Japanese independent haute horlogerie brand renowned for exceptional black polishing (poli noir) finishing techniques. Creates classically-inspired timepieces drawing on 1930s-1950s wristwatch design codes, with handcrafted cases and hands featuring mirror-smooth surfaces typically reserved for movement components.
Kikuchi Nakagawa was founded in 2018 by Yusuke Kikuchi and Tomonari Nakagawa. Kikuchi graduated in architecture from Tokyo University and worked as a software developer before becoming a watchmaker, having previously produced watches under his own name. Nakagawa trained as a traditional Japanese swordsmith before transitioning to watchmaking. The duo united over their shared vision of creating finely finished timepieces inspired by the golden age of wristwatch design (1930s-1950s). Their debut piece, the Murakumo, introduced their signature black polishing technique applied to entire watch cases—a method traditionally used only on small movement components. The brand has since expanded to include the Ichimonji and Genmon collections, establishing themselves as a leading force in Japanese independent watchmaking.
