Independents

EdwardC
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Minase x Fratello Divido

Hi all, this is probably not a very popular watch but one I would like to share my experience with. This is a relatively rare model as only 10 had been produced. From my Fratello contact, only 2 came to US, 1 to Canada and the rest are in Europe.













First impressions:
When getting my hands on the watch for the very first time, I feel the watch is very “Japanese”. It’s a word I used to appreciate the craftsmanship, reliability and durability. With that after about wearing it non stop for 5 days, here are my top observations for things I like and don’t.

I would start with the things I wish could be different or better:
• The black case at the bottom side of the edge makes it look a bit odd. Knowing the case-in-case is a big part of the design, the darkened inner case that is exposed on the sides looks strange to me.
• The space between links is more than what I think it’s needed. The bracelet is comfortable, and the space is needed so the bracelet can fit gracefully on any wrist without pinching hair. However I feel the space between links could be less so it can feel more sturdy. When holding the watch horizontally the stretch of the bracelet is noticeable and I am concerned how it will degrade over time. A side note for the case, I notice the space between the gaps of the top and bottom lugs on the left is different than the right. I will try to take some pictures and share to you later on.
• Cleaning the watch could be a challenge. The watch has so many angels and edges. Even with 5 days of wear I can see some dirt already got into some of the seams and I am wondering should I put the watch in water to clean it up when there’s enough dirt.
• Total cost of ownership is high for what it is. With the cost of the watch itself, transaction fees and import tax, I paid almost $5000 USD before the watch is on my wrist the first time. For that amount there are lots of options for a full bracelet semi-sporty to sporty watch. For the masses, with that cost they will easily go for models like Omega Seamaster or Aqua Terra, Grand Seiko 39/40mm models, Tudor Black Bay or if you were lucky enough to buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual at retail just a few hundreds more. I wonder if it will cost a lot more if the material is 904L steel instead. The alternatives are definitely not identical to what the Minase Divido offers, but for that price range one cannot resist to compare with these usual suspects that have in house movements, known to be durable for all purposes and longer warranty.
• Speaking of warranty, there is no US dealer for Minase. Warranty will require shipping the watch overseas which I hope I will never have to go through.

Now what’s good about it:
• The design is unique in the market. The case-in-case, very edgy case yet with a round dial, exposing 3 dates without a purpose, no screws on the bracelet on the sides, just to name a few. And there are dozens of blue dial stainless steel watches in the market, not one that has the kind of pattern as the Divido that I have seen. It’s not the most beautiful but definitely one of the more unique ones.
• There is a lot to praise for the bracelet. First it’s quite easy to add/remove links. At first when I did it the parts look complicated to put back into place. But after taking a closer look it’s actually pretty easy. The polishing and the level of details is high for this price range. Of course it’s no match to something like a Royal Oak which I compared it side by side with a 15450ST. However for about 25% of the price you are getting a lot more value out of it.
• The case back and decoration of the movement. The Fratello edition is much more beautiful than the normal edition. While it’s still a boring movement, I can clearly see the effort of the circling polishing, darkened rotor with the monogram logo.
• With only 10 produced in this design and color, I probably wont see another one. Rarity always is a factor.
• Lastly I can feel the Japanese cultural spirit in the watch. The color scheme (blue, white metal, red seconds hand tip) is Japanese national colors. The sense of fine craftsmanship, long lasting durability, I can feel all of that in the watch. But they are not over the top at any of these areas, it’s like a Lexus that is not as exotic or flamboyant as Bentley. While Grand Seiko certainly has this feeling too, the independence of the brand adds more character to it that big brands just don’t have.

Conclusion:
Having balanced perspectives, at the end of the day it is within my expectation. Nothing is perfect and there is always something left to be desired. As I am not buying it for an investment, but for my love and respect of Japanese watch making, this is a relatively high price to pay. I would happily wear it and go anywhere instead of a any recent 37mm-41mm Royal Oak due to the insane market value. The target audience for the watch, or even the brand, is so small that the general public may never know what this watch is. So I definitely would only recommend this model and brand to enthusiast that wants something different from the crowd and want a taste of bespoke Japanese watch making – that marries robust Swiss making with the ETA movement.

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