Talk Watches - Kurono Tokyo Mori, Hajime Asaoka’s Tribute
The Kurono Tokyo, Kurono Anniversary Green ‘森: mori
The Chit-Chat
“The sunburst dial has a fantastic depth of colour under sunlight which looks stunning with a variety of leather strap colours.” -The Horologist
You must be thinking “Another day, another green dial?” Just give me a second to change your mind. On paper, it’s a Green dialled watch with a relatively well positioned retail price, but the Kurono Mori is much more than following trends. Its quite the opposite. It represents a new generation of independent watch makers and micro-brands that don’t shy away from adding a touch of flair.
On the wrist, the way the green reflects and changes colour in daylight almost reminisce of a multi-layered expensive paint job on a classic car, mind blown. Encompassing the prominent dial comes a simply and subdued case design likened to some of the designs from the 1950s to 1960s. I think in some ways it resembles a vintage time only Universal Geneve Polerouter with no numerals on the dial and sleek art-deco-esque case design. The focus is all on the sunburst dial that ranges from Aqua blue to Forest green depending on lighting.
At 37mm, The watch fits perfectly on most wrists, male or female. Fitted with a black leather strap, it also offers high versatility in what and where you wear it. Whether it’s a formal occasion or a causal day out with T-shirt and jeans, the watch inconspicuously adds a layer of detail to your outfit.
The Story
Founded in the Summer of 2019 by the legendary independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, Kurono Tokyo the brand itself represents a new opportunity for those who adores the work of Hajime Asaoka but don’t the access to purchase one for his extremely limited pieces.
“So I wanted to create something that was more easily accessible, and faster to deliver. Whether for watch collecting enthusiasts, existing atelier watch owners, or just for someone looking for a good watch - I think this mania can be satisfied." - Hajime Asaoka
The brand definitely has a different focus compared to the rare pieces that collectors are familiar with. The design and architecture of the watch shows how much Hajime Asaoka cares for the attention to details. From designing the slightly curved cylindrical dial to exaggerate the sunburst effect to the customer experience of buying the watch, each step is charactered by Hajime’s fine touch of excellence.
Across the brand, the different models maintain a consistent design language. With precision and quality control being the foundation of the brand, in able to offer variations at a modest price tag, all watches are offered in steel cases fitted with a variation of different Japanese movements depending of the functionality of the watch.
Let’s Get Geeky:
Maker: Kurono Tokyo by Hajime Asaoka
Model: Anniversary Mori
Reference: N/A
Year: 2020
Material: Stainless Steel Case
Dimensions: 37mm diameter
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Dial: Sunburst Green
Bezel: Steel
Calibre: Miyota 90S5 (Premium Series) Mechanical automatic winding movement.
Bracelet/Strap: Kurono Calf Leather Strap.
How to Buy/ What to be aware of:
- All 288 examples sold out in the summer of 2020 on their official website
- The Market prices for these are going up day by day, most of these up for sale are straight forward, just be careful of used ones disguised as brand new.
+ One of the best watch you can find under $2,000 USD.
+ Fantastic dial colour suitable for male and female, will be a conversation opener.
+ Great versatility for dressy occasions and more casual outings.
- Some of the details including the hands are a bit under-designed.
- Ordinary Miyota Movement (But can you complain for this price point?)
- Lack of availability (Could be a positive to some collectors)
