Kurono Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan · Est. 2019
Founded by Hajime Asaoka
Kurono Tokyo is a Japanese independent watch brand founded in 2018 by Hajime Asaoka, a self-taught watchmaker who previously created his own movement from scratch. The brand produces limited-edition watches in small batches inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, achieving significant waitlists despite modest production numbers.
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Tokyo, Japan
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Grand — Core collection of dress watches with exquisite lacquer and enamel dials in various colours, featuring Miyota-based movements finished to a high standard.
- Chronograph — Limited-edition chronograph series combining accessible pricing with sophisticated dial design and reliable mechanical movements.
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.