HAJIME ASAOKA, Prototype Tourbillon PURA, A unique, highly important, and extremely attractive stainless steel prototype tourbillon wristwatch with black lacquer dial, certificate, and presentation box, numbered 0, 2022
Estimate $120,000 - 240,000
Hajime Asaoka is a relatively new yet revered name in the market, gaining repute with his superbly hand-crafted timepieces that are quite difficult to obtain. His early career as a product designer put him in contact with watchmaking enthusiasts. Inspired, Asaoka purchased a copy of George Daniels’ “Watchmaking,” which led to the creation of his prototype Tourbillon Number 1, in 2009. By 2011, Asaoka was manufacturing a small collection of timepieces – all designed, manufactured, and assembled by himself, resulting in an extremely low annual production of no more than a few pieces. He is committed to the preservation of traditional mechanical watchmaking while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Asaoka’s craft is rooted in Japanese culture, aesthetics, and Zen philosophy, which are reflected in his timepieces, harmoniously balancing meticulous attention to detail, precision engineering, and understated elegance. The present prototype Tourbillon PURA, is based on Asaoka’s pursuit for purity of the tourbillon. Like other 21st century craftsmen, he used new materials such as A7075 duralumin used for the tourbillon carriage, for higher efficiency and accuracy.

Prominently featured in a 2022 Financial Times article, Phillips is honored to present this unique, fresh-to-the-market prototype tourbillon from Japan’s most important independent watchmaker. Numbered 0, it is offered in near new condition, likely worn less than a handful of times, complete with its original accessories.

GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
LONDON | 19-21 April | Phillips, 30 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6EX

SINGAPORE | 26 – 28 April | The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, S247911

GENEVA | 8-12 May | Hotel President, Quai Wilson 47, 1211 Geneva

HONG KONG | 20-25 May | Phillips, 1/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West Kowloon

LOS ANGELES | 24-25 April | Phillips, 9041 Nemo Street, West Hollywood, CA

Auction: 8-9 June 2024
Auction viewing: 5-7 June 2024
Location: 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY

Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/NY080124