www.blajournal.com
Kiwame Tokyo's MUNE Series: An Homage to Japanese Craftsmanship in Accessible Automatic Watches
Experience the Fusion: Vintage Elegance Meets Japanese Soul
The Enduring Design Philosophy of Kiwame Tokyo
Kiwame Tokyo has rapidly carved out a niche in the watch industry, gaining recognition for its inaugural Kurotsuki and Usuki models, followed by the IWAO Field series. The brand's core philosophy revolves around creating authentic and accessible Japanese timepieces. These earlier collections successfully integrated vintage Calatrava characteristics, sophisticated dial craftsmanship, and subtle Japanese motifs, all while maintaining an attractive price. The newly unveiled MUNE Series faithfully adheres to this proven formula.
Revisiting a Classic Silhouette: The MUNE Series Case Evolution
The MUNE Series reintroduces the design language of Kiwame Tokyo's initial offerings, deviating slightly from the more athletic IWAO Field series. While the brand classifies it as a field watch, its aesthetic leans towards a Japanese interpretation of the Calatrava style, establishing a clear lineage with the brand's foundational collection. The case design, a consistent element across the series, measures 38mm in diameter and 9.5mm in thickness, exuding a vintage charm infused with a distinct Japanese character. Key features include a meticulously beveled and vertically brushed stepped bezel, a flat sapphire crystal, a robust screwed steel case back, and a slim mid-section featuring both polished and brushed finishes. With a comfortable 46mm lug-to-lug distance and 100-meter water resistance, this timepiece masterfully blends the robustness of a tool watch with the elegance of a dress watch.
Dial Artistry: A Symphony of Tradition and Modernity
The MUNE Series dials are a testament to classic design infused with modern and Japanese artistic influences. Available in two distinct variations, the MUNE Usuki presents an ivory-toned dial, a traditional Japanese shade that is subtly warmer than conventional ivory, while the MUNE Kurotsuki features a deep, contrasting black dial that radiates a more assertive presence. The applied Arabic numerals, though reminiscent of Breguet's style, are a unique signature of the brand, boasting exceptional refinement. A particularly striking detail is the index at 12 o'clock, which ingeniously mimics the ridge of a traditional Japanese roof, known as "mune" in Japanese.
Intricate Details and Luminous Enhancements
The raised applied numerals are meticulously finished, with a matte black treatment for the Usuki version and a vertical brushing for the Kurotsuki variant. A delicate minute track encircles the dial's periphery, with select or all hour markers treated with luminous paint, varying by model. The baton-style hands feature a subtle central ridge and luminescent inserts. The seconds hand, a recurring element from previous collections, is available in steel or blued finishes, distinguished by a luminous element shaped like the grand roof of Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate. Furthermore, the MUNE Series incorporates a more elaborate railroad minute track, evoking the sophisticated chronometer designs of the 1940s.
Reliable Mechanics: The Miyota 9039 Movement
Powering these timepieces is the dependable Miyota 9039 automatic movement, a familiar component from previous models. This movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz, providing an approximate power reserve of 42 hours, and exclusively displays the time. It is calibrated to maintain an accuracy of -10 to +15 seconds per day, contributing to the watch's reasonable pricing, impressive durability, and consistent performance.
Affordable Elegance and Availability
Presented on a calf leather strap equipped with quick-release spring bars, the new Kiwame Tokyo MUNE Usuki and MUNE Kurotsuki are once again attractively priced at USD 690. These exquisite timepieces will be officially released on April 15th, 2025, at 10:00 AM Japan Time, and will be available for purchase directly from kiwametokyo.com. Each colorway will have an estimated production of 150 pieces, offering a degree of exclusivity to discerning collectors.
JUST FOR YOU
Chronoswiss PULSE GMT: Merging Tradition with Modern Mechanical Futurism
A Closer Look at the Chronoswiss Pulse GMT: Merging Heritage and Modernity
Cleguer Unveils the 'Inspiration One' Featuring a Revolutionary "Innate" Escapement
Chronoswiss Introduces New Pulse GMT Enamel Sky Gold and Silver Guilloché Models
Thomas Crapper & Co. Unveils "The Venerable Watch" Marking 165 Years of Innovation
latest news

Raymond Weil Celebrates 50th Anniversary with "The Fifty" Millesime Chronograph
Raymond Weil commemorates its golden jubilee with "The Fifty," a limited-edition chronograph from its acclaimed Millesime series. This timepiece, housed in a 37mm steel case with a white gold bezel, features a distinctive sector dial and is powered by a new-old-stock Valjoux Caliber 23-6 movement from 1976, meticulously restored and decorated. Limited to 50 pieces, this release blends vintage horology with modern design to honor the brand's enduring family legacy.

Credor Goldfeather Urushi Lacquer Dial Limited Edition GBBY967: A Fusion of Traditional Artistry and Horological Excellence
Credor introduces the limited edition Goldfeather GBBY967, a stunning timepiece unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2026. This exquisite watch features a deep blue urushi lacquer dial with a gradient effect, complemented by raised platinum powder indices created using the taka maki-e technique. Encased in platinum and powered by an ultra-thin mechanical movement, it embodies refined elegance and traditional Japanese craftsmanship, limited to just 25 pieces worldwide.

Credor's Engraved Goldfeather Tourbillon GBCF997: A Masterpiece of Japanese Horology
Credor, Seiko's high-end brand, introduces the Goldfeather Tourbillon GBCF997, a limited-edition dress watch showcasing intricate linear engravings on its platinum dial and movement. This timepiece, a testament to Japanese haute horlogerie, features a tourbillon escapement, a 60-hour power reserve, and is housed in a sleek 38.6mm platinum case. It is limited to 25 pieces and priced at EUR 195,000, destined to be showcased at Watches & Wonders 2026.

Top Luxury Watch Releases of March: A Showcase of Innovation and Design
Despite the anticipation for Watches and Wonders, March saw several prominent watchmakers unveil impressive new models. From Girard-Perregaux's minute repeater with a novel in-house movement to Omega's Master Chronometer certified two-handers and Breitling's Concorde-inspired Navitimer, the month was packed with horological innovation. Other notable releases included Greubel Forsey's Balancier Convexe S², H. Moser & Cie.'s Alpine-themed Streamliners, Parmigiani Fleurier's pink Tonda PF, Richard Mille's gem-set ceramics, and Jacob & Co.'s diamond-encrusted Billionaire.

Citizen Celebrates 50 Years of Eco-Drive Innovation
Citizen recently hosted an exclusive event at its NYC Flagship Store to commemorate five decades of Eco-Drive technology. Industry leaders and enthusiasts gathered for an evening featuring curated cocktails, a sushi experience, and a lively panel discussion. The event highlighted Eco-Drive's pioneering role in sustainable watchmaking, showcasing both historical timepieces and future aspirations. Attendees explored Citizen's museum, updated with an immersive exhibition detailing the evolution of light-powered watches and the brand's commitment to continuous innovation.

Fleming Unveils Enhanced Series 1 Mark II "Redwood" And "Pacific" Models
Fleming introduces the Series 1 Mark II "Redwood" and "Pacific" watches, showcasing a refined design philosophy two years after the original Series 1. These new models feature modernized dials and cases, with significant upgrades to the Calibre FM.02 movement for a more unified aesthetic. The "Redwood" comes in rose gold, while the "Pacific" is crafted from tantalum, each priced at CHF 53,000 and CHF 55,000 respectively.