We’ve been rather taken with Hitori Watches here at The Time Bum. Hitori is brought to us by Singapore’s Gnomon Watches. The brand has a distinctly Japanese aesthetic that draws heavily on the Grand Seiko “grammar of design” and does it remarkably well. I first sampled a limited edition Yoshino Snowdrift in late 2023. Then JP checked out a Habuka last April. Finally, I reviewed a Somei Yoshino in July. We marveled at their high-quality cases, rich dial textures, and excellent value for the money each time. Today, I have the new Hitori Meguro GMT Aki Koyo in hand, and it is every bit as satisfying.
The Meguro uses a different case from the Yoshino and Habuka. It is very close in size (39.6mm in diameter, 47.5mm lug to lug, and 12.5mm thick) but softer, with fewer sharp angles. The polished bevels running the upper edges of the satin-brushed case will catch your attention, but the polished slivers inside the lugs really set it apart. As always, the case finishing is exceptional.
The Meguro’s 120-click bezel marks it as a tool watch, albeit a pretty one. Its 150-m water resistance rating, screw-down crown, and drilled lugs back this up.
Hitori chose sapphire for both the crystal and bezel insert. There is nothing quite like the depth of a sapphire insert, and the unusual color combination of white and rosy red-brown is quite appealing. Another advantage of sapphire is the fact that you can lume it from below. Hitori went all out in this department, applying BGW9 Super-LumiNova to the numbers on the dark half, the base of the bottom half, the 12, 6, and 9 markers, and the three main hands. Does it work? You tell me.
The correct answer is “yes.”
I must confess that I would have preferred it if all the markers were lumed, but the current arrangement is not bad at all, and I do like how the partially lumed cardinal markers look in daylight. All of the markers are applied, polished, and faceted, matching the polished date window frame. The handset is polished and diamond-cut, including the GMT arrow, which is further differentiated with a gold finish to match the Hiragana logo.
One of the most pleasing elements of any Hitori is the dial. We have been treated to a lovely variety of colors and textures in the past, and the Meguro Aki Koyo continues to expand those horizons. This time, it has a wrinkled surface intended to mimic the leaves of the cherry trees along the river Meguro. I have never been to the river or seen its trees, so I have no idea if they succeeded; however, I can tell you that it looks beautiful.
Perhaps the most significant departure from the previous Hitoris is the Meguro’s movement, a Miyota 9075 automatic. At 4.92mm, this unit is thinner than Seiko’s 5.32mm NH34 and enjoys a higher beat rate (28.8k bph), which results in a noticeably smoother sweep.
Hitori decorates the 9075 with its most elegant rotor to date, inscribed with a quote from the Japanese poet and calligrapher Mitsuo Aida, “In life, the most important moment is always now.” The pink and gold shimmer is uniquely attractive and complements the color of the dial and bezel.
The Hitori Meguro comes with a 20mm three-link bracelet finished in the same meticulous manner as the case. I was especially taken with the polished bands on the otherwise satin links. You get quick-release pins in the fitted end links for convenience even beyond that of the drilled lugs. Like the others we have reviewed, it has a signed, flip-lock, push-button divers clasp. I registered a minor issue with it on the Yoshino because I felt it was insufficiently dressy for that model, but on this GMT diver, it makes perfect sense.
On the wrist, the Meguro fits just the way I like it. The sub-40mm case is sporty enough and not obtrusive, which is good because that dial is too lovely to relegate to diving duty. You will want to pair this with nicer outfits. While Hitori bills this as an autumn watch, I think the reddish color has just enough pink to make it a pleasant spring or summer companion as well.
The Hitori Meguro GMT Aki Koyo sells for $760, and I highly recommend it. This gorgeous, brilliantly finished watch, fitted with a quality automatic movement, exceeded my expectations, given its price. If you are similarly smitten, visit gnomonwatches.com now.
