Why this Japanese watchmaker decided to create affordable watches

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Why this Japanese watchmaker decided to create affordable watches

For those who haven't been able to acquire a Hajime Asaoka watch, a more accessible option is available.

19 Jul 2022 06:30AM (Updated: 04 Jul 2022 06:04PM)

Hajime Asaoka's timepieces are known for their Art Deco style, beautiful paw-assembled movements, meticulous hand-finishing and five-figure price tags. Information technology'due south a lofty sum considering all of Asaoka's watches – which and then far only comprise a chronograph, two tourbillons and a time-simply model – are cased in steel, but information technology's attestation to the self-taught watchmaker'southward arts and crafts. Which is what makes his latest collection, Kurono, stand up out: They go for a shockingly affordable S$2,360.

The Kurono in Eggshell White, a special edition made for Sincere Fine Watches. (Photograph: Sincere Fine Watches)

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It's obvious that this cost cuts out Asaoka's personal touch which, when considering whatever independent watchmaker, is a huge part of the appeal. Past serialising production with the help of Precision Watch Tokyo Co., Ltd., which roped in the same case and dial makers that supply to brands similar Seiko, fans get to reap the benefits of economies of scale at the expense of romance.

The Kurono'southward case back. (Photograph: Sincere Fine Watches)

It'due south a bit of a shame considering Asaoka's story is tantalisingly bohemian. With no formal training in the horological arts, the one-time production designer learned the ropes by reading George Daniels' Watchmaking and watching YouTube videos. He makes all the movement components himself, except for the mainspring and balance spring (which he used to salvage from Unitas movements), finishes them on his own and gets cases from a subcontractor from the automotive manufacture. This artisanal approach to his concern ways he takes near a month to end once-but Tsunami spotter, and three months for the complicated ones. This adds upwardly to near 5 watches a year and a two-year waiting list.

The watchmaker himself. (Photograph: Sincere Fine Watches)

But the Kurono is a godsend for fans who want a small piece of the Hajime Asaoka Dna while waiting for the existent deal, as well equally those who don't take the admission or means to his handmade pieces. The Kurono is still an Asaoka design, manufactured in Nihon and assembled by hand – just not his. The elegant three-hand sentry is powered by the automatic calibre 905S from Miyota – the Japanese equivalent of ETA – and features stop seconds and a power reserve of 40 hours. The caseback is engraved with the words Bunkyo Tokyo, a reference to where Asaoka's studio is located.

The Miyota 905S Premium Movement. (Photo: Sincere Fine Watches)

There are two dial variations, Midnight Blue and Mystic Grey, and both are express to just fifty pieces each. A tertiary variant, featuring an Eggshell White punch, was produced exclusively for Sincere Fine Watches but all fifty pieces were sold out inside 24 hours of its release on the sentry retailer's website on July iii. A portion of the proceeds from each Kurono auction volition get to the Rainbow Middle Singapore, a non-turn a profit arrangement that works to create opportunities for children with autism and other disabilities.

Why this Japanese watchmaker decided to create affordable watches

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