Founded in 2018 as a way for legendary Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka to create serial production pieces, Kurono Tokyo stands as one of the most exciting micro brands in the market today. With his reputation as an exceptional watchmaker, Hajime Asaoka was famed for designing one off timepieces in close collaboration with his clients. With demand growing, he decided to launch his own brand and create timepieces that would cater to those that wanted affordable watches that shared design language with his other once-off pieces.
Kurono so far has maintained a vintage inspired case and usually leaves the magic and variation to the dial work with each release. With this Kurono Akane, it is no different. Released in 2020 and featuring a 37mm high-polished case and domed sapphire crystal, it successfully mimics a conservative vintage design.
Moving on to the dial though, this is where the watch really stands out. The Kurono Akane is the first high end finishing the brand has done when it comes to the dial work and is part of their ‘Grand’ line. Featuring an Urushi lacquer dial that was finished with what is knowns as a ‘Hamon’ or a blade pattern, the result is a fiery red and orange lacquer dial that is enigmatic and constantly changing, reflecting hues depending on the light source.
With only 200 pieces made and immediately sold out, the Kurono Akane is certainly one of the defining watches of the brand and one of its most unique to date.
