Masahiro Kikuno New Wa-Dokei BaselWorld 2015

KIH · 2015-03-20T02:14:33Z

Discover Masahiro Kikuno's new Wa-Dokei at BaselWorld 2015. Explore this unique independent watchmaker's temporal hour system in a modern, smaller form.

KIH

WPS member · Independents forum

2 replies1841 views5 photos

KIH introduces Masahiro Kikuno's latest creation, the new Wa-Dokei, unveiled at BaselWorld 2015. This post delves into the historical concept of temporal hours in Japan and showcases how Kikuno has innovatively miniaturized this complex timekeeping system into a wrist-wearable form, making ancient horological principles accessible to modern collectors.

Folks, here are Masahiro Kikuno's new watch - the new Wa-Dokei.

For those who have forgotten or do not know the concept or "Wa Dokei" (or, temporal hour watch), please refer these old threads of mine.

ahci.watchprosite.com

home.watchprosite.com

(go all the way down to "Wa-Dokei collection")

In short, around and since 17 to 18th century until late 19th century, Japan was using the temporal hour system - divide the daytime and night time by six and call the hour by the name of the animal (yes, the same 12 animals as with other Asian cultures) or just the numbers. Of course, it is no longer used in Japan or perhaps anywhere today.

There were big clocks in the Shogun's castle as the ones in the SEIKO museum, but no one thought of making it into a wrist watch. The previous version of Wa-Dokei is what impressed AHCI members including but not limited to Mr. Philippe Dufour to make him the then-youngest AHCI member candidate (he still is the youngest in AHCI).

The "mysterious" hands with the numbers (he chose numeral index this time to show at Basel) and a few Kanji's.

Engraving was done by Keiji Kanagawa, the engraver meister, who has worked with Franck Muller, Habing2, and so on.

These are the "moving" index hands of the new Wa-Dokei.

The finished watch.

How to tell the temporal time - "dusk" and "dawn" as well as the index between them and "Noon" and "Midnight" (which are fixed) move up and down as with the season.

No worries! Surely, it is capable to show the normal or modern time as well.

What is so "new"? It's much smaller, and the inside mechanism as well as its more practical function are totally new.

42mm x 34mm, Bronze Case

Temporal Hour (adjustable within north latitude 51.3 and south latitude 51.3)

On the back is the season adjuster (so that the length of the daytime and night time is correct) with 24 divisions of the solar year.

Expected availability - 1 or 2 per year.

Custom orders - material, numerals, engraving, etc. are all open to be discussed.

Great endeavor, Kikuno san!

Best,

Ken

This message has been edited by KIH on 2015-03-16 15:00:41

About the H. Moser Concept Ref. concept

The H. Moser Concept represents the brand's contemporary automatic offering, distinguished by its fumé dial treatment within the Concept series. This reference showcases the manufacturer's approach to modern watchmaking through its 40mm proportions and palladium case construction.

The 40mm palladium case houses the automatic HMC 200 caliber, providing 42 hours of power reserve. The watch features a sapphire crystal and fixed bezel configuration, with water resistance rated to 30 meters. The fumé dial is complemented by a leather strap, creating a refined aesthetic profile.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking contemporary H. Moser craftsmanship in precious metal casing. The palladium construction and fumé dial combination positions this piece within the brand's modern offerings, suitable for those appreciating the manufacturer's current design language. Production commenced in 2015 and continues to present.

Specifications

Caliber: HMC 200

Case: Palladium

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Fumé

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire crystal

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Wa-Dokei's dial layout, hand combination, and contrasting colors are stunning, with its depth and impeccable design making it one of the most attractive dial displays seen in a long time.
The watch's aesthetic has a 'steampunk' presentation, adding to its unique appeal.

The Discussion

lien

Mar 22, 2015

and i rather like its stempunk presentation:) how much r we looking at such unique piece? cheers, ed~

Ophiuchus

Mar 25, 2015

This watch is truly stunning! The depth to the dial layout, the combination of hands, the contrasting colors, it is impeccable. The only thing that could make this more "Japanese" would be use of shakudo and mokumegane alloys for components, but I fear that might be too stereotypical now, as so many people are using those.. I love it as it is. One of the most attractive dial displays I've seen in a long time. Wonderful work, my hat's off to Kikuno dono. KIH, thank you for bringing this to us.

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Masahiro Kikuno New Wa-Dokei BaselWorld 2015

About the H. Moser Concept Ref. concept

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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