10th Anniversary Limited Edition from Japanese Watch Brand MINASE

MINASE

Known for its intricate, architectural cases

MINASE's 10th Anniversary Model Captures Global Attention

MINASE, a Japanese brand renowned for its high-quality case manufacturing, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2015, having been established as a brand in 2005. Its commemorative models, released in May, are a precious limited collection based on the brand's iconic "HIZ Five Windows" model.

Text by KAWADA Akinori

A Unique See-Through Case Symbolizes Technical Prowess

The Japanese watch brand MINASE was founded in 2005 by Kyowa Seiko, which originally started as a tool manufacturer. Over its 50-year history, the company developed advanced expertise in drill manufacturing and metal cutting. It gradually began producing watch cases at the request of watchmakers. To realize its ideal vision for watchmaking, the workshop relocated to Minase, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, and the "MINASE" brand was established, named after its workshop's location.

MINASE's watchmaking, supported by its craftsmanship, quickly garnered a following among watch enthusiasts. Its innovative case structures and Zaratsu polishing, used to beautifully finish the forged case surfaces, are consistently subjects of admiration. 2015 marks a significant milestone for MINASE: its 10th anniversary.

MINASE, with its established reputation for working with hard metal materials, offers the "HIZ Five Windows" model. This timepiece features a multi-layered case structure with not only a front and see-through back, but also three additional see-through windows on the case sides.

The 10th-anniversary memorial model utilizes this "HIZ Five Windows" design. It allows appreciation of the case structure and internal mechanisms from all angles, resulting in a model that truly symbolizes MINASE's technical capabilities.

Two special colorways are available for the dial and strap: blue and brown. The addition of a power reserve indicator enhances the sense of exclusivity, creating a truly special timepiece. This is a rare watch, with a limited production of just 100 pieces.

This limited edition model showcases the technical expertise cultivated over a decade, aligning perfectly with the concept of "a watch to be talked about 100 years from now." It is a commemorative piece from a brand forging a new direction in Japanese watchmaking, and certainly warrants close attention.