Kurono Tokyo Diver's: ダイバーズ

The new Kurono Diver’s: ダイバーズ reconsiders the conventional architecture of a diving watch. The 35mm automatic watch head is secured within a purpose-built diving case, allowing the timepiece to transition seamlessly from refined daily wear to an instrument for recreational diving. Individually tested and rated to 100 meters water resistance, it has been depth engineered for up to 300 meters.

The new Diver’s: ダイバーズ is a limited study by Hajime Asaoka priced at $2,700 (excl taxes and duties) per set that will be made available worldwide through allocation-via-ballot. Applicants with recreational or better diving certifications (PADI, SSI, NAUI etc) will be prioritized but not guaranteed. A good portion of allocations will be made available to the general public without such certifications. Expressions of interest can be made until 11:59PM JST on 11 March 2026. Successful applications will be notified by 16 March 2026. Deliveries are expected from May 2026 onwards.

Upon first encountering this timepiece, the most immediate observation is likely the absence of a crown.

The crown has always been the Achilles' heel of diving watches. To address this, various innovations have been employed—from screw-down mechanisms to locking levers. Yet, the ultimate solution is to eliminate the crown entirely.

Thanks to the high winding efficiency of modern automatic movements, a watch worn regularly rarely stops and maintains excellent precision. Once the time is set, the need for crown manipulation is virtually non-existent. It was this realization that inspired my concept: to encapsulate the entire wristwatch within a dedicated waterproof casing."

When diving—or in any situation requiring absolute water resistance—placing the watch into this outer diving case transforms it into a professional tool capable of withstanding depths of up to 300 meters. This is the defining characteristic of the Kurono Diver's."

The development of this timepiece spanned many years, involving exhaustive field tests and high-pressure trials. To verify our peak performance metrics, we conducted rigorous evaluations in collaboration with official Japanese public research institutes to ensure this exceptional level of water resistance." ~ Hajime Asaoka

46mm Diving Case

Operation is intuitive and seamless. The bezel functions as a threaded lid; using a dedicated opener, it can be easily unscrewed counter-clockwise. Furthermore, the bezel features a unidirectional rotation mechanism—an essential for divers—to track elapsed time while preventing the case from accidentally loosening. For lighter use, the case can be opened or closed by hand without the tool; so long as the bezel remains secure when tested counter-clockwise, the seal provides water resistance equivalent to 10 ATM.

The bezel is crafted from Extra Super Duralumin, finished in a deep red through hard anodizing. This specific shade of red is designed to maximize contrast with the white-engraved indices, ensuring peak legibility underwater." ~ Hajime Asaoka

35mm Inner Watch

The inner watch marks the debut of Kurono Tokyo’s first-ever cushion-shaped case. To ensure maximum legibility underwater, both the indices and hands feature a luminous finish. The cathedral hands are made of blue steel, meticulously skeletonized to the limit to increase the efficiency of the luminescence." ~ Hajime Asaoka

Quick-release

The inner watch features a strap with quick-release design, allowing for attachment and removal without tools.

The watch will be available for preview and try-on at both Aoyama and Shanghai salons.

Technical specifications

Kurono Tokyo Diver's: ダイバーズ

Limited edition 

Case

• Material: Stainless steel (316L, high-polished, solid caseback)
• Dimensions: 35 x 35 mm
• Thickness: 9 mm (incl. crystal)
• Lug-to-lug: 37.4 mm
• Glass: Sapphire crystal
• Water-resistant to 5 ATM
• Lug width: 19 mm
• Buckle width: 16 mm
• Strap: Calf leather

With diving case

• Material: Stainless steel (316L, high-polished, solid caseback)
• Diameter: 46 mm
• Thickness: 13.5 mm (incl. crystal)
• Lug-to-lug: 56.7 mm
• Glass: Sapphire crystal
• Water-resistant to 10 ATM
• Lug width: 24 mm
• Buckle width: 22 mm
• Strap: Rubber

Dial and hands

• White dial
• Blued hands

Movement

• MIYOTA 90S5
• Automatic winding
• Number of jewels: 24
• Frequency: 28,800 vph
• Power reserve of 40 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds

MSRP: USD 2'700 (excl. taxes)

For more information, please visit kuronotokyo.com