Micro Tournament Round 1 Day 6: Kurono Tokyo Vs. Astor + Banks
Rules:
• Voting is based on the overall brand, not the individual model or sample photo.
• There are no rules on how you should choose, but you are welcome to civilly debate quality, value, heritage, etc.
• Voters are encouraged to look at the hashtags for threads on individual brands or visit their sites.
• Poll closes apx 11PM ET 3/19.
• Be respectful of all the brands and members, even if the vote does not go your way. This is meant to be lighthearted fun to raise awareness of 64 microbrands.
•Ties will go to the brand with the most unique user-owned photos of their watch on this thread.
Good luck and have fun! All posts and results will be tracked under #microtournament
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Watch enthusiast who insists on the next watch being the last.
Northeast, US
Member since
Last active: 1 hr ago
6.50” / 16.51 cm
Check Out The Lineups Here:
Kurono Tokyo
Astor + Banks
Kick myself sometimes for not getting the asymmetric Sea Ranger from Astor + Banks way back.
Hardly ever see them crop up on the 'bay.
Plus, NGL, have a soft spot for vets that get into the watch industry at any point. It's a bias, yes, but we all have a bias in one form or another, otherwise we wouldn't be enthusiastic about wrist mounted tools 😆.
I voted Kurono Tokyo despite not having one in the collection...yet.
I have an Astor + Banks and its a really nice watch, but just can't compare to KT...
Check Out The Lineups Here:
Kurono Tokyo
Astor + Banks
Wow hard choice! Most of all of what they both offer is sold out. Kurono Tokyo has premium designs but some of which you have to buy at their store and also many other inconvenient policies. While I really do appreciate many of their watches they are pretty expensive for a Microbrand. Astor and Banks has more affordable and more accessible offerings. I really could go either way and I probably wouldn't have put either in the bracelet since I can think of several that I think are better candidates. Flip a coin and I am going with Kurono Tokyo.
Went with Astor + Banks, the models look interesting.
Astor + Banks for me, very pricey Kurono Tokyo imo
Woohoo! Kurono Tokyo getting it's props.
Kurono, but it's exclusivity makes it less attractive as brand, but it sure does make some amazing dials.
Kurono make some gorgeous watches; but I have to support a “hometown” Chicago-based brand.
Kurono make some gorgeous watches; but I have to support a “hometown” Chicago-based brand.
Hope to meet you at Windup!
I like the look of kuono tokyo but I dont understand the value proposition? How is it justified?
I like the look of kuono tokyo but I dont understand the value proposition? How is it justified?
It’s a good question. If you look at Hajime Asaoka, he is perhaps the best watchmaker in Japan and KT is his way to make more affordable (relatively) watches. I haven’t priced his watches in a bit, but I believe they start around $25k, whereas KT starts at less than a tenth of that.
While not to the same scale as MB&F and MAD1, it started with a similar mindset; how does a master watchmaker make something more can afford?
It’s a good question. If you look at Hajime Asaoka, he is perhaps the best watchmaker in Japan and KT is his way to make more affordable (relatively) watches. I haven’t priced his watches in a bit, but I believe they start around $25k, whereas KT starts at less than a tenth of that.
While not to the same scale as MB&F and MAD1, it started with a similar mindset; how does a master watchmaker make something more can afford?
They do look nice! That explsains the hype around them. I tought they looked nice but was so puzzled on the popularity
I am definitely a fan of KT and they make some incredible watches, and this may be unreasonable, but I am really bothered by a website that has a list of watches that long all with SOLD OUT insignias. I guess they are in high demand and I guess that is indicative of their value, but I think there has got to be a better way to present that information, and at least some information about how and when I might be able to purchase a watch from them. I know that makes it sound like I am voting against KT, but the reality is I do like the #astorbanks offering and was very intrigued with their connection to MOT.
Astor & Banks! Chicago watch scene is highly underrated.
Surprised this isn't closer. The dials on those Kurono Tokyo watches do look amazing though. I have more familiarity with Astor + Banks as an owner though. And my Fortitude Lite is simply an incredible well put together GADA watch. So they get my vote here.
This one surprised me
Poll closed for this matchup. Congratulations to Kurono Tokyo!