Introducing Kurono Tokyo Unveils the New 34mm Star Dial

Kurono Tokyo, the brainchild of renowned Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, was born out of a desire to offer a more accessible alternative to his high-end, handcrafted pieces. Known for his intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship, Asaoka’s main brand, which bears his name, focuses on luxury, with each piece meticulously created by hand. However, with Kurono Tokyo, Asaoka sought to bring his distinctive design language to a wider audience by utilizing industrial production methods. By incorporating reliable Miyota movements instead of the in-house calibers Asaoka traditionally used, Kurono Tokyo ensures that his signature style reaches a broader market, maintaining quality without the high price tag. This shift allows watch enthusiasts to enjoy timepieces that reflect the artistry and ethos of Asaoka's vision, all while keeping them accessible.

In its latest release, the brand introduces the 34mm Star Dial, which takes inspiration from Asaoka’s Tsunami 'As Time Goes By' atelier watch, unveiled in Geneva in 2024. The concept of the "Star Dial" was born out of Asaoka's admiration for the Art Deco movement and the stars that adorned timepieces from the 1930s.

The watch comes in a stainless steel case with a 34mm diameter and a thickness of 9.6mm, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a more compact timepiece. The case is topped with a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, and a screwed case back ensures 50m of water resistance.

The dial is available in two colors: blue and copper, both of which beautifully complement the stars and add depth to the design. The dial features luminescent hands and high-polished star indices, a tribute to the Art Deco style. These indices are mass-produced based on Hajime Asaoka’s meticulous design. The stars were created using molds and forging techniques to achieve a beautiful aesthetic. As Asaoka mentioned, he initially wanted to include stars in the Tsunami 'As Time Goes By' model, but due to the complexity of manufacturing, he ended up using only numerals. Now, we have them today.

The watch is powered by the Miyota 90S5 automatic movement, which operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and offers a 40-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a black calf leather strap and is a limited production release, ensuring its exclusivity. As part of the Special Project series, it will not be repeated. The price is USD 1,190, which is approximately equivalent to AED 4,400.

For more information, visit Kurono Tokyo’s official website.