Elegance, class, and mastery. I think it's safe to say that these are the three words that best summarize this watch.
Hajime Asaoka's 60th anniversary
Kurono Tokyo, one of the brands that has played a significant role in the rise of independent watchmaking to its current popularity, has unveiled a magnificent collection of models commemorating 2025, the 60th anniversary of Hajime Asaoka, founder and watchmaker, as his "Diamond Jubilee." Following the Jubilee Sensu EOL, the celebration concludes with the "Grand Jubilee Calendar."
Origin of the Model
You'll understand just how special and beautiful this wonderful watch, created by customizing the brand's "Calendrier 'Type 1' model, launched in 2022, is when you take a closer look. Read our previously published article, "The Kurono Tokyo Story and Collection." going from here You can read about the brand's story and the features of the "Calendrier 'Type 1'" model. Hajime, who also stated in press releases that "I wear Kurono watches almost every day, so I'm more aware of areas for improvement," went beyond these areas and presented us with this excellent watch.
What Does the New Model Offer Us??
The first striking difference in the new model, which features a calendar window at six o'clock, a month display at three o'clock, and a day display at nine o'clock, is the dial color and the case's simpler design, with a polished, concave, and smooth bezel, rather than a serrated bezel. The salmon-colored dial is one of the most popular colors in recent years, and Hajime has crafted it with remarkable elegance.
Measuring 38mm in diameter and 11,5mm thick, the watch boasts a remarkably compact and slim case. Ignoring the thickness of the domed sapphire crystal, the case is only 10mm thick. The watch features a fully polished case. Hajime Asaoka's personal signature seal is a detail that marks it out as a member of the "Grand" series. For the Jubilee, a special gold-plated steel medallion engraved with Hajime Asaoka's hanko (personal seal used in place of a signature in Japan) greets us on the watch case back. The crown features a natural black onyx cabochon to commemorate Hajime Asaoka's 60th Diamond Jubilee. (Cabochon Cut: A smoothly cut, polished stone with a defined geometric shape.) The watch comes with a 20/16mm black calfskin strap with a steel buckle.
A Dial with Fascinating Harmony
As mentioned above, a stylish shade of salmon, one of this year's popular colors, has been used on the dial. Hajime explains that some trees in Japan turn red during autumn, and this color inspired the salmon color on the dial. Instead of a simple design, he added depth to the dial with vertical engravings in the center. Inspired by the black onyx stone on the crown, the watch's hands are also coated in the same black. While black may seem simple to us, it encompasses many shades. The brand claims that numerous trials and errors were made to achieve a deep black like onyx. As a result of these trials and errors, the elegant black hands, which perfectly complement the salmon color, adorn the watch's dial. The edge of the date window at 6 o'clock has been deepened, making it easier to see the date window without using a magnifying glass.
The Mechanism That Gives Life to the Watch
This limited edition model is also equipped with the "Miyota 9122" caliber found in the Calendrier 'Type 1' model. This exquisite movement, a premium Japanese movement, can be both manually and automatically wound. Fully wound by 40 revolutions of the crown, it offers a 40-hour power reserve. Producing 28.800 vibrations per hour, the movement has a daily accuracy of -10 to +30 seconds.
Price and Availability
The "Grand Jubilee Calendar" model was produced in limited numbers, and the brand announced that it would not be produced. No information was given about the number of units produced. The watch, which went on sale on October 17th and was only available to purchase one per person, quickly sold out. The watch is priced at $2.380 excluding taxes, but is currently out of stock. from the site It is not possible to get it.
