[New for 2022] Chrono Bunkyo Tokyo releases the 34mm model, featuring a compact size and vibrant color dial.

Kurono Bunkyo Tokyo, a sub-brand of independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, has announced four new "34mm" models. These models feature a 34mm diameter case and a colored dial. They come in four colors, each limited to 80 pieces. Sales will begin on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 11:00 PM Japan time on the official KURONO website.

A nostalgic color dial that takes you back to the good old days

　Chronobunkyo Tokyo, a sub-brand of independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, has announced four new models in the "34mm" series. As the simple model name suggests, this is the brand's first time to feature a 34mm case.

　It will be familiar to antique watch collectors and fresh to current watch users, and its size, which makes it suitable for sharing with a partner, will likely be recognized as a new attraction for Chrono Bunkyo Tokyo.

　Moreover, it's not just the size that's noteworthy. The 34mm model follows the classic Art Deco design common to the previous lineup, but is given a color scheme that is intended to be paired with casual fashion. The two-tone bull's eye dial overturns the chic image of Chrono Bunkyo Tokyo, but is still an iconic design that makes it instantly recognizable as the same brand.

　Four dial variations are available: ochre and white, blue and ivory, white and red, and white and blue. The hour and minute hands are blue luminous baton-shaped. While this style of hands is often seen on antique military watches, it gives off a somewhat modern impression thanks to the longer tips of the hands, which change the balance of the design.

　Traditionally, luminous baton-type hands are often combined with small seconds, but the Miyota Caliber 90S5 used in this watch is a modern center-seconds movement, and the balance of the hour and minute hands has been adjusted accordingly.

　The fact that Asaoka has been able to derive the optimal solution while daring to break with established rules is something that could only be achieved by combining the knowledge of an antique watch collector with the creativity of an independent watchmaker. The minute and second hands are fitted to the bombe-shaped dial, and their tips are bent by hand to improve readability.

　　The logo at 12 o'clock on the dial reads "Kurono" in cursive English. Many people associate the katakana logo with one of the distinctive features of Chrono Bunkyo Tokyo. This model features a newly designed, dedicated logo, with soft brushstrokes that match the nostalgic coloring.

　While the dial tends to be the focus of attention, the case back has also undergone changes. Previously, the case back was rounded and had six holes for hooking an opener, but this model now has a flat shape, and instead of the six holes, the outer periphery of the back cover has been redesigned to be polygonal. This change has increased the water resistance from the previous 3 bar to 5 bar.

　The story behind the creation of the 34mm is also interesting. Originally, Asaoka created four prototypes as private watches that combined modern specifications with antique design. When Asaoka saw them being worn, they became a hot topic among his watch-loving friends, and eventually the watch was put up for sale to those who shared the concept.

　This product will be sold in limited quantities. Only 80 of each color will be available, and applications will begin on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 11:7 PM Japan time on the KURONO official website. Please note that you will need to register an account in advance to purchase.

　Additionally, from Monday, July 18th to Sunday, July 24th, an actual machine will be on display (not for sale, photography allowed) next to the escalator on the 2nd floor north side of RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK TOKYO in Shibuya, Tokyo.

KURONO BUNKYŌ TOKYO "34 mm" actual machine exhibit

[Location] RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK TOKYO North 2F next to the escalator
[Address] 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
[Period] July 18th (Monday) - July 24th (Sunday)
[Time] 11:00-21:00
[Admission fee] Free
[URL]https://www.miyashita park.tokyo/

The official KURONO website can be found at the following URL: https://kuronotokyo.com/