Kurono Tokyo Launches The Purest Interpretation of Hajime Asaoka’s Design Language With The Dateless Chronograph

The Kurono Tokyo Chronograph P1 Shanghai Special Edition is a striking tribute to the brand’s expansion with its first overseas salon in Shanghai. This limited-run timepiece is not only an artistic masterpiece but also a technical marvel, embodying the uncompromising philosophy of Hajime Asaoka, the renowned Japanese watchmaker behind Kurono Tokyo.

The P1 marks a historic milestone as Kurono’s first dateless chronograph, a feature born from persistent collector demand since the release of the original Chronograph 1. The absence of a date window is not merely an aesthetic decision but a triumph of engineering, requiring years of meticulous prototyping and in-house modification. Hajime Asaoka personally reworked the NE86 movement, a robust vertical clutch and column wheel mechanism, to create the NE86PWT—a design tailored specifically for this project. This adaptation introduced a single-pull crown mechanism, enhancing both the movement's functionality and the visual purity of the dial.

The dial design is where the P1 truly shines. Employing a pointillism technique, a vibrant medium carmine hue graces the radial areas of the dial, complemented by white accents and contrasting black subdials. This palette offers a dynamic yet harmonious aesthetic that commands attention without overwhelming. The Gothic numerals at 12 and 6—crafted with high polish—evoke the Calendrier series, adding a touch of elegance and heritage. These elements collectively present a dial that is as clean as it is captivating, free of the distractions typically associated with chronographs.

The significance of the NE86PWT movement extends beyond its technical innovation. Modifying the base NE86 required re-engineering its internal components and adjusting the crown's operation to accommodate the removal of the date function. This process demanded countless hours of precision craftsmanship and a deep understanding of mechanical watchmaking, reflecting Kurono Tokyo's dedication to creating exceptional timepieces. The resulting movement is a testament to the brand’s commitment to horological excellence, offering reliability and sophistication in equal measure.

The exclusivity of the Chronograph P1 is underscored by its limited availability, reinforcing its status as a collector’s item. Its design purity and technical advancements resonate with purists, aligning seamlessly with the "P" designation in its name. The Shanghai Special Edition is a celebration of Kurono Tokyo's ethos, blending meticulous craftsmanship with an appreciation for refined simplicity.

As a one-time-only release, the Chronograph P1 Shanghai Special Edition represents the culmination of Kurono Tokyo's design evolution and technical mastery.