517 articles · 19 videos found · page 1 of 18
Time+Tide
Vacheron Constantin has followed up its boatload of Les Cabinotiers La Quête piece uniques with additional Chinese Zodiac novelties.The post New releases from Universal Genève, Minase, Vacheron Constantin and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Tokyo-based artist Towa Takaya creates pigments from soil, plants, and minerals gathered during her travels, which she then uses to craft watch dials. Now, Minase is introducing handcrafted Yusai dials made by her for its 5 Windows Mid, 7 Windows, and Divido watches. Takaya’s goal is to create a dial showing the essence of nature […] Visit Minase Introduces Handcrafted Yusai Dials For Its 5 Windows Mid, 7 Windows, And Divido Watches to read the full article.
Monochrome
Minase is a Japanese watch brand well known to those who appreciate fine case construction and artisanal finishing. It was founded in 2005 by Kyowa Co., a specialist in precision machining and metalworking since the 1960s. Minase began as a case and bracelet manufacturer before stepping into full watch production. With a strong focus on […]
Worn & Wound
Happy first weekend of August, and welcome to another new release summary! Would that make it a “summery” summary? Bad alliterative jokes aside, we’ve seen some exciting new pieces from big-name watchmakers and microbrands alike. Rounding out this release list are a colorful new IWC Top Gun collab, a Jaeger-LeCoulture that shoots for the stars, a meteoric Bremont with lofty aspirations, and a Minase that brings a little winter chill to the summer sun. Read on, and let us know if there is a new release that you think we missed out on in the comments! IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Miramar Far from their first Top Gun release, IWC’s new chronograph may not seem that exciting at first glance. But the new Miramar edition has a secret weapon: a Pantone hue of the same name. Other Top Gun IWCs have been made available in shades of black, gray, and beige, which although appropriate for the military-theme, aren’t terribly exciting from a color perspective. The Miramar, then, stands out with its unapologetically cheery blue, inspired by the light blue t-shirts worn by TOPGUN flight instructors under their flight suits. It’s not just the color that gives the Miramar an edge, though. Design-wise, the left-leaning subdials at the 12, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, balanced out by the dual date and day windows, provide for a handsomely readable aesthetic. The typeface is characteristic of other IWC Top Gun watches, with rounded sans serif numeral...
Time+Tide
Emerging brands are working hard to be present in these slow weeks when most of the industry is on vacation.The post New releases from Minase, Bremont, Konstantin Chaykin × Behrens and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Fratello
Back in 2019, I reviewed a purple-dialed Minase Divido. The watch was, and still is, different from anything I’ve ever worn. The insane level of case finishing blew me away. The bracelet construction was just as impressive with its intricate links. So perhaps it’s only appropriate, with my evolving appreciation for vintage rectangular watches, to […] Visit Introducing: The Minase 7 Windows Steel 2.0 to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
Minase, the independent Japanese watch brand, and our friends at watch media outlet Fratello have collaborated on a third edition of the brand’s cult favorite M-3. After versions in purple and green each of the last two years, this latest release strikes a more classic and refined tone. The new M-3 “Shiro” features a white lacquered dial and some subtle but well chosen accent colors, all with an eye toward traditional Japanese craft. “Shiro” is Japanese for white, and in Japan is historically a sacred color symbolizing spiritual and physical purity. It’s a color that is frequently worn by Japanese Emperors, and comes up frequently in Shinto rituals and traditions. For this M-3, Minase has given the dial a weave-like texture that recalls the garments that might be worn in such rituals. The dial has been coated with Japanese lacquer, and the brand promises the result is a dynamic silvery color with plenty of depth. Other callouts to Japanese culture include the red tipped second hand, a color that symbolizes good luck. The precise shade of red chosen for this edition, “Hinomaru,” translates roughly to “circle of the sun.” And the blue strap, according to Minase and Fratello, is a tribute to Japanese denim. Fratello and Minase see parallels in high craft denim to traditional watchmaking, noting that good denim, when taken care of, is meant to last a lifetime, just like a mechanical watch. The original impetus for the Fratello x Minase collaborations ...
Monochrome
A fairly niche brand from Japan, Minase has recently gained popularity with its nicely designed watches and complex cases, built around concepts of multiple windows. Minase doesn’t focus on watchmaking but mostly on external parts. Yet, there is a watch that feels far more simple and elegant, the M-3, with its classic case construction – […]
Fratello
The third time’s the charm. Well, the Minase × Fratello M-3 “Shiro” exclusive edition sure is charming. Fratello’s third take on the M-3 again makes the versatile model available outside Japan, and it looks crispier and cooler than ever. This time, the star of the show is a frosty white dial that is clean and […] Visit Introducing: The Minase × Fratello M-3 “Shiro” Exclusive Edition to read the full article.
Fratello
Minase is one of those special Japanese brands boasting outspoken designs and incredible craftsmanship. These things made me fall in love with the Minase’s Divido series. From the moment I laid eyes on the Divido’s remarkable design, I knew that Minase was doing something special. That feeling became even stronger when I had a chance […] Visit Hands-On With The Eye-Catching Minase Uruga In Green And Blue to read the full article.
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Time+Tide
Seven sapphire crystals, a slim Swiss automatic, and a hand-polished case make up the Minase Seven Windows.The post A clearer look at Minase, and the quirky proposition that is the Seven Windows appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
Of all the countries with prominent watchmaking industries, it’s possible that Japan’s is least understood. There’s a mythology around Swiss, German, and even American watchmaking that transcends any particular brand, but for many “Japanese watchmaking” is akin to saying “Seiko” or “G-SHOCK.” It’s unfair, for sure, as there are many interesting brands in the independent space making a name for themselves in Japan, and while it can be argued that Japanese brands share a certain sensibility when it comes to craftsmanship and quality, the aesthetc and design range is incredibly wide. Minase is one of my favorite examples of a brand that really illustrates this concept, as there’s a huge range within their own catalog, and they very much do their own thing while adhering to certain Japanese design and craft principles. Compare their execution of urushi lacquered dials to Seiko and you’ll begin to get the idea. Their newest release, the limited edition Horizon GEN DLC. The Horizon is a classic Minase case shape with an elongated, rectangular profile. The design is inspired by the horizon line stretching over the sea, which you really pick up in the subtle curves of the midcase. Like all Minase cases, however, this one is deceptively complex, with plenty of facets and other flourishes that make it visually interesting and appealing from every angle. The curve of the crystal, for instance, follows the curve of the case, and the case and bracelet appear on ...
Fratello
At Fratello, we have a particular taste for the creations of Japanese brand Minase. We have done two collaborations that seemed to resonate with many of you. Today, I would like to introduce you to another limited-edition Minase, though Fratello had no input this time. For this watch, Minase took its popular Horizon model and […] Visit Introducing: The Ominous Minase Horizon GEN DLC Limited Edition to read the full article.
Monochrome
Minase, a Japanese microbrand specialising in complex watch cases with superlative handmade finishings, is gaining traction in Western markets. Based in Akita, Minase was born in 2005 as a spin-off of Kyowa, a specialist manufacturer of watchmaking tools. With a strict focus on the external parts of the watch, Minase relies on Swiss movements. The […]
Time+Tide
Boutique brand Minase present the M-3 Nori, the second Batavo-Japanese limited edition with Fratello.The post Fratello x Minase M-3 Nori appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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The Rolex teaser for 2026 is out - here's what you see and what it means!
SJX Watches
Minase has once again joined forces with the Fratello Watches for the Dutch media outfit’s most recent collaboration, the M-3 “Nori”. The Japanese watch brand has pared back its typical styling for this model, while adopting a unique tonneau-shaped case paired with a dégradé dark green dial transitioning to black at the edges, a hue inspired inspired by seaweed, an important food in Japanese culture. Initial thoughts Minase’s watches sometimes feel over designed, so the M-3 is a refreshing, restrained design in comparison. At the same time, the Nori further refines a design first seen on Fratello’s previous Minase edition, the M-3 “Very Peri”, which had a vibrant purple dial that was not for everyone. The dark green dégradé dial with its unusual radial finish stands out. The orange-tipped seconds hand appears a touch mismatched within the overall muted aesthetic. However, the colour is there for a reason: it’s a subtle nod to the Fratello’s home country, adding a unique charm to the watch. The €2,470 retail price of the Nori is a modest increase over last year’s M-3 “Very Peri”, but reasonable compared to other models from Minase such as the Divido, which costs more than double. Also, it is worth nothing that whilst not officially a limited edition, the Nori will be available for order only for a limited time, so it will be limited to a degree. Last year’s M-3 “Very Peri” Inspired by Japanese seaweed The Nori is inspired by nori, a unive...
Worn & Wound
Our friends at Fratello have announced their latest limited edition collaboration, a follow up to last year’s release with Minase. That watch, the M-3 “Very Peri,” marked the first time Minase’s cushion shaped case was available outside of Japan. This year’s version borrows the same case profile, but lands on a very different dial execution. The Fratello x Minase M-3 “Nori” has a subtle green dial inspired by Japanese seaweed, making for a toned down and perhaps more under-the-radar version of the M-3 than last year’s brightly colored purple variant. Minase, for the uninitiated, is a Japanese brand that produces about 500 pieces per year in the Akita Prefecture. They incorporate many traditional Japanese craft elements in their watchmaking, with a focus on hand-made components, but also incorporate plenty of modern manufacturing techniques. If you’ve handled any of their watches (we’ve been happy to have them at several recent Windup Watch Fairs, and they’ll be joining us once again in NYC next month), you know that they machined and finished immaculately. Zach wrote about Minase’s Divido here, which has an extremely complex case and bracelet construction, paired with a dial that’s made with a very traditional Japanese lacquering technique. The M-3 has a simpler case, but it’s machined and finished to the same high standard as Minase’s more complex designs. The cushion style case measures 39mm in diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, and is just 10...
Time+Tide
The new Uruga collection is a shift from the Japanese brand's angular designs. It features a unique sandwiched case design with Sallaz-polished elements.The post Minase Uruga 42 and Uruga 31 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
When a brand so full of artistic integrity as Minase labels something a masterpiece, we had better pay attention. Given the level of quality and attention to detail of even the most affordable Minase, what they can do in super-limited runs with a sizeable budget and the help of dedicated artisans is almost beyond the … ContinuedThe post The Minase Masterpiece collection lives up to its name appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
There has been no shortage of love for Minase in recent times, and for good reason. The Japanese brand is consistently producing watches that challenge the artistry of much larger luxury brands for a fraction of the cost, and their originality goes far beyond simply changing up some dial designs. Expanding their list of potential … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Minase Horizon and 5 Windows Midsize appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Time+Tide
For me, Minase are one of the few brands who can beat Grand Seiko in their level of artful dials, finishing quality and ingenuity. In addition, their originality extends to their case design as well. Add in their reasonably low prices, and this Japanese brand is probably one of the best value options out there … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Minase 7 Windows Hakose Urushi collection appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Minase are such a distinct brand in the marketplace, fitting into the incredibly specific niche of high value luxury. Their watches aren’t cheap by any stretch, but for the level of artisanal expertise and production quality, you could spend twice as much on a more established brand and not get close. The Minase Horizon 2.0 … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Minase Horizon 2.0 is striking and utterly distinct appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Minase Divido Shibo-Urushi takes the rare concept of an urushi lacquer dial and expands it with a blast of colour.The post The hypnotic dial of the Minase Divido Shibo-Urushi appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
How do you communicate true quality? It’s a question that many brands face as they try to capture the attention of collectors today. For big brands, the difficulty of such a task gets alleviated by the pull of history and immense marketing budgets. Yet, for a small brand, trying to make its mark in the … ContinuedThe post Minase Watches’ first American tour exposes the craftsmanship of the cult Japanese brand appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
At a time when most people gravitate towards modern sports watches or the tempting flavours of vintage nostalgia, there’s a path less crowded, where you will find small manufacturers like Minase. With a round two-piece watch case like few others, Zaratsu-finished angles, and sharp Japanese design, The Minase Divido Urushi Maki-e, is a fascinating world … ContinuedThe post The Minase Divido Urushi Maki-e is a futuristic window to an ancient Japanese craft appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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