Kurono Tokyo Chronograph P1 Shanghai Special Edition

For those unaware of Kurono Tokyo, it is the sub-brand of renowned independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, whom is widely regarded as one of the top watchmakers in the world. His watches are produced in extremely limited numbers, each an individual commission that can take years to deliver. In order to allow some of his magic to be enjoyed by the wider public, he created the Kurono Tokyo brand. These watches are designed by Hajime-san, but utilise components created to his specification from external manufacturers. Each watch then passes through his hands to ensure the quality is worthy of his name.

When you take a closer look at this Chronograph P1, it’s not hard to see why they've been met with such fanfare. After releasing several time only variants in 37mm, and following it up with their first foray into the world of Chronographs with the Chronograph 1 and 2, the P1 edition is perhaps the finest release thus far.

Housed in a beautifully polished 38mm steel case, the dial is the real star of the show and the devil is in the details. Highly polished steel studs are used as hour markers, the sub-dials are finished with concentric guilloche pattern, and a hand shaped in the fashion of a 'Kyudo' arrow on the sub-seconds dial. The dial features a classic Panda colourway, with a white dial base, with black sub-registers. This classic colour scheme is then elevated with a medium carmine red for the minute scale, and utilises a pointillism technique, which is the application of colour with small, distinct dots, creating a wonderful texture. The alternating finishes, along with the gothic-style 12 and 6 applied markers and lack of date window, is a wonderful combination.

The Chronograph P1 is powered by the flagship column-wheel NE86 chrono movement from Seiko, which is modified to remove the date function, and ensure there is no phantom position on the crown. The entire watch is assembled in Japan by hand and QC checked under the watchful eye of Hajime Asaoka himself.

This particular piece was first delivered in early 2025 and presents in TZ 'Mint' condition, with the only signs of wear being perhaps the lightest of swirlies. Please excuse any fingerprints or dust as we tried to wipe it down as little as possible given how fresh it is. Please see images for full condition details.

Strap remains near-new.

Comes with outer box, inner box, warranty card dated Jan 2025, decorative cloth, and cleaning cloth.

If you can’t tell, we’re huge fans of Kurono here at Watch Vault. Don't miss your chance to pick up this near-new example.

Brand: Kurono Tokyo

Style: Chronograph

Model #: Chronograph P1 Shanghai Edition

Circa: 2025

Case Material: Steel

Case details: 38mm

Movement: Seiko NE86 column wheel chronograph

Dial: White/Black/Carmine

Paraphernalia: Outer box, inner box, warranty card dated Jan 2025, decorative cloth, and cleaning cloth

TZ Grading: Mint

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.