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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Kurono Grand Akane, 2020

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Kurono (maker)
Date
2020
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 37 mm
Stock no.
Product 6680966463575
Credit line
Dealer listing, S.Song Watches (product 6680966463575)
Catalogue title (original)
Kurono Grand Akane (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by S.Song Watches (dealer), Seattle (stock number Product 6680966463575), this is a wristwatch by Kurono, dated 2020. The Atlas places it in the Contemporary Horology period (2010 – Present) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 37 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — S.Song Watches

Founded in 2018 as a way for legendary Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka to create serial production pieces, Kurono Tokyo stands as one of the most exciting micro brands in the market today. With his reputation as an exceptional watchmaker, Hajime Asaoka was famed for designing one off timepieces in close collaboration with his clients. With demand growing, he decided to launch his own brand and create timepieces that would cater to those that wanted affordable watches that shared design language with his other once-off pieces. Kurono so far has maintained a vintage inspired case and usually leaves the magic and variation to the dial work with each release. With this Kurono Akane, it is no different. Released in 2020 and featuring a 37mm high-polished case and domed sapphire crystal, it successfully mimics a conservative vintage design. Moving on to the dial though, this is where the watch really stands out. The Kurono Akane is the first high end finishing the brand has done when it comes to the dial work and is part of their ‘Grand’ line. Featuring an Urushi lacquer dial that was finished with what is knowns as a ‘Hamon’ or a blade pattern, the result is a fiery red and orange lacquer dial that is enigmatic and constantly changing, reflecting hues depending on the light source.

Historical context

Contemporary Horology (2010 – Present)

Silicon components, connected watches, optical-lattice research clocks and a thriving independent scene.

Smartwatches became the world's best-selling watches, while mechanical watchmaking focuses on craft, innovation (silicon components, new escapements) and independent makers.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Mechanical Renaissance

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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