Meguro GMT TORA Blossom Pink - Ltd Ed 60pcs

In the world of horology, typically the mechanical watch genre, there's a nebulous stratum of design choices and pricing for watch enthusiasts. Often, in the case of fine watchmaking, as we know it, it exists on a broad scale spectrum. We have the utilitarian and affordable ones at one end, with rather compelling execution on fit and finishing. Then some are crafted superfluously with premium price tags, like those horology powerhouses.

As cliche as it sounds, we seldom see uncompromising aspects where a sturdy everyday watch with extravagant refinement could come at an affordable price, but there are genuinely some. However, in recent times, many that claim to be don't gain access to and handle the watches. Few have successfully conveyed this vision on the flip side, as nascent Hitori ひとり Watch Co. has with their exemplary watches.

Hitori Meguro GMT TORA Blossom Pink - Ltd Ed 60pcs

Known for its blend of traditional, modern craftsmanship and oriental East-Asian design, Hitori or, "ひとり" basically stands for "一人" which further means "one person" in Japanese. With the name in mind, you get a sense of what's coming from this brand. Hitori Watch Co. sets out to be an independent brand that brings timepieces like few others – at a pre-eminently excellent price point for a painstakingly well-executed mechanical watch. Not only that, but through the influence of Japanese culture, and most importantly, their traditional modus operandi. The philosophy in watchmaking displayed by this indie brand is all about value proposition, which shows notably in both the mechanical and aesthetic sides. That said, Hitori builds a unique experience for its community.

Hitori's current four instalments are the Ryukyu Diver, Habuka Deluxe, Yoshino, Somei-Yoshino collections. All of which reflected on not only Japanese deep culture, incorporating elements that reflect the nation's aesthetics, traditions and cultural motifs, but also collaborative crafts from around the world seen in those special sub series. Today, the exceptional watch brand continues to elevate the overarching themes with its fifth collection - the Meguro GMT collection.

Nature-inspired blossom pink on snowy texture

The inspiration Of The new Meguro GMT Series

The “Meguro” timepieces are deeply influenced by the charming ward in Tokyo Metropolis, renowned for its picturesque river that divides bustling shopping districts and its approximately 800 cherry blossom trees lining both banks. The serene river walk offers a peaceful retreat, embodying a calm contrast to Tokyo's vibrant energy. Located just minutes from Shibuya, Meguro is a laid-back neighborhood that seamlessly balances the city's excitement with its tranquil ambiance. This cozy, relaxed area serves as the primary inspiration for Hitori’s GMT sports series, reflecting a refined casual tone that transitions effortlessly from dynamic city life to a zen-like escape.

The all new Meguro GMT collection continues to merge natural elements with urban sophistication, with the double-signed edition vividly capturing the essence of Meguro's autumn fall. The design pays homage to the leaves of the blossom trees - radiating its beautiful red hues along the river of Meguro, translating the serene beauty of the city into a sporty yet elegant timepiece. Crafted with pride in Asia, the Tora Blossom edition features a slim case with a distinctive sporty form, embodying the ideal daily companion for travelers. Its textured dial evokes the cherry blossoms landscape along the Meguro river, harmoniously blending classic style with a modern, sporty edge.

Grey and white rotating bezel reflects the colors of its inner rehaut

A Slim Sports Case

Limited to 60 pieces, the Meguro GMT made out of 316L stainless steel measures 39.6mm in diameter, a height of 12.5mm (including sapphire glass), and a lug-to-lug length of 49mm. The well-thought-out dimensions of this 100m water-resistance watch are crafted meticulously to fit comfortably on any of our wrist sizes. The impressive case design of the Meguro GMT is mend to wear slim and elegant on any wrist, yet suitable for any occasions for its wearer. The way the case is constructed further reduces the impact of its already thin profile. This complexity in construction is evident when viewed from the side.

The case is expertly constructed with down-turned lugs, a screw-down case-back, and a sizable winding crown at 3 o’clock, providing a robust 150m water resistance. The distinctive features of the Meguro GMT are highlighted by its signature integrated polishing, giving the watch a refined and premium look. Its case design, with its intricate cladding details, sets it apart from other dual-time timepieces.

Silver GMT hand matches the pink dial

Paying more emphasis on the much-elaborated case-finishing as it's worth a mention. As Hitori imbues much of Japanese watchmaking culture, it pushes its crafts to the next level apart from its design. The multi-facet case flaunts high polishing works with high precision and quality. The brand adopted several "integration polishing techniques", which can only be done by true masters with many years of polishing experience. Every surface of the slim case - including inner lugs that are visible - has been polished with lots of attention and skills, resulting in flawless satin finishings on the top and sides, only to be broken off by its thick chamfers with distortion-free mirror-polished finishings. The whole process takes more than seven steps. We could not acknowledge Hitori's level of doing among other brands whose price points are significantly higher than this Hitori. Each of these elements contribute to the watch wearing comfortably.

The grey and white rotating bezel reflects the colors of its inner rehaut, contrasting subtly without overthrowing its overall serenity. It can be rotated in both directions with tightness yet comes with soothing clicks - an execution that punches way above watches in this price category . And it features a sapphire overlay in two colors. Sapphire, known for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, ensures durability. The bezel also incorporates SuperLumiNova, making the snow-white portions and numerals glow blue in low-light conditions. In contrast, the grey numerals found within the bezel and chapter ring brings a soft touch to its overall - an exceptional details nailed by Hitori among others. A polished metal ring separates the bezel from the crystal, adding a sporty touch that complements the watch’s elegant aesthetic.

Spectacular polish results in ritzy and sleek surfaces with impressive multi-finishing

An Artistic Double Signed Dial

The Meguro design principles continue to focus on legibility. Therefore, the brand enhanced the clarity with a tailored flat crystal applied with inner anti-reflective coatings to ensure that anyone can easily read the time at a glance.  For the Tora edition, The iconic blossom color theme of the brand is then carried onto the dial underneath the crystal.

Let’s start with the applied markers. Each faceted block mirrors the shape of the case, creating alluring reflections from any angle. The faceted indexes feature mirror polishing on each side, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved. Such embellishments are reserved for designs where the outcomes are assuredly flawless. This precision is also evident in the bold, sharp handsets, resulting in a harmonious yet minimalistic aesthetic that remains distortion-free. As observed, every detail on the dial remains clearly defined from any angle.

Speaking of details, the double-signed dial features a traditional tiger painting from the early Tokugawa period at the bottom. This imagery symbolizes strength and courage while serving as a guardian against bad luck, evil spirits, and disease. Thus, this exclusive 60-pieces edition not only reflects unique Japanese traditions but also serves as a protective charm for its wearer. The painting features intricate details in its colors and stripes, lending a dynamic and majestic quality. Complementing the tiger, the brushstroke inscription of the word "Meguro" enhances the overall balance and elegance.

Drilled lug holes for swapping straps with ease

Hitori’s design philosophy embodies a commitment to excellence, precision, and craftsmanship. It merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design principles to produce visually captivating and highly functional timepieces. To enhance its sporty theme, the handset and indexes at cardinal points (excluding the second hand and 3 o’clock index) are applied with matching Super-LumiNova, glowing blue for improved visibility at night. We’re thrilled that Hitori is reviving their luminous works, as the brand is truly a master in this art form.

The pink dial captures a nature-inspired blossom pink on snowy texture, reminiscent of snowpack, with a satin-like sheen that reflects the calm and serene spirit of the blooming season. High-gloss metal trims accentuate the date display at 3 o'clock, with a shorter marker at the edge for visual balance. This meticulous attention to detail underscores Hitori’s design expertise, thoughtful consideration, and dedicated effort. The silver GMT hand accurately indicates the second time zone. Each hand is perfectly proportioned, gracefully tracing individual markers on the dial, bezel, and minute and 24-hour inner rehaut with matching grey numerals on the white section, without appearing stubby.

Automatic winding-rotor harmonized beautifully

When Horology Meets Japanese Traditional Art

Why is this significant? For watch collectors, the value of a timepiece goes beyond its function—it encompasses collectability, provenance, originality, and emotional desirability. Hitori has elevated this concept by merging traditional visual art with the intricate mechanics of horology. In this case, the brand has incorporated the timeless beauty of a traditional tiger painting, layering it atop their mechanical creations, which they consider art in their own right.

Hitori, known for its bold approach to watchmaking, has taken a step further by inviting a collector from within their own circle of peers to "sign" the Meguro dial with his unique tiger artwork. This collaboration, born from japanese culture, has resulted in a limited edition of just 60 pieces. Whether these will be available for public sale remains uncertain, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to this double-signed series.

A Masterpiece of Japanese Design, Powered by a True Japanese GMT Movement

With its screw-down case-back, the reverse side of the Meguro GMT belies essential information and proudly exhibits its premium Japanese engine through a customized case-back crystal rendered with pinkish-red AR coating. Beneath this “TORA” signed crystal lies Hitori's choice of mechanical movement—the GMT automatic calibre Miyota 9075. This particular GMT movement, with its flyer-style setting, is highly coveted by true watch enthusiasts.

The Japanese 11.5-ligne movement utilized by Hitori offers a slimmer case profile and is an upgrade from the Seiko NH calibers previously found in the brand's collections. Made with 24 jewels, the movement features manual winding, primary hour hand adjustment, and quick time adjustment capabilities, all controlled through the 3 o'clock screw-down crown. Beating away nostalgically at 4Hz/28,800 BPH, the Citizen caliber allows for hacking seconds for precise time-setting and a GMT “flyer” adjustment of the local hour hand. This means the wearer can set the main handset to local time and easily adjust the local hour hand to a new time zone without affecting the home time or the minute hand, perfect for frequent travelers.

Sports bracelet with the emblematic "ひとり" engraved

All that panache comes with around 41 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Another truly incredible feature is the heat-treated winding rotor, embellished with a traditional Japanese wave pattern. This creates an appealing look that pairs harmoniously with the overall watch theme, reflecting both elegance and a nod to Japanese craftsmanship. The custom ultraviolet winding rotor crafted by Hitori showcases detail and commitment to individuality which are impressive. The unique hues of each rotor, never repeating, must make every piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Hitori also features a Japanese quote by Mitsuo Aida, a renowned poet and calligrapher, on each rotor: “人生において 最も大切な時 それはいつでも いまです,” which means, “In life, the most important moment is always now.” This translates to “The most important time in life is always the present.” Often referred to as The Poet of Zen, Mitsuo Aida underscores the profound significance of the "now" in life, as it is what shapes our future. Regardless of past regrets or future worries, his message encourages focusing on actions that can improve our lives in the present moment.

A Sporty Bracelet That Elevates Everything

Each Meguro GMT watch comes on a reliable 20mm sports bracelet with the emblematic "ひとり" engraved clasp onto the strap option. The Meguro bracelet is thoroughly designed and fabricated - from the nifty "integration polishing techniques" to execute its satin-polished surface, only to be contrasted with mirror-finished stripes in the middle and sides, to the ergonomic yet robust solid end-links - giving the case and bracelet not only a uniform look but a sense of purpose. Each screwed link is crafted to the same level as its ritzy case without compromising sturdiness and comfortability. Once handled upon the bracelet, the quality punches way above its price point, unlike most metal bracelets you held before. Trust us, pick one up, and you will get what we meant immediately.

With the considerate drilled lug holes, strap hobbyists can easily change to other straps. In addition, Hitori has an assortment of fabric military nylon and rubber straps, allowing wearers to switch up the vibe to their liking while still having a complete Hitori package.

On the wrist

Closing Remarks

Crafted to the highest standard yet to be found near the expected price point, the Meguro GMT exudes marvelous quality with attention to essential details that honor Japanese craftsmanship, particularly in watchmaking. The blend of fine design elements has all the prerequisites of a perfect everyday watch yet stands out with its sophisticated quality and ideal proportions. While it is decidedly sporty in its aspiration, the finesse and detailing in the execution are unmistakably Hitori.

In person, the exceptional finish is on full display from the case to the hands and indexes, signaling a richness in design that allows the Meguro GMT to stay within the realm of a high-end timepiece despite its tough construction and character. While it’s more than capable of being called a ‘tool watch,’ it chooses instead to sport its tastefully overt luxuriousness, seamlessly blending rugged functionality with refined elegance.

Since its inception, Hitori Watch Co. has been committed to building a strong community of supporters. Each owner of a Hitori watch becomes part of the brand's journey, with future incentives integrated or rewarded to each individual. Owners are invited to be part of the brand's upcoming projects in the watch space, including special series on existing and future watch collections and exclusive real-life experiences for collectors. Hitori Watch Co. and their community are in this for the long term, valuing owners as highly as their watchmaking.

In the meantime, the exclusive Meguro GMT serves as not just a sophisticated timepiece, but also a stylish protection charm for your next journey around the world. As you explore, take a moment to indulge in the coveted blossom hue dial and admire the intricate Japanese tiger painting—a true celebration of artistry and craftsmanship.