Habuka 39 Deluxe Hakone Green (すべて金)

An introduction to Hitori the watch brand

In the realm of sports watches, dive and pilot watches reign supreme. Yet, upon closer inspection, a nuanced array of design choices exists within the genre. While many may conjure images of robust tool watches with straightforward dials, there is beauty in their simplicity, serving their purpose admirably. The world of sports mechanical watches spans a wide spectrum, from utilitarian and affordable timepieces with impeccable fit and finishing to extravagantly crafted horological masterpieces commanding premium price tags.

Breaking away from the cliché, seldom do we encounter an uncompromising fusion of sturdy tool watch functionality and extravagant refinement at an affordable price. However, a few brands successfully convey this vision, and among them, the nascent Hitori ひとり Watch Co. stands out with its exemplary timepieces.

Hitori Watch Co., or “ひとり,” emerges as an independent brand offering timepieces that redefine expectations, delivering painstakingly well-executed mechanical watches at a pre-eminent price point. Rooted in Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship, their philosophy revolves around a value proposition evident in both the mechanical and aesthetic aspects of their watches. Hitori not only produces watches but also cultivates a unique experience within its community.

Hitori Habuka 39 Deluxe Hakone Green (すべて金)

The Habuka 39 Deluxe

From its initial foray into the sports watch market with the Ryukyu Diver collection, Hitori has made waves. Drawing inspiration from the early sixties and the vibrant Ryukyu islands, the collection encapsulates the zest of scuba diving. Building on this success, the Habuka 39 Deluxe Special was introduced in March 2023, boasting a ritzy deep ocean blue dial, gilt second hand, and a new chapter ring for enhanced dial presence.

Evolving the Habuka Deluxe model into a proper series, Hitori introduces the new Habuka 39 watch, seamlessly combining elements from the first Habuka 39 Snow White and the Deluxe Special. Proudly crafted in Asia, this versatile timepiece reflects the snowy alps of Japan, particularly drawing inspiration from the village of Hakuba. The Habuka 39 Deluxe Hakone Green, now in lime-gold green, mirrors the cascading ornamental grass native to Japan.

Inspired by the long-lived, ornamental Japanese  Hakone grass (All Gold)

Constructed from 316L stainless steel, the 39mm diameter case, with a height of 11.5mm and a lug-to-lug length of 46mm, offers a perfect balance of dimensions for a 100m water-resistant modern sport watch. While its classic case silhouette is versatile for both male and female enthusiasts, the watch pays homage to the sports watches of the fifties with its straightforward aesthetic.

The meticulously crafted case features high polishing and distortion-free mirror polishing, setting it apart in terms of refinement. The slim mid case, combined with a slightly smaller bezel, enhances wearability and allows for a more refined finish. The full-polished bezel, complemented by alluring lugs, frames the applied hour markers within the flushed sapphire crystal, adding a touch of class.

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

Taking it a step further, Hitori has designed a slimmer mid-case without compromising the watch's overall balance. This refined mid-profile, coupled with a slightly smaller bezel construction, offers two key advantages for the wearer. Firstly, the overall aesthetics and wearability are more compact and well-balanced, catering even to those with smaller wrists. Secondly, the case finishings exhibit perceptible refinement with intricate details throughout. Notably, the timepiece features drilled lug holes, providing the flexibility to effortlessly swap out its bracelet for a diverse range of strap options. The classic case design opens up a myriad of possibilities, making it a perfect choice for the strap aficionado with limitless styling opportunities.

Hitori Watch Co. raises the stakes by introducing a full-polished bezel to its sports watch, adding a touch of sophistication to its design. The bezel's radiant gleam is impeccably complemented by the alluring lugs, ensuring a seamless match between the bevel and bezel at a striking angle. This element introduces a certain classiness, further enhanced by high-gloss metal trims that elegantly frame the applied hour markers within the flushed sapphire crystal. Each applied marker, shaped in trapezoids or rectangles, exhibits equally well-polished finishes as the exterior case. Functionality is part of the center stage with a date window at 3 o'clock, surrounded by a convex metallic date window frame. This level of detail sets it apart from many other watches in its category, adding an intriguing dimension to its overall classic dial design.

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

What truly distinguishes this timepiece is its captivating dial texture, reminiscent of the mesmerizing snowy mountains of the village. The frosty texture underscores the brand's strong connection to the snow-covered terrain found in Japan, inviting one to visit and absorb the serenity of the cold atmosphere, creating a mesmerizing effect. The restrained and elegant uneven texture tone, marked by slight crevices around the dial, allows shadows to cast, adding depth to the design. This subtle complexity contrasts with the exacting perfection of the exterior case, handset, and marker finishings. The "snowy texture" on the timepiece possesses a captivating ability to catch light, earning the admiration of watch enthusiasts.

Hitori skillfully integrates the enduring color of ornamental grass into an already captivating textured dial. This hue is drawn from the Hakonechloa macra golden green grass, which creates a cascading mound of gracefully arching, slender blades that gleam across Japan. The delicate color palette, characterized by lime green with dashes of gold, exhibits a breathtaking dance of beauty in varying light settings.

Drilled lug holes for swapping straps with ease

The captivating dial texture, inspired by snowy mountains and Hakonechloa macra "All Gold" grass, creates a unique visual experience. The golden green color symbolizes resilience, perfectly aligning with the watch's character.

The dial, marked with Hitori's original “ひとり” hiragana characters, features a full-polished bezel, distinct dauphine style hands, and trapezoid or rectangular applied hour markers. Not stopping there, the bottom “HABUKA” texts were also done in cement-grey color, adding a refreshing touch in tandem with its dial. In contrast, the seconds hand and the logo are contrasted in solid gold hue in which echoes the bright sun above the green pastures. The attention to detail extends to the minute rehaut in a darker shade of forest green, enhancing focus on the dial elements.

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

The Habuka 39 Deluxe comes with an upgraded 20mm sports bracelet, featuring the signature “ひとり” signed clasp. The bracelet design, from satin-polished surfaces to mirror-finished sides and robust solid end-links, complements the watch's aesthetics. The clasp is meticulously designed to ensure a better fit and appearance on wrists of varying sizes, catering to both men and women. The drilled lug holes allow for easy strap changes, turning the classic case design into a strap fashionista's delight.

Turning the watch over, the screw-down case-back reveals essential information and proudly displays the Japanese engine within – the automatic caliber NH35. This 24-jewel movement with manual-winding capabilities and quick date correction operates at 3Hz/21,600BPH, offering hacking seconds and around 41 hours of power reserve. The heated blued winding-rotor adds a captivating touch that harmonizes with the dial elements.

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

Crafted to the highest standards, the Habuka 39 Deluxe Hakone Green (すべて金) stands out with meticulous attention to detail and enduring accents that honor Japanese craftsmanship. This modern sports watch, with its professional tool watch credentials, distinguishes itself through sophisticated workmanship and ideal proportions. From the premium materials to the captivating dial texture, it radiates a classic Midas vibe that exceeds expectations at its price point.