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v7.2 (A.I. Watch & Collection Reviews)
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Model Name:
Reference:
Kurono Tokyo 2021 Anniversary Toki LE-500
Toki
Country
Japan
Current Rating
1705
Rating Implied Value ($)
$
3000
Expected Rating Based on Price
1705
Rating Alpha
0
Price ($)
$
3000
Date Added:
Oct 4, 2024
# Times Rated
0
Watch Description
In celebration of Kurono’s second-year anniversary, Kurono Tokyo is proud to present the special edition Anniversary 朱鷺:TOKI. The 316L high-polished stainless steel watch features Kurono's signature anniversary radial sunburst patterned dial that exudes an exceptional array of coruscating metallic coral shades ranging from crimson to vermillion red, and under certain lighting conditions a touch of purple. The color of the 朱鷺:Toki dial was inspired by the Japanese crested ibis, an auspicious bird with feathers of a shade akin to that of a rising sun, and is regarded as a symbol of happiness and good fortune.
The Creation
Hajime Asaoka-sensei had a specific aim to create a color that was as unique as possible to Japanese culture, and differentiate itself from the typical 'salmon'-shade dial popular amongst watchmakers in the West. The color of the dial was inspired by the Japanese crested ibis, an auspicious bird with feathers of a shade akin to that of a rising sun, and is regarded as a symbol of happiness and good fortune. Hajime-sensei based the concept of the anniversary watch and the color of the dial off this subtle grace and allure, and aspired to portray this sentiment through his craft.
The Procedure
The final color was unpredictable as the shade constantly changes depending on the thickness of the paint and can only be seen after it is physically applied. After myriads of samples and experimentations with different thicknesses and mixes of paint, Hajime-sensei continued to work on fine-tuning the gloss layer as well as other aspects of the watch till it matched his standards. In white light the purplish-coral hues of the dial take centerstage, while in yellow light its golden hues are accentuated making it look less playful and more refined.
The Humble Beginning
Hajime-sensei established Kurono as a means to share his artistic taste with fellow watch enthusiasts. Creating his ideal designs and exacting them to standards of perfection as he views Kurono equally as important as his atelier pieces, and only aims to pursue and produce exactly as he envisions.It is our hope that the name Kurono will one day be recognized and admired by the masses - A timepiece highly admired by both creator, and consumer.
37
43.5
20
7
30
Steel - 316L
Round
Sapphire
Automatic
Miyota 90S5
40
Pink
A.I. WatchMetrics Review:
9.1
### **Kurono Tokyo 2021 Anniversary Toki Review by A.I. WatchMetrics**
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### **Overall Watch Rating: 9.1/10**
- **Brand (8.5)**
Kurono Tokyo, founded by master watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, is an independent brand renowned for its elegant, vintage-inspired designs and artisanal craftsmanship. While relatively new, the brand has quickly gained a reputation for producing highly sought-after limited editions, making it a collector’s favorite.
- **History & Innovation (8.0)**
Although Kurono Tokyo is a relatively young brand, its rapid rise in the horological world is impressive. The 2021 Anniversary Toki celebrates the brand's continued success and design ethos, focusing on traditional Japanese aesthetics rather than groundbreaking innovations. The minimalist design speaks to a balance between history and modern elegance.
- **Rarity (9.5)**
The Anniversary Toki is a limited-edition release with only 500 pieces produced, which makes it highly desirable among collectors. Kurono’s limited releases often sell out within minutes, further adding to its exclusivity and demand in the secondary market.
- **Material (8.5)**
The watch features a polished stainless steel case that is finely crafted and exudes a premium feel. The key attraction is its unique coral-pink dial (referred to as “Toki” or Japanese pink), which is both rare and eye-catching. The materials used are standard for luxury watches, but the dial color elevates its uniqueness.
- **Movement (8.0)**
The Anniversary Toki is powered by the automatic Miyota 90S5 movement. While the Miyota movement is known for its reliability and ease of service, it is not an in-house caliber or as prestigious as movements found in other high-end brands. Nonetheless, it offers a respectable 40-hour power reserve and solid performance for a watch of this type.
- **Complications (6.0)**
This model is a time-only watch with no additional complications. Its appeal lies in its elegant simplicity and design rather than in technical features or mechanical complexity.
- **Functions (7.0)**
The Anniversary Toki is not packed with additional functional features, but it serves its purpose well as a classic, everyday dress watch. It lacks advanced functions such as a date or water resistance beyond 30 meters, but this is in line with its focus on refined aesthetics rather than utility.
- **Dials & Design (9.5)**
The standout feature of the Anniversary Toki is its coral-pink dial, which draws inspiration from traditional Japanese art and culture. The dial features a clean, minimalist layout with applied indices and dauphine hands, exuding understated elegance. This dial color is rarely seen in the watch industry, making it a visually striking piece.
- **Versatility (8.5)**
While primarily a dress watch, the Anniversary Toki’s simple and refined design makes it versatile enough to wear in casual settings. However, due to its exclusivity and color, it may not be the ideal choice for rugged or sporty occasions.
- **Cohesiveness (9.5)**
The design of the Anniversary Toki is harmonious, with the dial, case, and hands perfectly complementing each other. The watch remains true to Kurono’s design philosophy, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern watchmaking, resulting in a piece that is both artistic and wearable.
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### **Summary**
The **Kurono Tokyo 2021 Anniversary Toki** is a stunning example of independent watchmaking, blending vintage-inspired design with Japanese cultural elements. Its unique coral-pink dial sets it apart from other watches, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts. Limited to just 500 pieces, the Toki’s rarity adds significant value to the watch.
Powered by the reliable Miyota 90S5 movement, it offers solid performance despite not featuring an in-house caliber. The simplicity of the time-only design enhances its elegance, while the overall aesthetic makes it an ideal dress watch with a touch of flair.
This model is perfect for collectors who appreciate Japanese craftsmanship, minimalist design, and limited-edition exclusivity. It’s a refined and artful piece that stands out in any collection.
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**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v. 6.20**