Introduction: A Diamond Jubilee in a Dresswatch
Kurono Tokyo marks Hajime Asaoka’s 60th birthday—dubbed a diamond jubilee—with a new, elegant take on its calendar line. The Grand Jubilee Calendar Salmon Dial is designed as a dress watch that pairs Asaoka’s high‑end design language with a more accessible price point. By dialing down some competition-quiet features and emphasizing refinement, Kurono delivers a piece that can transition from a formal boardroom to a refined evening out, all while nodding to the master watchmaker’s most recognizable cues.
Case, Bezel, and Proportions: A Subtle Calatrava‑inspired Presence
The 38mm case sits at a slim 11.5mm profile (10mm with the sapphire box crystal). The bezel is smooth, polished, and concave, avoiding the busier coin-edge motif of earlier calendars and introducing a quiet, Calatrava‑like restraint. Entirely polished, the case reflects light softly, letting the dial take center stage. On the flanks, correctors for the calendar indications betray the watch’s practical heartbeat—the calibration mechanism hidden just beneath the surface.
Dial: A Salmon Tone that Evokes Tokyo’s Autumn
The dial’s salmon tone is matte with a light grain, a deliberate choice that complements the calendar’s complexity. A stamped vertical motif on the dial connects this watch to Asaoka’s higher‑end tourbillon inspirations, while a classic railroad minute track and pad‑printed black Arabic numerals provide legibility against the warm color. The hands are polished, domed, and bent to trace the curve of the crystal—an exacting detail that reflects Asaoka’s design discipline. The onyx‑black hands are challenging to reproduce, a nod to the craftsmanship that underpins the Grand Jubilee.
Calendar Layout and Legibility
As a triple calendar, the watch displays the date at 6 o’clock, with two sunken sub‑dials for the month and weekday. The revised date window pairs with the rest of the dial’s depth to create a balanced, uncluttered look despite the watch’s functional complexity. This arrangement allows the wearer to read year‑round information at a glance—ideal for a watch meant to be worn daily with grace.
Movement and Power Reserve: Reliability at a Accessible Level
Under the dial, the Grand Jubilee Calendar is powered by Miyota’s automatic Calibre 9122. Operating at 4 Hz, this reliable movement delivers about 40 hours of power reserve. While not a haute‑horlogerie movement, it provides dependable performance and serviceability, aligning with Kurono’s goal of offering a refined, more accessible interpretation of Asaoka’s style.
Caseback and Special Markings: A Personal Signature
The screw‑down back is solid steel, and it bears a solid gold medallion engraved with Hajime Asaoka’s personal signature—a distinctive touch that marks the 60th anniversary celebration. The crown features a black onyx cabochon, reinforcing the Diamond Jubilee theme and signaling the watch’s premium heritage in a compact, wearable form.
Strap, Fit, and Wearability
The Grand Jubilee Calendar is mounted on a 20/16mm black calfskin leather strap with a classic steel pin buckle. The choice of strap and the watch’s slender profile create an elegant, comfortably wearable package that sits well on most wrists without feeling oversized or under-dressed.
Design Synthesis: Asaoka’s Language in an Accessible Package
Kurono Tokyo has long bridged the gap between prestige watchmaking and everyday wearability. The salmon Grand Jubilee Calendar exemplifies this philosophy: a calendar complication rendered in a dress‑watch form factor, with careful attention to dial texture, color, and the subtle interplay of light with the polished case. It’s a celebration piece that remains practical enough for daily use while carrying the designer’s unmistakable stamp.
Availability & Price
Kurono Tokyo has not widely disclosed full availability details for the Grand Jubilee Calendar Salmon Dial at press time. Expect limited production as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with pricing positioned to reflect the brand’s accessible luxury ethos. Interested buyers should watch official Kurono Tokyo channels for release dates and exact MSRPs.
Conclusion: A Cohesive Tribute to a Studio’s Milestone
For collectors and enthusiasts, the Kurono Grand Jubilee Calendar Salmon Dial encapsulates a refined interpretation of Hajime Asaoka’s design language in a compact, wearable form. The combination of a warm salmon dial, restrained bezel, and dependable Miyota movement delivers a timepiece that honors a milestone while inviting a wider audience to experience a taste of Asaoka’s craftsmanship.
