Though Switzerland has long been the international center of watchmaking, during the latter half of the 20th century a handful of talented artisans outside of Switzerland began to grow in popularity, manufacturing watches based on traditional watchmaking while pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. These independent watchmakers thrive in the 21st with a growing number of collectors seeking their exceptional timepieces, cherished for their commitment to creativity and craftsmanship.
Hajime Asaoka is a relatively new yet revered name in the market, gaining repute with his superbly crafted timepieces that are quite difficult to obtain. His early career as a product designer put him in contact with watchmaking enthusiasts. Inspired, Asaoka purchased a copy of George Daniels’ “Watchmaking,” which led to the creation of his prototype Tourbillon Number 1, in 2009. This prototype allowed him to be accepted as a member of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI), a Swiss-based organization dedicated to preserving the art of fine, handmade watchmaking and independent makers. By 2011, Asaoka was manufacturing a small collection of timepieces – all designed, manufactured, and assembled by himself, resulting in an extremely low annual production of no more than a few pieces. He is committed to the preservation of traditional mechanical watchmaking while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Asaoka’s craft is rooted in Japanese culture, aesthetics and Zen philosophy, which are reflected in his timepieces with a harmonious balance between meticulous attention to detail, precision engineering, and understated elegance. The present prototype Tourbillon PURA is based on Asaoka’s pursuit for purity. There is a simplicity to the black lacquered dial with a a single bridge movement. Like other 21st century craftsmen, he used new materials such as A7075 duralumin, used for the tourbillon carriage, which is also found in aircrafts and guns. It has a low specific gravity and is durable allowing for an efficient transfer of energy from the movement to the carriage ensuring timekeeping accuracy. Compared to his earlier Project-T Tourbillon, which was housed in a 43mm diameter case, the Tourbillon PURA has a smaller 40mm diameter case.
Phillips is honored to present this unique, fresh-to-the-market prototype tourbillon from Japan’s most important independent watchmaker. It is offered in near new condition, most probably worn less than a handful of times, complete with its technical specification sheet and presentation box. The watch is also prominently featured in a 2022 Financial Times article on the watchmaker. A “one and only” trophy watch for the most discerning connoisseur of independent timepieces, this prototype tourbillon is a wonderful representation of the remarkable craftsmanship and ingenuity of one of the most sought after contemporary watchmakers.
