TiCTAC, a select watch shop, will be releasing two new colors of the "BULLSEYE" automatic mechanical watch from CHRONO TOKYO, designed and engineered by independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, on its direct online store.
CHRONO TOKYO BULLSEYE
"CHRONO TOKYO" BULLSEYE
Left: ref.CT004S (Field Gray)
>>>ONLINE STORE https://www.neuve-a.net/TiCTAC/shop/g/g2700001969297/
Right: ref.CT004W (Champagne)
>>>ONLINE STORE https://www.neuve-a.net/TiCTAC/shop/g/g2700001969303/
180,000 yen each + tax (production quantity: 100 of each color)
<Specifications> Mechanical automatic movement (Cal. MIYOTA 90S5) 24 jewels, 28,800 vph, power reserve 42 hours / water resistant to 3 bar / outer diameter 37 mm / 316L stainless steel case / goat leather band
*Pre-sale will begin on the online store from 10am on June 23rd. The planned release quantity on June 23rd is 50 of each color.
*Reservations cannot be taken in stores.
*The release date for the remaining quantities will be announced on the TiCTAC official website once it has been confirmed.
What is an Independent Watchmaker?
An independent watchmaker is an artist who creates a watch from scratch, using parts such as gears and pendulums. There are around a dozen such independent watchmakers in the world, but Hajime Asaoka is one of the most notable among them right now.
Independent Watchmaker Hajime Asaoka
Profile of Independent Watchmaker Hajime Asaoka
Born in 1965. Graduated from the Department of Design at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1990. Thereafter worked as a freelance industrial designer. In 2011, he began working as Japan's first independent watchmaker. Since 2013, the company has exhibited annually at Baselworld (Switzerland). In 2017, it participated in the global traveling exhibition "Watchmakers: The Masters of Art Horology." Its customers are high-end enthusiasts from around the world, and its authentic watchmaking is highly regarded. It is a member of the Academie Horologists Independente (AHCI).
Hajime Asaoka and TiCTAC first met over 20 years ago. It all began when Asaoka, who was an up-and-coming designer at the time, was asked to design a watch for "MODANICA," an interior design shop that manufactures and sells 1950s-style furniture. "MODANICA," which still looks fresh today, was the first watch that Asaoka designed.
We spoke to Asaoka-san about the long-awaited new release of the Bullseye.
Q. What is Bullseye?
A. Bullseye is an English word meaning "target," and as the name suggests, the concentric circle pattern on the dial is reminiscent of a target. It is also sometimes called an "Art Deco dial."
One of my works as an independent watchmaker is a model called "TSUNAMI." "TSUNAMI" also features a bullseye dial and is extremely popular, earning high praise from high-end watch collectors around the world. The dial design of this "CHRONO TOKYO" BULLSEYE is an adaptation of the design idea for "TSUNAMI" for a center second hand. Therefore, the feel is very similar.
hajima asaoka TSUNAMI
▲"TSUNAMI," Asaoka's work as an independent watchmaker
Q. What motivated you to create CHRONO TOKYO BULLSEYE?
A. Originally, "TSUNAMI" was a watch I made for my own use, with no particular intention of selling it, but when I exhibited it at Baselworld (the world's largest watch exhibition held in Switzerland) in 2013, it received an overwhelming response and I decided to sell it. Since then, I have prioritized deliveries to customers, so I still don't have one for myself (laughs). So, "CHRONO TOKYO" BULLSEYE created a watch to replace it.
CT004S (Field Gray)
Q. What are the points that you recommend about it?
A. The exterior of the "CHRONO TOKYO" series is highly refined, so we made detailed adjustments to match it with the dial, which has the "TSUNAMI" feel. As a result, I think we were able to infuse modern sophistication into the authentic style of the Bullseye.
Q. What challenges did you face when commercializing it?
A. First and foremost, painting the dial in two different colors is difficult. The dial of the previous "Classic" model also had a two-tone paint scheme, so we actually applied that technique. In other words, our track record with the Classic model led to the development of the Bullseye.
CT004W(Champagne)
Q. Are there any other changes?
A. This time, the material of the strap has been changed from calfskin to goat. The leather has a fine texture and is a deep black, which gives it a sleek impression and I think it matches well with the Bullseye. Additionally, this time too, I placed emphasis on comfort when customizing the watch.
■"TiCTAC" (Tic Tac)
A select shop of watches with locations nationwide. From the latest domestic and international brands to authentic mechanical watches, they have a selection of watches with excellent design and functionality. They propose the appeal of "watches" from various aspects, as an item to express your individuality, as a gift to wish happy times for a loved one, or as a collectible item to satisfy your intellectual curiosity.
SHOP List https://www.tictac-web.com/shoplist/
Click here for company press release details
CHRONO TOKYO BULLSEYE"CHRONO TOKYO" BULLSEYE
Left: ref.CT004S (Field Gray)
>>>ONLINE STORE https://www.neuve-a.net/TiCTAC/shop/g/g2700001969297/
Right: ref.CT004W (Champagne)
>>>ONLINE STORE https://www.neuve-a.net/TiCTAC/shop/g/g2700001969303/
180,000 yen each + tax (production quantity: 100 of each color)
<Specifications> Mechanical automatic movement (Cal. MIYOTA 90S5) 24 jewels, 28,800 vph, power reserve 42 hours / water resistant to 3 bar / outer diameter 37 mm / 316L stainless steel case / goat leather band
*Pre-sale will begin on the online store from 10am on June 23rd. The planned release quantity on June 23rd is 50 of each color.
*Reservations cannot be taken in stores.
*The release date for the remaining quantities will be announced on the TiCTAC official website once it has been confirmed.
What is an Independent Watchmaker?
An independent watchmaker is an artist who creates a watch from scratch, using parts such as gears and pendulums. There are around a dozen such independent watchmakers in the world, but Hajime Asaoka is one of the most notable among them right now.
Independent Watchmaker Hajime AsaokaProfile of Independent Watchmaker Hajime Asaoka
Born in 1965. Graduated from the Department of Design at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1990. Thereafter worked as a freelance industrial designer. In 2011, he began working as Japan's first independent watchmaker. Since 2013, the company has exhibited annually at Baselworld (Switzerland). In 2017, it participated in the global traveling exhibition "Watchmakers: The Masters of Art Horology." Its customers are high-end enthusiasts from around the world, and its authentic watchmaking is highly regarded. It is a member of the Academie Horologists Independente (AHCI).
Hajime Asaoka and TiCTAC first met over 20 years ago. It all began when Asaoka, who was an up-and-coming designer at the time, was asked to design a watch for "MODANICA," an interior design shop that manufactures and sells 1950s-style furniture. "MODANICA," which still looks fresh today, was the first watch that Asaoka designed.
We spoke to Asaoka-san about the long-awaited new release of the Bullseye.
Q. What is Bullseye?
A. Bullseye is an English word meaning "target," and as the name suggests, the concentric circle pattern on the dial is reminiscent of a target. It is also sometimes called an "Art Deco dial."
One of my works as an independent watchmaker is a model called "TSUNAMI." "TSUNAMI" also features a bullseye dial and is extremely popular, earning high praise from high-end watch collectors around the world. The dial design of this "CHRONO TOKYO" BULLSEYE is an adaptation of the design idea for "TSUNAMI" for a center second hand. Therefore, the feel is very similar.
hajima asaoka TSUNAMI▲"TSUNAMI," Asaoka's work as an independent watchmaker
Q. What motivated you to create CHRONO TOKYO BULLSEYE?
A. Originally, "TSUNAMI" was a watch I made for my own use, with no particular intention of selling it, but when I exhibited it at Baselworld (the world's largest watch exhibition held in Switzerland) in 2013, it received an overwhelming response and I decided to sell it. Since then, I have prioritized deliveries to customers, so I still don't have one for myself (laughs). So, "CHRONO TOKYO" BULLSEYE created a watch to replace it.
CT004S (Field Gray)Q. What are the points that you recommend about it?
A. The exterior of the "CHRONO TOKYO" series is highly refined, so we made detailed adjustments to match it with the dial, which has the "TSUNAMI" feel. As a result, I think we were able to infuse modern sophistication into the authentic style of the Bullseye.
Q. What challenges did you face when commercializing it?
A. First and foremost, painting the dial in two different colors is difficult. The dial of the previous "Classic" model also had a two-tone paint scheme, so we actually applied that technique. In other words, our track record with the Classic model led to the development of the Bullseye.
CT004W(Champagne)Q. Are there any other changes?
A. This time, the material of the strap has been changed from calfskin to goat. The leather has a fine texture and is a deep black, which gives it a sleek impression and I think it matches well with the Bullseye. Additionally, this time too, I placed emphasis on comfort when customizing the watch.
■"TiCTAC" (Tic Tac)
A select shop of watches with locations nationwide. From the latest domestic and international brands to authentic mechanical watches, they have a selection of watches with excellent design and functionality. They propose the appeal of "watches" from various aspects, as an item to express your individuality, as a gift to wish happy times for a loved one, or as a collectible item to satisfy your intellectual curiosity.
SHOP List https://www.tictac-web.com/shoplist/
Click here for company press release details
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