Introducing Kurono Tokyo Kicks Off the Year with the INSEKI (隕石)

Kurono Tokyo ushers in the new year with a standout release from its Special Projects line: the 37 mm INSEKI (隕石), Japanese for “meteorite.” This timepiece marks a first for the brand, as founder Hajime Asaoka integrates Muonionalusta meteorite into Kurono Tokyo’s unmistakably refined design language. Balancing the raw, ancient texture of a 4.5-billion-year-old iron-nickel meteorite with the brand’s signature cylindrical aesthetic posed a unique challenge—one Asaoka addressed through a carefully conceived bull’s-eye dial architecture. A smooth, grey meteorite disc anchors the centre, while a surrounding white lacquered ring curves gently downward toward the edge, preserving Kurono’s characteristic visual harmony.

Conceived as a personal study by Hajime Asaoka, the INSEKI explores the contrast between the meteorite’s rugged, organic patterns and Kurono’s softly contoured forms. The result is a dial that feels both dramatic and disciplined. The meteorite centre is framed by a white lacquered chapter ring adorned with Asaoka’s hand-painted Calligra Breguet numerals and impasto detailing, while his personal seal discreetly marks each dial—signifying that its texture and character have been individually examined and approved by the founder himself.

The watch is housed in Kurono’s signature 37 mm stainless steel case, a design that strikes an elegant balance between presence and wearability. Executed in high-polished 316L stainless steel, the case offers a crisp, contemporary sheen while maintaining a timeless profile. 

Its slim 7 mm thickness—extending to 11.5 mm including the sapphire box crystal—ensures a refined silhouette on the wrist, accentuated by the gently domed, vintage-inspired crystal. Water-resistant to 30 metres, the case is intended for daily wear rather than aquatic use, while the 20 mm lug width, tapering to 16 mm at the buckle, enhances comfort and visual balance.

Each dial is cut from Muonionalusta meteorite, whose etched crystalline structure reveals naturally occurring patterns, ensuring that no two examples are alike. Asaoka personally inspected every single dial, selecting only those with the most compelling character before applying his seal as a mark of approval. Completing the display are hand-bent, high-polished steel hands that complement the dial’s layered depth without overpowering it.

Powering the watch is the automatic Miyota 90S5 calibre, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The watch is delivered on a black leather strap, reinforcing its understated yet distinctive character.

Priced at US$1,850 excluding VAT and duties, the Kurono Special Projects 37 mm INSEKI (隕石) is a limited-production release. Global online ordering will open via the brand’s official website on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at 11:00 PM JST.

For more information, visit Kuruno Tokyo official website.