Founded in 2019 as a means for legendary Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka to create serial production pieces, Kurono Tokyo stands as one of the most exciting microbrands in today's watchmaking industry. With his reputation as an exceptional watchmaker secured from decades of recognition, Hajime Asaoka was famed for designing once-off timepieces in close collaboration with his clients. However, with demand growing fast, he decided to launch his own microbrand and create timepieces that would cater to those that wanted affordable watches that feature his stunning design language at a fraction of the cost. Launched in 2024 to celebrate the brand’s fifth anniversary, the model we have here is the Kurono Tokyo Reiwa, a recreation of the brand’s first watch, but with a dial that features a stunning lapis-green metallic periphery dial with a deep black mirrored center. Featuring the brand’s distinctly wearable 37mm x 7mm stainless steel case and powered by a third-party automatic Miyota cal. 90S5 movement, this timepiece feeds into Kurono Tokyo’s ability to enable collectors to enjoy Hajime’s Japanese-inspired design language with far fewer roadblocks than his typical one-off pieces that he earned his reputation with.

Watch is in new condition.

Made to the exacting standards of master watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, the Kurono Tokyo sub-brand has ballooned in popularity as collectors seek out watches designed by the Japanese legend with a much more agreeable price tag.