Introducing Kurono Tokyo Diver’s ダイバーズ, The Japanese Brand First Dive Watch

Kurono Tokyo deviates from its usual pattern of elegant dress watches to introduce more robust and resistant timepieces, as the Japanese brand unveils its first dive watch. The new Kurono Tokyo Diver’s: ダイバーズ reconsiders the conventional architecture of a diving watch. Hajime Asaoka has chosen to give the dive watch his own vision, and instead of creating just another diver, he has designed something rather special.

Instead of creating a watch solely for diving, Hajime Asaoka conceived a classic timepiece with a 35mm diameter and 50m water resistance, paired with a purpose-built external diving case. This clever solution allows the watch to transition seamlessly from a compact, elegant cushion-shaped timepiece into what Asaoka describes as “a proper dive watch.” The concept delivers a complete set including the watch head, two straps, an outer case, and a dedicated tool to seal it, essentially offering two watches in one, for two very different wearing experiences.

The watch itself marks Kurono’s first cushion-shaped design, measuring 35mm x 35mm, with a slender profile of 9mm including the sapphire crystal and a lug-to-lug distance of only 37.4mm. It was deliberately designed with compact proportions to evoke the charm of smaller vintage watches.

The white dial features oversized luminous markers paired with blued cathedral hands, ensuring excellent legibility and a distinctive vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Powering the watch is the automatic Miyota calibre 90S5, a movement that has been used by the brand in numerous editions. This time-only calibre runs at 4Hz and offers a 40-hour power reserve.

Up to this point, it might appear to be a relatively conventional watch. However, once the leather strap is removed, thanks to the quick-release spring bars, the “magic” happens. The watch head can be inserted into a sealed external diving case, drastically transforming both the look and functionality of the watch.

The process is simple: open the outer diving case, place the watch head inside, and then close it to encapsulate the entire timepiece. The bezel functions as a threaded lid, which can be easily unscrewed counterclockwise. Importantly, this system does not eliminate the essential unidirectional rotation mechanism of the bezel, which can still be used like any other diver’s watch to track elapsed time while preventing accidental loosening.

At this point, the discreet 35mm watch becomes something entirely different. The outer case, also crafted from polished steel, measures 46mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug length of 56.7mm and a thickness of 13.5mm. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, while the 60-minute bezel insert is made from deep red Extra Super Duralumin, a material known for its strength and lightness.

Interestingly, the case offers two levels of water resistance. For lighter use, the case can be opened or closed by hand without the tool, providing 100 meters of water resistance. When the dedicated tool is used to carefully tighten the bezel, the watch transforms into a professional instrument capable of withstanding depths of up to 300 meters. The outer case is paired with its own rubber strap.

As Asaoka-san explains, “the crown has always been the Achilles’ heel of diving watches. To address this, various innovations have been employed—from screw-down mechanisms to locking levers. Yet the ultimate solution is to eliminate the crown entirely. Thanks to the high winding efficiency of modern automatic movements, a watch worn regularly rarely stops and maintains excellent precision. Once the time is set, the need for crown manipulation is virtually non-existent. It was this realization that inspired my concept.”

The Kurono Diver, including the watch head, two straps, the outer diving case, and the dedicated sealing tool, is released as a limited production model, although the brand has not specified the total number of pieces.

It will be available worldwide through an allocation-by-ballot system, with interested clients invited to register on the brand’s website from March 5 to March 11. Notably, applicants with recreational (or higher) diving certifications, such as PADI, SSI, or NAUI, will be given priority. A strict one-watch-per-customer policy will also apply.

The Kurono Tokyo Diver's ダイバーズ is priced at USD 2,700, which is equivalent to AED 9,915, excluding taxes.

For more information, visit Kuruno Tokyo official website.