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WINDOW 1: 28 MAY 11.00AM JST (+0900GMT)

NEW 2026 Kurono Anniversary
Malachite '孔雀石'

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Hajime Asaoka is a Gendai no Meiko—one of Japan’s honored modern master craftsmen—and a member of the prestigious AHCI. His work with Kurono has garnered global acclaim, including nominations at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).

Hajime Asaoka’s passion for watchmaking runs so deep he often isolates himself for days—working through the night, posting at 3AM, and disappearing into creation. His intense, singular focus drives every detail, even if it means vanishing from the world around him.

Hajime Asaoka hand-mixes the color and surfacing of most Kurono dials himself, testing countless shades and finishes. Each variation is carefully evaluated under different lighting—until one meets his exacting standards.

For Urushi dials by Kurono, they are entirely handcrafted—layered, polished, and perfected by the master craftsman in Kyoto. Despite Urushi's toxicity, only human touch can achieve the depth that machines cannot replicate.

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Hajime Asaoka personally designed both the Aoyama and Shanghai salons—from layout to atmosphere—to reflect the same precision and care found in every Kurono watch.

Hajime Asaoka personally sets up each Kurono launch display at the Aoyama salon—down to photographing and printing the backdrop himself. It’s a quiet reflection of his philosophy: every detail matters.

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Special ProjectsA collection that embodies sensei's new interpretations of Art Deco.
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GRAND SERIESKurono's artisan-level timepieces, the 'Grand' series, is by far Kurono's most demanding and complex collection in terms of traditional craftsmanship.
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SALON EDITIONSNovelties only available at the Kurono Tokyo salons at Aoyama, Tokyo and Shanghai.
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COMPLICATIONS SERIESArt-deco inspired aesthetics that deliver more than just the time for discerning collectors.
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[IMG: Bunkyo Tokyo Classic Series Banner]
Bunkyo Tokyo Classic SeriesThe classic range launched Hajime Asaoka's vision of giving collectors a more accessible timepiece that shares the design DNA of his exclusive handmade atelier watches.
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[IMG: Aoyama Store view from the street]
KURONO AOYAMA SALON
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KURONO TOKYO SHANGHAI
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REVIEWSRead about what the media and other collectors are saying about Kurono watches
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60 Diamond JubileeWho is Hajime Asaoka?Hajime Asaoka is considered one of the greatest living watchmakers in the world today. His work is often compared to that of masters like Philippe Dufour but distinguished by a certain Japanese sensibility and approach. Asaoka transitioned from industrial/product design to watchmaking entirely through self-study, driven by a fascination with mechanical complexity. He began by disassembling and studying vintage watches, later teaching himself CAD software to design components. His first notable creation was a tourbillon wristwatch in 2009, a feat he achieved without formal training, but rather a self-taught effort of dedication and study of a copy of George Daniels’ Watchmaking which he purchased in the early 2000s. This project cemented his reputation as a prodigious talent in independent watchmaking. His background in product design informs his ergonomic, minimalist approach. He cites Japanese aesthetics like "wabi-sabi" (imperfect beauty) and "shibui" (subtle elegance) as inspirations. Just as important is his belief in "kaizen" (continuous improvement) where every iteration of a watch he makes - whether Kurono Tokyo or atelier - is subtly improved generation to generation in construction, material quality and aesthetics.His is a a rare fusion of artist, engineer, and philosopher. His watches are not just timekeepers but wearable narratives of Japanese culture and human ingenuity—a testament to what’s possible when tradition and innovation converge.

A Short HistoryBorn in 1965 in Kanagawa Prefecture, just outside Tokyo, Hajime Asaoka was raised in a household steeped in craftsmanship. Descended from generations of traditional Japanese swordsmiths (刀鍛冶), he grew up surrounded by beautifully forged swords, which left a lasting impression on his sense of design influences. As the family trade shifted from sword-making to ironworking, he became familiar with tools like lathes and milling machines, sparking an early fascination with both the art and mechanics of making things.In his teenage years, he came across Amateur Yacht Building – New Edition (新ヨット工作法), a detailed guide to constructing a real sailing boat. Captivated by its content, he began building model boats based on its instructions. This hands-on experience deepened his appreciation for form, structure and design, laying the groundwork for his design philosophy and eventually leading him to study industrial design at Tokyo University of the Arts.After graduating and working as a university research assistant, he emerged as a pioneer in Japan's early adoption of 3D rendering. From that point on, he took complete creative control over every aspect of the process, from photography and CG compositing to image checking, driven by his desire to maintain overall quality himself.

Why He MattersHajime Asaoka’s significance lies in his ability to reconcile contradictions: tradition and innovation, machine precision and human imperfection, Western technique and Japanese soul. He represents a new paradigm in horology—one where craftsmanship is not just about technical mastery but cultural storytelling. In a world increasingly dominated by homogenous luxury, Asaoka’s work is a reminder that true artistry thrives at the margins, driven by passion rather than profit. His watches are not merely timekeepers but cultural artifacts, bridging East and West while preserving the endangered art of handmade horology for future generations. This is a key reason why he was named a 'Gendai no Meiko' - an award that recognizes artisans who demonstrate unparalleled skill, dedication, and innovation in their craft. His membership in the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) places him alongside Swiss legends, yet his work is unmistakably Japanese: restrained, poetic, and deeply human.

KURONO'S IMPORTANCEKurono Tokyo matters because it disrupts the elitism of high-end watchmaking while preserving its soul. It proves that artistry need not be exhorbitant, and that cultural heritage can thrive in a modern, global context. For Asaoka, the brand is both a tribute to his roots and a bold statement: great design should be experienced, not just admired from afar. Kurono delivers exceptional quality, rarity and an absolute attention to detail especially when it comes to dial work. To own a Kurono is to participate in a quiet revolution—one where desirabilty, beauty, precision, and accessibility coexist.Kurono and Art DecoFrom a design perspective, Kurono Tokyo reinterprets Art Deco for the modern era through Hajime Asaoka's eyes. By blending Deco’s geometric rigor with Japanese restraint, Asaoka creates timeless pieces that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The result is a collection that whispers Art Deco’s legacy while shouting innovation—a perfect union of two design philosophies separated by a century but united in their pursuit of beauty.The Artisan’s Code:Every Asaoka timepiece is a solo performance, even for his accessible Kurono Tokyo brand. Each Kurono is personally designed and prototyped by him. Dial paints and finishes are mixed by hand, fonts are individually created and lettered by him. Necessary movement modifications are prototyped on his toolbench. His watches are not tools but wearable poetry, blending precision with the soul of Japanese aesthetics.

As the world marks Hajime Asaoka’s Diamond Jubilee at 60, we honor a visionary who transformed watchmaking from a craft into a cultural movement. From humble beginnings in a Tokyo basement to global acclaim, Asaoka’s journey is a symphony of rebellious determination, precision, and artistry — a story etched not just in time, but in the hearts of collectors and dreamers alike.

WINDOW 1: 28 MAY 11.00AM JST (+0900GMT)

2026 Kurono AnniversaryMalachite '孔雀石'

2026 Kurono AnniversaryMalachite '孔雀石'Kurono presents our 2026 Anniversary timepiece - the Special Projects Malachite '孔雀石', a personal study by Hajime Asaoka exploring the expressive beauty of natural stone within the Kurono Tokyo design language.

"The idea of using natural stones for watch dials has a long history. While its beauty is a pure reflection of nature itself, when crafting this watch, I did not want to simply use a raw fragment as is. Instead, I wanted to imbue it with my own perspective as a watchmaker. In short, my goal with this timepiece was to draw out the innate beauty of the natural stone even further while simultaneously adding the distinct character of Kurono Tokyo."

The Special Projects Malachite '孔雀石' sees the combination of natural malachite and a hand-mixed rokusho green copper-oxide pigment derivative on the periphery - a technique without precedent so as to form Kurono's signature convex dial. It is further complemented by unique Kanji Eto (zodiac) script as hour markers. Only 2 out of 10 malachite dials make it to final selection - and those chosen personally by Hajime Asaoka bear his personal vermillion seal.This is a limited anniversary release and will be available worldwide on kuronotokyo.com for US$1,850 excluding VAT & duties.The sale of the Malachite '孔雀石' will have two order windows - All orders placed within either of these time windows will be honored:Order Window 1: Thursday, 28 May, 11:00 AM JSTOrder Window 2: Thursday, 28 May, 11:00 PM JSTStrictly 1 watch per customer.
How to preorder

"The design features malachite in the center, surrounded by a brass outer section to form a convex dial. I believe there is almost no precedent for this technique, likely due to its extreme technical difficulty. Now, malachite is a type of copper ore, and its rich green color is the result of copper oxidation. As a green pigment derived from copper oxide, verdigris (rokusho) has been known since antiquity. It has been cherished as a pigment in traditional Japanese painting for over a thousand years, and I always keep a supply of it on hand in my atelier. In particular, copper oxide dissolved in oil is known as copper resinate; it possesses a deep, translucent green hue and has been used as a pigment in oil painting since the Renaissance. When creating the prototype this time, I produced copper resinate from verdigris to determine the exact color of the dial's outer periphery. Because it shares the exact same material roots as the green of the malachite, it resulted in the perfect harmony I had envisioned."~Hajime Asaoka

"Every piece of malachite possesses its own unique pattern. Because some individual stones are not necessarily attractive, I personally inspect every single piece and select only the finest ones. The mark stamped on the dial serves as proof of this rigorous selection."

Turning malachite into a watch dial is a masterclass in patient production. Most stone dials are cut from massive, homogenous slabs. Malachite is cut from nodular clusters. This means we cannot use industrial saws; each nodule is X-rayed to find the 'Eye' before a single cut is made. Because the stone is prone to fracturing, slicing it into a watch dial requires an incredible level of lapidary skill. Only 2 out of 10 dials survive the process and make it to final selection by Hajime himself.

Malachite is a 'lithic recording.' The varying widths of the green bands are not random; they are the visual 'sound waves' of a planet in flux. Each band you see on the dial represents a specific period of seismic water flow and mineral concentration across tens of thousands of years.

Kujaku-ishi: 孔雀石Malachite - Kujaku-ishi (Peacock Stone), is named for its resemblance to the peacock’s eye-like plumage. Traditionally worn to sharpen the wearer's insight and guard their journey through the world, malachite exhibits a silken chatoyancy, shifting between deep forest shadows and vibrant emerald light.Kanji Zodiac IndicesThe indices feature the Etō (the twelve signs of the Kanji Zodiac), traditionally used in East Asia to denote both time and cardinal direction. By integrating this ancient temporal system into a modern timepiece, the watch achieves a distinctive legibility and aesthetic that diverges from conventional Arabic or baton markers.Kurono DetailThe tips of the minute and second hands are bent by hand to match the curves of the dial and glass. Synonymous with Japanese haute horlogerie, every aspect of the 7mm slim watch case (excl sapphire) is polished to the highest degree, and together with the box sapphire crystal delivers unparalleled lightplay.

PAY BY INSTALMENTS INTEREST-FREEYou can now pay as low as $617/mo. over 3mos. with no interest or charges. As long as you have a VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card; you can now choose your preferred instalment plan upon checkout. (except Japan and China domestic orders)PREORDER IN TOKYO & SHANGHAI SALONSFrom the 20th to 28th, in-person visitors to our salons in Tokyo and Shanghai can view the new Malachite '孔雀石' and secure their piece in-salon. For addresses and opening hours, please click here: [Tokyo] [Shanghai]

GLOBAL ONLINE SALEUS$1,850 excl VAT/dutiesor $617/mo. for 3 mo.The 2026 Anniversary timepiece - the Special Projects Malachite '孔雀石' is a limited production release and will not be repeated.Expected deliveries from July 2026 onwards.For US-bound orders please view new baseline tariff guidance hereONLINE ORDERING ON THURSDAY 28 MAYIt will be available for purchase online on Thursday, 28 May 2026, and there will only be two order windows.

Order Window 111.00AM JST, Thursday, 28 May(CST) China: Thursday, 28 May, 10:00AM(BST) London: Thursday, 28 May, 3:00AM(EDT) New York: Wednesday, 27 May, 10:00PM(GST) Dubai: Thursday, 28 May, 6:00AM(AEST) Sydney: Thursday, 28 May, 12:00PM(PDT) California: Wednesday, 27 May, 7:00PMOrder Window 211.00PM JST, Thursday, 28 May(CST) China: Thursday, 28 May, 10:00PM(BST) London: Thursday, 28 May, 3:00PM(EDT) New York: Thursday, 28 May, 10:00AM(GST) Dubai: Thursday, 28 May, 6:00PM(AEST) Sydney: Friday, 29 May, 12:00AM(PDT) California: Thursday, 28 May, 7:00AM

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-%}AOYAMA SALON

US$1,850 excl VAT/dutiesPrior to the global sale, visitors to the Kurono salon in Aoyama, Tokyo will be able to view the Malachite '孔雀石' in person and make in-salon preorders.Malachite '孔雀石' ExhibitionFrom Wednesday, May 20, 2026In-Salon PreorderWednesday, May 20 - Thursday, May 28, 2026- Strictly one purchase per customer- Kurono ships worldwide to most major destinations- Please note that full payment is required upon preorder and is strictly non-refundable- The Malachite ‘孔雀石’ is a one-off release and will not return once sold outKurono Tokyo Aoyama Salon2-10-22 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061TEL: 03-6823-8358Business hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays and holidays)
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-%}SHANGHAI SALON

15,800 RMB including VAT/DutiesPrior to the global sale, visitors to the Kurono salon in Shanghai, China will be able to view the Malachite '孔雀石' in person and make in-salon preorders.Malachite '孔雀石' ExhibitionFrom Wednesday, May 20, 2026In-Salon PreorderWednesday, May 20 - Thursday, May 28, 2026- Strictly one purchase per customer- Kurono ships worldwide to most major destinations- Please note that full payment is required upon preorder and is strictly non-refundable- The Malachite ‘孔雀石’ is a one-off release and will not return once sold outKurono Tokyo Shanghai SalonNo. 667-1, Weihai Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200041TEL: 021-6380-9768Business hours: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (closed on holidays)

AOYAMA SALON
US$1,850 excl VAT/dutiesPrior to the global sale, visitors to the Kurono salon in Aoyama, Tokyo will be able to view the Malachite '孔雀石' in person and make in-salon preorders.Malachite '孔雀石' ExhibitionFrom Wednesday, May 20, 2026In-Salon PreorderWednesday, May 20 - Thursday, May 28, 2026- Strictly one purchase per customer- Kurono ships worldwide to most major destinations- Please note that full payment is required upon preorder and is strictly non-refundable- The Malachite ‘孔雀石’ is a one-off release and will not return once sold outKurono Tokyo Aoyama Salon2-10-22 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061TEL: 03-6823-8358Business hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays and holidays)
SHANGHAI SALON
15,800 RMB including VAT/DutiesPrior to the global sale, visitors to the Kurono salon in Shanghai, China will be able to view the Malachite '孔雀石' in person and make in-salon preorders.Malachite '孔雀石' ExhibitionFrom Wednesday, May 20, 2026In-Salon PreorderWednesday, May 20 - Thursday, May 28, 2026- Strictly one purchase per customer- Kurono ships worldwide to most major destinations- Please note that full payment is required upon preorder and is strictly non-refundable- The Malachite ‘孔雀石’ is a one-off release and will not return once sold outKurono Tokyo Shanghai SalonNo. 667-1, Weihai Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200041TEL: 021-6380-9768Business hours: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (closed on holidays)

Baseline Tariffs for US-bound OrdersPlease understand that by proceeding with this order, you acknowledge that shipments into the US will be subject to current baseline tariffs of 10%. This is on top of the listed global MSRP of US$1,850 for the watch. This may be on top of any existing state or federal consumption taxes and charges. This baseline tariffs and any other charges will be paid directly by you to the delivery partner DHL or Fedex on fulfilment. Kurono will not collect such tariffs and charges from you upfront. Due to the limited nature of the watch, Kurono orders cannot be cancelled, returned, nor refunded. By proceeding with this order, you agree to the abovementioned and to the no-cancellation policy in force.

Specifications & AvailabilityConditions of SalePurchasing Questions3 Months installmentsMedia DownloadsSpecifications & Availability
Specifications
Functions: Hours, minutes, secondsMovement: MIYOTA 90S5 (automatic, 24 jewels, 28,800 vph, approx. 40-hour power reserve)Case diameter: 37 mmCase thickness: 7mm (including crystal: 11.5 mm)Case material: Stainless steel (316L, high-polished)Water resistance: 5 ATMStrap: Calf leatherLug width: 20 mm (16 mm at buckle)Glass: Sapphire box crystalMade in Japan
Availability & Deliveries
Kurono 2026 Anniversary Malachite '孔雀石' will be available online worldwide, and for in-person viewing at the Shanghai and Aoyama salons.Limited production and will not be repeated. Expected deliveries from July 2026 onwards.
Conditions of Sale
Conditions Of Sale
Any transactions with Kurono means that you unequivocally accept the following terms and conditions of purchase:Kurono has a strict No Refund policy.Please ensure that you are certain in your purchasing decision before commencing to pay for your order. Finalizing and paying for your order will mean that you unequivocally understand and accept that you forfeit the right to cancellations and refunds for any reason, even in the pre-order stage. As this is a high demand limited edition item, this policy allows us to prevent hoarding/fraud and ensures that the product reaches the wrists of real collectors and fans. Any cancellations will be subject to a restocking fee of 19.23% of the watch’s MSRP to cater to card transaction and platform costs. The extra will be donated to our selected children’s charity of the season.Shipping datesBefore making a purchase, please refer to the product pages on the shipping advisory. Depending on current world situations, there may be countries or jurisdictions where we may be allowed to ship to.Precautions against resale accountsAccounts that are suspected of being linked to reseller profiles will be banned immediately. We will take measures to prevent future purchases by such accounts.Multiple purchasesTo combat the existing reseller problem, we have a stringent one watch per customer policy. In the case of duplicate purchases, our system will detect this and both orders will be canceled.Payment provider/Credit card errorsIf a credit card error occurs at checkout, it is primarily due to either the security policies or restrictions put in place by your card issuer, and not our payments transactions provider. Please ensure that your card has overseas purchases enabled before you participate in this order. Please note that our payments provider will put in place strict verification processes such as OTP codes and matching addresses to your card.Alternatively, you might want to consider alternative payment options such as Apple Pay or Android Pay. Please note that for Apple Pay, a Safari browser is necessary for it to work.Loss of package/Custom delaysWe will only use DHL International Economy from the point of origin and international airmail for all international orders or local delivery courier service. Please refer to DHL/local delivery courier's terms of service in your respective country should you require more information on shipping terms, conditions, and requirements.You understand that any loss of packages or customs delays shall not be within the purview of Kurono, and any claims and correspondence shall be with DHL/local delivery courier, or with your country’s customs authority. While Kurono shall provide assistance with regards to paperwork on a best effort basis, you understand that Kurono shall not be held liable for any matter with this regard.Additional Measures to stem Speculation and Unauthorized ResaleWarranty for Limited Edition Items- Warranty or service claims within the first six months of receiving your watch by anyone other than the original buyer on record will be rejected.- Warranty for any watches discovered on the resale market within the first six months will be voided.Shipping PolicyWe will only use DHL International Economy from the point of origin and international airmail for all international orders or local delivery courier. Please refer to DHL/local delivery courier's terms of service in your respective country should you require more information on shipping terms, conditions, and requirements.VAT/GST/Excise TaxesPlease note that you have not been charged domestic VAT or related taxes at the point of order, DHL or the local delivery courier that they use may require you to pay the necessary VAT/GST/excise taxes applicable to your country of receipt before releasing the shipment. These taxes are unique to your country of dom

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