Introduction
Founded in 2018 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 Hajime's reputation as an exceptional watchmaker secured from decades of recognition for designing one-off timepieces in close collaboration with his clients, it was never in doubt that his serial production brand would take off. Launched in 2020 as a very real testament to that success, the Chronograph 1 was, as its name suggests, the brand's first chronograph model. Designed with art deco stylistic inspiration and Kurono's own standout details in mind, the Chronograph 1 was an immediate hit. Debuting with three dial variants, black on white (panda), white on black (reverse panda), and the "CHRONO Tokyo" dial, which was made exclusively for the Japanese market, it was later expanded upon with the Mark 2 in 2022 that we have here with a salmon dial that features black subdials and lacking the inscriptions and minute tracks that featured on the previous variants, for a cleaner uninterrupted look.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Kurono Tokyo
Dimensions
38mm
Model
Chronograph 1 Mk. 2
Movement
Automatic cal. NE86A
Reference
CB012U
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2023
Condition
Like-New
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
Salmon
Condition
Watch is in like new condition, with little to no signs of use.
Our Perspective
Opting for a more subtle aesthetic than its Art Deco-inspired Mk. 1 siblings, the Mk. 2 completes the Chronograph 1's celebration of the journey that modern watchmaking has gone on since its inception from its earlier Art Deco days to its more refined and understated period that followed.