Tim Jackson
3031
I had the pleasure of meeting him in Geneva last month.
This piece is lovely. I believe that his production of these types of watches is extremely low, less than 5 a year. To make ends meet the Kuruno series are made in quantities that suffice.
His work is superb.
Communication is a concern from others I spoken with over the years. His English is not good. That I’m sure contributes. In Geneva, he had a colleague translating.
I know two very happy clients, one of whom has two of his pieces. The watches are killer.
Glad to see his work being shared here and discussed. He is one of the original Japanese Independent watchmakers, who has been at it for almost two decades. The other fellow is Masahiro Kikuno, amazing work too, but in tiny quantities.
Cheers,
Tim
Two Hajime Asaoka Tsunamis
The Tsunami , by Japanese independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka , is a simple 37 mm diameter three-hands watch, which was first launched around 2013 . Simple ? That's what you might think until you discover the movement , with its 15 mm diameter balance wh...
My pick will be the 2 tone black/gray dial from the original series.
I saw the report of the release of the new series a while back, but has he delivered all the orders from the first series? The wait time was easily 5 years (if not 10😅) and he also isn’t the most communicative based on experience of some who ordered….So q...
I met him only once in 2023 at AHCI and I confirm that he isn't very communicative ;-)
As for your question: I don't know if all the orders from the 1st series have been delivered! The original black/grey was nice indeed! Best, Emmanuel ...
I am a huge fan of Mr Asaoka's Tsunami watch. It is exquisite.
The white dial is especially gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. M4
i would love to see a centre seconds version.
great modern design running at 2.5 hz and a freesprung balance with a flat spring balance and well finished watch but why do the Japanese always fit flat springs on there balances it would of been even better with an overcoil balance spring with benefits ...
I’m sure it would be very interesting to know why
Asaoka chooses to use flat springs. Best, Emmanuel
I WAS a fan until I learned he didn’t deliver several orders
SJX doesn’t cover him because of this and posted about it. Underdiscussed..
I only wish I knew how many jewels it had and positions the movement was adjusted to
Oh wait... there it is!! ;-) That covers my lone movement criticism. The oversized, centrally mounted balance wheel is the highlight.
You have a point, Michael! The writing isn’t subtle at all!
And I agree that the balance wheel is the star of the show (with the Tako wheel). Best, Emmanuel
I had the pleasure of meeting him in Geneva last month.
This piece is lovely. I believe that his production of these types of watches is extremely low, less than 5 a year. To make ends meet the Kuruno series are made in quantities that suffice. His work is superb. Communication is a concern from others I spoke...
Thanks a lot for your precious feedback and wonderful photos, Tim!
Much appreciated. He had a translator too in 2023 at AHCI. I’m planning on doing a thread dedicated to Masahiro Kikuno (it’s almost ready)! Best, Emmanuel