Manufacturer: Hajime Asaoka Year: 2013 Movement No: 11003 Model Name: Tourbillon #1 Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Manual, Cal. T1001, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel HA signed pin buckle Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, Guarantee, additional olive green dial, correspondence, and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
Hajime Asaoka is not a trained watchmaker but a product designer who fell in love with watchmaking and not wanting to only be a watch designer but a full fledged watchmaker, he taught himself the craft by reading George Daniels' Watchmaking book, watching Youtube tutorials and disassembling alarm clocks!
In 2009 he created his first tourbillon, aptly named Tourbillon #1- the very first fully Japanese made tourbillon movement. 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.
The Tourbillon #1 features a classical 42mm stainless steel case but the visually arresting dial pays tribute to Asaoka’s acute eye for design. The left part of the dial showcases the large tourbillon cage and long Art Deco inspired tourbillon bridge. In fact the whole dial has an Art Deco vibe with strong geometric patterns.
Asaoka refers to the great Art Deco designs of Delage and Delahaye coupé automobiles for both the movement and the dial designs.
Other than the prototype Asaoka made only 2 other Tourbillon #1 models elevating the watch to Himalayan heights in terms of collectability.
Fresh to the market and offered by the original owner, the watch not only comes with its full set of accessories but also with an additional olive green dial.
