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Kurono Tokyo Toki (時), Ref. Toki, white dial, steel case
Kurono Tokyo

Toki (時)

Ref. Toki
2018–present · 37mm · caliber NH35A base (Seiko/TMI): automatic, 21,600bph, 41h PR, 24j; Asaoka-regulated and timed; movement finished to standards above NH35 norm
Mass-producedOfficial press photos

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Entry-tier movement · caliber NH35A base (Seiko/TMI): automatic, 21,600bph, 41h PR, 24j; Asaoka-regulated and timed; movement finished to standards above NH35 norm · 41h power reserve
Versatile size: fits most wrists (6–7.5 in / 15–19 cm)
37 mm case. The sweet spot for the broadest range of wrist sizes. Neither too dainty nor too bold.

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Authentication

Kurono is a micro-brand with limited production; secondary market fakes are rare but undisclosed damage on resale is common.

Known issues in the market
  • Sellers offering pieces at premiums before resale channels are established for the brand.
  • Dial damage from improper crown operation or case handling.
AreaWhat to checkWhat is correctRed flag
dialEnamel or lacquer dial finishDeep, even color with no surface inconsistency, clean applied indices, Kurono Tokyo signature text crisp and evenly spacedSurface bubbling, uneven color depth, text that appears printed rather than applied
caseCase finishing on stainless steelMixed brushed and polished surfaces as specified for the reference, sharp case transitions, no tool marks on case sidesAll-polished case (indicating buffing), scratches on crown or case sides consistent with improper service
casebackSerial number and Kurono engravingsProduction serial number engraved, Kurono Tokyo designation, movement reference presentMissing serial, stamped rather than engraved text, caseback that does not thread cleanly
movementMovement specificationMovement specification matches stated reference; finishing consistent with a Japanese micro-brand using established ebaucheMovement that does not match stated specification, evidence of swap
Common legitimate replacements
  • Straps are commonly swapped to leather alternatives.
Expert resources: Kurono serial numbers can be verified with the brand directly. Given small production runs, contacting Kurono Tokyo with the serial is the most reliable authentication path.

Authentication guide

Last reviewed June 2026

Hajime Asaoka's Toki is a limited, numbered release on a modified NH35 base. Replica risk is low but rising. The lacquer dial and caseback serial are the primary checks.

Known reproduction risks

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MEDIUM

Dial reproductions on generic NH35 movements

  • Lacquer appears flat rather than deep under raking light
  • Index spacing inconsistent under loupe
  • Caseback serial absent or does not appear in the online registry

Registry verification is definitive. Cross-reference the caseback serial at the Kurono site before purchase.

Dial variants by era

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EraDescriptionIdentifiers
First release onwardLacquer dial with hand-applied indices, single small subdial at 6 o'clock.
  • Deep lacquer with visible depth under raking light
  • Minute track applied with fine, consistent spacing
  • No printed text on dial face beyond brand and model name

Service part flags

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Dial

Original: Hand-lacquered, slightly convex surface. Lacquer depth and texture visible under 5x magnification.

Replacement tells
  • Flat, even surface with no texture under magnification
  • Printed indices rather than applied
  • Color inconsistency across dial surface
Crown

Original: Signed Kurono crown, correctly sized for the 37mm case.

Replacement tells
  • Generic unsigned crown
  • Mismatched diameter or knurling pattern

Case back markings

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All releases
  • "KURONO TOKYO" engraved on caseback
  • Individual serial number engraved
  • Serial corresponds to the online Kurono registry

Movement tells

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  • Modified NH35 base; rotor should spin freely with audible wind.
  • Movement should beat at 21,600 vph (6 beats per second).
  • Custom finishing on visible movement surfaces; basic NH35 finishing is a sign of an unmodified or non-original movement.
Sources: Kurono Tokyo official registry.

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