Masahiro Kikuno had a fascination with watches and wanted to make one. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a lot going for him. He lived in a land more known for Sushi and Hondas than watches. There also wasn’t access to a CNC machine to fabricate parts or any of the other modern tools 99% of the brands use to make their watches. The cost of making a watch was just too prohibitive.

Tourbillon 12

After seeing a documentary on the restoration of a Japanese clock, the myriad year clock, Kikuno had a revelation. That watchmaker only worked with a wheel and files and so did watchmakers hundreds of years ago. The evidence was clear. With enough passion, conviction effort, Kikuno himself could reach his goal, creating a watch entirely by hand. It wouldn’t be easy but it was definitely possible. A handful of people could still do it like godfather of independent watchmaking George Daniels, who recently passed away, and his protege Roger Smith, who does small series and bespoke pieces. [Read more...]