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TAKANO’s wristwatch brand began in 1957 and ended in 1962, according to its official history. In May 2024, the TAKANO name returned with a new first model, the Chateau Nouvel Chronometer, made by Precision Watch Tokyo, the workshop led by independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka. It is a revival of a name and design lineage—not a restart of the original Takano company.
Who is Hajime Asaoka, and who makes the new TAKANO?
Hajime Asaoka is an independent Japanese watchmaker who leads Precision Watch Tokyo, the maker of the modern Chateau Nouvel Chronometer. TAKANO’s brand overview identifies Precision Watch Tokyo as the maker; Chronos Japan reported the brand’s return in May 2024. The current project is distinct from Takano Seimitsu Kogyo, the historic company that once produced TAKANO watches.
What was the original TAKANO watch brand?
TAKANO’s official history traces its predecessor to the TAKANO Metal Goods Factory, established in 1899 and renamed Takano Seimitsu Kogyo in 1938. The company first made wall and table clocks, then introduced wristwatches under the TAKANO name in 1957 with the “200 series.” Management transferred to Riken Optical in 1962; the official history marks that transfer as the end of the TAKANO brand. TAKANO’s official history
Two historic watches behind the name
TAKANO’s retrospective says its 1959 Opal was promoted as the smallest watch made in Japan at the time and featured a Breguet overcoil hairspring. Treat the size distinction as the company’s historical claim, rather than an independently verified ranking. The 1961 Chateau Nouvel, which gives the modern model its name, used caliber 541N and a Kif-Flector shock-absorbing mechanism, according to the same history.
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The period company’s ambitions are captured in a statement reproduced from the first issue of its customer booklet, TAKANO REPORT: “We are firmly convinced that TAKANO’s watches have brought to life what traditional watchmakers have long dreamed of. We are striving to create an era that challenges the belief that luxury watches can only come from Switzerland. With a global vision, we aim to always be at the forefront and, with your support, we will continue to work hard to meet your expectations.” This was the TAKANO company’s voice, not a statement by Asaoka.
What is the Chateau Nouvel Chronometer?
It is the revived brand’s first modern model: a 37 mm stainless-steel automatic with hours, minutes and seconds. TAKANO says it is made in Japan and lists a movement named 90T. The brand describes its finish and design with Zaratsu polishing, a domed dial and crystal, and Hajime Asaoka’s “Skyscraper” hands. TAKANO’s model page
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| Specification | Listed detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 37 mm stainless steel |
| Movement | Automatic, 24 jewels, 4 Hz (28,800 vph); approximately 40 hours of power reserve |
| Water resistance | 3 ATM |
| Crystal and dial | Box sapphire crystal; domed dial |
| Strap and lug width | Crocodile strap; 19 mm lug width |
| Functions | Hours, minutes and seconds |
| Price and delivery terms | JPY 880,000 including shipping and handling, as listed on TAKANO’s product page accessed in 2026. Customs duties and import taxes are payable by the customer upon receipt. |
Price, sales availability and purchase terms can change; check the official product page for the current listing before ordering. Import charges mean the listed price may not be the final cost for a buyer outside Japan.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does the Besançon Observatory certification mean?
TAKANO says the Chateau Nouvel Chronometer holds an official Besançon Observatory chronometer certificate. The brand presents it as the first Japan-made watch to pass this certification; Chronos Japan also describes it that way. This is an attributed first claim, not an independently established ranking across every Japanese-made watch. TAKANO brand overview
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Chronos Japan’s October 2025 feature describes an initial certification-submission pass rate of around 30%, later improving, with some watches achieving accuracy well beyond the passing standard. That is a reported figure for an earlier stage of the process, not a current published pass rate. Chronos Japan’s feature on the revival and certification
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What to check before buying
- Fit: The case measures 37 mm, with a 19 mm lug width. Wrist shape, strap length and preferred case thickness still affect how it wears; the cited product details do not state thickness.
- Water use: The listed rating is 3 ATM. Do not treat that figure as a promise of suitability for swimming or diving.
- Total cost: The 2026 page listing includes shipping and handling, but places customs duties and import taxes on the customer. The amount depends on the destination and applicable charges.
- Ownership support: The cited product and brand pages do not state warranty terms, service arrangements or production volume. Confirm those details with TAKANO before purchase if they are important to your decision.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
