The subject of Japanese watchmaking usually conjures up names like Seiko, Grand Seiko, Citizen and maybe even Orient. But there are few lovers of watches that know the name Minase. I only came across this brand a couple of years ago but from the little I’ve seen, I’ve been impressed with the philosophy of this small manufacturer.
Minase Horizon GEN DLC Watch - Credit Minase
Minase is the sister company of a company called Kyowa Co., a precision tool manufacturer originally founded in 1963. During this time, there were no drills in Japan that could make precise, concentric stepped holes and so Kyowa engineered their own original step drills that were used for precise metal machining in various industries. No surprise, one of these industries included watchmaking.
Over the years, Kyowa began to produce complicated watch components including cases that were used by some world-famous watchmakers. This eventually drove the tool manufacturer to become an expert watchmaker themselves, and in 2005, they founded Minase. Utilizing the company’s talents in metalwork, Minase watches boast spectator case design, beautiful hand finishing and convex dials.
Minase Horizon GEN DLC Watch - Credit Minase
Minaese’s latest release joins their Horizon collection, a range of watches with curved rectangular cases, integrated straps and large trapezoid date windows. Named the Horizon GEN DLC, the new novelty is inspired by the kanji character "玄", known to mean depth, darkness, mystery or the colour black. These terms describe the new limited edition as it brings a glossy black DLC case to the Horizon collection.
The black coated steel case is designed with comfort in mind. It offers dimensions of 38mm wide and 51mm tall with satin and gloss finishings, angled integrated lugs and sapphire crystal glass that has been cut and polished to follow the curve of the architecture. To match the case, the dial of the Minase Horizon GEN DLC watch is finished in black and features delicately bent hands and the company’s logo at 12 o’clock, one shaped like a drill head to pay homage to the origins of the parent company, Kyowa.
Powering the Minase Horizon GEN DLC is the Swiss ETA 2892-2 automatic winding movement. The Japanese watchmaker has customised it to include hand-finished surfaces including perlage, bridges and a black main plate. It also promises a 50 hour power reserve, 21 jewels and a frequency of 28,800vph.
The Minase Horizon GEN DLC is a limited edition of just 25 pieces and will be available for viewing for the first time internationally at the District Time fair in Washington on March 2-3, 2024.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Minase
- Model: Horizon GEN DLC
- Price: TBC
- Material: Black DLC coated stainless steel
- Movement: ETA 2892-2 automatic winding
- Complications: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Dial: Black
- Size: 38mm x 51mm
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: As I’m sure Minase intended, this watch has a very cool, futuristic feel and would suit those occasions where you want a stand-out watch to catch some attention.
- A friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone who appreciates unique case and dial design.
- Best characteristics of the watch: In an industry oversaturated with watches, Minase are doing a good job at standing out and the Horizon GEN DLC is another example of that.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: I’d need to try it on in person to be sure, but the case and strap look like it could wear quite rigid.
