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 allows 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.
In 2022, Kurono Tokyo introduced an updated version of their first chronograph under the Mk.2 edition. Using the same Seiko NE86 column wheel movement, the new range acquiesced collector demands for a slimmer case by leveraging a three-part construction to reduce the overall thickness by 0.4mm. Asaoka notes that great consideration was taken with the lugs and the lower part of the case to visually slim the watch and optimize wearability.
The Mk.2 also features a gently curved cylinder dial in a stunning salmon tone that keeps with the brand’s tradition of choosing traditional Japanese colors for their watches. Asaoka likened this particular color to kakishibu, a fermented persimmon juice that’s often used as an antiseptic and a paint. Black accents, raised indices, and a box-sapphire crystal round out the design to create a watch with a distinct vintage aesthetic that really pops on the wrist.
Specifications
Brand:
Kurono Tokyo
Model:
Chronograph 1 Mk.2
Reference:
Year:
2023
Case Number:
CB012UQXY
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
38 mm
Lug Width:
20 mm
Thickness:
13.6 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
46.8 mm
Dial:
Salmon
Lume:
None
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
Seiko NE86
Bracelet/Strap:
Black 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 light wear with only a couple minor hairlines and micro nicks present. The overall impression is very clean. The lugs are sharp and well defined. The caseback is excellent with only a few faint hairlines. All engravings remain crisp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The salmon dial and polished leaf hands are in pristine condition with no notable imperfections. The sapphire crystal is squeaky clean and scratch free.
Bracelet/Strap: The black calfskin strap is in fantastic condition with very light signs of wear and plenty of life left to give. The buckle has a couple tiny marks, but no major imperfections.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, quickset date, and chronograph start/stop/reset are working as expected.
Service History: None.
