Part 2 - MINASE current models | Horological Meandering

Part 2 - MINASE current models

There are two series - Master Craft Series and HiZ Series.

1. Master Craft Series

MORE (Minase Original Rebuilding Equation) Structure - many small parts are each polished and assembled: time consuming high-quality finish, also so that the repair can be done with the least parts replacement as well as re-polishing with the expectation of very long time serviceability and long life product.

Screw head has "M" signature.

And here is another "M" on the 12h index.

39mm diameter

Beautifully made case and bracelet. 10 ATM.

MOP dial is also worth mentioning.

2. HiZ Series.
VY02 - "Horizon"

See the Perlage.

VY03 - "Five Windows"

Those small windows are made with Kyowa tools (small drill) as well.

See "Case in Case"....

ETA2824

Read on to Part 3 - Interview with Brand CEO and in-house movement development...

This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-04-13 08:05:56

Japan's new old Brand: Factory Visit to MINASE: with true qualification

By: KIH : April 15th, 2014-19:42

Factory visit report - MINASE [mi-nah-sei] : Japan's new old brand with true qualification. I was fortunately invited to MINASE factory together with others - including a watch journalist, PR specialist, and a photographer. Minase is trying to notch up it...

Interview with the Brand CEO of MINASE, Mr. Tsuyoshi Suzuki. KIH: Would you tell us more about yourself? Tsuyoshi Suzuki ("TS"): After college, I worked for an office equipment wholesale company, sales division. At that time, Kyowa was not in such a good ...

There is heart...

By: patrick_y : April 16th, 2014-13:09

The HiZ model is by far the more unique model and the one that represents MINASE. The round model does appear to need a little more work with the design (the design is a little bland for me). It'd be interesting to see how this company evolves in the comi...

Exactly...

By: KIH : April 17th, 2014-16:33

... I will surely go back there and keep you updated! Thanks! Ken

It's not often that a completely new manufacturer . . .

By: Dr No : April 17th, 2014-12:19

. . . comes to light, Ken; my awareness of Minase was nil until just now. Good to see they're developing a manual winding movement, judging by the CAD image; even better if a movement shaped to fit their rectangular cases is in the works. Can you give us ...

With the time and effort they pour into each...

By: KIH : April 17th, 2014-16:36

.. the price is very reasonable, I say, while the price range is about the same or less than GS. And, yes, the new in-house movement will be hand winding with nice finishing on the bridges and such :-) Interesting experience to be shown everything :-) Tha...

Japan technology

By: matthewking : June 8th, 2014-09:18

Japanese precision machine company making Japanese precision timepieces. Sounds about right to me! So, will Akita be known for its dogs, sake, AND watches?? Really great report. Thanks!

Quite right... :-)

By: KIH : June 8th, 2014-10:24

Thanks, Matt! Ken

Great Write-up, Ken

By: RobCH : June 10th, 2014-03:37

And nice pics... Very interesting company Do they exhibit at Basel ? (Sorry if you mentioned this point in your write-up)

It will, in a year or two.... nt [nt]

By: KIH : June 10th, 2014-07:52

Why can't Seiko demonstrate a similar creativity and phantasy ...

By: Marcus Hanke : April 16th, 2014-03:07

... when designing their high quality watches? A Grand Seiko movement in a Minase outfit - this would indeed be a magnificent watch! Thank you, Ken, for permitting us to discover this unknown, but fascinating facet of the Japanese watch industry. Marcus

Good point....

By: KIH : April 17th, 2014-16:38

Let's see how the new in-house movement of MINASE will be like. I am very hopeful, though. Thanks! Ken

nice report Ken. What would a GS or Credor look like with that level of...

By: Ronald Held : April 16th, 2014-14:29

Hand finishing?

Let's see....

By: KIH : April 17th, 2014-16:41

.. how MINASE will do with its own in-house movement and the new model first. Thanks, Ronald! Ken

Fantastic report Ken!

By: DonCorson : April 16th, 2014-19:27

Thank you for bringing to our attention this brand. I really like what they are doing. They are not the only recent brand that is coming from a machine tool heritage. You know that Japanese machine tools are also very prized in the Swiss watch industry. I...

Thanks, Don!

By: KIH : April 17th, 2014-16:43

For the moment, MINASE does not have any foreign outlet - they are about to go out. Be patient! Hope they go to Basel next year.... I will keep you updated! Thanks! Ken

Arigatou gozaimasu: It's about kokorou

By: MTF : April 19th, 2014-03:50

Dear Ken Thank you for bringing this news. The key here is 心（こころ）kokorou. It looks like Minase Watch has the 'heart' to continuously improve for their customers. Regards, MTF

Yes, sir, exactly...

By: KIH : April 19th, 2014-18:27

.. this is like SEIKO with lots of heart poured into it.... Let's keep an eye on this as this brand spread to the world! Ken

Great report

By: takashi78 : June 12th, 2014-23:25

The case and bracelet looks really well made. Interesting approach on many parts which in time will be easier to service. Interesting design as well. Kinda reminds me of some vintage Orient design in terms of the dial. Cant wait for them to participate in...

Thanks, my friend..

By: KIH : June 13th, 2014-00:21

.. will probably in a year or two :-) Ken

Very informative postings...Thank you!

By: samir530 : June 14th, 2014-15:43

I find the re-awakening of 'Made in Japan' mechanical time pieces in today's electronic age (smartphones etc.) somewhat fascinating. The level of finishing of the Minase models is extremely high quality. I bet even better in person. I agree with others th...

Thank you - please stay tuned! [nt]

By: KIH : June 14th, 2014-17:30

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