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 2021 as a very real testament to that success, the Chronograph II was, as its name suggests, the brand's second chronograph model following on from the well-received Chronograph I. Designed with light-play in mind, Kurono blended light and dark elements of the Chronograph II’s dial with various textures and polished furniture and surrounds to create a beautifully elegant and complex dial that deserves the Kurono name. Furthermore, with a polished 38mm steel case and domed sapphire crystal, the Chronograph II is a pleasure to wear as it draws you in with every slight flick of the wrist.

While the brand was forced to only produce a black dial variant in 2021 as a result of the constraint of procuring movements, Hajime Asaoka was determined to create a white dial variant of his beloved Chronograph II, which was launched in early 2022. Taking every other aspect of its black dial sibling's construction, the Chronograph II 'Shiro' introduced a new dial design to the collection as Hajime originally wanted. Sporting a two-tone white and grey design with black and red accents, the Chronograph II's dial is a stunning companion to the original. With the same polished steel hour markers and hands, it is a beautiful watch that still captures light in a quite breath-taking manner.