Habuka 39 Deluxe Aoki Lake

Introduction of Hitori

In the world of sports watches, typically the dive and pilot watch classifications tend to be the all-embraced known ones. However, there’s a somewhat nebulous stratum of choices in terms of designs if we actually take a better look in within the genre. Even so, many would quickly bring up to mind of chunky looking cases accompanied with sober-looking dials that might seem a tad plain, but indeed serving their purposes of a tool watch, and that’s not a bad thing at all especially those looking for one. Often, in the case of any sports mechanical watches, 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 tool watch with extravagant refinement could come at an affordable price, but there are genuinely some. However, in recent times, many that claim to be evidently don’t seem to be gaining access and handling 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 Watch Co. or, “ひとり” 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, and it shows notably in both the mechanical and aesthetics sides of things. That said, Hitori builds a unique experience for their own community.

Hitori Habuka 39 Deluxe Aoki Lake

The Deluxe Series

Since the brand’s first instalment, they have had made some noise in the sports watch market with their Ryukyu Diver collection. They hark back to the early sixties where scuba divers picks up skin-diving, and are inspired by those Ryukyu islands that include zestful environments serenaded by all these nautical charms. All these unique attributes are exuded on their ever popular dive watches. For their second instalment, Hitori continue to offer robust yet sport timepieces that seeks to balance stylishness with an outdoorsy appeal. In celebrating the successful launch of the collection, we introduced the splendour looking Habuka 39 Deluxe Special in March 2023. This new limited edition gets some significant upgrade with a ritzy deep ocean blue dial, paired with gilt second hand for the extra savour faire, and a brand new chapter ring for more “dial” presence.

Now, in the pursuit of refinement, Hitori has transcended its Habuka Deluxe model into a proper series this time, with several significant upgrades and oriental themes - in effort to become the best version of itself.

This imminent new Habuka 39 watch continues to take cues from both the first Habuka 39 Snow White - grabbing the spotlight with its incredible nostalgic timepieces that redefine the classic style uniquely to the land of the rising sun - and the tweaks on the Deluxe Special. Made proudly in Asia to complete the savoir fairé, a versatile watch that reflects one of the snowy alps in Japan. The sobriquet takes inspiration, or should we say, a playful twist from a village in the Japanese Alps known closely as “Hakuba”, situated just outside the city of Nagano, and has been a winter sports hub which encompasses mountain resorts with terrain for sporty activities. As the recreational destination for many encapsulate an adventure spirit around its grandeur environment, the Habuka 39 Deluxe successfully bestow these elements within. It imbues a classic case silhouette, casing up a mesmerising texture dials unlike most others in the sports segment. And now in pastel blue, reflecting the beautiful Aoki Lake, situated on the south end of the Hakuba Valley.

The beautiful blue lake in Hakuba reflected on the dial

Made out of 316L stainless steel, the Habuka 39 Deluxe measures, of course, a 39mm in diameter, a height of 11.5mm, and a lug-to-lug length of 46mm. The well-thought-out dimensions of this 100m water-resistance modern sport watch are crafted meticulously, fitting comfortably on any of our wrist sizes. The case design is as classic as it gets, yet packs more refinements. Although not as instantly recognisable compared to a dive or pilot chronograph, the straightforward aesthetic allows it to be versatile for both male and female enthusiasts. During an era from professional mountain-climbing in the fifties, stretching abit further to war-time, many renowned watchmakers from all over the globe boasted their own sports/field watches that bear the familiar silhouette like the Habuka 39. The premium case design of the Habuka embodies what many see as the ideal of a "one nice watch" to acquire. It simplicity and nature design not only allow it to go explore and ski around the snowy alps, yet also allow it to go anywhere with anything you wear at any point in time.

Furthermore, the these type of sport watch complies a slimmer case profile with distinctive lugs and a fixed bezel, alongside a screw-down case-back with sizeable winding crown at 3’o clock. Since then, the alluring form-follows-function template has continued as a staple in the watch industry until today. With perfectly crafted signed case designs and functionality, the Habuka 39 Deluxe distinguishes itself from the other interns of its refined exterior case and intricate cladding details.

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

The Habuka 39 Deluxe stands out with a much-elaborated case construction which offers values way above its price point. The svelte visual case flaunts high polishing works and distortion-free mirror polishing, finished in a contrasting satin brush separated by seamless bevels featuring a high polish on their sides. These finishings are even more elegant than its predecessors. Especially on this stunning satin finishing on the top surface of the watch case, it is done flawlessly with vertical strokes that mirrors the finishing on those high-end modern sports watches from Japan. Notably, the additional polished bevelling reveals the commendable attention to detail put into crafting the Habuka collection. This daringly spectacular polish results in ritzy and sleek surfaces with impressive multi-finishing, quite impossible to find another within this price range with similar case finishing qualities.

Hitori went further to create a slimmer looking mid case without throwing out any balance of the watch. This mid-profile, together with its a-tad smaller bezel construction, allowed two advantages that benefit its wearer. First and foremost, the overall visuals and wearability are much compact and well-balanced on even those with smaller wrist. Second, the case finishings are perceptibly more refined with intricacies all around. Oh, did we mention the timepiece shows-off drilled lugs holes in which allow one to swap out its bracelet for a wide array of strap options. What would pairs well with this piece? Well, we could only say that the sky is your limit, as this classic case design is destined to be a strap fashionista.

Hitori Watch Co. up the ante by bestowing a full-polished bezel for its sports watch. The bezel’s shimmering glow is complemented with the the alluring lugs, allowing for the angle of the bevel and bezel to perfectly match in a striking manner. This elements brings forth a certain classiness only to be elevated by high gloss metal trims that frame the applied hour markers within the flushed sapphire crystal. Each applied marker is shaped in trapezoid or rectangles with equally well-polished finishings as the case exterior. This practices could not be said for many other watches in this category, and its definitely an interesting touch to its overall classic dial design.

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

Reading off those markers thanks to the facets hour and minutes hands. Each hand is minutely executed with iridescent mirror finishing at the surface, contrasted by different facets creating a certain depth for the wearer. A wonderful application by Hitori to accentuates its premium with the dauphine style handsets and markers, which are perfectly polished on top as well as on the razor-sharp bevels that give them a distinct look that’s exceptionally well done.

With functionality at the forefront, a date window is located at 3’ o clock. A full convex metallic date window frame was incorporated with high satin finishing on each facet to balance off the entire dial symmetrically. This strategic detail is a testament to Hitori’s prowess, careful consideration, and the immense effort that goes into their design. Each hand is perfect in length, reading off individual ritzy markers dutifully without feeling at all stubby.

What makes this timepiece stand out is its captivating dial texture that evokes captivating dial texture that mirrors the mesmerizing snowy mountains of the village. The frosty texture emphasizes the brand’s solid ties to the snow-covered terrain found in Japan, where one can visit and absorb the serenity around the cold atmosphere, thus creating a sense of mesmerization. Similarly, the uneven texture tone is truly restrained and elegant. The incorporation of slight crevices around the dial randomly creates the opportunity for shadows to cast, distilling a sense of depth while contrasting to the exacting perfection of the exterior case, handset, and marker finishings. The “snowy texture” on the timepiece has a way of catching light that indeed will earn many admirations of watch enthusiasts.

Drilled lug holes for swapping straps with ease

However, that is not all about the dial. Hitori blends the light blue tone, found in the heart-shaped lake at Hakuba, into an already mesmerising textured dial. Known as the “blue tree” lake thats fed by natural springs, rain, and snow-melt coming down from Japan’s northern alps. Its soft bluish colorway dances beautifully almost, mirror-like, in different light settings, a true beauty in combination. The clear light blue colour in fact, represents serenity and zen, which adds up to the nature of the watch’s built itself.

In contrast, the heated blue seconds hand and the texts at the bottom are contrasted in dark blue hue in which results in better legibility. And a matching minute rehaut is added around the dial in darker shade of forest, allowing the wearer to further enjoy more dial elements. As the watch is deeply inspired by Japanese culture, Hitori gets its logo marked on the dial with its original “ひとり” hiragana characters. These add to the heritage charm and philosophy of what Hitori Watch Co. is all about - orientally inclined and detailed in execution.

Blued automatic winding-rotor harmonized beautifully with the blue elements on dial

Completing the Sports watch outlook, each Habuka 39 Deluxe comes on an upgraded 20mm sports bracelet with the emblematic “ひとり” signed clasp onto the strap option. The clasp is meticulously designed to ensure a better fit and appearance on wrists of varying sizes, catering to both men and women. The bracelet is thoroughly designed and fabricated - from the nifty satin-polished surface and mirror-finished sides to the ergonomic yet robust solid end-links - giving the case and bracelet a uniform look and a sense of purpose. With the considerate drilled lug holes, strap hobbyists can change to other straps with ease.

The reverse side, with its screw-down case-back, belies essential information, and proudly exhibit its Japanese engine within. Right underneath reveals another Hitori’s oriental choice of mechanical movement: the automatic caliber 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 feature would be the heated blued winding-rotor which creates an appealing look which pairs harmoniously with the dial texts and second hand.

All new slimmer mid-case and bezel design, paired with a beautiful nature theme

Crafted to the highest standard, yet not found anywhere near the expected price point, the Habuka 39 Deluxe Lake Aoki (Blue) exudes marvelous quality with attention to details in their enduring accents that honor Japanese craftsmanship, particularly in watchmaking. The modern sports watch has all the prerequisites of a professional tool watch yet is distinguishable with its sophisticated workmanship and ideal proportions. The watch lavishes dashing nature and ravishing dial texture, making it a perfect companion for practically any situation, both on land and in water. The combination of premium materials and dial works are captivating, exuding a classic Midas vibe that punches way above its weight.