt like loads of hype accompanied every new announcement."
ARTICLE BY ZACH KAZAN
Kurono Tokyo to Release Its Third Chronograph Featuring a Jade-Inspired Design
"Independent watch brand, Kurono Tokyo has revealed its newest timepiece, the Chronograph 3 HISUI “翡翠”. It’s been over a year since Hajime Asaoka unveiled another chronograph offering, and the long wait is well justified as the watch debuts a refreshing, art-deco-inspired dial that sets it apart from its preceding models."
ARTICLE BY ZOE LEUNG
Up Close And Personal With The Minimalist Kurono Tokyo Grand Urushi Aoyama Edition
"It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for the intensely Japanese watches of Kurono Tokyo. But this year, I had a master plan that involved a rectangular Swiss piece. It did not involve diving deeper into the fascinating world of Japanese independent watchmaking. Then the Kurono Tokyo Grand Urushi Aoyama Edition got to me."
ARTICLE BY THOR SVABOE
A New Complication for Kurono Tokyo: Introducing the GMT 1, with the Miyota 9075 Movement
"We probably should have seen this one coming: the new watch from Kurono Tokyo, the affordable offshoot of Hajime Asaoka’s eponymous and very high end independent brand, is a GMT equipped with the new Miyota 9075 movement."
ARTICLE BY ZACH KAZAN
Seven minimalist watches to invest in now
"Kurono is the accessible brand of Hajime Asaoka, the sensei of independent Japanese watchmaking."
ARTICLE BY THOR SVABOE
Kurono Tokyo Introduces Kurono GMT 1 Timepiece
"Kurono Tokyo is expanding its catalog with the introduction of its new Kurono GMT 1 timepiece, which marks its first world-time complication."
ARTICLE BY BRYCEN SAUNDERS
クロノブンキョウトウキョウ GMT1を拝見、「使いやすい」GMT機能を探る
"今年のGPHGにもノミネートが発表されたクロノブンキョウトウキョウのGMT1、実機を拝見させていただけたのでレポートします。"
ARTICLE BY CC FAN
Introducing クロノ ブンキョウ トウキョウからGMT 1が登場（編集部撮り下ろし）
"クロノ ブンキョウ トウキョウから完全新作となるGMTウォッチ、GMT 1が登場した。シンプルな3針ウォッチや、クロノグラフ、フルカレンダーウォッチと、ラインナップの幅を広げてきた同ブランドが手がける新作GMTとはどんなモデルなのか？"
ARTICLE BY KYOSUKE SATO
15 JAPANESE WATCH BRANDS YOU SHOULD KNOw
"Kurono is a sub-brand of Hajime Asaoka, one of the high end watchmakers based in Japan. You could say that Kurono is the affordable little sister company, using Miyota automatic movements to achieve that. ..."
ARTICLE BY ERIK ROWE
The Indie Insider: It’s Hajime Asaoka’s World – We’re Just Living In It
"The final independent watchmaker making its PHILLIPS debut this week is Hajime Asaoka, 57, a man who is arguably Japan’s most influential living watchmaker working under his own name. Asaoka’s name has gained a bit of notoriety in recent years after he helped develop and create a sub-brand of more affordable mechanical wristwatches under the name Kurono Tokyo. ..."
ARTICLE BY LOGAN BAKER
Top 10 Japanese Watch Brands You Need To Know
"Not sure what kind of watch is right for you? In this video, we'll help you choose the perfect Japanese watch for your style and lifestyle. From aggressive sports watches to elegant timepieces, we'll cover it all in this top 10 Japanese watch brands you need to know!"
REVIEW BY LUXURY INSIGHTS
Kurono Tokyo Closes Out the Calendrier I Series with the Maroon Dialed “Azuki” Anniversary Edition
"The latest from Kurono Tokyo is a new version of their Calendrier Type I, a reference that was a finalist in the 2022 GPHG awards. A triple calendar is an old school complication, so it makes sense for a brand like Kurono to experiment on this platform, with their design language so deeply rooted in Art Deco principles and mid 20th century ideas around size and style. ..."
REVIEW BY ZACH KAZAN
Kurono Tokyo’s Azuki Anniversary Calendar – Type 1. – Color, Specifications, Price & More
"Kurono Tokyo, the Japanese watchmaker, has recently announced the launch of its latest calendar timepiece, the Anniversary Calendrier Type I “Azuki.” Named after the Japanese word for red bean, the watch features a maroon-colored dial made from phosphor-bronze as the base, which is uncommon in watchmaking. . ..."
REVIEW BY KIM NOBLE
POURQUOI TOUT LE MONDE VEUT UNE KURONO TOKYO | Un client témoigne !
"L’avis complet de "Theoldman" sur sa Kurono Tokyo Toki sur la plateforme Dialicious https://bit.ly/3HwIqi2"
REVIEW BY DIALICIOUS
【Hajime Asaoka】Watchmakers' Philosophy
ブランドの顔は時計師にあり。
"世界のハイエンド・コレクターたちが熱い視線を注ぐ「HAJIME ASAOKA TOKYO JAPAN」の作品の一方、「浅岡肇のプライベートウォッチ」をコンセプトに立ち上げた「CHRONO TOKYO」およびその海外向けブランドで、カタカナの「クロノ」のロゴを掲げた「KURONO TOKYO」では、時計デザイナーとして力を傾ける。"
REVIEW BY YASUSHI MATSUAMI
KURONO BUNKYŌ TOKYO 「カランドリエ Type 1 AZUKI : アズキ」～ブランド設立4周年アニバーサリーモデルが5月26日(金)時間限定発売！
"新モデルとして発表後、その年のGPHG2022チャレンジ部門にノミネートされたクロノブンキョウトウキョウの「カランドリエ Type 1」からブランド設立4周年を祝う記念モデルが登場します。"
REVIEW BY CC FAN
Kurono Tokyo Reveals Its Time-Limited Anniversary Calendrier Type I Watch
"Kurono Tokyo has unveiled its latest calendar timepiece in the form of the Anniversary Calendrier Type I “Azuki.”
"The Calendrier Type I was initially introduced last year as the brand’s first timepiece featuring a complete calendar. As confirmed on Kurono Tokyo’s official webpage for the timepiece, it is said that the “Azuki” will be the final iteration of the Calendrier Type I and that the model will be discontinued after this release."
REVIEW BY ZOE LEUNG
New Kurono 2023 Anniversary Calendrier ‘Azuki’ : アズキ is your last chance to purchase the model – but it is not limited!
"Cards on the table, I have long been a Kurono-phile. While I did miss out on a few of the earliest models, the raging FOMO I felt after missing those first limited editions led me to set reminders/alarms and carve out time to successfully make an order on six later releases: the Kurono Mori, Toki, Seiji, Grand Akane, Grand Hagane, and Chronograph II..... ..."
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS
Kurono Tokyo introduces the 2023 Anniversary Calendrier 'Azuki'
"This year's anniversary watch features a dial is inspired by Japanese cars of the past."
"Cult watchmaker Kurono Tokyo unveils its anniversary model for 2023, the Anniversary Calendrier "Azuki." Inspired by the maroon hue that was popular in Japanese cars of the past, the dial color required quite a bit of effort to get the exact shade needed..... ..."
REVIEW BY STAFF
Introducing The New Kurono Tokyo 34mm Models For 2023
"Hajime Asaoka's compact dressy watch is back with new designs and more subtle colours..... ..."
REVIEW BY BRICE GOULARD
6 watches exemplifying Japan’s urushi lacquerware technique
"The sister brand of independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka answers the eponymous designer’s own desire for a well-designed, affordable piece which he claims is now rarely available in Japan.Though this is not the first time Kurono Tokyo has used urushi on its dials, its anniversary Mori green dial pieces use the technique to stunning effect..... ..."
REVIEW BY JOSIAH NG
Introducing クロノ ブンキョウ トウキョウ 34mmに第2弾となる新ダイヤルが登場
"独立時計師・浅岡 肇氏が、着る服を選んで全体をコーディネートする際に、“腕時計だけが目立ってしまうことがない時計とはどんなものか？”という観点で開発を進めたという、クロノ ブンキョウ トウキョウの34mmコレクション。"
REVIEW BY KYOSUKE SATO
【前作はわずか1分半で完売！】時計ファンを唸らせた34㎜モデルの第2弾は、今回も争奪戦必至！
"国際組織「独立時計師アカデミー（AHCI）」会員である浅岡肇氏のセカンドラインブランド「KURONO BUNKYŌ TOKYO（クロノブンキョウトウキョウ）」。"
REVIEW BY MONOMAX WEB
Kurono BUNKYŌ TOKYO「34mm」
"昨年発売された34mmモデルが、新色で登場します。今回は前回の色違いに加え、セクターダイヤルモデルが加わった全4色。"
REVIEW BY WATCH MEDIA ONLINE
KURONO TOKYO ANNOUNCES THE 2023 34MM SPECIAL PROJECTS
"Kurono Tokyo continues with the 34mm Special Projects by releasing four new colours. Compared to the first collection, the second set comes with a more subtle colour palette and a new dial layout..... ..."
REVIEW BY ERICK, RELOZO
10 reasons why Japanese watches should be on your grail radar
"Hajime Asaoaka is the doyen of Japanese Haute Horlogerie, and one of only two Japanese watchmakers members of the AHCI, a Swiss association for top-tier independents. His accessible sister brand Kurono releases about 3-4 models each year, and the latest to come out of his atèlier was a rich rose gold-coloured chronograph with a wrist-perfect 38mm case.... ..."
REVIEW BY THOR SVABOE, GQ
2022
Design Takes the Lead in Japanese Watchmaker’s Work
"Not only does he plan to open his first brick-and-mortar boutique later this month in Tokyo, but early last month he became Japan’s first independent watchmaker to be awarded the prestigious title of Contemporary Master Craftsman, a recognition issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare that honors skilled artisans considered leaders in their fields.... ..."
REVIEW BY VIVIAN MORELLI, THE NEW YORK TIMES
Introducing Kurono Tokyo Is Back With The Very Limited Grand Urushi Aoyama Trio
"Kurono Tokyo, the slightly more accessible venture of Japanese independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, has been enjoying an impressive popularity streak, with most limited-edition models selling out faster than fans wanted. The brand has been trying to solve this availability issue with several tricks for pre-order campaigns and stringent policies for purchasing. Nevertheless, with the launch of the latest model – the Kurono Grand Urushi Aoyama.... ..."
REVIEW BY BRICE GOULARD, MONOCHROME
MY ENTIRE KURONO WATCH COLLECTION & WHY I LOVE THE BRAND
"Why do I have so many? What made me start collecting Kuronos? Will I stop at 9? Are they collectible? And which is my favourite? All these questions and quite a few more will be answered in this episode. And there’s a detailed profile of each one, a company history, and a look at what Kurono is doing to stop piracy and profiteering... ..."
REVIEW BY DAMIAN BUTT, THEWATCHGUUYS
KURONO TOKYO [NEW HISTORY OF JAPANESE HOROLOGY] In Review Of KURONO TOKYO CHRONOGRAPH II
"I am very happy to share about the story behind this brand as I have been paying attention about this brand, Kurono Tokyo, for a long time and have always been very eager to know more about the person behind the brand named Hajime Asaoka... ...I am seeing this as a new history in the world of horology, especially in Japan. And i think Grand Seiko need to also use this as an inspiration, especially in regards to designs."
REVIEW BY HOROLOGY STORY
Hands-On With The Kurono Calendrier Type 1 Proves A Sweet-Sized Point
"My love of Japanese independent watchmaking is no secret, but it took me a while to acquire a Kurono. While I am a staunch advocate of online purchasing, when it comes to lesser-known brands at over €2,000, I still like to touch something first. And if I can’t experience the model in question, then I do like to see another piece of their work. With small brands that do limited-production runs, that is always a challenge. But going hands-on with the Kurono Calendrier Type 1 might prove a sweet-sized point."
REVIEW BY THOR SVABOE, FRATELLO
Kurono Tokyo Calendrier "Type 1", A 2022 GPHG "Challenge" Finalist
"There is one finalist standing out to me among its 5 peers with a classic, elegant, yet refreshing look. It is not a re-edition of a past classic, nor is it a whimsical creation breaking boundaries. It is a triple calendar, not so common but a very useful complication for daily wear... ..."
REVIEW BY SFWATCHLOVER
HAJIME ASAOKA: JAPANESE WATCHMAKER TAKES ON RESELLERS
"Little more than a decade ago, the name of Hajime Asaoka was unknown in the watch world. But, now, the 57-year-old’s timepieces are in such demand that he has had to impose special measures to deter speculators from buying them simply to resell."
REVIEW BY SIMON DE BURTON, FINANCIAL TIMES
New: Kurono Calendrier Type 1 is already sold out! We explore why.
"The design of the Calendrier ‘Type I’ has been calculated to enhance the three-dimensionality of the iconic Kurono hands and the symmetry of the dial. It aims to evoke a sense of refined adventure – with its new high-polish coin edge bezel and khaki dial interplaying with an audacious blacklettered vintage typeface to evoke a bold regimental atmosphere for the wrist."
REVIEW BY CHESTER LAU, DEPLOYANT
スイスで認められた時計師・浅岡氏が手掛ける【クロノ ブンキョウ トウキョウ】から日本在住者先行リリースの新作「カランドリエ Type 1」が誕生
"独立時計師として製作する腕時計とは異なり、同氏が高品質と普及価格帯にこだわったコレクションを展開し、人気を博している。そんな同ブランドの海外向け【クロノ ブンキョウ トウキョウ（KURONO BUNKYŌ TOKYO）】から、日本在住者に向けて先行リリースされる新作「カランドリエ Type 1」が発表された。"
REVIEW BY WATCHNAVI SALON
Kurono Tokyo Introduce New Calendrier “Type I” by Hajime Asaoka
"Calendrier “Type 1” is the first Kurono to feature a complete calendar, a complication that includes days, date and months. It’s a very clean design with a single block colour dominating, unlike the complex displays of Kurono’s chronos. The specific colour of the dial and guilloché subdials is somewhere between khaki and olive."
REVIEW BY MICHAEL SONSINO, ORACLE TIMES
クロノ ブンキョウ トウキョウの34mmは、日常使いできるヴィンテージウォッチだ
"つけてみると、まさにヴィンテージウォッチそのものという印象だが、時計のディテールをじっくり見てみるとヴィンテージウォッチにはない、現代の時計だからこそ備わった特徴も見えてくる。それこそが、この34mmに単なるヴィンテージ風の時計ではない魅力をもたらしているようだ。"
REVIEW BY KYOSUKE SATO, HODINKEE JAPAN
【2022年 新作】クロノブンキョウトウキョウより、小ぶりなサイズと鮮やかなカラーダイアルが魅力の「34mm」登場
"34mmは、その誕生したストーリーも興味深い。もともとは、浅岡氏が現代的なスペックとアンティークのデザインを組み合わせたプライベートウォッチとして4本を試作したものだったという。氏が着用していると、時計好きの友人たちの間で話題となり、やがてそのコンセプトに共感する人々のためにと、今回の販売に至ったのだ。"
REVIEW BY WEBCHRONOS
【新作時計ニュース】モデル名はずばり“34mm”。クロノブンキョウトウキョウの新作に注目
" 40mm径が主流となっている現行モデルに慣れている人のなかには、 34mm径というサイズに抵抗がある人も少なくないだろう。しかし、小振りな時計ならではの快適な装着感は、ぜひ一度体感してみてほしい。また本作では目を引くカラーリングが採用されているため、時計としての存在感もしっかりとある。外装の作り込みのこだわっているため、上品かつ高級感ある雰囲気だ。なお男女兼用としてシェアできるというのもうれしいポイントだ。"
REVIEW BY WATCHLIFENEWS
Introducing The New 34mm Art Deco Collection of Kurono Tokyo
"What Asaoka is quite bold because 34mm is really uncommon in the current state of the market. Yet, if the details are right, if the proportions are done correctly, and if the rest of the watch has enough story to tell, 34mm is not necessarily small. It’s all about presence and dynamism."
REVIEW BY BRICE GOULARD, MONOCHROME
手元の爽快アクセントなら、ブルー具合がちょうどいいこの1本で！
"デザインは、ご覧のように文字盤の中に施されたあざやかなブルーのサークルが最たる特徴であり、これが夏コーデの手元にぴったりな爽快感を添えてくれる。しかもこのブルーの差し込み具合が絶妙で、時計全体の中でも主張が過ぎないから大人な印象。ケースは34mmとコンパクトであり、全体のヴィンテージな雰囲気ともよくマッチ。これなら大人が好むレトロサーフスタイルなんかにも間違いなくよくハマるはず。"
REVIEW BY SAFARI ONLINE
Rolex OP vs MoonSwatch Mission to Uranus vs Kurono Tokyo Seiji | Battle of Tiffany Blue Watches
"For me, I'm really a fan of these vintage cues like with this railroad track and it has a lot of dimension to the dial as well . There's really no corners cut in the quality of construction with this Seiji .
REVIEW BY CLICKY BEZEL
Why I Sold My Rolex for.... Kurono Tokyo?
"You're able to dress it up, dress it down. You can wear it casually, wear it anywhere I want, and that's pretty much what I wanted. The Kurono Tokyo Chronograph was what I wanted, with a little bit more complication."
REVIEW BY DILLON'S HOBBIES
Kurono Tokyo Shiro Chronograph II Unboxing & Review Hajime Asaoka 4K
"It's a beautiful color and you can see the beautiful detail on the sub-dials. Overall, the finishing on this is immaculate, the hands, the indices, everything just looks so spectacular and polished all around."
REVIEW BY WATCHYOULOVE
Watch Spotlight: Kurono Grand Mori 2022 Anniversary
"Thanks to its 37mm case and slightly curved case, the Grand Mori wears incredibly well. From afar, you can easily see the striking green dial, but the detail of the urushi really shines the closer you look. The Grand Mori makes for a stunning every day watch but can also be dressed up as the perfect accent piece for more formal outfits."
REVIEW BY DANA LI, TELL THE TIME
全网首发，Kurono Tokyo 森 开箱
"这支表的表盘是非常有特点的。背后就是它 - 浅冈肇本身的签名和他的一个私章。这是这个表盘在不同的光线和角度上面看，出来的效果都是不一样的。细节上是做得非常精致。 "
REVIEW BY BINGJUN HUANG, WATCH SPACE
Kurono tokyo Anniversary Edition Grand Mori Urushi Watch sells out in 12 minutes
"The watch relishes in a concept and philosophy Hajime Asaoka pays close attention to - "nature is the teacher/" It is inspired by the canopies of the forest where small glimmers of gold are present to represent sunlight poking through layers of foliage. The translucent green urushi, when combined with the gold-gilded base dial, gives off warm and rich tones that further enhance the depth of the dial. "
REVIEW BY AMBROSE LEUNG, HYPEBEAST
Watch alert: kurono tokyo 2022 anniversary grand mori '森' (read. Sen)
"To bring this inspiration to life, some of the top master dial makers in Kyoto were engaged to craft each dial by hand. The dial was first gilded with gold before it was painted over with Urushi, a specialised Japanese lacquer that has thousands of years of tradition. The result is a metallic green dial with an intricate pattern that has tons of depth that comes to life in no small part because of the cylindrical (sloping) dial shape. Interestingly, according to the brand, dials painted with Urushi will react with UV light over time to change its colour. That encourages the use of these watches such that they become extremely personal to you ."
REVIEW BY PHILOLOGUS EIO, SCOTTISH WATCHES
"The Toki has a similar ring motif of three concentric highly polished rings that connect applied hour markers at the cardinal positions. This is a lovely and well executed design detail that connects the Toki to both vintage watches and Asaoka’s more extravagant creations. "
REVIEW BY ZACH KAZAN, WORN AND WOUND
Those improvements are all in the smallest details. The printing on the dial is more precise, and a thick coat of lacquer has been added to provide a sense of depth. Kurono is using a “parallax overprinting” process on these dials that gives text the appearance of having a reflection. And the white tone on the dial is achieved through a sandblasting and silvering process that gives it a distinct contrast against the gray subdial and interior sections.
REVIEW BY ZACH KAZAN, WORN AND WOUND
'Kurono imparted two subtle yet significant refinements to the manufacture of the dial. Firstly, a much thicker layer of lacquer is utilised on the White Shiro – making the creamy gloss effect that much stronger to the eye. Secondly, the dial printing has been improved with a new multi-layering process that yields higher definition – making it even more legible than its predecessors.'
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME & TIDE
「クロノグラフ２ ホワイト」において使われるすべての針が異なる形状をしています。これは1950年代のクロノグラフの高級機に由来するものです。当時のクロノグラフの高級機は視認性を高めるために針の形状がすべて異なっていました。本モデルの白文字盤は、それぞれの針の質感を際立たせます。
REVIEW BY WATCH MEDIA ONLINE
"One of the things that really stood out to me when I first saw this watch was the hands. The hands are really striking, unique shaped and beautifully polished. I love the way they flow."
REVIEW BY BRITT PEARCE
"The very interesting part about this watch, not only does it have this solid lacquer dial, is that Hajime Asaoka actually mixed the colors himself, to create this specific hue. That goes down to how dedicated he is when creating the watches and how his perfectionism that he puts in is reflected in the watches itself."
REVIEW BY NIKOLAUS HIRSCH
Compared to the Kurono Classic Collection in trendy colors of green, pink (salmon) and blue (Tiffany), the latest Grand Hagane is certainly a creation to project a vintage look and feel. The urushi dial in gold and brown provides a translucent backdrop for the beautiful old kanji style handwriting. The exquisite hands remind us of the constant passing of time, ever since ancient time long, long ago. This is really a timepiece that gives us pleasure and strengths.
REVIEW BY SFWATCHLOVER, MY WATCH COLLECTING JOURNEY
"The dial is designed to be appreciated and visible under a domed sapphire crystals. The case also has a nice curvature and the 37mm watch makes it comfortable and light to fit on the wrist."
REVIEW BY BRUCE WILLIAMS
2021
A bi-register chronograph in true roaring twenties, Art Deco regalia, it’s Hajime Asaoka’s exploration of taking that era of design to its natural limits. A tachymeter and telemeter encircle the dial alongside the seconds track and semispherical steel rivets for hour markers.
REVIEW BY THOMAS STOVER, FRATELLO
The unboxing experience is second to none. The watch has got such an experience and a sense of occasion, right down from the outer box to the watch in your hand. There's so many steps and it's very enthusing to go through it. I really don't see how you could make this any better.
REVIEW BY ASHWIN, STANDARD TIME
Most people thought that the Seiji could be Hajime’s last piece of the year, but here we are with a banger! Kurono Tokyo has just released a new timepiece in the grand line-up, the Kurono Tokyo Grand Hagane.
REVIEW BY ERICK, RELOZO
While ostensibly a simple design, there’s a thoughtfulness of the Toki that shows the impetus of Hajime-san. For one, the watch wears well at 37mm wide, with a mere 7mm thickness. There’s a sensibility to the dimensions that’s distinctly Japanese in nature. I also love the box sapphire crystal, which replicates the visual effect of the acrylic crystals found in vintage watches. Lastly, the metallic concentric rings morph under different lighting conditions, resulting in an eminently striking look.
REVIEW BY QI LE, WAH SO SHIOK
It's one of those things that you're just not going to understand until you hold one in your hands. The watch is absolutely fantastic. It's worth the price to me and when it comes to owning a piece that has been designed by Master Asaoka I don't think you really put a price tag on that.
REVIEW BY AFFORDABLE WRIST TIME
Kurono is a young brand, typifying the allure of Japanese independent watchmaking. The watches have the rare quality of being budget-friendly while touched by a master. There is a tiered ordering process that gives you the feeling of being part of a small Japanese family, something few brands master. But then Kurono is not your normal run-of-the-mill microbrand. Kurono opens a back door to Haute Horlogerie perfection with a great price point, as a sub-brand of the Japanese master of Art Deco cool, Hajime Asaoka.
REVIEW BY THOR SVABOE, FRATELLO
TOKI依然采用了Time-Only的布局风格，大三针，盘面非常简洁，我个人非常喜欢这种类型的腕表。TOKI最大的看点是表盘，设计之初，Hajime Asaoka就想选用一种能体现日本传统文化的色彩。最终选定了“朱鷺色Toki-iro”，朱鹮羽毛的颜色。
REVIEW BY 三针, WECHAT
“At the moment, I feel really happy with my collection of watches. It has dress watches and sports watches. It includes the chronograph, annual calendar, moon phase and hybrid electromechanical complications. Any new timepiece needs to fit my lifestyle and overall style, and it also needs to be somewhat different from the other timepieces I already have. Seiji meets a lot of those requirements. This is my first independent Japanese handmade mechanical timepiece and also my first blue-dialled watch.”
REVIEW BY LYNETTE KOH, THE PEAK MAGAZINE
Finally it arrived, the Kurono Tokyo Toki. My first watch from the brand. I am so excited to get this watch and to show it to you guys. I hope you enjoyed my unboxing and first impression of this beautiful piece from Kurono Tokyo.
REVIEW BY OLIVER, NOT ON MY WATCH
Kurono Tokyo Chronograph 2 by Hajime Asaoka Review
The Chronograph 2 is almost everything I like about a Chronograph. From the colour to the design, it's a watch that speaks to me. Here's why.
REVIEW BY ERICK, RELOZO
Kurono takes affirmative action to boost their female audience with their Kurono SEIJI release
It’s Tiffany blue like shade is stunning, and very much a tonal alternative to the unobtanium Rolex Oyster Perpetual. It’s also only the second lacquered dial in this configuration, a deviation from the more metallic sunburst finishes we typically see. The high polished 37mm case is such a universally classic size, and as a dressier piece has a greater air of elegance in these more wrist inclusive dimensions.
To double down on their mission statement, the SEIJI offering is an effort to create an opportunity for more women to have a Kurono watch – as these limited edition runs are very competitive to secure, typically selling out in minutes.
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME & TIDE
Is The Kurono Chronograph 2 The Most Desirable Chrono Under $4k?
I was happy to add the Kurono Chronograph 2 to my collection, as it ticks so many boxes. The biggest delight is the classic aesthetic with a vintage, tool-like look and feel. This derives from the DNA common in Hajime’s creations. The build quality of the watch and the tasteful packaging are also very impressive.
Hajime put his heart and name behind the Kurono brand to produce the best quality products for the money...He makes these watches for his fans and himself to wear and enjoy. As a watch lover and collector, it feels good to be supporting an independent watchmaker. To be part of his success and get a great product in return as well. And one that seems set to only appreciate in value over time.
REVIEW BY THE WATCH LOUNGE
Review: new Kurono Chronograph 2
We are satisfied with the credentials presented by Asaoka. Since our first encounter with him in 2014, we have always been very impressed with his handmade watches. In our review of the Kurono Classic, we remarked that the watches are beacons in the world of watchmaking...And here, we present the Kurono Chronograph 2, a second model after the first Chronograph, which was wildly successful and sold out in double quick time.
The Chronograph 2’s watch face is a play of elements which bring together the copper, silver, dark brown palate of the Reiwa watch, and the aesthetic is one which is very successful in our view.
Overall, we are rather pleased with the Kurono Chronograph 2. The aesthetics are very nice, and the DNA touches by Hajime is evident in the watch. The Japanese aesthetic presence is strong.
REVIEW BY PETER CHONG, DEPLOYANT
Kurono Tokyo Chronograph 2
by Hajime Asaoka Unboxing
Anybody who has been following me would know that I am a massive fan of Kurono Tokyo and Hajime Asaoka.
Today, we are going to do unboxing kurono Tokyo Chronograph 2.
REVIEW BY ERICK, RELOZO
WHY I BOUGHT IT: An owner’s review of the Kurono Anniversary
朱鷺:Toki
It is yet another example of Japanese design influenced by nature, which is why I feel guilty at times simplifying its richly rooted design to what the western world may perceive as a salmon dial. The truth is it is not really a salmon dial by conventional standards...What you have instead is a very dynamic dial that conveys aspects of pink, purple, red and orange depending on how the light kisses the dial.
Thankfully Kurono continues to excite me with their distinct design DNA annually reinterpreted to introduce colours that you would be hard pressed to find from other brands
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME &TIDE
Alec Baldwin just posted the best new watch alert of the year for his Kurono Toki
Unknowingly, however, I was totally upstaged by none other than actor Alec Baldwin who had already shared his #NWA weeks earlier. This is truly what #watchfam loves to see...As the resident Kuronophile of the team, when I first saw this post my mind was literally blown. The only other very public figure I knew of wearing a Kurono watch is actor, horology lover, and trustee at the Horological Society of New York Aldis Hodge in the film The Invisble Man. I also love how Alec took the shot above the printed cloth Kurono sends their watches wrapped in...Not only did Alec purchase the second anniversary watch from this cult-followed brand, but he directly thanked founder Hajime Asaoka for the creation...Unsurprisingly the salmon-adjacent coral-vermillion dial was a total hit with new and existing fans of the brand, and the democratic process in which it was released may very well be the reason why it landed on the famous wrist of Alec Baldwin.
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME &TIDE
One (very satisfied) owner’s review of the Kurono Grand Akane
What haven’t I already said about my love for Kurono Tokyo watches...Cue the creations of Kurono Tokyo, with distinct Japanese Art-Deco aesthetics you cannot find anywhere else. Their collections, so far, have largely leveraged the same winning formula in varying colour schemes, but where the Kurono Grand Akane stands apart from their previous novelties is that it is their first “artisanal tier” release, with a highly intriguing Urushi lacquer dial inspired by Japanese sunsets... As a collector it is always fun to own something unique and distinct from the herd, and where this watch succeeds is through its winning case, movement, and hands formula paired with a highly artisanal dial that will never, ever, get stale.
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME &TIDE
Kurono Tokyo Hiroshige Watch Strap Unboxing
Will I buy another Hiroshige strap in the future? Definitely!
They maybe only carf leather but this strap comes with more than just a physical product. It comes with a story and design thoughts. If you own a Kurono Tokyo watch, my original statement in my initial review remains the same, this is the replacement strap to get.
REVIEW BY ERICK, RELOZO
Why I bought the Kurono Chronograph 2 – an owner’s review
I realised the Kurono Chronograph 2 actually met a lot of my personal requirements...One detail I enjoy, in terms of setting the watch, is that there is a well sized gap between the case and crown that makes it very easy to pull the crown out.
Overall I am thrilled to own the Kurono Chronograph 2... it is clear Kurono’s journey is only just beginning and that it would be fair to expect some very interesting and exciting releases in the coming years.
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME & TIDE
The best brown dials of 2021 from a tasty cappuccino to dark chocolate
“In the Kurono Chronograph 2, Hajime Asaoka’s design language is once again at the core of what is a charmingly full mid-century dial design. The Reiwa cocoa brown centre plays a stylish game with the copper tachymetre scale intersecting the large twin registers...the polished small nugget of 38mm simply displays all we want in a vintage chronograph, with the bright polished details clearly denoting the Art Deco magic wand of Hajime Asaoka.”
REVIEW BY THOR SVABOE, TIME & TIDE
Kurono Tokyo 2nd Anniversary Release – Toki
Anniversary pieces are significant to a brand, and Kurono Tokyo is no exception.
For Kurono Tokyo, it brings back to the brand’s humble beginnings and why the brand was started...What makes this year’s release more remarkable is that this is was first designed on the premise that it’s a watch Hajime-sensei would like to wear...Like the previous models, this has Hajime’s design DNA all over it...The biggest reason why people love Kurono Tokyo is its design and story. This year’s colour might look like every other salmon dial, but the shade was made to be different from the western salmon shades. Hajime wanted a copper-based watch, but still different. The decision was to use the colour on the feathers of the Japanese crested ibis – Tiko-iro which is deeply rooted in the history in japan...
With all the thoughts, story and effort put into the watch, how can one not fall in love?
REVIEW BY ERICK, RELOZO
Hajime Asaoka’s tribute to a national treasure of Japan: The Kurono Anniversary 朱鷺:TOKI
Today, the white bird adorned with pink feathers is rightly one of Japan’s national treasures and stands as a symbol of happiness and bliss, which prompted Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka to dedicate it a very special, time-limited piece...To celebrate Kurono’s two-year anniversary, Hajime-San set himself the goal of creating a new watch with a dial color that best captured Japanese culture. For this purpose, the Japanese ibis (also called “toki”) was the source of inspiration.
REVIEW BY MONTREDO
Introducing Kurono Bunkyo Tokyo Anniversary Edition Toki: TOKI 2021 New
独立時計師・浅岡 肇氏が手がける時計というのは、常に明快だ。デザインは機能的でありながらシンプル。...新作となるアニバーサリーエディション 朱鷺：TOKIも非常に明快な時計である。...浅岡氏は、デザインアプローチの根幹として、自身のデザインに妥協しないという確固たる信念をもつと語るが、そんな彼の信念を体現するのが、前述のディテールなのだ。
The watches produced by independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka are always clear...New Anniversary Edition Toki: TOKI is also a very clear watch...Mr. Asaoka says that he has a firm belief that he will not compromise on his design as the basis of his design approach, but the details mentioned above embody that belief.
REVIEW BY KYOSUKE SATO, HODINKEE
Can This New Watch Foil Flippers' Plans?
After a year of reflection, Kurono Tokyo is back with its second-anniversary watch, the Kurono Anniversary 朱鷺:Toki. The watch is similar to the 2020 release, but instead of a dial in metallic green, it features a dial that "exudes an exceptional array of coruscating metallic coral shades ranging from crimson to vermillion red," according to the product specs. It's powered by a Miyota 90S5 and features a 37mm 316L case and a sapphire crystal.
REVIEW BY COLE PENNINGTON, HODINKEE
This Kurono Tokyo Watch Drops Tomorrow For 10 Minutes Only
Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka launched Kurono Tokyo two years ago to offer a more accessible line of watches to young enthusiasts, that offer a similar style to his handmade haute horology pieces, only without the waiting lists and hefty price tag. Like most high-end independent watchmakers, not even Asaoka himself wears one of his own watches, such is the demand.
REVIEW BY JAMES BUTTERY, HYPEBEAST
Is this the only truly democratic sales process? Get on board for the Kurono Anniversary 朱鷺:TOKI
But the Kurono mission has always been to create watches offering the distinct Hajime Asaoka design DNA at an affordable price to empower more watch buyers to own a luxury watch. This week Kurono lives up to that mission with their most democratic release yet: the Kurono Anniversary 朱鷺:TOKI. The Kurono Toki is the second anniversary watch from the small independent brand, and they celebrate their success with one of their most attractive dials yet.
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME & TIDE
A super rare watch produced by Japanese independent watchmaker "Hajime Asaoka" is inevitable for a battle !?
文字盤は、外縁に向かって緩やかに下がっていくボンベ形状を採用。これにシルバー色の3つのリングと植字バーインデックスを合わせ、さらにクラシックな雰囲気を醸し出すレイルウェイパターンを配置することで小ぶりながら立体感のある表情を作り上げた。こうした繊細な造り込みを決定付けているのが時、分、秒を示す3本の針。それぞれに形状が異なるだけでなく、時分針はいずれもわずかにやまなりの形状をしている。繊細なパーツに曲面を用い、それを磨くことは作業難易度が高い。しかも分針と秒針は先端を湾曲させた「曲げ針」だ。最新作において最も浅岡さんがこだわったのは、モデル名の由来にもなった文字盤のカラーにある。
The dial adopts a cylinder shape that gently descends toward the outer edge. By combining this with three silver rings and a typesetting bar index, and by arranging a railway pattern that creates a classic atmosphere, a small but three-dimensional look was created. The three hands that indicate the hour, minute, and second determine this delicate construction. Not only are they different in shape, but the hour and minute hands are all slightly curved. Using curved surfaces for delicate parts and polishing them is difficult. Moreover, the minute and second hands are "bending hands" with curved tips. In the latest work, Mr. Asaoka was most particular about the color of the dial, which was the origin of the model name.
REVIEW BY WATCHNAVI SALON
INTRODUCING THE KURONO TOKYO TOKI
The Toki is a simple expression of the Art Deco influenced Kurono aesthetic that has been a throughline that can be seen in every watch they’ve made...The dial has been rendered in a coral shade with a sunburst pattern that Kurono claims shifts dramatically in tone depending on how the light hits it... As with other Kurono releases, the design holds together nicely, the details work in conjunction with one another, and placed alongside previous Kurono watches, the new Toki makes a lot of sense and fits in coherently with the Asoaka’s other designs.
REVIEW BY ZACH KAZAN, WORN & WOUND
Introducing: Kurono Tokyo Anniversary Toki
First and foremost, the Toki is a stunningly beautiful watch. The time-only piece features a sunburst copper dial that has been painstakingly painted in shades of crimson and vermillion red to create a gentle gradient of coral colours... For inspiration he turned to the crested ibis, a culturally significant bird in Japan, whose feathers appear to turn peach coloured when viewed from beneath as it flies overhead – a colour called toki-iro.
REVIEW BY MICHAEL SONSINO, ORACLE TIME
Why I bought it: Kurono By Hajime Asaoka Chronograph 2
It is rare to offer both tachymeter and telemeter scales on a watch and they greatly enhance the tool watch appeal of the Chronograph 2. The five different hands of distinct shapes on a perfect symmetrical dial and the color choices of brown, black, copper and silver project an unmistakably vintage look and art deco feel. The overall aesthetic of the dial and case design created by Hajime is what sets the Kurono Chronograph 2 apart in driving the strong collector interest.
I was really happy to add the Kurono Chronograph 2 to my collection, as it just ticks so many boxes. The biggest delight is the classic aesthetic with a vintage, tool-like look and feel, derived from the DNA common in Mr. Hajime Asaoka’s creations. The rigorous process of bringing every Kurono model to fruition with an artisan's mindset and eyesight is key to the success of the young brand. The tireless efforts in pursuing excellence in watchmaking and engaging watch enthusiasts have resulted in GPHG nominations and successful launches of one model after another.
REVIEW BY SFWATCHLOVER, MY WATCH COLLECTING JOURNEY
IN FOCUS: KURONO, JAPANESE HOROLOGY MADE ACCESSIBLE
The new chronograph is rooted firmly in the mechanical timekeepers of the sixties but, like Asaoka’s own watches, has a distinct art deco slant. On the one hand, you have a retro bi-compax layout complete with a technical-looking minute track; on the other you have the beautiful mix of copper, silver and dark brown first used in Kurono’s earlier time-only Reiwa watches.
REVIEW BY SAM KESSLER, ORACLE TIME
Time Seemed to Stand Still, but Watch Fans Certainly Didn’t
Timing is certainly everything, in particular for Gary Getz....he scored one of the 288 37-millimeter Kurono Anniversary Green Mori watches from Kurono by Hajime Asaoka, an independent Japanese watchmaker. Sitting alongside his vintage Mathey-Tissot, Rolex Oyster Perpetual in turquoise blue, vintage Cartier Tank and smattering of Patek Philippes, to name a few, “for me, watch collecting is like going shopping in my own safe every morning.”
REVIEW BY THE NEW YORK TIMES
Kurono Tokyo Chronograph 1 Review
I was blown away. It looked so much better in real life than in the initial renders. The finishing on the hands, markers and case is, dare I say, almost Grand Seiko-like, and you have to see in person how well they catch the light. The Art Deco details like the pin stripes at the centre of the dial, combined with japanese touches like the Kanji Kurono logo and the kyudo arrow in the minute subdial really set this apart from other chronographs. It really is a beautifully designed dial.
REVIEW BY THE HUMBLE HOROLOGISTS, FIFTH WRIST
Introducing: Kurono Chronograph 2
Chronographs are the most elite measurement tools around and Kurono has really taken that to heart by including almost every possible counter or scale you could want, all packed into the dial without looking cluttered. The layout is the same as the original model and it still looks amazing, the interconnected dials and various measuring scales draw the eye and the longer you look at it the more details you see.
REVIEW BY ORACLE TIME
KURONO RETHINKS THEIR CHRONOGRAPH WITH A NEW DIAL COLOR
The dial is busy and complex, mainly due to the unusual placement of the tachymeter scale at the center, but every decision on its execution has been made with an eye toward legibility and creating something that’s purely eye catching.... It also retains one of my favorite small details that Asaoka has implemented in his Kurono line: hour markers that are simple, polished steel studs. This is a rarely seen method of marking the hours and gives the Chronograph 2 a unique Art Deco flourish.
REVIEW BY ZACH KAZAN, WORN & WOUND
INTRODUCING: Don’t miss out – the new Kurono Chronograph 2 from the cult Japanese brand will sell out fast
What really makes Kurono so intriguing, beyond these more approachable price points, is the design language utilised across the various lines. This Japanese take on Art-Deco design has really caught the eye of collectors around the world. No detail is left unconsidered and the Kurono designs really revive an era of more classical proportions and aesthetics.
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME + TIDE
2020
Actor Aldis Hodge Wears Independent Watchmaker Hajime Asaoka’s Kurono Classic In ‘The Invisible Man’
“I chose Hajime because I was drawn to the idea of what he does and the fact that he has this other subsidiary brand at a lower price point but still a fantastic quality. I thought it paired perfectly with my character, what he does, what he could afford, and what my character meant to me personally. I saw somebody that exuded these principles within the watch.” ~ Aldis Hodge
REVIEW BY ELIZABETH DOERR, QUILL & PAD
Why It Matters—The Kurono Anniversary Green Mori
Looking at the watch itself, the beauty is really layered in its dial and hands above all else.....An outer railroad minute track, applied concentric inner rings, and additional high-polish baton indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12, all help in delivering a very classic dial design without feeling derivative or overplayed.
REVIEW BY JUSTIN MASTINE-FROST, WATCHUSEEK
Meine erste Uhrenvorstellung: die "BUNKYO TOKYO" von Hajime Asaoka
Bei mir wächst die Freude an der Uhr immer noch jeden Tag. Sie steht für Vieles, was ich mag, für Schönheit und Schlichtheit, für Klarheit und die Liebe zum Detail, für Verlässlichkeit und Vergänglichkeit, für Originalität und Tradition, für Zeitlosigkeit und die verstreichende Zeit zugleich, für das Besondere und das Seltene, auch für das Unbekannte
For me, the joy of the watch still grows every day. It stands for many things I like, for beauty and simplicity, for clarity and attention to detail, for reliability and transience, for originality and tradition, for timelessness and the passing of time at the same time, for the special and the rare, also for the unknown.
REVIEW BY RAINER SCHMIDT, UHRFORUM
WHY DO YOU KEEP HEARING ABOUT KURONO WATCHES? READ THIS AND YOU WILL WONDER NO MORE'
The Kurono brand is known for its transparency and engagement with their fans and consumers, offering step by step, play by play visibility into the manufacturing process and resulting timeline for their watches... They really go the extra mile to hear and respond to consumer sentiment.
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME & TIDE MAGAZINE
Kurono x Hiroshige Watch Strap Review
The stitches were kept to a minimum to maintain a minimalistic and clean look. Most of the time this could that the stitches can split after a few years, but Kurono has it covered. They have reduced the risk of that happening with stronger edge binders while taking into consideration that the strap is not meant for serious activities.
REVIEW BY ERICK, RELOZO
KURONO BY HAJIME ASAOKA ANNIVERSARY GREEN MORI – GOOD NEWS, IT‘S RELATIVELY AFFORDABLE; BAD NEWS, IT’S HARD TO GET
That green dial is also a winner; I almost called it an “unusual” green dial, but it seems that green is the new whatever these days. This particular color and dial, however, have the ability to look quite different in varied light conditions, seeming to shift from forest green to aqua and back again while shimmering in the light.
REVIEW BY GARY GETZ, QUILL & PAD MAGAZINE
2019
INTRODUCING THE KURONO BY INDEPENdeNT WATCHMAKER HAJIME ASAOKA
Asaoka’s aesthetic can be summed up by an adherence to simplicity. His designs, regardless of price point, are clean and straightforward, with an undeniable Art Deco inspiration. You won’t see a lot of ornate dial or case work on an Asaoka designed watch — he takes an idea and seems to continually reduce it down until it reaches a type of minimalism that is still distinctively his own.
REVIEW BY ZACH KAZAN, WORN & WOUND
kurono by hajime asaoka
For me in today’s watch world and environment , the smaller the case size the classier and more subtle it was. A 37-39mm case is a standard of dapperness and elite size that suits a well dressed man perfectly. The attention to details on the dial is a typical Japanese standard of perfection and precision.
REVIEW BY HASSAN AKHRAS, ARAB WATCH GUIDE
GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK
I will add that the green dial is rather exquisite and that it dances in the light and gives off different depths of colour... It’s a watch that must be seen in person for it to be understood fully.
REVIEW BY @TICK_TOCK_007, FIFTH WRIST
HANDS-ON: Kurono Bunkyō Tokyo by Hajime Asaoka
Proportions are important in watch design, but so too are the seemingly small design decisions such as how many circles to have, the thickness of each circle, each marker, the minutes track etc. If you read Asaoka’s words about these, from his website, you will find that each of these was thought through down to the last 0.1mm.
REVIEW BY HOROLOGIUM
THE WATCHMAKING ART OF HAJIME ASAOKA
La collaborazione con Kurono rafforza lo status di Hajime Asaoka come uno dei pochi marchi non nati in Svizzera che tengono la qualità. Il segreto? Lo racconta ancora il maestro, con parole che sono la chiusura perfetta di questo articolo: "Molte delle mie idee mi vengono mentre cammino, ma tante di queste idee sono frammentate e un’idea da sola non crea un orologio: è quando più idee si incontrano, che diventano un orologio".
REVIEW BY DAVIDE PASSONI, WATCHINSANITY ITALY
Asaoka’s Kurono Classic – Midnight Blue and Eggshell White
The Kurono Tokyo Classic watches, either in Midnight Blue or in Eggshell White are beacons in the world of watchmaking. Here a ultra high end independent watchmaker is doing his part to spread the cheer of beautiful watches at an affordable price.
REVIEW BY PETER CHONG, DEPLOYANT
“I spat out my drink” – Zach’s honest reactions to 3 GPHG 2020 winners that make no sense
My personal pick, the Kurono Tokyo Mori (which I also happen to own) as it really pushes the boundaries of what people can expect from accessibly priced watches. If one were unaware of its price, many would assume the Mori was four-to-five times more expensive than it actually is. The design language from Hajime Asaoka is also incredibly distinct and is a fresh Art Deco aesthetic that is so beloved that people rush to secure one when orders open – selling out in minutes.
REVIEW BY ZACH BLASS, TIME + TIDE MAGAZINE
GPHG 2020 – 5 disruptive nominees that should be winners in a chaotic and disrupted year
The printing on the dial is razor sharp, and the classic chronograph date window at 6 is balanced by the classic Asaoka detail of a long lonely double indice at 12. The fact that we have a low production enthusiasts piece like this in one of the most important categories for men’s watches is a surefire sign that the world is changing to a more inclusive scene.
REVIEW BY THOR SVABOE, TIME + TIDE MAGAZINE