Encountering Hajime Asaoka in Tokyo - Independent Watchmaker

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Hello to all and we start our Japanese series with the visit to a great independent watchmaker called Hajime Asaoka, a man we first got to know through the AHCI.
Something really remarkable about him is simply the fact that he is a self taught watchmaker and it is through his passion and perseverance that he has become a very esteemed watchmaker, having for instance developed a full chronograph by himself!
Enjoy & Viva Watchmaking

[@kuglepen64]

That George Daniels book is the best thing to ever happen to independent watchmaking.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

I had the chance of filming recently his personal watch, felt privileged

[@Inshallowseaswesail]

He is one seriously talented watchmaker. Wow, absolutely beautiful watches.

[@naleenperera1969]

What About His Watches Proven Time Accuracy ? Rather Than His Watches Out Look Designs ?

[@chrisdavis9063]

This is top tier content. Thank you

[@WATCHESTVcom]

That’s very nice of you, thanks so much!! 🙏

[@WatchGeek]

Amazing

[@mariolimon]

Thanks Marc for everything you do, for showing us all these beautiful timepieces.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many many thanks 🙏

[@mirosawirzyk5247]

He is MY idol... I had the luck to see one of his watches - simply mindblowing, ingenious...

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Nice!!!! Thanks

[@PT111111]

That tourbillon is gorgeous!! Look forward to the rest of the Japan series.

[@asilva781]

Real watch makers are always artists.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Very true!

[@johntharp22]

Those are some of the most beautiful watches I’ve ever seen.

[@paoloaquilia7187]

Amazing and thank you for not forgetting about the small guys . Great video

[@WATCHESTVcom]

We love the small guys! Thanks

[@Bippy55]

As a visitor to Japan 16 times, I assure everyone, Japan embraces high-end creative timepieces. Around 2010 in the summer, there was a timepiece Expo advertised all over Tokyo. Admission was FREE. I arrived dressed in shorts and sneakers. The watch dealers were in the finest suits and dresses. Yet they still welcomed me and urged me to stay and enjoy. It was the first time I handled a two million dollar Cartier timepiece. I feel SEIKO makes fine watches at any price point. I hope you visit Japan again. Thank you for a great presentation.

[@edwinchorimbo8224]

Amazing Marc, 6 years follow to Hajime, he is a Master Watchmaker, VIVA WATCHMAKING !!! ❤❤

[@WATCHESTVcom]

That's right, a huge VIVA!!! Best to you

[@coilmotorworks]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@lsamoa]

Such exciting times we live in, when we have access to this kind of top notch content. Thank you for another great video!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

That’s very very nice of you, thanks a lot 🙏🙏

Great report from Japan, I’m so glad that you produce these!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks so much!!

[@GregJ1]

Thank you for a very cool video, those tourbillons are beautiful, the dial design so nicely balanced, classy yet modern, complicated yet elegantly simple, hints of Art Deco style, wow really shows his background as designer...amazing!

[@ghostindamachine]

I have never heard of Hajime Asaoka before, but now I am in love with his creations! Thank you very much for this wonderful documentary.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

You are most welcome and thanks a lot for this nice comment. Best to you

[@naleenperera1969]

Seriously Yes...............

[@DeanDK]

Very cool to see this!! So awesome to see his dial pad printer he made by converting a press machine on the background. He even made the moulds and cast the pads! Truly inspirational! Thank you 🙏 I’m loving the interviews of the independents

[@donntristan]

I like the watch you're wearing! Saw it in one of your episodes! :) More power to the channel.

[@josephknecht4272]

These reports on the great watchmakers are a great contribution to world horology! Keep up the brilliant work, Marc: eventually, it will receive its highly deserved great recognition and rewards!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Would be nice but already having a blast doing what er do!!!

[@MelvynPettit]

Another excellent video with great content Marc.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot for this 🙏🙏

[@MortezaAlavizadeh]

Terrific interview, Marc Andre. Your content is priceless, my friend. Mr. Asaoka is a very unique watchmaker, everything about his timepieces is specific to himself. His dials and balance wheels in particular (tourbillon included). By the way, like you, he has a great taste in glasses I see.

[@user-wv4pp2ij3f]

Great content. Keep up the good work.

[@jayebirdjb7143]

Impeccable finishing on his watches. Love independent watchmakers. They fill a void in my appetite for watches.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

We understand!

[@TheOfficialCzex]

I actually have a copy of George Daniels' book. I've read it a few times, but I haven't found the money or opportunity to purchase a small lathe. I have many pages of designs for both the mechanical and artistic aspects of timepieces. I hope that I can bring those designs to fruition like Hajime Asaoka and Masahiro Kikuno.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Perseverance ;) All the very best to you!

[@noelr9376]

I have his book also but it’s hard to find the tools to make the watches. I also wish there was a school nearby to teach some of it. George Daniels was the reason I wanted to make a watch and also the reason I didn’t. When he said he invested 3,000 hrs on one watch, I said nope. You basically have to become a monk, and give up your life to the holy monestary of watchmaking. I love watchmaking, but not enough to drop everything for it.

[@richardbaptist5080]

Thanks for this - one of my favorite watch makers! The independent watch makers is where the creativity happens.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

We often see this indeed!

[@AliasHSW]

Amazing to be a member of AHCI in such a short time

[@johnburgess6572]

Love this video, UNIVERSAL watchmaking indeed !!! Exciting and very impressive !

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks and there are indeed talents all around the world, hope to visit many more!!

[@MattKeenanMusic]

What an inspirational guy! His work is fantastic.

[@douglasladowski6342]

Thanks for covering the independents. This is a underappreciated segment

[@WATCHESTVcom]

And thanks for appreciating this, we love them!!!! All the very best to you

[@amw6778]

... I've always admired your genuine passion for horology Marc... Keep up the excellent work... Vivaaa!!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks and really happy you like what we do, very appreciated!

[@exodur5356]

Thank you very much for the very interesting report! It was exciting to see Hajime Asaoka in person. I follow his Instagram since one year and always wondered who he is.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Well there you go ;) Thanks for watching!!

[@GadgetyMV]

Thank you for this very interesting episode, Marc-André, and looking forward to the rest of the tour of Japan! I briefly met Mr Asaoka at last year's Baselworld. He seems humble, low key, and I know he is a genuine watch enthusiast, of all kinds of watches, also lesser known brands. His art deco inspired watches are so elegant. Interesting to hear about how he values the design of the whole watch, and that he feels about the communication of that and its reception. It puts an interesting light on his collecting watches, too. I would have liked to hear more about what it is that makes great design, in his view. I also had the idea that he used really old fashioned methods to make his parts, but there was no mention of this in this episode, almost to the contrary with his liasion with Yuki. Now onto that one!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks for this inspiring comment, many things to uncover still!!

[@SoCalFreelance]

So glad you got to experience Japan! I lived there for three years in the 90's. Quite the culture shock!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Oh yes, but such an interesting country!

[@dartagnanx1]

Great interview. This man is a treasure.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Totally!!! Nice comment

[@mercifulangel8750]

Thank you for this 😘😍🥰

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Very welcome, always a pleasure to!

[@stardust4711]

Very impressive man. Very nice watches.

[@BPLeroyLotusEvora]

Thank you so much Marc André, you are truly unique. I admire you, and I love the fact that you ventured into Japanese,watchmaking. Grand Seiko is my favourite brand, so I’m sure you’ll be doing something with them.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many many thanks for this and we’ll indeed have something regarding Seiko coming soon, but in a couple if weeks, still requires quite some work ;)

[@HAL-kt2rp]

Merci beaucoup Marc et bravo pour votre contenu de qualité .

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Merci à vous de nous regarder et merci beaucoup pour ce commentaire, ça nous fait très plaisir!

[@Super1venom]

Great work

[@thlee3]

Finally a long video!!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Finally 😉

[@thewarhenk]

Incredible

[@melchizedekpsj]

Appreciate this very much! Self taught and yet innovating! Brilliant independent watchmaking.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

We like it too ;) Best to you

[@melchizedekpsj]

@@WATCHESTVcom 👍

[@vaucanson952]

Geat video, great information, great host, thank you.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks for this!! And all the very best to you

[@Jedimaster36091]

Asaoka's design language really speaks to me. His watches are quite technical and I understand now why. I love his designs, simple, very effective and with a fantastic finish.

[@itsalgud1459]

Thanks, Marc!

[@MBrunnberg]

Wow great video.👍👌

[@blainecole5452]

It's nice to see you getting out and about. I would recommend having a look at Minase watches. I find their design philosophy very interesting.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Yes, I had met them in Geneva and would really like to visit their set up. Original design, interesting.

[@juleswild9498]

Absolutely wonderful 😍

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks a lot and best to you!

[@rossanderson517]

Great content

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks!

[@MrDavesf]

Just discovered your channel, this is great! I'm expecting my Kurono Tokyo White Shiro to arrive this week, and while it's obviously not one of the "5 a year" atelier watches, Hajime-san designed it and I'm so excited to finally have it!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Thanks so much and great to hear this!!! I'm sure you will enjoy it greatly, bravo to you

[@cdevarona]

Just came here to see this after Kurono just announced their chronograph mark2 . I hope to get it!

[@99luan99]

Great interview,it would be nice though see the workshop

[@WATCHESTVcom]

We only saw this one, since the other one is not at the same location, but perfect excuse to go back ;)

[@alanh8101]

Very cool respect that and I’m sure you enjoy trip to Japan👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Cheers Alan

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Yes, was great and very inspiring!

[@lauraswan8647]

A work of craftsmanship and art

[@rarts2000]

Expanding the universe o The watches TV, cool, keep it up Marc!!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Still so much to be uncovered !!!

[@rarts2000]

@@WATCHESTVcom can'nt wait :)

[@bobbysebastian3709]

Love 💕 the independents & their creative spirit. Could you do one on Christiaan van der Klaauw/ Dutch watchmakers ?

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Hope to visit him one day!!!

[@eleones]

Great video, as always. I truly love the pieces coming from indie watchmakers, particularly the recent generation from Asia. They have a completely unique, deeply cultural aesthetic that's more distinct and at times, more innovative than what's coming from the west. However, I've been curious about any differences and/or concerns with maintenance and support from smaller, one or two--person brands. When spending 5 or 6 figures on one of their pieces, with production runs of a handful per year, how are they able to provide efficient long-term maintenance, repairs, etc. for their products?

[@WATCHESTVcom]

There is indeed a little risk but at the same time and if you stick to strict mechanics then any watch should be repairable by any good watchmaker ;)

[@Carlentinesexclusives]

Lovely

[@SnowmansApartment]

=) some unique paths towards watchmaking show themselves in the watches you see at the end. I‘m also planning to teach watchmaking to myself one day, it looks like an interesting hobby after all.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

A beautiful one but requires patience ;)

[@SnowmansApartment]

TheWATCHES.tv :) i think i have more patience than enough.

[@jonathanschrag1183]

Viva watchmaking #Perpetual!

[@sochyvonnnora6035]

What a beautiful man

[@DMINATOR]

It's good that scale of the metallic pieces was shown, one thing to watch this video on a large monitor screen, the other is to see watches in person. Monitor screen cannot really show you how small and impressive these watches are, but I am sure most people subscribed to this channel have some clue...

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Especially now in 4k ;)

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

Stunning Achievement. Tourbillon

[@hellotabasco]

I hope you enjoyed your time in Japan! It’s a shame I couldn’t meet you here in Tokyo! You should organize a get together with all the Tokyo fans lol, cheers!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

We’ll have to come back!!! 👍👍

[@menaseven9093]

Beautiful watches by independent watchmakers Hajime Asaoka.

[@connemara]

Thanks

[@pacovl46]

That tourbillon watch is so beautiful!

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

That man is a genius

[@WATCHESTVcom]

And a great character!

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

@@WATCHESTVcom yes indeed. Very humble man. I don't wanna know what these watches cost though lol. Happy with my Steinhart here. Hehe

[@Crooked_Clown]

Complements to the camera people for these awesome shots.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Many thanks for this 👍👍

[@user-dl2bn9wj1d]

I'm proud of Japanese manufacturing.

[@ObscureLightX]

never underestimate the passion and dedication of a Japanese craftsman

[@pete6705]

If I ever strike it rich I would like to get a Japanese artisan watch. They’re amazing

[@prasannakumarnellore5459]

I am so impressed iam watch machanic

[@danielkatz7516]

Wow

[@iSirPS]

Marc, have you seen Konstantins new piece called Mars Conqurer mk1? it is very interesting!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Super interesting indeed, he showed it me when i visited him but naturally we couldn’t yet talk about it ;)

[@cyrusnguyen5581]

That is a cool Snap Back. How can i get one???? Ps: great cover story.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Haha, happy you like it, we might get some in the future ;)

[@555aboud]

Nice interview, although I would've liked if you'd have asked him how to learn the art of watchmaking, I wonder how he'd answer that question.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

We’ll take care of this later ;)

[@vadominiqueenpunkt6589]

As Hayashi the Magician at Fool Us said: No matter who you are (Patek, VC, ,etc...), no matter how hard you work or how good you think you are (Rolex), there will always be an asian who takes it to the next level!. Very much indeed.

[@andrei2023]

👏👏👏

[@dhwlswk5376]

cool intro music. anybody know the title?

[@SkySpiritMedia]

I guess after some sake , the language barrier disappeared completely , right Deschoux san ?

[@tonyfoxley]

Advanced Host Controller Interface :)

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

wowwwwww

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool

[@LudicInterface]

7:25 my god that's as good as it gets.

[@doorran]

I love Japanese innovation. unlike some .. they aren't out to steal ideas.. they are looking to improve the art.

[@sanjayharsh3532]

Did he present you with a watch or could you be able to buy one from him ?if possible buy one for your collection it will be good for your family in future think it over thanks

[@Wishwader]

You can tell someone is serious about watchmaking when they have a book by George Daniels on their shelf.

[@WATCHESTVcom]

True ;)

[@wanzchung7555]

Luxury watch...

[@rickj8859]

Watchmaking at it's best.

[@srirangdhawale5242]

A pure shokunin...

[@miguelg1370]

You look so hip with your hat worn backwards... more Eleanor!

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Hahaha ;)

[@henrivargas7373]

i fucks with you homie👊

[@johnchan7544]

Shame that you didnt have time to ask Asaoka San about his reasons for starting the Kurono branded watches and his vision for this company

[@japd7897]

"Hajime" is what you say when your start a karate combat, right? ;)

[@WATCHESTVcom]

Maybe...

[@Star_Sn1per]

I bet hajime could put Philippe Dufour in his place

[@yiannismerianos]

His tourbillons are amazing! Elegant with beutifull faces intersting watmaker.

[@johanterimakasih4993]

Hajime use staff... I think his watch not independent anymore Do you agree? I like H. Kikuno watch.... Hajime watch to perfect to be call independent watch

[@WATCHESTVcom]

And Kikuno watches are very good and interesting too 👍👍

[@AA-db9cb]

Are Seiko's JDMs really that much better compared to their Seiko 5 line from Vietnam and China? One of the few companies still producing decent mid-level priced watches.

[@manxology]

Amazing... AGAIN! 8)))