Minase Five Windows: Reference Guide & Overview

quattro · 2025-06-15T12:25:39Z

Explore the Minase Five Windows ref. VM03, a watch inspired by Japanese 3D puzzles. Discover its unique floating dial design and caliber KT7001/1.

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, introduces the Minase Five Windows ref. VM03, a timepiece that challenges conventional watch design. His detailed post, rich with imagery, highlights the watch's unique aesthetic inspired by Japanese 3D puzzles. This article delves into the distinctive features and community reception of this intriguing reference, offering insights into its horological significance.

The Minase Five Windows ref. VM03 has been designed by Hirokuni Yamamoto, taking inspiration from Ysegi Zaiku, Japanese 3D puzzles: all 5 surrounding anti-reflective sapphire “windows” (crystals) give the impression that the dial floats inside of the rectangular case.

There's something about this design that I find appealing.

Dimensions: 38 x 46,5 x 14 mm

Self-winding caliber KT7001/1 based on ETA2824-2

Best, Emmanuel

A/ Ref. Ref.VM03-L04SD (stainless steel & white dial)

credit: @henki_time (1-7), @yabuuchitokeiho (8) & Minase (9-12)

B/ Ref. VM03-L01BD (rose gold & slate gray dial)

credit: Beans & Bezels

Ref. VM03-L01BD

C/ "One" Champlevé Enamel (palladium case)

Tribute to the province of Akita in the north of Japan, where the brand is based, with ducks in water and maple leaves

credit: monochrome

Key Points from the Discussion

The Minase Five Windows represents a departure from traditional watch aesthetics, which can be polarizing for collectors accustomed to more classic designs.
The presence of a date window, often a point of contention among enthusiasts, does not universally bother collectors, as exemplified by its acceptance in watches like the IWC Mark 17.
This thread is discussion-light, with limited substantive replies beyond the original author's follow-up and one other member's brief comment.

The Discussion

jlux

Jun 15, 2025

Very unique looking !

SALMANPK

Jun 15, 2025

The Rosegold Gray Dial 😍

KMII

Jun 15, 2025

Very interesting piece 🙌🏻

Doug from New Mexico

Jun 15, 2025

.I do have to say that I have never heard a criticism of the date window when I have read a few about the one on my IWC Mark 17. Neither bother me.

quattro

Jun 15, 2025

of their designs. Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Jun 15, 2025

I like the rose gold variant, but also the steel and palladium ones. Best, Emmanuel

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Minase Five Windows: Reference Guide & Overview

Key Points from the Discussion

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