Independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka has built a following by injecting Art Deco elegance into accessible timepieces, and his latest release under the Kurono Tokyo label takes that philosophy underwater.
The Kurono Tokyo Diver’s watch introduces a novel two‑case system: a 35 mm automatic watch head with 50 meters of water resistance can be worn alone as a slim everyday timepiece, but for diving it nests inside a 46 mm Extra Super Duralumin outer case sealed with an additional crystal. Once assembled, the combination is rated to 300 meters and sports a red anodized bezel for timing dives.
The inner watch omits a traditional crown in favor of a case‑back winding system to minimize water ingress. Luminous markers and blue steel cathedral hands maintain legibility in low light, and the watch head attaches to quick‑release lugs so owners can swap between supplied leather and rubber straps.
The set is priced at $2,700 and will be allocated via a ballot system; expressions of interest are accepted from March 5 to 11, with priority given to applicants who can show diving certifications. By allowing owners to toggle between a refined dress watch and a serious dive instrument, Asaoka has created a conversation piece that bridges aesthetic and functional worlds.
