Watchatlas

Minase

Akita, Japan · Est. 2005

Founded by Kyowa Co. Ltd.

Minase is a Japanese watch brand launched in 2005 by Kyowa Co., a precision-tooling manufacturer from Akita Prefecture. The brand produces fewer than 500 watches per year and is known for case-in-case construction, Sallaz finishing, Swiss mechanical movements, and collections such as Divido, Uruga, Horizon, and Windows that emphasize Japanese craft and architectural case design.

Founded
2005
Headquarters
Akita, Japan
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Active

Why this brand matters

Minase matters because it brings Japanese machining and finishing expertise into watchmaking: sharp case architecture, mirror-polished surfaces, handmade dials, and a production scale closer to craft manufacturing than mass luxury.

Known for

  • Divido case-in-case architecture
  • Sallaz mirror finishing
  • Uruga, Horizon and Windows collections
  • Small-scale Akita production under Kyowa

Key Collections

  • Divido — Minase Divido is the Japanese brand's best-known case-in-case collection, using separated polished surfaces, strong dial colors, and steel or rubber configurations. Key references: Divido Grey Steel, Divido Green Rubber, Divido Blue Steel.
  • Uruga — Minase Uruga is a sculptural integrated-bracelet collection, built around bold Japanese case construction, 42 mm and 31 mm sizes, and bracelet or rubber configurations. Key references: UG03-CDLNBL-SSD, UG03-M01NBL-SSB, Uruga 42mm Ice Blue Rubber.
  • Horizon — Minase Horizon is the Japanese brand's clean sports-watch collection, using Minase's layered casework across steel, rubber, leather, and midsize executions. Key references: Horizon Grey Rubber, Horizon Blue Steel, Horizon Black Leather.
  • Windows — Minase Windows is a faceted collection named for its layered visual openings, using Minase's case-in-case construction across steel, leather, and midsize variants. Key references: VM15-M01YIB-SSB, VM15-CDBYGR-SSD, Windows Midsize Steel Rose.
  • Yusai / Urushi (2025) — Minase’s Yusai / Urushi area sits within the JAPAN ART COLLECTION and focuses on artisanal Japanese dial expression, spanning established Urushi executions and the newer Yusai series of hand-painted dials created with contemporary artist Towa Takaya. Key references: YUSAI Series “DIVIDO ∞: Falling Stars and Mirage” Bracelet model [VM14-M01TTP-SSB], YUSAI Series “SEVEN WINDOWS ~Otherwise than being” Bracelet model [VM15-M01TTB-SSB], YUSAI Series “FIVE WINDOWS MID ~Pluralist Garden” Bracelet model [VM07-M01TTG-SSB].

Timeline

  • 1963 — Kyowa Co. Ltd. is established in Akita Prefecture, Japan, as a precision parts manufacturer.
  • 2005 — Kyowa launches the Minase watch brand, applying decades of precision machining expertise to horology. Named after the Minase area of Akita.
  • 2008 — Minase gains international recognition for its Sallaz polishing technique — a demanding process producing mirror-perfect facets on every surface.
  • 2025 — Minase celebrates 20 years with limited-edition Seven Windows models and expanding international distribution.
  • 2025 — Unveils the Horizon Year edition with Urushi lacquer dial crafted by Japanese artisans, and announces increased production capacity at its Minase-machi workshop in Akita prefecture.
  • 2026 — Debuts the Divido Tourbillon, the brand's first tourbillon watch, at Watches & Wonders 2026, combining traditional Japanese metalwork finishing with haute horlogerie.

Frequently Asked Questions about Minase

What is Sallaz polishing?
Sallaz polishing (also called Zaratsu) is a Japanese mirror-finishing technique requiring extreme skill. Minase applies it to every visible surface of its cases, creating distortion-free reflections across multiple flat facets.
Are Minase watches entirely Japanese-made?
Yes. Minase is one of very few brands producing entirely Japanese-made watches, from case manufacture and finishing to movement assembly, all done in Akita Prefecture.

Visit Website ↗Instagram ↗

Other independent Japan watch brands

enfrdeiteshizhjaar