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Two Hajime Asaoka Tsunamis
The Tsunami, by Japanese independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, is a simple 37 mm diameter three-hands watch, which was first launched around 2013.
Simple? That's what you might think until you discover the movement, with its 15 mm diameter balance wheel and the octopus-shaped gold "tako" wheel located under the balance wheel.
“Tako” (タコ) is the Japanese word for “Octopus”.
Even the Patek Philippe caliber R TO 27 PS (combining a minute repeater and a tourbillon) does not have a wheel as finely finished as that of the “Tako”, imo...
This particular example is the Prototype (no. 0/6) of the “Art Deco” Tsunami presented at the GPHG in 2024.
The case is made of steel.
credit: Lunar Oyster, Quill and Pad (close up of the Tako Wheel) & @the_hour_lounge (wrist shot only)
And here is the newly released Tsunami Édition Blanche (White Edition).
It features a white dial (the coating is made of white pigment mixed into resin) with black painted Breguet numerals.
The case is also made of steel.
Hajime Asaoka himself.
credit: Monochrome
And here is the newly released Tsunami Édition Blanche (White Edition).
It features a white dial (the coating is made of white pigment mixed into resin) with black painted Breguet numerals.
The case is also made of steel.
Hajime Asaoka himself.
credit: Monochrome
What do you think about these watches?
I find it striking that they are only very rarely mentioned on our site, as is Hajime Asaoka himself.
I personally like this kind of watchmaking.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
Two Hajime Asaoka Tsunamis
The Tsunami , by Japanese independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka , is a simple 37 mm diameter three-hands watch, which was first launched around 2013 . Simple ? That's what you might think until you discover the movement , with its 15 mm diameter balance wh...
My pick will be the 2 tone black/gray dial from the original series.
I saw the report of the release of the new series a while back, but has he delivered all the orders from the first series? The wait time was easily 5 years (if not 10😅) and he also isn’t the most communicative based on experience of some who ordered….So q...
I met him only once in 2023 at AHCI and I confirm that he isn't very communicative ;-)
As for your question: I don't know if all the orders from the 1st series have been delivered! The original black/grey was nice indeed! Best, Emmanuel ...
I am a huge fan of Mr Asaoka's Tsunami watch. It is exquisite.
The white dial is especially gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. M4
i would love to see a centre seconds version.
great modern design running at 2.5 hz and a freesprung balance with a flat spring balance and well finished watch but why do the Japanese always fit flat springs on there balances it would of been even better with an overcoil balance spring with benefits ...
I’m sure it would be very interesting to know why
Asaoka chooses to use flat springs. Best, Emmanuel
I WAS a fan until I learned he didn’t deliver several orders
SJX doesn’t cover him because of this and posted about it. Underdiscussed..
I only wish I knew how many jewels it had and positions the movement was adjusted to
Oh wait... there it is!! ;-) That covers my lone movement criticism. The oversized, centrally mounted balance wheel is the highlight.