Hajime Asaoka Introduces Kurono Tokyo’s First Meteorite Timepiece

Summary

• Kurono Tokyo unveils the 37mm “Inseki,” its first meteorite-dial watch using Muonionalusta stone
• Features include a bull’s-eye layout, Calligra numerals, Miyota 90S5 movement and calf leather strap
• Launching January 15, 2026

Kurono Tokyo is ushering in the new year with a Special Projects release: the 37mm “Inseki” (隕石 in Japanese). Meaning “meteorite” in Japanese, this timepiece marks founder Hajime Asaoka’s first integration of the Muonionalusta meteorite into the brand’s refined design language. To maintain Kurono’s signature cylindrical aesthetic despite the rigidity of the 4.5-billion-year-old iron-nickel stone, Asaoka utilized a “bull’s-eye” layout, pairing a flat gray meteorite center with a white lacquered outer ring that curves gently toward the edge. The dial is further elevated by personally hand-drawn Calligra Breguet numerals painted in high relief and Asaoka’s own seal, confirming his personal inspection of the stone’s character.

The timepiece is housed in Kurono’s signature 37mm high-polished 316L stainless steel case, measuring a slender 7mm in thickness before the sapphire box crystal. It is powered by the automatic Miyota 90S5 movement, which operates at 28,800 vph with a 40-hour power reserve and features monochromatic, hand-bent steel hands. Every unique meteorite dial is protected by a 3 ATM water-resistant case and is finished with a premium calf leather strap.

As with all Special Projects, the 37mm “Inseki” is a limited release that will not be repeated. Priced at $1,850 USD (excluding VAT/duties), the watch officially launches on January 15, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. JST exclusively via Kurono’s website. Global deliveries are slated to begin in late February 2026. Potential buyers must register a free Kurono Tokyo account to participate in the sale, which is strictly limited to one purchase per customer. For those in Tokyo or Shanghai, in-salon previews are available from now til January 15.