With an emphasis to prove his excellence in his craft to the horological community, Hajime Asaoka Tokyo Japan watches are all designed, manufactured, and assembled by the man himself, resulting in an extremely low annual production of no more than a few pieces. In 2012, the Japanese independent firm released what is to be their most iconic model, the Tsunami, a three-hander with a technically-sound manual movement featuring an impressive 16mm titanium balance and a “tako wheel” (the gold wheel placed beneath the balance). Cased in a sleek 37mm diameter stainless steel case with a polished bezel, satin-finished casebands and a display caseback. Housed inside is a beautiful two tone dial with printed white numerals, a grained grey central insert and recessed white small seconds register with concentric circles reminiscent of a “Zen Garden”.

An impressive timepiece made by one of the most revered and up and coming independent Japanese watchmakers of our times, the present Tsunami 16 features a movement number of No. 001 being one of the very first examples of the model that came out from the manufacturer. Differing from later examples, the present features a red accent above 12 O’clock and a red small seconds hand to match it. Well-preserved and complete with its original guarantee dated 2013 and presentation box, this early Tsunami 16 is the very first example to be offered at a PHILLIPS auction. With an extremely low annual output, this is truly a fantastic opportunity for collectors of independents to acquire one of Mr. Asaoka’s first ever Tsunami 16.