Minase is known for crafting timepieces blurring the lines between art and engineering. With the M-3 Shiro Edition, this Japanese microbrand steps into a realm of understated elegance. This watch represents the brand’s rich heritage and demonstrates a deep understanding of precision, design, and craftsmanship. Let’s dive into what makes the Minase M-3 Shiro Edition a standout piece in the world of horology.
A Glimpse into Minase’s Unique Heritage
Minase’s journey began in 1963 as Kyowa Co., a company specializing in precision tools for metal machining. As demand for high-quality craftsmanship increased, Minase expanded its capabilities. They began producing watch cases and bracelets with the same attention to detail as their industrial products.
In 2005, the company transitioned into making complete watches, and Minase was born. Today, the brand remains deeply rooted in Japanese craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese techniques. Each watch is hand-finished and made in small batches, allowing Minase to maintain its dedication to quality.
The brand, named after its workshop in Akita’s Yuzawa Mountains, produces fewer than 500 watches per year. With the recent global expansion, Minase gained attention beyond Japan, and the M-3 Shiro Edition is one of its most anticipated releases.
Minase’s Craftsmanship: A Legacy of Precision
Minase focuses on aesthetics and precision craftsmanship. The company’s hallmark is its use of Sallaz (or Zaratsu) polishing, a Japanese technique creating a flawless mirror finish. The process is labor-intensive, requiring the steady hand of a master craftsman. This method of polishing ensures every Minase timepiece reflects light beautifully, creating a play of textures and contrasts on the case.
While the brand’s more complex models, such as the 7 Windows and Divido, showcase intricate designs with multiple sapphire windows, the M-3 Shiro takes a simpler approach. This model, previously available only in Japan, is now being brought to a global audience thanks to Fratello, a renowned Dutch magazine.
What Sets the M-3 Shiro Edition Apart?
At first glance, the M-3 Shiro seems minimalistic, but there’s more than meets the eye. The watch is built around a 39mm tonneau-shaped case, with a modest thickness of 10.6mm. It strikes a balance between vintage charm and modern design. The case is stainless steel, featuring Sallaz-polished surfaces and satin-finished accents, creating a contrast adding to the watch’s overall elegance.
What makes this edition special is the “Shiro” dial. Shiro, meaning white in Japanese, is a sacred color symbolizing purity. The dial on the M-3 Shiro is plain white. It features a delicate embossed pattern, finished with traditional Japanese lacquer. This adds depth and a textured feel, giving the dial a dynamic appearance.
The silver-white hue of the dial plays with light, changing its reflections based on the angle. The faceted hands and applied hour markers, filled with Super-LumiNova, further emphasize this complexity. The only hint of color is the crimson red on the second hand, a nod to Japan’s national flag.
The Movement: Robust and Reliable
Inside the case, the M-3 Shiro Edition houses a modified Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. Known for its reliability, the Sellita movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 42-hour power reserve. Minase opted for a no-date version of this movement, further streamlining the watch’s design.
While the movement itself may not be groundbreaking, it’s a dependable choice for a timepiece like this. The emphasis is on simplicity and reliability rather than technical complexity. This aligns with the overall theme of the M-3 Shiro: understated elegance with a focus on craftsmanship.
The Case: Masterful Finishing and Construction
One of the key elements setting Minase apart from other brands is its case construction. The brand uses a unique assembly method, where the case is built from several components rather than a single block of metal. This modular construction allows Minase to achieve a higher level of finishing on each part.
The M-3 Shiro’s case, though seemingly simple, benefits from this approach. The polished and satin-finished surfaces create a striking visual effect, and the domed sapphire crystal adds to the watch’s sleek profile. The solid steel back is engraved with the Minase logo, further enhancing the sense of craftsmanship.
Despite its refined appearance, the M-3 Shiro is built to be durable. It offers 100 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Attention to Detail: The Denim-Inspired Strap
Minase’s attention to detail extends beyond the watch itself. The M-3 Shiro is paired with a denim blue buffalo leather strap, a subtle homage to Japanese denim. Known for its quality and durability, Japanese denim is renowned worldwide, and this strap is no exception. It is stylish and functional, offering a comfortable fit while complementing the overall design of the watch.
The strap tapers from 20mm to 16mm, and the Minase-signed buckle adds a final touch of refinement. This combination of form and function is characteristic of Minase’s approach to watchmaking.
Minase’s Global Expansion: A Brand on the Rise
While Minase remained a relatively niche brand in Japan for many years, its recent international expansion brought it to the attention of watch enthusiasts worldwide. The brand’s collaboration with Fratello on the M-3 Shiro Edition is a testament to this growing popularity.
Fratello was instrumental in introducing Minase to a global audience, and the M-3 Shiro Edition is the third version of this model, following the Very Peri and Nori editions. Each of these editions brought something unique to the table, but the Shiro stands out for its simplicity and elegance.
The limited availability of the M-3 Shiro Edition adds to its allure. With only a one-week pre-order window from September 17th to September 24th, this watch is sure to become a sought-after collector’s item.
Price and Availability: A Collectible Timepiece
The Fratello x Minase M-3 Shiro Edition will be available for pre-order exclusively from the Fratello Shop. Priced at EUR 2,470 (excluding taxes), the watch offers exceptional value considering the level of craftsmanship involved.
With its limited production numbers and the meticulous attention to detail, the M-3 Shiro Edition is a timepiece sure to appreciate in value over time. Collectors and enthusiasts alike will appreciate the opportunity to own a piece of Japanese watchmaking history.
Final Thoughts: The Appeal of Understated Elegance
In a world where watches often lean toward complexity and extravagance, the Minase M-3 Shiro Edition stands out for its simplicity and elegance. The watch embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship, with a focus on precision, detail, and refinement.
From the mirror-polished case to the intricately textured dial, every element of the M-3 Shiro was carefully considered. It’s a watch that doesn’t shout for attention but rather draws you in with its quiet sophistication.
For those who appreciate the finer details, the Minase M-3 Shiro Edition is a timepiece worth considering. Its understated elegance, combined with the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, makes it a standout in today’s crowded watch market.
