Unveiling Kurono Tokyo's Latest Treasure: The 2026 Special Projects Malachite Watch

Hajime Asaoka, an eminent independent watchmaker from Japan presents his latest creation, the 2026 Special Projects Malachite from his brand, Kurono Tokyo. Known for interpreting his profound design language within an affordable range, Asaoka’s handcrafted watches, like the highly revered Tsunami, uphold a sterling benchmark of elegance and precision.

Under his brand Kurono Tokyo, Asaoka introduces exclusive collections, with a unique focus on specific crafts and movements. The brand began using natural stones earlier this year, creating the revolutionary Inseki with its meteorite dial. Embarking further in their exploration of natural stones, they have now released the Malachite 2026.

Apart from his individual brand, Asaoka is also a key player in Precision Watch Tokyo (PWT), alongside other notable Japanese craftsman such as Jiro Katayama. The organization emphasizes refined design and outsourced movements attainable at accessible prices.

What distinctly sets this edition apart is its dial. As its name reveals, the centre dial is made of malachite, a stone renowned for its vibrant and changing shades of green and its unique striped structure, a geological record of seismic water flow and mineral concentration. Each band on the dial represents a specific period of seismic activity and mineral concentration. To ensure consistency, each stone dial is personally inspected by Asaoka, earning its final seal of approval. The craft does not stop here; the external chapter ring is crafted from brass, forming a convex dial which then colored with a hand-mixed rokusho(green pigment). Later, it is ornamented with East Asian Kanji Zodiac symbols, offering a glimpse of time told in cardinal directions.

The watch is equipped with an outsourced automatic movement produced by Miyota. The time-only calibre 90S5, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, stores up to 40 hours of power reserve. The 2026 Special Projects Malachite watch establishes itself as a striking blend of nature and science, tradition and modernity, making an unforgettable mark in the realm of horology.