Hajime Asaoka Revives Takano with a Chateau Nouvelle Chronometer Release
Equipped with a Besançon Chronometer Observatory-certified movement.
A prominent figure in the independent watchmaking scene, Hajime Asaoka is best known for producing the Project T tourbillon and heading the Kurono Tokyo brand. The Japanese watchmaker continues to keep his hands busy with new projects. Asaoka’s latest endeavors see him reimbuing life to a long-lost watch brand known as Takano.
Originally founded in 1957, the brand was only active for a few years before it ceased operations in 1962. Before this, the company also had a history in clock and metalworks that dates back to 1899. Despite its short-lived time as a watch brand, Takano is now making its comeback with two dress watch offerings.
Attired in a 37mm-wide stainless steel case with Zaratsu finishing, the Chateau Nouvelle Chronometer is offered in black and white dial versions. It also marks the first Japanese-made timepiece to receive Besançon Chronometer Observatory certification in France. In line with Asaoke’s sleek design language, the watch face is fitted with sharp, syringe hands, echoing the hue and finishing of its dotted hour markets and quartered sectors.
The 40-hours-power-reserve automatic 90T movement can be admired through the watch’s open caseback, where a snake’s head engraving to attest to its Besançon Observatory chronometer certification can also be spotted.
Priced at ¥880,000 JPY (approx. $5,628 USD), the Chateau Nouvelle Chronometer will be releasing soon. Keep an eye out on Takano’s official website for updates.
