15 Japanese Watch Brands and Their Best Watches

Watches have become a universal craft and their manufacturing has reached across the world, but there are always certain countries which resonate more deeply with quality production and innovation of watches. Japan is one of these nations. The Japanese watch brands began their watchmaking journey as early as the end of the 19th century and combine their innovations in technology with their attention to detail and design. Today, Japan continues to produce some of the world’s most loved timepieces. Japanese craftsmanship also always finds ways to dive deeper into cultural and environmental aesthetics for their products, which embody the spirit and traditions of Japan. We’ve curated a list of our favorite Japanese watch brands and our favorite watches from their collections. Our list of best Japanese watch brands contains brands that have had long histories and ones that have been introduced in the last couple of years. There’s a brand or watch for everyone on this list.

Seiko

The history of Seiko reaches as back as 1881 to Kintaro Hattori, 21 years old at the time he opened a shop in Tokyo, where he sold and repaired watches and clocks. Since then, the brand has upheld Hattori’s vision and throughout the years they’ve made landmark pieces. They remain a staple in the watch industry. In 1969 they introduced the world’s first quartz watch, the Seiko Quartz Astron. Some other firsts they achieved in the watch world were, the first six-digit LCD quartz watch in 1973, the first multifunctional digital watch in 1975, and the first divers watch in titanium also in 1975. These are just a few of Seiko’s innovative accomplishments. You can find a long list of their many achievements over the years on their website.

Prospex Diver

Price: $350 USD; Case Size: 45mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Hardlex.

Seiko’s Prospex Diver is a steal for its low price and ultimate functionality. The 200m dive watch is part of a collection of loved dive watches. Seiko has released many special edition variations of their Prospex Diver models which pay homage to the vintage divers of the 60s as well as the nature which surrounds us. The one we are featuring on our list today is the, SRPJ35 model, with a two-tone bezel inspired through the colors of lagoons. The turquoise and darker blue create a beautiful contrast and harmony to keep the dial and bezel visible in the darkest oceans. The bold and large hands and indices add to the visibility of this piece. The watch retails for $525 USD.

Alpinist

Price: $592 USD; Case Size: 39.5mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The Alpinist is one of Seiko’s most loved watches from their Prospex collection, with models selling out almost immediately. It is a must have in any collector’s assortment. Our favorite remains the green dial model. The details of this piece are elegant and refined especially for the price point that falls under $1,000 USD! The collection is derived from Seiko’s oldest sport watch which was introduced in 1959. It’s certainly a piece that you can wear when dressing up your style or if you just want to go on an outdoor adventure. The inner rotating compass bezel will help you find your way wherever you choose to wear the piece. The Seiko Alpinist retails $725 USD.

Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko is an extension of the Seiko brand founded by Kintaro Hattori. The history of the brand is a deep and monumental one. As Japan broke out of their isolation near the end of the 19th century there were many areas of change that took place for the nation. One of which was telling time. They began to adapt to the more western format of time as many other nations followed this. Seiko was born through this innovation as well as their technological advancements. The first Grand Seiko was introduced on December 18, 1960, marking its 63rd anniversary in a few days. Grand Seiko uses the foundations of the Seiko brand and produces more elevated and high-end materials that rival any Swiss watch. They also draw heavily through their surrounding environment always using the superb nature of Japan as driving points in their designs.

Evolution 9 Spring Drive

Price: $10,400 USD; Case Size: 40mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

As mentioned above, the designers at Grand Seiko use the nature of Japan as their basis of inspiration for all of their time pieces. They play with the colors of forests, bodies of water, the sky, and more. The purity of nature allows them to deliver exquisite and efficient watches without losing sight of their brand’s ideology. They want the wearer to be one with the watch as well as appreciate the world in which we all move through. The Evolution 9 Spring Drive is part of a large collection of seasonal inspired watches. This one specifically draws from Lake Suwa, located just southeast of Shinshu Watch Studio, where the Spring Drive collection is created. The dial echoes the ripples of a deep blue lake. Exerting beauty and calm to the watch and its wearer. The piece is made from a high intensity titanium making it a light and comfortable fit. The five-day automatic movement has a power reserve of 120 hours when fully wound. The piece retails for $10,400 USD.

Elegance SBGX

Price: $3,800 USD; Case Size: 34mm; Water Resistance: Splash Resistant; Movement: Quartz; Crystal.

Another beautifully blue dial from Grand Seiko watches, this one inspired through the softness of snow, the Elegance SBGX provides reliable function and class. The light blue dial on this watch has the texture of freshly fallen snow and as the Spring Drive collection the piece further draws its inspiration from the values of the Seiko brand. These values include the production of durable, precise, beautiful timepieces that will evoke all the senses of the wearer. This slim dress watch is a great option for a more classic wear and given Seiko’s history and innovation of quartz movements the 9F quartz caliber produces a precision rate of 10 seconds per year. The watch is available for $3,800 USD.

Casio

In 1946 Tadao Kashio, one of the founders of Casio Computer Co., Ltd. had started his business, Kashio Seisakujo, creating mechanical parts for pots, pans, bicycles, and more in Tokyo, Japan. The company was a subcontractor in creating small tools and microscope parts for other industries. In 1957 the team created the first compact all electric calculator bringing more efficiency to workplaces around the world. In November of 1974 Casio releases the Casiotron QW02, their first watch and the world’s first electronic calendar watch, where the date did not have to be reset. Their long history in calculators allowed them to take advantage of the rise in quartz movements to create this piece. Today Casio continues to create some of the best digital watches in the industry that have gained lots of popularity due to their versatility and accessible price points.

G-Shock

Price: $100-$6,600; Case Size: Variable; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Mineral.

The G-Shock is one of Casio’s most loved and most familiar pieces. These rugged digital pieces come in endless color options and have a multitude of features due to their digital capabilities. They are fun and efficient and sturdy for most adventures. If digital is not your thing, they also have analog variations or the perfect blend of both. The best part of these pieces is their affordability the G-Shock collection can range anywhere from $100 USD to $6,600 USD (for a special edition).

A168WG

Price: $69.95 USD; Case Size: 37mm; Water Resistance: 10m; Movement: Digital Quartz; Crystal: Mineral.

Another very familiar and popular Casio model is the classic A168WG gold watch with a square like rectangular case and integrated bracelet. This one pays homage to Casio’s long history in calculators and has the ultimate vintage look. This is a great unisex digital option and a lot slimmer and compact than a G-Shock if that is not quite your style. Even greater is the price point for this watch. It’s available on both Amazon and Casio's offical website for $69.95 USD.

Citizen

Citizen is one of the oldest brands on our list. They’ve been around for over 100 years and continue their success in precise watchmaking today, including through their Eco-Drive technology. They pride themselves on their technical innovations as well as their environmentally friendly approach since 1976. They were the first company to create a solar powered watch and they were also the first to create quartz crystal and titanium timepieces. At the heart of their values is the Japanese idea that puts society above oneself, which helps drive their socially conscious actions as well when producing the best watches for their wearers. They also have a wide range of watches so there’s one for everyone’s budget. In 2018 they partnered with Disney and produced Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars themed watches. They also give back to the environment in other ways where profits from some of their pieces are donated to various nonprofits that work to better our environment.

Series 8 GMT

Price: $1,695 USD; Case Size: 41mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire

The Series 8 is a symbol of infinity and the infinite possibilities offered by Citizen. This sport GMT is great for everyday wear or for the seasoned traveler. The multipiece case houses an in-house automatic movement. The case offers great dimension and durability to the piece. The collection has three models available all with two tone bezels and their beautifully integrated H-link bracelet. The woven textured dials represent the Japanese skyscape as well as Japanese symbols of prosperity. One of their models is a take on the famous Pepsi Rolex blue and red bezel with blue dial. So, if you were looking to add one of those to your collection but can’t get your hands on one this is a great alternative. The Series 8 GMT starts at $1,695 USD. We also reviewed the watch. Read the review here.

Promaster Dive

Price: $596.25 USD; Case Size: 41mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire

The Promaster Dive embodies retro nostalgia by taking features and inspiration from Citizen’s dive watches of the 70s, specifically the Citizen Challenge Diver. A model of the Citizen Challenge Diver was discovered covered in barnacles on a beach in Australia after being submerged in the ocean for years…and it was still ticking! Therefore, the Promaster Dive has earned the nickname of Fujitsubo, meaning barnacle. The Promaster Dive is made of a titanium case and finished with a blue dial and bezel. The very bold indices and numbers ensure the utmost visibility if you are using this piece for diving, but you don’t have to be a diver to own this pleasing watch. The piece is available for $596.25.

Minase

Minase’s entry into watchmaking is a unique journey. Minase got their start as a cutting tool manufacturer in 1963 under the name of Kyowa Co. Ltd. They were asked to create a single step drill for a watch manufacturer where the drill could make a hole for a crown in one step. This led them to produce drills/tools, watch cases, and bracelets for other watch manufacturers, both for mass production and for luxury brands. In 2005 Minase watch company was born through the techniques Kyowa Co. Ltd. had mastered in the watch industry. So, they began creating their own watches. The name Minase refers to their location within the Akita Prefecture region where they are based out of. In 2017 they created their first in house movement. Minase has a drive to continue to perfect watch making tools and grow their watch brand into one of utmost precision.

5 Windows

Price: $2,950-$4,900 USD (Bracelet Version); Case Size: 38mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

You can enjoy this watch through its five sapphire windows, giving you access to all angles of the piece. The watch has a case in case effect due to the dimensions and views of the many crystal windows. The dial even appears to have two separate windows. A small cut out in the bottom right corner displays date on a rotating wheel. The case is a beautiful square shape with the integrated bracelet flowing out of the case. It is a great option for a dress piece or to wear in the office. You can see Minase’s dedication to their craft and how their journey from tool manufacturer to watchmakers has given them great success. The piece is available in a few variations as well as strap options. There are four 5 Windows options to choose from that range from $2,950 to $4,900 USD.

Knot Designs

Knot was founded in 2014 in Kichijoji, Tokyo. They are one of the leading brands creating customized watches. Knot’s mission and core value is to extend Japanese skill and craftsman ship to people across the world. They want their watches to not only be time telling piece, but also be bridges that connect consumers to Japanese culture and traditions. They understand that watches aren’t always a necessity in today’s technologically advanced world, so they’re providing more than just a tool to tell time. They want their wearers to savor time with the ones they love or doing the things they love. Through this they also want to pass the skill of watchmaking on to future generations.

Raden

Price: $791.34 USD; Case Size: 38mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The mission of Knot to pass on the skills and craftmanship of watchmaking is seen through their brand values as well as their designs and techniques. The Raden collection offers two variations, that use a special decorative design for the dials. The dials are made of a surface of “Urushi” lacquer and placed on top of that is the Raden technique. Ra means shell and den means inlay so the Raden design is where the shiny inner layer of mother-of-pearl is finely processed and scattered across the dial surface. This traditional Japanese craft was brought over from China during 710-794 and further refined during the Heian Period of 794-1185. This technique is still passed on through generations to present time. Both options for this collection are stunning. The mosaic pattern created by the scattered mother-of-pearl pieces is available in black with silver case (now sold out) or a bluish-purple iridescent dial in a black case. The Seven Colors with Black Case coming in under $1,000 USD is a great price range for what this collection has to offer.

Urushi

Price: $595.38 USD; Case Size: 38mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The base of the Raden models is an Urushi lacquered surface before the scattered mother-of-pearl effect is added to them. For those that want to enjoy this Urushi technique Knot also offers pieces with these dials. Once more Knot hones in generational techniques and values through their use of Urushi. Urushi is paint created from the sap of the lacquer tree. The history of this technique goes back 9,000 thousand years to an old burial ornament that was discovered in Japan. The two models in the Urushi collection feature either a jet black or vermilion red dial, both sprinkled with silver or gold powder giving them a chic sparkle. There are many benefits and cultural value to the Urushi lacquer. For one, it is incredibly durable, hence the ancient artifacts that have been discovered over thousands of years which still hold their lacquer. It is also considered good luck. It takes advanced and experienced specialists to handle Urushi lacquer, something Knot puts great care into. The price for both models is $595.38 USD.

Hajime Asaoka

Asaoka is a well-known independent watchmaker in Japan. He creates every part of his watches from design to production and is featured on this list twice. Hajime Asaoka was born in 1965 in Japan. He graduated from Tokyo University’s Fine Art and Design Department and by 1992 he had started the Hajime Asaoka Design Office. It wasn’t until 2005 that he began producing watches and in 2009 he had created his first tourbillon watch. He is a member of the Independent Watchmaker Academy (AHCI; Academie Horlogere des Createurs Independants). He is also the first independent watchmaker in Japan to receive the award of Contemporary Master Craftsman, a recognition issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Tsunami

Price: N/A Case Size: 37mm; Water Resistance: 50m.

The Tsunami is a beautifully crafted three-hand watch. The dial has dimension between its multiple rings and the colors add a nice contrast to this minimal watch. We love how the large, dispersed numbers look and that not all are featured. And although this is a simple three-hand in a 37mm case, the open caseback displays the real nuts and bolts of the piece. Hajime Asaoka has effectively fit a large balance wheel of 15mm diameter and large barrel to activate the balance wheel into this smaller case. The movements and pieces are all designed by Hajime himself in his Tokyo studio. They are currently not for sale.

Chronograph

Price: N/A Case Size: 38mm; Water Resistance: 30m.

Chronograph watches are some of Hajime Asaoka’s favorite style, so he has created his own chronograph edition to honor the vintage chronos of the 1950s-1960s. The skeleton dial is exquisite. He has also maintained the mechanics of chronographs produced in that era, such as column wheel, horizontal clutch with carrying arm, brake lever, 2 buttons, and sliding gears. To showcase these mechanics the piece features a skeleton dial so the wearer can see exactly how the chronograph functions. It adds to the beauty of this piece. They are currently not for sale.

Naoya Hida & Co.

Naoya Hida & Co., a lesser known Japanese brand, was founded in 2018 by founder, Naoya Hida. Hida comes from a background in luxury sales and has previously worked as representative in Japan for F. P. Journe and Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry. The company also specializes in sales training and consulting in addition to watchmaking. The mission of the brand is to create the ultimate modern vintage watch. The vintage watches they pull inspiration from are the mechanical watches of the 1930s-1960s. Although vintage is a foundation in their watch designs the main value in a Naoya Hida piece is that its production is a watch that could have only been produced today. They blend the nostalgia of the past with the gratification of the present and use modern technologies in their production process.

NH TYPE3B

Price: $21,669 USD; Case Size: 37mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Manual; Crystal: Sapphire.

One of the most beautifully crafted pieces on our list is the Naoya Hida NH Type3B. Its simplicity has so much charm with its German silver dial plate and etched Roman numerals the two-hand piece really wows. The 18k golden moon phase that peeks through the silver dial adds another layer of appeal to the piece. True to their mission this piece embodies the look and feel of a vintage piece but made using the finest handcrafting as well as high precision micro fine machining. A vintage allure with modern mechanics. Only 15 pieces will be made of this model between 2023-2024 and they retail for $21,669 USD.

NH TYPE4A

Price: $19,765 USD; Case Size: 36mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Manual; Crystal: Sapphire.

Similar to the NH Type3B is the NH Type 4A. This is another minimal and charming watch. The dial here is also the same bold German silver, this time with etched Arabic numerals. This three-hand piece has a very clean and contemporary look. A great everyday piece to wear whether you’re in the office or out on the town, or even hanging out at home. This piece will also have only 15 pieces produced between 2023-2024 and is avaible for $19,765 USD.

CREDOR

Credor, the third brand on this list from the Seiko Group, was started by Seiko in 1974 and was initially just a high-end collection of luxury watches until it became a stand-alone brand. The name Credor is derived from the French word, Crete D’or, meaning golden peak. Golden peak is at the core of Credor’s mission. They aim to reach the highest quality of watch making of watches produced in Japan. This is also visible through the brand’s logo, which is the combination of the symbol for, Kanji—mountain, and three stars at the tips. This embodies their philosophy by symbolizing their pursuit in reaching the highest peaks and to the stars. The three stars also symbolize sensitivity, technology, and skill.

Fugaku

Price: $41,910 USD; Case Size: 43mm; Water Resistance: Movement: Manual; Crystal: Sapphire.

Seiko is known to continuously incorporate their natural environment, culture, and surroundings into their aesthetic for many of their pieces, especially in their Grand Seiko and Credor brands. The Fugaku timepiece is no different. This beautifully crafted piece of art and time telling boasts an intricate dial depicting a 3D Japanese scene of waves and nature made from 18k yellow and white gold. The Fugaku is Seiko’s first tourbillon model. The luxury of this piece is all around. The 43mm platinum case contains 43 2.33 carat blue sapphires, which works in harmony with the other colors found on the dial and caseback of the piece. This exquisite piece has been crafted by three of Seiko’s most skilled watchmakers. The thin tourbillon movement and delicate design took them the utmost precision and time to create. It was a limited-edition collection and retailed for $41,910 USD.

Kuon

Price: $9,000 USD; Case Size: 39mm; Water Resistance: Waterproof; Movement: Manual; Crystal: Sapphire.

Kuon is derived from the word, eternity, translating to the endless flow of time. The Kuon collection is a new introduction from Credor and is meant to be a timeless piece, one with the “slow flow of time.” So, you can wear this style today, tomorrow, and for years to come. The piece contains a brand-new hand wound movement from Cedor, Caliber 7R31, equipped with a dual spring barrel and has the longest power reserve for a Credor created caliber of 72 hours. Once more Seiko incorporates Japanese nature scenes into its piece by creating waves across the movement which is visible through the caseback. The collection has two watches, GCLX999 and GCLX997. Both are a three hand manual piece with simple white dials. The one displays indices while the other has Roman Numerals. Both retail for around $9,000 USD.

Orient Watches

Orient is one of the older brands on this list. They’ve been producing great watches since the 50s and they continue to create accessible pieces with their own in-house movements. Their history however reaches even further back to the early 1900s when the company founder began his journey in the watch world. They first operated under the name of Tama Keiki, but with the success of their first watch, New Orient, the company soon employed this name. Orient makes many of our lists because of their quality timepieces created with automatic movements, sophisticated cases and materials at entry level prices. They’re a great place to start if you’re new to watches, but they also have a space in any watch enthusiats’ collection.

Bambino

Price: $270 USD; Case Size: 40mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Mineral.

The Bambino is a classic collection at Orient Watches. They have a variety and colorway to offer just about anyone. The collection has expanded into multiple versions from simple three hand, to subeyes, and even an open-heart version which exposes the movement through a small circular opening on the dial. The best part is this collection comes in at just under $500 USD. The collection houses their in-house automatic movements. You can get an Orient Bamboo for as low as $270 USD.

Mako

Price: $160-$340 USD; Case Size: 41.8mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The Mako collection at Orient has been around since 2004 making it a popular piece that has introduced consumers into the watch world and started their watch collections. This is because the Mako is a wonderful entry level timepiece from its affordable price point, versatility, and Orient’s in house movements. The Mako is a well-done sport watch with dive watch capabilities. The collection offers a few different variations since its inception. With different colorways and styles there is certainly one suitable for any watch wearer. The Mako collections starts at the low end of $160 USD and ranges up to $365 USD. An accessible price range for a dive watch collection with its own in-house movement!

Future Funk

Future Funk is creating roller digital watches. An ode to the 1970s watches that were made in Switzerland during the “Space Age” era. With space travel on the mind in the 70s and 80s, watch developers were trying to create fun and futuristic pieces to embody this intrigue. A manufacturer in Switzerland had come up with a roller digital watch where the numbers sat on discs which rotated horizontally as time changed. In 1974 the vertical roller digital movement was introduced at Basel World. Although there was interest and awe for these pieces, they couldn’t compete with Japanese quartz watches and their accuracy fell short. Now, Future Funk is working with a manufacturer in China that has been able to recreate the vertical roller movement with accuracy. Their timepieces embody the funky futuristic designs of space age and are a fun addition to the more common watch.

Analog Digital

Price: Sold Out; Case Size: 44mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Mineral.

The Analog Digital is a digital watch but not in the common way we see digital watches. The numbers sit on a rotating vertical roller, reminiscent of past analog car distant meters or a pad lock. The roller log is visible through the watch window with arrows that point to the digits in the center of the window to display the time. The movement sits in a large tonneau style case making it a bold piece at 44mm. The size embodies the futuristic space age era style that the piece is inspired from. Future Funk has worked closely with a manufacturer to improve the accuracy of this movement since it was first presented in the 70s. The movement now holds much better time telling. It is a great piece to wear for a casual day out as it is not shock absorbent and won’t do well with intense activities.This model was worth $118 USD, but is currently sold out.

Mirco

Mirco is quite literally connecting the future to the past as they derive their name mirco from the Japanese words for future mirai and past kako. A large part of their story and inspiration is taken from the quartz crisis of 1969. The influence the quartz crises had on Japanese watchmaking is immeasurable and Mirco places this ideology into their pieces. The evolution of mechanic watches was greatly impacted in Japanese culture during the quartz crises and now Mirco is further developing this methodology.

Type-02

Price: $1,935 USD; Case Size: 42mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The type-02 collection is Mirco’s retro line where they bring the past to life through this vintage inspired piece. The watch is constructed in a way where you can see the brand’s modernization of the past. The round case has a brushed bezel that is shaped out of the case giving an illusion of more square shape around the dial. The dial colors and design look like an old school radio. The dial displays indices and two small square subdials. The collection offers five colorway variations all appealing to a retro aesthetic. The collection is currently sold out but retailed for $1,935 USD.

Type-03

Price: $1,548 USD; Case Size: 42mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The type-03 collection is Micro’s contemporary take on watches. This sport watch features more modern colorways and a clean three handed dial. The rotating bezels match the dial color which stands out against the steel case and bracelet. The dials display uncluttered white indices. A great choice for a minimal everyday sport watch. This collection also offers five colorways, with the purple and khaki colorway sold out, there are still some fun options available. The piece retails for $1,548 USD.

Kuoe

Kuoe is one of the newest brands on our list. Founded in Kyoto in 2020, by Kenji Uchimura. The concept of the brand dates back to 2010 when Uchimura was a college student in London. He was in an antique watch shop when he fell in love with the history and longevity of resilient watch making. Upon his return to Japan, he worked at a watch company in Kyoto before launching his own brand, Kuoe. The first watch the brand released was the Old Smith 90-001.

Old Smith

Price: $358 USD; Case Size: 35mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic with hand wound and hacking; Crystal: Sapphire.

The Old Smith collection was the first one launched when Kuoe was established and since then the collection has grown. All three models of the Old Smith collection have a minimal dial with slight variations. The Old Smith 90-002 Bronze is their latest model in the family. Inspired from early British military watches the 35mm case is made of bronze and the textured matte dial features bold Arabic numerals. The Bronze case brings forward the vintage nostalgia of the piece and as the bronze patinas over time it will always hold a vintage look. The collection provides a large option of different colorway options as well as strap and bracelet choices. You can mix and match for your perfect look. The Old Smith Bronze retails for $358 USD.

Kikuchi Nakagawa

Yusuke Kikuchi and Tomonari Nakagawa met in Paris in 2012. Both shared similar interests in the watchmaking world with their joint ideas of aesthetics and mission. They blended their experience and knowledge and started Kikuchi Nakagawa. With the slogan of, imaginary watchmaking, Kikuchi Nakagawa approaches their brand philosophy in what they call a contradictory belief. They not only believe in the abstract construction of watchmaking, where they delve beyond just the functions of a watch into the idea and character of a piece. They also value the mechanics and purpose of watches and focus into the heritage and strength of watches. Merging these two beliefs brings their pieces to life. Inspired through the 1930s-1950s mechanical timepieces.

Murakumo

Price: $23,000 USD; Case Size: 36.8mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

Kikuchi Nakagawa’s mission is to make innovative watches that push beyond construction into craft and character while staying true to the distinguished mechanical watches of the 1930s. They debuted their brand with the Murakumo collection which features two colorways: black or white dial. The watch is a minimal but charming two-hand watch with a subdial at 6 o’clock. The clean dial displays eloquently typography for the Arabic numerals. It also features finely shaped hands. The watch is small and thin and a great piece to add charisma to any style. They put care and detail into their craft, so if you want one in your collection don’t waste any time in ordering one due to their long production time of 132-144 months. The watch is available for $23,000 USD.

Kurono

Kurono is an independent watchmaking brand which works to provide handmade quality watches at affordable prices for a wide range of people. This important detail of the brand is done without compromising any quality of the watches. The pieces are still all handmade with the utmost care and precision. Designer, Hajime Asaoka, wanted to bring back the luxury of being able to find a reliable timepiece with elegant features that was once much more affordable. He has worked closely with suppliers and sources materials he values and crafts his pieces with these without raising costs to abhorrent prices. He wants everyone to be able to access a Kurono timepiece.

Bunkyo Tokyo

Price: Sold Out; Case Size: 37mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

Bunkyo Tokyo is the first watch produced by Kurono. It made its debut in June 2019 with the aim of having an accessible and authentic Japanese designed watch. It was first released in three dial variations, Midnight Blue, Mystic Grey, and Eggshell White. The watches were made in limited batches of 50 pieces and are all now sold out. The classic three hand watch is minimal yet captures the wearer. With its Japanese logo, finely shaped hands, and dial design make it an eyecatcher. The collection has introduced three new pieces since its launch; however all models are currently sold out.

GMT-1

Price: Sold Out; Case Size: 38mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

Hajime Asaoka set out to create a GMT watch that did not necessarily fit into the sport model category. He had business travelers and a more formal aesthetic in mind when creating his GMT-1. However, he still wanted to stay true to the GMT heritage and kept some sportiness to the design. The 38mm piece is meant to be discreet beneath your business attire and the muted grey, maroon, and black dial add to its charm while keeping it subtle. The GMT movement is a “true GMT” and can be adjusted independently of the 24-hour hand. The bidirectional bezel allows for more options including a third time zone. The discreet themes of the piece are held in the no-click bezel. The watch is so great that it has been nominated as a finalist for the 2023 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Awards under the 'Challenge' category. The piece was a limited-edition collection between October 2023 and November 2023 and will not be continued.