Hajime Asaoka, the rising star of designer watches, and 3 timepieces in various styles
If Switzerland is the king of Western watchmaking, then the throne of the East must belong to Japan. Throughout history, the Land of the Rising Sun has been home to many master watchmakers, among whom Hajime Asaoka is one of the most prominent—a name instantly recognizable in the world of branded watches.
It is no exaggeration to say that among Eastern watchmakers, Hajime Asaoka is second to none. However, this Japanese master has historically produced timepieces in limited quantities, making them notoriously rare and exorbitantly expensive. Starting in 2018, in an effort to reach a wider audience, Hajime Asaoka began producing various models under the Chrono Tokyo series in larger quantities at more accessible price points.
The decision by such a leader in the world of high-end watches to produce more affordable timepieces is truly fascinating. This article will introduce you to Hajime Asaoka through three models from the Chrono Tokyo series.
Hajime Asaoka: An Eternal Legend of Horology
"Watchmaking is like playing chess with the buyer," Hajime Asaoka once said regarding his philosophy on creating timepieces. It is a brief sentence that encapsulates a profound meaning: the need to understand the user thoroughly, guessing what they desire and what might surprise them, before using that insight to craft a wristwatch.
His unparalleled attention to detail has earned Hajime Asaoka the title of "The Japanese Philippe Dufour," along with membership in the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI), a premier institution in the high-end watch world. These serve as clear evidence that Hajime Asaoka is not only a master watchmaker of Japan but a globally recognized name.
However, this meticulousness in every stage of production is a double-edged sword for Hajime Asaoka. While the advantage is a flawless, perfect timepiece, the downside is that each watch takes a significant amount of time to produce, making those bearing the Hajime Asaoka name rare and extremely expensive.
Hajime Asaoka did not want his watches to be high-art pieces accessible only to a select few; he wanted them to be within reach of a broader audience, all while maintaining the highest possible quality. With this in mind, the Chrono Tokyo series was born in 2018, with increased production capacity to offer branded watches from the Land of the Rising Sun at accessible prices.
Exploring the Chrono Tokyo Series Through 3 Models
Chrono Tokyo First Series, October 2018
There is arguably no model that better captures the essence and spirit that Hajime Asaoka infused into the Chrono Tokyo series than the first, the Chrono Tokyo First Series, released in October 2018.
The Chrono Tokyo First Series stands out for its dial, which reinterprets classic design combined with a silver hue that creates a perfect sense of modernity. It is fair to say that despite the accessible price, Hajime Asaoka maintained precision in every stage of creation, successfully launching the Chrono Tokyo series as a brand that people worldwide aspire to own.
Kurono Tokyo “Reiwa” Second Series
The Kurono Tokyo “Reiwa” Second Series is proof that a watch brand is more than just a time-telling tool or a status symbol; Hajime Asaoka also uses it to record invaluable history.
May 1, 2019, was a significant day for the Japanese people as Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne, signaling the end of the Heisei era and the dawn of the Reiwa era. As a master horologist, Hajime Asaoka created the Kurono Tokyo “Reiwa” Second Series to commemorate this transition.
The Kurono Tokyo “Reiwa” Second Series features an elegant, minimalist dial paired with a genuine crocodile leather strap—which alone is enough to make this model highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Kurono Anniversary Coral 朱鷺:Toki
The name "Toki" in the Kurono Anniversary Coral 朱鷺:Toki model refers to the 'Japanese Crested Ibis,' one of the rarest bird species in the world, rediscovered in Japan in 2008 and known for its striking vermilion crest.
Hajime Asaoka drew inspiration from this bird to create the Kurono Anniversary Coral 朱鷺:Toki, particularly its Metallic Coral Radial Sunburst dial, a vermilion shade representing the prosperity of a rising sun. It features the signature Kurono style with polished markers and indices, along with a beautiful, sharp grooved cylindrical dial. It does not just use a dome crystal; the inner dial is slightly raised, creating a dimension that remains striking despite its minimalist aesthetic.
Pixiu Watch: An Online Watch Boutique Curated by Experts
Although the Chrono Tokyo series is produced in larger numbers than the original Hajime Asaoka timepieces, they are still considered quite rare. However, if you are interested, you can inquire at Pixiu Watch, an online watch shop that gathers a wide variety of exquisite timepieces to offer emotional value for enthusiasts to exchange and collect. We are happy to provide consultations and advice regarding Hajime Asaoka watches and many other famous brands to bring beauty to every watch lover. You can contact us at 083-713-9292 (Oat) or 081-535-3595 (Tee) every day from 7:00 AM to midnight.
