Minase’s purpose is to create timepieces that could only be made in Japan. The challenge is to translate culture into form. The company celebrates not only Japanese crafts and nature, but also the Japanese sensibility to beauty, and the belief that greatness resides in the finest details.
This time, Minase ventures off the beaten path with the introduction of a pocket watch. The stainless steel twelve-sided case is polished with the sallaz finishing technique and contains a hand-made maki-e dial, a lacquer art developed solely in Japan. The backside of the case as well as the bow are produced in an exclusive steel that can usually only be found on traditional Japanese swords such as the katanas. The pocket watch was developed in the spirit of Mederu, a typical Japanese term depicting the joy of encountering beauty, the appreciation of subtle textures and details, and the act of cherishing something with care and affection. To achieve this masterpiece, Minase collaborates with two great craftsmen, Junichi Hakose for the lacquer and maki-e art, and swordsmith Ishida Kunihisa for the forged steel.
The Wajima Maki-e Technique Applied to Dials
The base of Minase maki-e dials is brass, carefully heat-treated, polished and lacquered. Designs are then painted in lacquer, and before the surface dries, fine powders of gold and silver, along with colored pigments, are delicately sprinkled onto it. Each piece takes months to complete and embodies patience, precision, and a tradition of craftsmanship refined over centuries.
Asagimadara Dial
The Asagimadara is a migratory butterfly that can travel up to 2’000 kilometers, crossing seas and islands throughout Asia. In Japan, the Asagimadara symbolizes travel, seasonal change and connection across long distances. The Asagimadara dial thus carries a deep meaning. Lacquer artist Mr. Hakose envisioned the pocket watch as a bridge between Japan and the wider world—a vessel of cultural connection. The white areas of the butterfly’s wings are created using the rankaku technique. Thin shells of quail eggs are crushed into fine fragments and placed onto the dial surface. The small square windows within the composition are inspired by the lights of a distant city—suggesting human presence and connection with nature.
Phoenix Dial
The Phoenix is a legendary sacred bird, traditionally depicted with the head of a rooster, the wings of a crane, and the tail feathers of a peacock. It symbolizes transformation, resilience and hope after destruction. Lacquer artist Hakose’s composition of the Phoenix in full flight is a true mastery of lacquer art. The level of detail is mesmerizing: even the tail feathers - with details invisible to the naked eye - are rendered with extraordinary precision. After months of meticulous process, the artist’s last touch is the painting of the phoenix’s eye, a last brush stroke that gives life to the dial.
Tamahagane Steel and Black Patina
In Japan, the traditional sword is more than a weapon; it is a powerful cultural symbol. Historically carried by the Samurai, the sword represented honor, discipline, and loyalty. Master swordsmiths treated the forging process as an art form and spiritual practice. The name engraved on a good sword was meant to remain visible for 800 years. The blade is traditionally forged from Tamahagane steel, a high-carbon steel produced in a clay furnace. Swordsmiths repeatedly fold and forge the metal to remove impurities. They apply controlled rusting, followed by polishing. The caseback and bow of Minase’s pocket watch are forged from this very same steel.
In time, such steel develops a black patina, a dark surface layer that forms on metal due to controlledm oxidation. Instead of shiny bare metal, the surface becomes dark grey to deep black. Unlike rust, black patina is stable and protective and gives metal an aged and traditional look. The patina will continue to mature over decades, its richest tone emerging 50 to 100 years from now. The pocket watch owner is invited to touch and hold the watch every day to nurture the patina as it grows, allowing time to become part of the work.
Watch Stand and Accessories
Completing the presentation, the watch stand is crafted from wood by a local artisan manufacturer situated near the Minase factory, underscoring the brand’s commitment to regional craftsmanship and thoughtful designs. Each piece is individually lacquered by Mr. Junichi Hakose. The metal ornament at the top is made of stainless steel. Its faceted form is inspired by the multi-sided geometry of the watch case, and every surface is finished with Sallaz polishing. In addition, a leather pouch and two braided cords of different lengths, traditionally crafted in Asakusa, Tokyo, are included. The watch and its accessories are presented in a luxury hand-made box from Akita cedar wood.
