KIWAME TOKYO’s New KUBO Collection Finds Depth in the Details

KIWAME TOKYO  has introduced the KUBO collection, a small-seconds watch from the young Japan-based brand. Kiwame has built its identity around straightforward Japanese watchmaking with an emphasis on proportion, detail, and accessible pricing. The KUBO release follows that same approach through a lacquer dial and a recessed small-seconds display.

The design starts with the meaning of KUBO. The name comes from the Japanese character 窪, meaning a hollow or recessed space, and Kiwame translates that idea into the dial with a small-seconds display set between four and five o’clock. It sits slightly below the lacquer surface and skips the printed seconds track, letting the recess create interest through shadow, depth, and the movement of the seconds hand. Multiple layers of lacquer add gloss and catch the light, while the lowered subdial gives the clean layout more dimension.

The case measures 37mm across with a 45mm lug-to-lug, keeping the proportions close to a vintage dress watch. Kiwame pairs that with a flat, vertically brushed bezel, giving the 316L stainless steel case a sharper frame around the softer look of the lacquer dial. The three-dimensional Arabic numeral indexes are also treated with luminous material, as are the hour and minute hands. A domed sapphire crystal completes the watch.

KUBO comes in three dial variations: SAKURA, a cherry blossom dial; TETSUKON, a navy dial; and USUKI, an ivory dial. Each version is paired with an Italian calf leather strap with quick-release spring bars.

The KUBO collection is slated to launch on June 22nd at 11 AM JST. All watches in the collection have a pricetag of $630.