The New Ice Blue Kurono Tokyo 2025 Jubilee Sensu EOL

After several years of covering this independent Japanese watch brand, you should now be familiar with Kurono Tokyo‘s work. And if not, what matters here is that we’re looking at the accessible side of independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka (also behind the return of Takano), with classic designs and outsourced movements to keep the prices reasonable. What is less conventional is the style of the watches, ranging from super-compact dress watches to models merging traditional Japanese cues and vintage flair. Last year, Asaoka presented the Sensu NOS, a special project with a guilloche-like dial and new-old-stock movements. The follow-up comes now in the form of the Kurono Tokyo 2025 Jubilee Sensu EOL, celebrating Asaoka’s 60th diamond jubilee and equipped with end-of-life movements. 

The Sensu EOL plays on the same vibe as the Sensu NOS presented last year, which sold out in minutes. As such, we’re looking at the same overall base, with a reasonably sized case of 38mm – not the super compact and divisive 34mm range – in polished stainless steel, with smooth surfaces, a box-shaped sapphire crystal for a retro flair and a solid screwed caseback. A unique element of this new Kurono Anniversary edition is the presence of a black onyx cabochon in the crown, to mark the 60th anniversary of Hajime Asaoka (born in 1965), adding to the rarity of this piece, as this element won’t be reproduced in future models.

Kurono Tokyo 2025 Jubilee Sensu EOL brings back the style of the NOS model, in particular the pattern of the power reserve indicator that mimics a Japanese folding fan – a.k.a Sensu. For this limited edition, Asaoka also reinterprets a colour used back in 2021, an ice blue metallic tone known as Shiraai. This is applied over a stamped guilloche dial with deep texture, in particular a new chrysanthemum wave pattern in the centre of the dial, which complements the Sensu pattern. At the periphery, a filet minute track gives space to polished steel domed hour markers and Kanji script in black for the hour numerals. Polished steel, hand-bent hands indicate the time centrally (HMS).

While the Sensu NOS relied on new-old-stock movements by Miyota, the Kurono Tokyo Sensu EOL uses the same supplier but with end-of-life movements this time, meaning fresh calibres 9133 that will no longer be produced by the Japanese movement maker. Only a limited number of movements have been made available, without the possibility to access more – hence the limited nature of this watch. The reason for this choice is that no other Japan-made movement meets the needs of the Sensu-style power reserve indicator at 10 o’clock. And unless more leftover movements are found, which is unlikely, the Sensu line will be discontinued.

The Calibre 9133 by Miyota is part of the maker’s premium line and runs at a 4Hz frequency, with a 40h power reserve. This automatic movement has nevertheless been modified by the team of Kurono Tokyo to remove the date complication, something that sounds simple on paper but is time-consuming. The watch comes secured to the wrist thanks to a black leather strap with a steel pin buckle.

As some of you might know, the availability of Kurono Tokyo watches has long been difficult, and this new, highly limited model (no numbers given on purpose) won’t change the rule. Priced at USD 2,230 (excl. taxes), the Kurono Tokyo 2025 Jubilee Sensu EOL will be available for online purchase at kuronotokyo.com with two order windows, on May 22nd, at 11AM Japan time, and later at 11PM Japan time. All orders placed within the windows will be accepted. Alternatively, in-store previews and preorders will be possible starting May 15th at Kurono Tokyo boutiques in Aoyama and Shanghai, for both domestic and international customers.