Overview
Founded in 2019 by Hajime Asaoka, Kurono Tokyo serves as an outlet to make the designs and ethos of Japan’s premier independent watchmaker accessible to a broader audience. Asaoka normally handmakes high-end watches in the single digits under his own name, but Kurono Tokyo has allowed him to produce his creations in larger, albeit still limited, quantities. Even with streamlined production, every watch is exclusively made in Japan and offers collectors the opportunity to own a unique piece that embraces the country’s values and heritage.
For each anniversary since its inception, Kurono Tokyo has released a commemorative watch to celebrate. In 2023, the brand took the triple calendar that achieved finalist recognition at the 2022 GPHG Awards and created the Anniversary Calendrier ‘Azuki’ (“red bean”). This final edition of the Calendrier Type I is highlighted by Asaoka’s desire to create a specific maroon color reminiscent of vintage Japanese cars. In order to achieve this, dial makers used phosphor-bronze, a particularly difficult material to machine, for the very first time. Additional details, such as off-white hour markers, railway-track minute markers, and a curved dial, further accentuate the vintage aesthetic.
This example is made even more special by the attached artisan strap from HIROSHIGE, a partner brand of Kurono Tokyo which incorporates Edo-period art into high-end leather straps. The limited edition Chūshingura depicts a fictionalized account of the Akō Incident of 1701 where 47 rōnins avenge the death of their lord. It’s the perfect pairing with a watch that’s also deeply rooted in Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Specifications
Brand:
Kurono Tokyo
Model:
Anniversary Calendrier 'Azuki'
Reference:
AZUKI
Year:
2023
Case Number:
CL001YFXR
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
38 mm
Lug Width:
20 mm
Thickness:
11.5 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
45.8 mm
Dial:
Maroon
Lume:
None
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
Miyota 9122
Bracelet/Strap:
HIROSHIGE Chūshingura brown calfskin strap with tang buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The stainless steel case shows very little wear outside of a few hairlines and a light scuff on the lug at 10:30. The overall impression is very clean. The lugs are thick and well-defined. The caseback is in pristine condition with a protective sticker attached. All engravings are sharp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The maroon dial and polished hands are in fantastic condition. There is a tiny piece of debris on the dial next to the 7 o'clock numeral. The sapphire crystal is squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The HIROSHIGE calfskin strap shows only light wear with faint creasing to the leather backing and plenty of life left to give. The additional Windup Watch Shop cordovan strap appears unworn. The tang buckle has a couple faint marks and no notable imperfections.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and quickset date/day are working as expected. The month push button requires a little extra effort, but works as well.
Service History: Unknown.
