Kurono Vermilion Chronograph 'SHU:朱'

Kurono introduces a small batch limited release - the Kurono Vermilion Chronograph 'SHU:朱'. Available only at Kurono salons.

The Vermilion Chronograph is boldly presented in a distinct orange-red vermilion "SHU:朱" - and often associated with power nobility, warding off evil and ushering good luck. A symbol of fire and purification, vermilion is famously used on torii gates, precious urushi, and samurai armor.

Only a limited number of examples of the Vermilion Chronograph will be made and can be purchased in-person only at the Kurono salons in Tokyo and Shanghai starting 22 August 2025.

At Kurono Tokyo, we conduct ultraviolet exposure tests during the development stage. Here’s how we do it: we take a prototype dial and stick it to the south-facing window of my atelier. Half of the dial is covered with black tape. It then stays exposed to sunlight—about 40 days in summer and 60 days in winter. This is equivalent to more than 10 years of exposure under normal use. At the end of the test, the black tape is removed, and we check whether there is any difference in color. I had long wanted to create a chronograph with a vivid orange dial, but most paints (pigments) failed this test. Only two pigments passed: ‘selenium red’ and ‘vermilion.’ These were the vivid orange colors I had finally found that would not fade.” ~ Hajime Asaoka

On the wrist, the Vermilion Chronograph is a bold statement highly recognizable from near or afar, and at 38mm is based on the slim Mk.2 chronograph case.

⁠The Kurono Vermilion Chronograph ‘SHU:朱’ is available ONLY for in-person purchase at the Kurono Tokyo Aoyama salon and Kurono Tokyo Shanghai salon from 22 August 2025. Online ordering is not available.

Technical specifications

Kurono Tokyo Vermilion Chronograph 'SHU:朱'

Limited production and will not be repeated

Only available at Kurono Salons. Immediate pick up from August 22nd

Case

• Material:  Stainless steel (316L, high-polished)
• Diameter: 38 mm
• Thickness: 11.70 mm (13.50 mm incl. sapphire)
• Lug-to-lug: 46.80 mm
• Glass: sapphire box crystal
• Water-resistant to 30 meters

Dial and hands

• Orange-red dial
• Black counters

Movement

• Movement: NE86
• Automatic winding
• Number of jewels: 34
• Frequency: 4 Hz, 28'800 vibrations per hour
• Power reserve of approx. 45 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph

Strap and buckle

• Calf leather strap

MSRP

• JPY 598,950 incl tax (544,500 excl tax) at Aoyama Salon
• RMB 29,300 incl tax at Shanghai Salon

For more information, please visit kuronotokyo.com