Manufacture
KIH provides an exclusive factory visit report on MINASE, a Japanese brand aiming for global recognition as a manufacture watch brand. The article highlights MINASE's deep roots in precision tool manufacturing, tracing its evolution from a supplier to major watch brands to an independent watchmaker. This report offers a rare glimpse into the brand's history, manufacturing processes, and unique approach to watchmaking.
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
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 shape (after bubble) and I didn't even dream about joining or being told by my father to join Kyowa. But as the time goes by, Kyowa came back strong and I was told to come back in 1998. I was first assigned to the IT (beginning of the "intranet"
... 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
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 coming years. Thank you for showing this to us Ken!
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. It is sometimes funny, in Swiss production the CNC milling machines are almost all Swiss or German, but the CNC lathes are almost always Japanese. It appears that the Japanese machines are the best. A qustion: does Minase have any sales outside o
. . . 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 an idea of their pricing? Say, as compared to GS: rather more, less, or around the same? Thanks very much for this groundbreaking report! Art
This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 23 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
