Somei Yoshino
The “Yoshino” watches are deeply inspired by the cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshinoyama (吉野山) in Nara Prefecture—a sacred site famed for its breathtaking display of over 30,000 sakura trees. For centuries, this mountain has stirred poetic and spiritual reflection, celebrated in classical Japanese waka, including the 10th-century Kokin Wakashū. Now, Hitori channels that same mystical charm into a new collection that captures the spirit of Yoshino’s enchanting sakura in timepiece form.
The latest “Somei Yoshino” collection takes inspiration a step further by focusing on the cherry tree’s wood—its subtle, birch-like texture. Each watch is crafted with pride in Asia, merging refined classicism with distinctly Japanese aesthetics. The sleek, bezel-less case reflects the “Grammar of Design” philosophy by Seiko legend Taro Tanaka, while a beautifully textured dial in deep green evokes the grace and serenity of cherry wood, offering a timeless tribute to nature and craftsmanship.
Masterful G.O.D. Case Design by Hitori
The Yoshino draws inspiration from the golden era of Japanese watch design, particularly the 1960s “Grammar of Design” principles pioneered by Seiko’s Taro Tanaka. Hitori follows these timeless rules—clean lines, distortion-free polishing, and purposeful geometry—while taking things further with a distinctive bezel-less case. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the flowing lugs, sharp facets, and signed screw-down crown combine mid-century elegance with practical modern wearability, offering 100m water resistance for daily use.
What truly sets the Yoshino apart is its exceptional case finishing. Through advanced integration polishing techniques—executed by skilled artisans—the multi-faceted surfaces of 316L stainless steel achieve a striking interplay of satin-brushed sides and distortion-free mirror-polished chamfers. Even the inner lugs are flawlessly finished, showcasing a level of detail rarely seen at this price point. The result is a watch that pays tribute to Japanese design heritage while standing tall on its own merits.
39.6mm
Diameter
46.8mm
Lug-to-lug
10.6mm
Thickness
100m
Water Resistance
Sapphire Craftsmanship and Dial Details
The Yoshino collection is crafted with a custom domed sapphire crystal, ensuring both durability and exceptional clarity. Beneath this sapphire, the dial showcases meticulous details that reflect the "Grammar of Design" philosophy. Applied markers, with mirror-polished facets, mirror the case's architecture, while the sharp, proportioned handsets create a clean, legible aesthetic from any angle.
The polished metal-trimmed date window at 3 o'clock adds further refinement, with a shorter marker to maintain balance. Every detail, from the dial to the hands, is thoughtfully designed to ensure alignment and functionality, underscoring Hitori's commitment to precision and exceptional craftsmanship.
Precision-Engineered Japanese Movement
With its screw-down case back, the watch gracefully unveils the beating heart within—Hitori’s choice of the refined Japanese automatic calibre NH35. This 12-ligne movement, adorned with 24 jewels, offers manual winding, quick date correction, and hacking seconds, all seamlessly controlled through the screw-down crown at 3 o’clock. Operating at a gentle cadence of 3Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), it delivers a reliable 41-hour power reserve.
Enhancing its charm is the beautifully crafted “Ultraviolet” rotor, inspired by the traditional Koza-sen foldable bamboo fan—each one uniquely finished, adding a poetic touch of individuality and harmony to the watch’s Japanese soul.
Adding a philosophical touch, each rotor is engraved with a quote from poet Mitsuo Aida:
「人生において 最も大切な時 それはいつでも いまです」
“The most important time in life is always the present.”
A beautiful reminder that in every moment, Hitori captures time with meaning, precision, and soul.
A Sporty Bracelet That Elevates Everything
The Yoshino comes with a 20mm sports bracelet, featuring the engraved “ひとり” clasp for a seamless, refined look. Crafted with “integration polishing techniques”, the bracelet boasts a satin-polished surface accented by mirror-finished stripes, perfectly complementing the case. Solid end-links add to its durability, ensuring comfort without compromising sturdiness.
Each link is meticulously crafted, offering a luxury feel that surpasses expectations at this price point. You’ll immediately appreciate the quality when handling it.With drilled lug holes, strap enthusiasts can easily switch to alternative options. Hitori also offers a selection of military nylon and rubber straps, allowing wearers to customize their style while retaining the complete Hitori experience.