Yoshino Sakura Masu

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 Yoshino Sakura Masu

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 timepieces reflects Japanese deep culture, incorporating elements that reflect the nation's aesthetics, traditions, and cultural motifs. Today, the exceptional watch brand continues to elevate the overarching themes with its latest addition - the Yoshino Sakura Masu.

A harmonious blend of salmon hues and nature-inspired textures

The inspiration Of The Yoshino Series


The "Yoshino" watches are significantly inspired by the cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshinoyama (吉野山, Yoshino-yama), located in the town and district of Yoshino itself, in Nara prefecture. Fame for having more than 30,000 sakura flowering cherry trees, it has inspired ancestry Japanese wake poetry and folk songs for centuries, including a Kokinshū waka in the 10th-century poetry compilation Kokin Wakashū ("Collection of Japanese Poems of Ancient and Modern Times"). And now, the religious mountain continues its magic, influencing Hitori with a new collection that distilled its "mystical" charm and enchantress "sakura".

The upcoming Yoshino collection shines brightly, showcasing nostalgic timepieces that elegantly reinterpret classic style through the unique lens of Japanese heritage. Proudly crafted in Asia, these watches embody true savoir-faire. The distinctive bezel-free case boasts a striking architectural design, paying homage to the "Grammar of Design" philosophy pioneered by Seiko's visionary, Mr. Taro Tanaka. Complementing the oriental case is a captivating, nature-inspired textured dial, evoking the delicate beauty of sakura cherry blossoms and the soft, radiant hues of the cherry salmon that grace Yoshino's streams in spring.

Convex metallic date window frame incorporated with polish finishing on each facet

A masterful G.O.D case design that highlights Hitori's exceptional attention to detail

Made out of 316L stainless steel, the limited Yoshino Sakura Masu measures 39.6mm in diameter, a height of 10.55mm (without the crystal), and a lug-to-lug length of 46.8mm. The well-thought-out dimensions of this 100m water-resistance watch are crafted meticulously to fit comfortably on any of our wrist sizes. The case design of the Yoshino is straight out of the mid-sixties, instantly recognizable by any watch aficionados who came across vintage GS during an era when the emerging brand from Japan wanted to match up against those Swiss manufacturers in terms of watch designs. One of its designers outlined specific rules that would later be sealed in Seiko's and Japan's history. Even the modern GS still follow strictly today.

So in 1959, Mr Taro Tanaka-san was a fresh graduate onboarded by Seiko. He aimed to create designs that focus on essential elements, removing anything unnecessary or excessive. The emphasis is on simplicity and clarity. By 1962, he developed a series of rules inspired partly by the art of gem cutting and coined them the "Grammar of Design". These rules boiled down to four basic tenets:

1. All surfaces and angles from the case, dial, hands and indices had to be flat and geometrically perfect to reflect light best.

2. The bezels were to be simple two-dimensional faceted curves. (Yoshino has a purer form which abandons one totally)

3. No visual distortion was to be tolerated from any angle, and all watch cases and dials should be mirror-finished.

4. Lastly, all cases must be unique, and no more generic round case designs.

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

Since creating these four rules, the Japanese watchmaker followed suit and made several iconic models that best reflected these strict criteria. The "Grammar of Design" has stood the passage of time, and to many of us, it reflects one authentic spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. 


*A thing to note is that the term "Grammar of Design" refers to a set of design principles or guidelines that provide a framework for creating visually appealing and harmonious designs. It is not specific to Seiko or any particular entity but is a broader/common concept applicable to design disciplines. Therefore, Hitori has added a few more rules to their design:


5. Balance: Achieving visual equilibrium by distributing elements harmoniously throughout the design.

6. Proportion: Ensuring the size and scale of elements are proportionate to one another and the overall design.

7. Contrast: Utilizing colour, texture, or size differences to create visual interest and emphasis.

8. Unity: Creating a cohesive and harmonious composition using consistent elements, colour schemes, or styles.

9. Typography: Applying principles of typography to ensure legibility, hierarchy, and appropriate use of fonts. 

10. Colour Theory: Understanding how colours interact, complement, or contrast with one another to evoke specific emotions or convey messages.

11. Functionality: Balancing aesthetics with practical considerations ensures the design effectively serves its intended purpose.

Drilled lug holes for swapping straps with ease

Therefore, Hitori decided to pursue the same essentials as Seiko with the addition of the guidelines mentioned above, meticulously crafting a beautiful multi-finished case emphasizing both balanced and harmonious proportions, and tying together the natural beauty of colours, fonts and textures on the dial, all with attention to detail.


The unique case design harks back to the mid-sixties and is unlike any elegant timepieces we usually come across due to its facets and bezel-less design. The sides extend fluidly from one end to another as if they are both the watch's lugs themselves. Each side crisps sharply at every angle (not going to cut your fingers to an extent), even when seen and touched. As Habuka wants to create the Yoshino as a daily beater, It clads a beautiful screw-down crown with its logo, providing a proper 100m water-resistant.


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 bezel-less case - including inner lugs that are visible - has been polished with lots of attention and skills, resulting in flawless satin finishings on the sites, 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 Yoshino.

Automatic winding-rotor harmonized beautifully

A harmonious blend of salmon hues and nature-inspired textures

The Yoshino collection remains steadfast in its dedication to legibility. To enhance clarity, the design features a custom domed crystal with inner anti-reflective coatings, ensuring effortless readability at a glance. Beneath this crystal, the "Grammar of Design" philosophy comes to life on the dial, starting with its meticulously crafted applied markers. Each baton-shaped marker mirrors the watch case's architecture, with mirror-polished facets on the sides and a refined satin finish on top. This attention to detail extends to the sharp, perfectly proportioned handsets, creating a cohesive yet minimalistic aesthetic free from distortion. Every detail of the dial is crystal clear from any angle—an impressive testament to Hitori's precision.

Inspired by the natural beauty of Yoshino, the design draws upon the warm, delicate hues of "Sakuramasu" (cherry salmon), whose upstream journey in spring coincides with Japan's iconic cherry blossom season. This unique salmon hue is unlike any typically seen in the watch world, complemented by a nature-inspired texture reminiscent of overlapping cherry blossoms in full bloom. It's a seamless match of color and texture, rooted in Japanese tradition.

Adding to its intricate design, the markers and handsets are paired with a polished metal-trimmed date window at 3 o'clock, featuring a shorter marker to maintain balance. This thoughtful detail reflects Hitori's exceptional design expertise. The hands are precisely sized to align perfectly with the dial markers and minute rehaut, ensuring a clean, functional layout without compromise.

The textured dial is elegantly signed with a gilt "Hitori" logo at 12 o'clock, accompanied by "Yoshino // Automatic" at 6 o'clock. Together, these elements embody the interplay of light and reflection—a central theme of the Yoshino collection—while staying true to the "Grammar of Design" principles. This harmonious balance of form, function, and inspiration cements the Yoshino as a masterpiece of thoughtful craftsmanship.

Sports bracelet with the emblematic "ひとり" engraved

A Japanese Watch Design With A Japanese Movement

With its screw-down case-back, the reverse side belies essential information and proudly exhibits its Japanese engine within. Right underneath reveals another Hitori's oriental choice of mechanical movement: the automatic calibre NH35. The Japanese 12-ligne movement is made with 24 jewels with manual winding and quick date correction capabilities, all done through the 3' o clock screw-down crown. Beating away nostalgically at 3Hz/21,600BPH, it allows the user to have hacking seconds for precise time-setting, all that with around 41 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Another updated feature would be the "Ultraviolet" winding rotor in the shape of a Japanese traditional Koza-sen (foldable bamboo fan), which will never be the same as the next, creating an appealing look which pairs harmoniously with the watch theme overall.

The custom winding rotor also incorporates a Japanese quote by Mitsuo Aida, a renowned poet and calligrapher: "人生において 最も大切な時 それはいつでも いまです." 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 Yoshino watch comes on a reliable 20mm sports bracelet with the emblematic "ひとり" engraved clasp onto the strap option. The Yoshino 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 NATO and rubber straps, allowing wearers to switch up the vibe to their liking while still having a complete Hitori package.

On the wrist

Crafted for individuals who appreciate understated elegance and craftsmanship

The Yoshino Sakura Masu from Hitori is a statement of refined simplicity. This exceptional timepiece seamlessly blends the rich heritage of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a contemporary, minimalist design. Its dial, pure and unpretentious, features delicate markers and a texture that whispers elegance, all while capturing the essence of the serene beauty found in Japan's Yoshino region. The muted color palette enhances its timeless appeal, making it more than a watch—it's a tribute to nature itself.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and made from the finest materials, the Yoshino stands as a testament to Hitori's unwavering commitment to durability and excellence. It's a piece that speaks not of extravagance, but of thoughtful, lasting quality—designed for those who appreciate the quiet luxury of subtlety.

But the Yoshino is just the beginning of something bigger. Since its inception, Hitori Watch Co. has been building more than just timepieces; it's been nurturing a community of passionate supporters. When you wear a Hitori watch, you're not just owning a piece of craftsmanship—you're becoming a part of an evolving journey. Owners are invited to be integral to Hitori's future, with personalized experiences, exclusive opportunities for customizing future collections, and even real-life events designed just for collectors. With every piece, Hitori reinforces that the brand's success is deeply intertwined with the people who wear its watches. This is not just about watches; it's about a shared passion, a commitment to the long-term journey, and a collective vision where each owner is as valued as the brand's legacy itself.

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