In a world where horological discourse often fixates on movement finishing and brand heritage, sham1 challenges conventional wisdom with his profound appreciation for the Kikuchi Nakagawa Murakumo. His candid review delves into the 'fuss' surrounding this elusive Japanese independent, offering a deeply personal perspective on what truly defines a 'perfect' watch. sham1's insights encourage collectors to look beyond the visible and consider the tactile and aesthetic elements that forge an unparalleled connection with a timepiece.
Kikuchi Nakagawa is a small independent Japanese brand that produces eight watches a year (that is 45 days per watch!). It produces three models currently - the Murakumo, the Ichimonji and the Genmon and on their website, a waiting time of 96 to 120 months is quoted. That is a waiting list that would put many people off! I have been informed by Kikuchi san that they will be employing another watchmaker to reduce this waiting time which they acknowledge is unacceptable.
I was one of the fortunate ones as I had ordered a Murakumo in April 2021 and received it in June 2022. So in a space of a year, the waiting list had extended almost 10 times! So what's the big deal about this brand that uses a Vaucher 5401 automatic movement which is not even visible as the watch has a closed case back. The watch is a tribute to vintage watches especially that of the Patek Philippe 96 and a closed case back was deemed a more accurate tribute. Most of us (me included!) have no idea the amount of work that black polishing entails because this watch has arguably been black polished more than any other I have come across giving the case a mirror polish unlike any other. Kikuchi Nakagawa refer to this as imaginary watchmaking.
I have had the privilege to own many watches in the last thirty years and I can say whole heartedly that the Murakumo is the most perfect watch I have ever owned. That is quite a sweeping statement indeed as I do currently own a Roger Smith Series 1, a Patek Philippe 7200R London Edition, a Vacheron Constantin 1921 American and a Moritz Grossmann Atum 37. What sets the Murakumo apart is its perfect dimensions (36.8mm in diameter and 8.5mm in height), the ivory dial, the sublime three dimensional hands, the beautiful raised Breguet numerals, the box sapphire crystal glass, the smooth winding mechanism, the lightness of the watch and the amazing finish of the entire watch. In addition, the watch has been fitted with the most comfortable alligator strap which makes it heavenly to wear. And fellow purists, that is what makes a watch perfect for one self - how comfortable it feels on the wrist. I do not want a watch to sit on my wrist; I want a watch to blend with my wrist and to be a part of it. I prefer not to feel that I am wearing a watch as I want it to be a part of me. The Murakumo ticks every single box and is therefore my candidate for a one watch collection if ever there was one.
Thank you for reading and a bag thank you to my buddy and fellow purist. Joey Lee for taking many of the photos below.
The Murakumo with the ivory dial. The watch can also be ordered with a black dial.
A close up of the seconds counter
The perfect fit for me! This is the worst photo of the lot as I took it myself!
All one ever needs on a watch!
The hands
Three dimensionality on show
Next to the magnificent RW Smith Series 1
