jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
[Moderator]
14255
Incoming ! Hajime Asaoka Tsunami
After a 3 year wait, finally I have collected my Hajime Asaoka Tsunami ! Loving the Art Deco dial , the movement with the huge balance wheel and the artisanal feel of the entire watch ! Hajime-san is truly an artist and watchmaker combined !
Will post more details over time hopefully with some macros of the hand painted dial and the large balance wheel in motion. For now, some pics to share my joy 
For me at least, I am convinced Hajime-san delivers the watches his customers ordered. There was a post recently shared here which had some doubts on the brand and watchmaker (which I responded to). Yes it was a long wait but a satisfying one
Have a good weekend everyone !
Cheers
Robin
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Incoming ! Hajime Asaoka Tsunami
After a 3 year wait, finally I have collected my Hajime Asaoka Tsunami ! Loving the Art Deco dial , the movement with the huge balance wheel and the artisanal feel of the entire watch ! Hajime-san is truly an artist and watchmaker combined ! Will post mor...
I had the pleasure of trying this watch on when it was exhibited in London a year or so ago - it is exceptional and the lacquered dial is so well considered in depth, shape and layout.
Congratulations and looking fwd to seeing more pictures. Best Will
To funny! Last night I was researching his website, and I was impressed with his work!
Your pictures just reinforced my admiration for that movement... One question if I may, does the seconds hand hack(stops when the crown is pulled out)? Congratulations on this piece of art!
Wow Robin major congrats on a phenomenal acquisition
I’m still collecting my jaw Enjoy it in the best of health my friend
Patience well rewarded. I follow him closely but not there for me yet. I love to see the escapement...
...With the balance wheel action.
Congratulations Robin!! Tsunami is one of the most fascinating time only in watchmaking history. I know very well, often speaking with Hajime, how long he worked on your watch and....
...especially on that wonderful dial! I also want to confirm that Hajime delivers the commissioned watches, but a lot of patience is needed, because Asaoka doesn't bring out a watch from her atelier, if he isn't fully satisfied! Asaoka is one of true arti...
Indeed mate
Thank you ! Yes he’s a bit of a queer artist in some ways. A perfectionist. Some of my friends compared him to FP Journe who is known to be like this too
You are reaffirming my love for this watch!
Is he still accepting orders? What is the wait? Price?
A class act!
Well done on a superb acquisition Robin! As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait
Congrats, my friend!
A stunner of a watch, both the dial side and the movement. Just beautiful. Looking forward to seeing it in person once the borders open back up.
Thank you !
To be honest I don’t know a lot too other than it’s designed and manufactured by him in house. Finishing is very nice too but not at the level of Dufour of course. The large balance wheel is a joy to watch
One of my Grail/Dream Watches, I can't express how happy I am for you Robin, it is so amazing, I love how it looks on your wrist...
wear it with happiness and joy my friend. S
Congratulations.....
a beautiful timepiece, and an unique movement. Patience is a virtue! Darren
Big time congratulations!
That is one of the nicest dials is all of watchdom. Maybe the nicest. Three years is a long wait, but what a prize at the end of the rainbow. Well done. M4
Huge, huge, huge congratulations!
I am absolutely enamored with this watch and his aesthetics. I also read about all the commotion. I don’t know what to make of it but I’m very happy to read this good news and understand that we are not dealing with a brand but an artist and artisan, not ...
You nailed it Christian !
We are not dealing with a manufacture but an artisanal one man show, self taught watchmaker . Expectations need to be managed in such cases. Patience is needed when ordering such a watch Thank you my friend
Tolerance is the tougher part I feel
Often I had doubts I would ever get my watch delivered for indies that take a long time (years) and it can make me less tolerant of the watchmaker. Thru this process I learn to be more tolerant and patient. Cheers Robin
Yes, I can well understand.
3 years with a lot of money is tough! I also learned something from you sharing this experience with us. Thank so much, Robin. I look forward to hear more about the piece. Kind regards Christian
I envy you Sir ! That is a gorgeous watch ! The master watchmaker should be aware that trust comes a foot, and leaves by horse back so he must be carefull not to take on more than he can
master and deliver upon promise ! I wish him well.
Well said my friend
And thanks ! Indeed I think the ADs have stopped taking orders since last year or so as Hajime-san has a long backlog to fulfil. Like my AD selling FPJ here, they stopped taking orders for the FPJ CB since years ago . Unless customers insist on paying a d...
Again a huge congrats my friend.
Excellent choice , very elegant and beautiful watch . Def worth the wait imho . Looking forward to see more pics soon
Stunning piece, huge congrats Robin!
Definitely an amazing piece worth the wait. In French we say « l’attente c’est la moitié du plaisir » the waiting time is half of the pleasure 😉. I am thus absolutely sure you are enjoying it truly fully 🤣. Seriously it’s a beauty, huge congrats my friend...
Thanks a lot my friend !
Definitely agree with your saying in French. Words of wisdom !
Cool Robin, glad it finally arrived.
I love this watch, since I first set eyes on it. At the time it seemed like a off the radar choice, still may be in fact (in the grand scheme of things). Look forward to more pictures. It’s just really beautiful.
To be honest
I ordered it without having seen it in the metal. I thought it was an ok watch on the dial though I know I like the movement. But when I finally lay my hands on the watch, man that dial is beautiful indeed! Hope to share more pics soon Cheers Robin
Congrats! Superb acquisition.
Wear it in best health. Looking forward to some closeups of the dial and movement.
Huge congratulations ! the dial is beautiful & the balance wheel - damn gorgeous !!
enjoy in the best of your health !! Best, mahesh.,
Congrats
A hajime is also on my list. Wanted a Masahiro but the man himself wont take an order. And getting a kurono might be selling myself short. Will see if i will be as fortunate as you sir. I am definitely patient.
Patience is key
When hunting for such watches Thank you Pongster and hopefully you can get the watches you desire too Cheers Robin