Unleashing the Tiger: Hitori TORA Blossom Pink

Hitori Watches is a rising independent brand that has captivated watch enthusiasts with its harmonious blend of Japanese heritage and Swiss watchmaking expertise. With a name that translates to “one person” in Japanese, Hitori embodies a philosophy of individuality and craftsmanship, creating timepieces that pay homage to classic designs while incorporating modern refinements. The brand is known for its dedication to high-quality finishing, reliable mechanical movements, and a strong appreciation for traditional aesthetics. Despite being relatively new to the industry, Hitori has quickly gained a loyal following among collectors who value vintage-inspired designs with a contemporary twist.

Kicking off 2025, Hitori is making their first move with the Meguro GMT Collection’s latest addition—the TORA Blossom Pink. Honestly, I didn’t see this coming. I wasn’t expecting any new addition to this lineup so soon, yet here we are, just months after the collection’s debut, and they’ve already dropped a double-signed series. And man, this one’s wild—a pinkish dial with a traditional tiger painting? That combo alone had me doing a double take. Who on earth thought, “Hey, let’s put a fierce tiger on a soft pink dial”? That’s my first thought. It’s such an unexpected pairing that I can’t help but be intrigued.

A Sneak Peek at the Meguro GMT Collection Fuyu White and New TORA Blossom Pink

Before diving into the TORA Blossom Pink, let’s take a moment to talk about the Meguro GMT Collection. If I’m not mistaken, this collection was only introduced in November 2024—not that long ago. Hitori took inspiration from Meguro, a laid-back neighborhood near Shibuya known for its serene river walk that separates the bustling shopping districts and is home to approximately 800 cherry blossom trees. The series captures this casual yet refined essence, transitioning effortlessly from dynamic city life to a zen-like retreat. Each model pays homage to the cherry blossoms along the Meguro River in different seasons, from the autumn-inspired Aki Koyo to the wintery Fuyu White, along with an exclusive artist-designed edition by Kolahon—each one unique in its own way. And just when we thought they were done, Hitori has now taken things further with an exclusive double-signed model, pushing the collection to new heights.

The calm Meguro river with blossom trees

Premium Craftmanship Without Compromise

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves—one quick glance at the TORA Blossom Pink, and the first thing that stands out is the case. Hitori continues to impress with its impeccable craftsmanship, and this time, they’ve taken things a step further with a subtle yet meaningful refinement. The case dimensions remain true to its predecessor, maintaining consistency within the collection, a decision I truly appreciate. A slim profile with the fitted sporty bracelet means a more comfortable fit, ensuring the watch sits effortlessly on the wrist without feeling overwhelming. While maintaining the collection’s signature stainless steel build, the structure remains familiar, showcasing the same well-executed blend of polished and brushed finishes that highlight Hitori’s meticulous attention to detail. With 100m water resistance still in place, it’s clear that Hitori hasn’t compromised on durability. And, as always, legibility remains a top priority—the flat crystal with an anti-reflective coating ensures a clear and easy time-reading experience.

Cherish the intricate details of the well-executed  finishing

Functionality-wise, Hitori continues to rely on the premium Miyota 9075 GMT movement, just like in the previous Meguro models. The brand is committed to using top-quality movements to ensure each piece offers both versatility and reliability. Considering the inclusion of this high-end Miyota movement at a price point of around $1,000, I’d say this watch is an incredible value. But what truly sets it apart is the exhibition caseback. It proudly showcases the ‘TORA’ sign printed in white, and let me tell you—the font itself screams TIGERRR, perfectly embodying the bold and untamed spirit of this timepiece. What’s even cooler? It doesn’t obstruct the view of the ultraviolet-coated winding rotor, which bears a profound Japanese quote by Mitsuo Aida. What does it say? Well, I’ll leave that as a little secret. If you’re curious, check out Hitori’s social media, website, or—better yet—get your hands on the real thing to see for yourself. True Hitori fans will likely recognize this meaningful inscription right away.

The ‘TORA’ signed caseback exhibits the winding rotor

A Detailed Glimpse into the Exquisite Dial

Under that crystal, the true Japanese charm roars to life, and honestly, I’m fascinated by the dial design. This time, Hitori has chosen a pink dial which is one of their most collectible hues—reviving the beloved Yoshino Blossom Pink, a signature of the brand. The soft pink perfectly mirrors Sakura blossoms, capturing their natural beauty without deviation. Blended with the snowy texture, a hallmark of the Meguro collection, the dial evokes a serene winter scene in Meguro, where snow blankets the streets yet cherry blossoms remain in full bloom. It is impressive how the texture details can be seen clearly from any angle, reflecting light beautifully to create a soft, ever-changing visual effect. Just looking at it, I can almost picture the scene of snow falling heavily, people wrapped in thick sweaters strolling along the river, while the soft pink glow of the blossoms adds a magical contrast. It’s a breathtaking harmony of seasons, one that makes me want to pause, take in the serenity, and sip on a warm cup of matcha.



What is precious, the dial features a double-signed detail that enhances its historical charm. Hitori’s signature is positioned at 12 o’clock, while a traditional tiger painting sits at 6 o’clock, seamlessly integrating Japanese culture into the watch. This artwork, inspired by early Tokugawa-era paintings, represents strength and courage while symbolizing protection against bad luck, evil spirits, and disease. The intricate details of the tiger—the bold stripes, rich colors, and striking presence—make it feel almost alive. Behind this artwork lies an interesting story: Hitori invited a collector from their own circle to add an exclusive signature, incorporating the word “Nihon” (which means "Japan" in Japanese), further emphasizing the brand’s deep-rooted cultural identity.

The traditional tiger painting from Tokugawa-era

The watch is complemented by a two-tone (grey and white) bidirectional rotating bezel that seamlessly integrates with the inner rehaut, both featuring 24-hour markings for added functionality and aesthetic cohesion. The grey and white tones is a wise choice balancing the bold design while maintaining elegance, it has a glossy texture thanks to the layering of the sapphire crystal. Up close, the faceted markers are expertly polished, reflecting light with a mirror-like effect that rivals Grand Seiko’s mirror-polished markers, far surpassing expectations for a watch at this price point. The finishing extends to the blunt handset and GMT hand, reinforcing the harmonious elegance of the design. Functionality is also prioritized, with the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock markers and handsets coated in blue Super-LumiNova, ensuring legibility even in low light.






Where Horological Arts Meet Traditional Arts

Hitori has always been about bringing Japanese culture into their watches, but this time, they’ve really outdone themselves with the tiger painting. Honestly, I didn’t see that coming. I mean, sure, we’ve seen tiger-inspired designs before, maybe some striped patterns or subtle nods to the theme, but a full-on traditional Japanese tiger painting right on the dial? That’s a bold move. And to make it even more special, they’ve gone with a double-signed dial, pairing the Tokugawa-era tiger artwork with the Hitori logo. This tiger painting, steeped in history from the Edo period, is something you don’t see every day. It’s not just traditional because of its age, but because of its symbolism. The tiger is believed to bring strength and courage, while offering protection against bad luck, evil spirits, and disease. That’s why this image has remained significant throughout history and continues to be revered today. A double-signed watch is always a big deal because it means a real collaboration between two passionate teams—countless brainstorming sessions, refinements, and finally, bringing this vision to life. Seeing Hitori bring traditional Japanese art into horology like this? That’s something worth appreciating.



But it’s not just about the tiger, the whole watch is packed with meaningful details. First off, that cherry blossom pink hue? It’s a direct nod to Japan’s national flower, bringing a soft yet vibrant charm to the dial. Then there’s the texture, inspired by the Meguro River, subtly capturing the peaceful beauty of this iconic spot. And let’s not forget the Mitsuo Aida quote, elegantly engraved on the winding rotor. It’s one of those little details that you might not notice at first, but once you do, it just hits differently—quiet, meaningful, and very Japanese. Honestly, this is what makes the watch so special. Collectors don’t just go after top-notch finishing or fancy movements—though, of course, those matter. It’s the story behind the watch, the emotion it carries, and how it connects with you. And once again, Hitori has nailed it, blending Japanese tradition into modern watchmaking presenting the Japanese aesthetic while maintaining the masterpiece visually appealing.



Pink Goes Beyond Just Ladies

I’ll be honest—I know some people might hesitate because of the color. Pink is often labeled as a feminine hue, and in a watch world that’s mostly dominated by men, it’s easy to see why some might be unsure. But let’s not get caught up in the whole gendered watch debate, because this pink hue is not a reason to judge the TORA Blossom Pink as a "feminine" watch. Even I had my doubts at first. Would this really suit a man for everyday wear? So, I asked my male colleague to try it on, and man, was I proven wrong instantly. The soft pink dial doesn’t just work—it enhances the entire design, making the tiger painting pop even more. The contrast is striking, and the bold, sharp strokes of the tiger add an undeniable sense of strength. It doesn’t look delicate or overly playful; instead, it feels daring, confident, and full of life.

Looking great even on men’s wrists!

The more I look at it, the more I see the pink dial as something beyond just a color. In Japanese culture, pink isn’t just about femininity; it represents cherry blossoms, a symbol of renewal and the fleeting beauty of time. That alone makes it feel so much more meaningful. And let’s be real—watch collecting isn’t just about specs and finishing; it’s about finding pieces that resonate on a personal level. This one? It’s bold, unconventional, and carries a story that sets it apart. Whether you’re a guy or a girl, if you appreciate the artistry, history, and uniqueness behind it, I would recommend for a try.



Final thoughts

Since I've known Hitori, I've often heard it being talked about alongside Grand Seiko. It’s often said that Hitori is trying to reminisce Grand Seiko’s work, and honestly, I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. In fact, I’d say they’re actively working towards reaching that level of craftsmanship. After all, anyone in the horology world knows what Grand Seiko represents—it’s a massive name, a gold standard, and something every watch lover looks up to. So, aiming to reach those heights is only natural and definitely not something to be ashamed of. While Hitori does get some design inspiration from Grand Seiko, I think they’re really focused on creating their own identity. Whether it's the Rukyu Diver, Habuka 39, Yoshino, or the latest Meguro, it’s clear they’re not just copying but infusing their own take on Japanese aesthetics. I’m genuinely excited to see what comes next because you never know—Hitori might just surprise us with something we didn’t expect. Sure, they take cues from Grand Seiko, but Hitori is carving out its own identity, and that’s what makes it so exciting.



Back to the TORA Blossom Pink, it is limited to just 60 pieces as a unique art, yet surprisingly, its price doesn’t reflect its exclusivity. Staying true to the Meguro series, it’s priced around $1,000 (the exact figure remains a mystery until its official release), which is an accessible option if people are not looking to break the bank for a Grand Seiko (no offense to Grand Seiko, of course). However, whether this piece will be available to the public remains uncertain, as it’s initially being offered exclusively to Hitori’s family. Here’s hoping everyone who loves it will get a chance to own one.

Hitori Meguro GMT TORA Blossom Pink - Ltd Ed 60 pcs
Case diameter: 39.6mm
Height: 11.5mm
Material: 316L stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 150 m

Movement: Miyota 9075
Features: hours, minutes, seconds, GMT hands
Frequency: 28,800 BPH (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 41 hours

Straps: 20mm sports bracelet with engraved clasp
Limited edition: 60 pieces
Availability: Gnomon Watches