TK Brand “the KANJI” - Tetsuya Komuro, 1999, NOS
On the black dial of this watch, the hours are represented by kanji numerals from 一 (one) to 十二 (twelve). Each character is placed within its own designated section, defined by gold-toned lines that radiate from the center, dividing the dial into twelve segments. The “T.KOMURO 1999” signature at the bottom directly links this unique design to the Japanese music scene of the 1990s.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item is shipped from within the European Union, you will not be liable for any customs duties within the EU.**
The man behind the signature, Tetsuya Komuro, was a co-founder of the band TM NETWORK and one of the most influential producers who shaped the Japanese pop music of that era. His work with acts such as trf, Namie Amuro, Tomomi Kahara, and globe made the name “TK” an iconic symbol of 1990s Japanese pop culture.
This watch belongs to “the KANJI” collection, released under Komuro’s “TK Brand.” The series, which included both men’s and women’s versions, was made available for a limited run starting in May 1999.
The story behind the design goes back even further to 1997, when Komuro donated the “Yokappe” clock tower to the village of Nakajima in Fukushima, the ancestral home of his family. The tower features a clock face adorned with kanji numerals and the signature “T.KOMURO 1997.” The segmented layout and the lines radiating from the center of this wristwatch bear a striking visual resemblance to the Yokappe clock tower. In this example, the black background highlights the gold-toned numerals and fine lines. A green-turquoise ring encircles the dial seamlessly, while a green accent on the tip of the crown echoes this color on the case. The absence of a date window ensures that the twelve-segment layout remains uninterrupted all the way around.
The stainless steel case, measuring approximately 36.5 mm, features a matte finish that accentuates the graphic structure of the dial. Meanwhile, the bracelet’s polished links catch the light differently as the watch moves. The case back bears the inscriptions: "ALL STAINLESS STEEL / WATER RESISTANT / JAPAN."
This piece is in "NOS" (New Old Stock) condition it has never been used. The blue protective films on the bracelet remain intact, and the case, dial, and links all retain their pristine, unused appearance.
Final Thoughts
"the KANJI" is a 1999 TK model that bears Tetsuya Komuro’s name on a unique dial featuring kanji numerals. The design language shared with the Yokappe clock tower in Nakajima gives the watch a narrative that extends well beyond the world of music. Because this specific piece remains in NOS condition with its protective films still in place, it offers a rare opportunity to view the design today with surfaces that look almost exactly as they did on the day it was made.
The item you are viewing was manufactured in 1999.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED.
The movement has been completely disassembled; every component has been cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (Requires no maintenance for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Product Condition: Tested; all functions are in full working order.
