Between Red Leaves and Time: The Spirit of Meguro

Along tranquil paths around the river in Tokyo’s Meguro ward, autumn beckons not as a mere change of season, but as a marvelous display of sophistication. Leaves bathed in golden and reddish hues, dancing to the rhythm of crisp winds and sometimes pelting to the ground like confetti, can be juxtaposed against fragile-looking tree branches, thus underpinning the transient nature of the season.There is poetic elegance in the manner maple trees tilt toward the river, as if to whisper well-kept secrets in hushed tones.

Transposing Meguro’s sprightly “Aki Koyo” landscape into the world of horology, the Hitori Meguro GMT Aki Koyo blends painstaking Japanese craftsmanship with elegant designs. As Hitori means “one person” in Japanese, the brand aims to offer horological works of art mingling unique individuality with centuries of Japanese cultural heritage. Deriving inspiration from the picturesque Meguro River dotted with autumn maple trees, this Aki Koyo horological edition, permeated with traditional Japanese aesthetics, portrays nature’s cyclical beauty and provides state-of-the-art craftsmanship at an affordable price point (USD $760). 

Powered by the industry-standard and dependable Miyota 9075 GMT automatic movement, this timepiece will not disappoint. At 4.92mm, this unit enjoys a striking beat rate (28.8k bph), offering a breathtaking “sweeping” second hand and reliable GMT function. A decent 41-hour power reserve, as well as an independent hour hand adjustment without affecting the watch’s ability to continuously track time make the Meguro a perfect travel companion across international time zones. 

Boasting 39.6mm in diameter, 47.5mm lug to lug, and 12.5mm thick, the Meguro with a satin-laced case, surrounding polished bevels, and a stunning case finishing, exudes an elegant soft look with little pointed angles. With an ergonomic case design and lustrous wrist presence, the watch’s polished slivers inside its lugs are also a sight to behold. What is more, Hitori's signature integration polishing technique — combining satin and mirror finishes, emerges prominently in this horological powerhouse to simultaneously evoke luxury and durability.

Additionally, the intricate mix of polished edges and brushed surfaces and polished edges invites onlookers to discover every aspect of this timepiece, just like how passers-by stop to appreciate the warm shades of fallen leaves dappled with soft sunlight near Tokyo’s Meguro River. To boot, the watch’s integrated bracelet, measuring 20mm width with a robust clasp engraved with the Japanese “ひとり” (Hitori) logo, emits a balanced mix of sporty functionality with refined nuances, thus adding to its versatility.

The dial’s vibrant and earthy autumnal shade gently alludes to Japanese maple leaves mingled with tints of earthy brown, while its tactile case enhances the wearer’s sese of connection to centuries of Japanese artisanal craftsmanship. Each glance at the dial is not merely for timekeeping and time-tracking purposes. Rather, the dial reminds its wearer of the wistful melancholy of autumn: crisp air, the therapeutic sight of fire-colored foliage, and the impending dawn of winter. Hitori purposefully selected a warm, textured dial tone for this timepiece to ensure that the atmosphere of Japanese autumn hues and emotions lingers on, despite the very transience of the season itself. Putting on this well-proportioned timepiece feels facile and like an extension of oneself, for it beautifully complements both casual and more formal dress styles. This watch serves as a welcome companion for flâneries along city streets or verdant paths, prompting contemplation on time’s passing moments and the beauty of the present moment. 

Besides, this horological oeuvre d’art features an awe-inspiring dial enveloped in a vibrant reddish-brown tone reminiscent of the autumn leaves decorating Meguro’s tree-lined river. Its dial is an assortment of seasonal hues, such as dusty red to homely earthy brown tones. Such colors poetically alluding to Tokyo’s introspective and peaceful beauty when fall is nigh provide an exquisite finesse typically lacking in sports GMT watches. .Far from being merely eye candy, the Meguro’s 120-click gorgeous bezel,  150-m water resistance rating, screw-down crown, and drilled lugs remind watch aficionados and wearers alike its existence is also functional. 

Undoubtedly, the Meguro “Aki Koyo” is a dream piece for watch enthusiasts looking for a reliable mechanical timepiece with a rich cultural heritage. Epitomizing delicately crafted horological pieces from Asia with both function and heritage, this watch embodies the value of the present moment, as pointed out in its engravings, offering both poetic and prosaic value for wearers and collectors alike. Truly, the Megurg “Aki Koyo” is a tour de force not to be missed. 

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Field Notes No. 02