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 2021 to celebrate the brand’s second anniversary, the model we have here is the Kurono Tokyo Toki, a recreation of the brand’s first watch, but with a stunning salmon dial instead of grey or blue, as was first released. Featuring the brand’s distinctly wearable 37mm 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.

The watch is in like-new condition with little to no signs of wear or handling. It comes complete with its original box and papers.

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.