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Let’s dive today in the heart of Japanese watchmaking with the Kuoe Kyoto watch. Founded only a few years ago in the historic city of Kyoto, this young watchmaker micro-march quickly distinguished itself by its creations whose classic design offers watches of simple, elegant and authentic pieces.
From London to Kyoto: a recent but rich story
It all starts in 2010. Kenji Uchimura is then a language student in London. One day, he pushes the door of an old watch shop and falls under the spell of the exhibited pieces, all carrying a unique history and an old know-how. It is a real crush, particularly for a range of models with manual reassembly dating from the years 1940 to 1970. Uchimura admires the object “shows” as such, but also the classic style in itself, for its ability to enchant, to speak to as many people as possible and to cross the ages.
There are simple gestures and moments that mark, which change the course of a lifetime. It seems that this is the case for this visit to Kenji Uchimura. Indeed, after obtaining his university degree, the latter begins to work in a watchmaking company in Kyoto. He is doing his weapons, acquires the necessary experience, grips his eye and his knowledge.
Then, in 2020, he finally created his own brand with timepieces whose classic lines were rightly inspired by the models he had seen in London 10 years earlier.
Its first watchbaptized Old Smith 90-001is presented in April. The city of Kyoto is not a hazardous choice since it is not only its hometown, but also of an ancient imperial capital renowned for its refined craft.
“” The brand was created with the vision of making the world known to the classic Kyoto design. We want people around the world to appreciate watches with high quality classic design made in Japan. »»
Accessible luxury: premium quality for a large audience
Kuoe Kyoto is positioned as a brand dedicated to lovers of classic watches (We will have understood) looking for impeccable quality and a sleek design. Each model is hand assembled in the brand’s workshop, which not only guarantees meticulous attention to detail, but also a manufacturing ” Made in Japan ». This craft approach ensures that each piece faithfully reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence and tradition.
The quality therefore, without a doubt, but also accessibility. Rather than targeting the elites, Kenji Uchimura wide target and is intended to be accessible. For this, he displays very competitive prices rarely exceeding the € 1000 and allowing to afford a beautiful watchmaker without breaking the bank.
The movements used by Kuoe Kyoto
At the heart of Kuoe Kyoto watches, we find Japanese movements high precision. The brand notably favors calibers Miyotarecognized for their reliability and performance. Several models are for example equipped with automatic movement Miyota 9039 which can boast of offering a 42 -hour power reserve as well as a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It is also equipped with a STOP Second!
In addition to Miyota, some parts embark Seiko quartz movement Remarkably robust and pointed.
Japanese tradition, classic elegance and interchangeable bracelets
Kuoe Kyoto offers classic and refined watches, elegant that enhances a rather relaxed outfit or add the final touch to a dressed suit. The brand is focusing on finesse and simplicity. No need to make tons of them, here is the subtlety and neat details that make all the difference.
Overall, the brand’s creations display a very neo-vintage look paying tribute to the famous pieces of the 1940s which gave birth to the vocation of Uchimura. They are decorated with a round or cushion box, full or textured dials.
Around the wrist, their very beautiful bracelets bring both aesthetic and comfort. Refined classic fans who will go to the leather bracelets real cowhide can choose between different aspects (smooth, crocodile, etc.). For those who want a little more sports models, nylon options and stainless steel meshes are also available.
The advantage? Kuooe Kyoto models have a practical system to easily change bracelet. Very appreciable to coordinate watch with look and mood of the day.
Kuoe Kyoto collections and creations
Kuoe Kyoto offers a diverse range of watchmaking collections, each reflecting a unique mixture of tradition and modernity.
Old Smith
This collection embodies the essence of classic design with quartz watches. The models have refined dials and elegant boxes, perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and precision.
It includes a quartz model in particular (90-001), the very first of the brand, while the others (90-002) have automatic movements.
Old Smith also offers a 90-002 model with case bronze While the others are made of stainless steel.
Holborn
The Holborn 90-003 is the brand’s first female model. It has a quartz movement housed in an end box with white dial on which the second hand is housed at six o’clock. A chic and discreet watch, perfect for all occasions!
Royal Smith
This collection highlights automatic watches with sophisticated details such as the “embossed” textured dial of the 90-006the Breguet figures applied individually by the hand of the 90-008or the display of the date, the day of the week and the month on two additional counters for the 90-010.
SOMBRERO
The sombrero 90-011 is the first diver of Kuoe Kyoto and held her name from the sumptuous galaxy M104 or “Galaxy of Sombrero”, recognizable by her spiral shape.
This diving watch Waterproof up to 200 meters is more technical than other models in the house. It includes in particular a “compressor” style case resistant to electromagnetic fields, an inner telescope, a textured dial, as well as luminescent figures and needles.
It is clear that through his different creations, Kenji Uchimura succeeds in transmitting the love he has to classic watches, with precise and well -made objects. Each model is a bridge between past and present, a tribute to timeless designs that incorporates modern technologies. Choosing a Kuoe Kyoto timepiece is going out of the beaten track from major watchmaking brands to adopt something more intimate, rare and more exclusive, all at a very reasonable price.
