The contrast between sharp edges and a clear, shining mirror surface.
The distinctive, delicate touch of a craftsman’s handiwork. Eternity you can love forever.
MINASE, Japanese watches that will be treasured for more than 100 years.
Product introduction
DIVIDO
HORIZON
SEVEN WINDOWS
FIVE WINDOWS
Mid size
Uruga42
Uruga31
Luna Arch
MINASE “URUSHI – MAKIE“
MINASE “URUSHI – SHIBO URUSHI“
MINASE “URUSHI – GINMAKI“
MINASE STRAP
The origin. And pride.
The new brand logo of MINASE is designed in the motif of a “step drill,” which is the basis of our watchmaking and still has an important meaning.
Step drills are our origin.
We constantly pursue advanced watches based on creative ideas and technologies while adhering to our basic principles.
This logo represents the spirit and pride of MINASE.
Craftsmanship
MINASE watches are made by true monozukuri, the Japanese art of craftsmanship.
At our atelier in Minase, Akita Prefecture, where even the landscape is similar to Joux Valley, the mecca of the Swiss watch industry, our craftsmen handcraft watches by themselves.
We take a look at the various skills used, the MORE structure, sallaz polishing, the case-in-case design, and more.
MORE Structure
We make products that will be treasured for more than 100 years, thanks partly to the MORE structure*.
This is MINASE’s original structure inspired by Japanese traditional wooden puzzles and characterized by the contrast between the mirror and hairline-finished surfaces. Unlike common belts, there are no pinholes on the sides of segments, which yields a compact design. Since all exterior parts can be disassembled, only the necessary parts can be repaired or replaced in case of damage. The MORE structure reduces the burden of permanent maintenance and is indispensable for making watches that will be treasured for over 100 years.
* Pat. No. 4671327 / Pat. No. 4674698
Sallaz Polishing
Sallaz polishing in watchmaking is like work done behind the scene. It is a substrate preparation technique for obtaining beautiful, distortion-free surfaces, and involves more than 500 processes taking no less than 15 hours. MINASE is almost the only watch brand that employs such a time-consuming polishing technique in the world. However, a clear and beautiful mirror surface can be achieved only by making such effort before finishing the case. High-precision sallaz polishing is also indispensable for the delicate MORE structure. Sallaz polishing and the MORE structure are inseparable in MINASE’s watchmaking.
Case in Case
Case in case is one of the greatest characteristics of the MINASE HiZ series.
The dial in the case acts as the second case covering the movement, which is held from the top by separate indexes. This configuration achieves a super three-dimensional structure, creating an unparalleled space. All surfaces of parts are sallaz-polished, creating a uniquely serene look.
Craftsman
Kyowa Co., Ltd.
Kyowa Co., Ltd. was founded in Tokyo in 1963 as a precision tool manufacturer. In 1973, it established a plant in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. Its precision tools, cBN tools, PCD diamond tools are widely used in diverse fields, not only for molds and parts processing, but also manufacturing smartphones and other cell phones due to the need for downsizing, automobile engines, aircraft, medical equipment, in addition to syringe needle piercing. The company’s technological capabilities are also used in watch manufacturing: its special stepped drills for piercing crowns have become widespread in watchmaking and other industries. After establishing a solid position also in manufacturing watch cases, Kyowa became a comprehensive watch manufacturer in 1996, engaged in all processes from design and development through manufacturing. In 2005, it established the MINASE brand of watches, and has since been manufacturing world-class watches by combining its precision processing and polishing technologies. With unparalleled craftsmanship and skills unique to Japan, Kyowa aims to produce watches of the world’s highest quality at its plant in Minase City, Akita Prefecture.
MINASE
The proprietary brand for watches made in Japan, launched by Kyowa in 2005.
Kyowa handles all processes ranging from design and development through manufacturing.
Currently the MINASE brand offers two lines: the HiZ series combining avant-garde design, craftsmanship and Japanese aesthetics; and the Master Craft series of authentic watches boasting exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous hand-crafted work throughout.