Watchatlas

Kurono Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan · Est. 2019

Founded by Hajime Asaoka

Kurono Tokyo is a Japanese independent watch brand created by Hajime Asaoka, offering more accessible mechanical watches that carry the design DNA of his exclusive handmade atelier pieces. The brand is known for Art Deco-inspired cases, carefully tuned dial colors, limited online releases, salon editions, and collector-focused series such as Classic, Grand, and Chronograph models.

Founded
2019
Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Active

Why this brand matters

Kurono Tokyo matters because it translates Hajime Asaoka’s independent Japanese watchmaking language into a more reachable format without losing the graphic restraint, dial nuance, and launch culture that made the brand globally collectible.

Known for

  • Hajime Asaoka design language
  • Art Deco-inspired cases and dials
  • Limited online releases and salon editions
  • Classic, Grand and Chronograph series

Key Collections

  • Classic Series (2019) — Kurono Tokyo’s Classic Series is the brand’s accessible, art-deco-leaning core line: compact, high-polish, time-first watches that translate Hajime Asaoka’s design language into more attainable daily wear while preserving the brand’s refined dial balance and strong typographic identity. Key references: Bunkyo Tokyo, Classic Series, Reiwa.
  • Grand Series (2019) — Kurono Tokyo’s Grand Series is the brand’s artisan-led flagship family, centered on urushi dials, complex finishing, and higher craft density while still aiming to remain attainable relative to traditional haute horlogerie and to showcase Hajime Asaoka’s most ambitious design and material work within Kurono. Key references: Grand Akane, Grand Series, 2024 Anniversary Reiwa.
  • Complications Series (2021) — Kurono Tokyo’s Complications Series applies the brand’s art-deco vocabulary to mechanically more involved watches, pairing higher-function layouts with the same disciplined typography, polished finishing, and collector-friendly limited-production ethos that define the label’s more accessible line. Key references: Complications Series, Chronograph 2, Réserve de Marche Sensu N.O.S..
  • Special Projects (2026) — Kurono Tokyo’s Special Projects is the brand’s experimental lane for limited-run, more expressive interpretations of Hajime Asaoka’s Art Deco design language, often using unusual dial materials, custom typography, and one-off thematic ideas that sit apart from the core range. Key references: 2026 Special Projects 37mm Inseki, 2026 Anniversary Malachite, 34mm Star Dial.

Timeline

  • 2019 — Master independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka launches Kurono Tokyo as a more accessible sister brand to his bespoke haute horlogerie work.
  • 2020 — First releases sell out within minutes, establishing Kurono's reputation for extreme demand and limited availability.
  • 2022 — Expands the collection with chronographs while maintaining the direct-to-consumer, limited-drop model.
  • 2025 — Releases the Jubilee Sensu EOL 'Shiraai' in icy blue to celebrate founder Hajime Asaoka's 60th birthday.
  • 2026 — Launches the radical crownless Diver's Watch with a watch-within-a-watch 35mm/46mm architecture ($2,700). Introduces the Special Projects 37mm Inseki with Muonionalusta meteorite dial.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kurono Tokyo

Who is behind Kurono Tokyo?
Hajime Asaoka, one of Japan's most respected independent watchmakers, created Kurono Tokyo as a more accessible brand while his main atelier produces bespoke haute horlogerie pieces.
Why are Kurono watches so hard to buy?
Each release is extremely limited and sold direct-to-consumer through the Kurono website, often selling out within minutes of launch.

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