Minase Divido 2.0
The Minase Divido 2.0 looks very similar to its predecessor, an impressive watch that ESCAPEMENT reviewed in 2020. This new model perfectly demonstrates Japan’s penchant for continuous improvement, culminating in the Divido proving even better than ever.
Minase is a subsidiary of Kyowa & Co, a Japanese tool making specialist founded in 1963. The watch brand began selling timepieces in its native Japan back in 2005 and proclaims to be ‘Japan’s smallest watch factory’. The brand’s atelier is located in the Yuzawa Mountains, approximately 340 miles north of Tokyo. It’s reminiscent of the Vallée de Joux where locals shelter from the long, harsh winters and some choose to craft fine watches.
Over the years, I have worn German, Swiss and Japanese watches which inevitably prompts the question, who makes the best? I would argue that the specification and price are the driving factors relating to excellence rather than the country of origin. However, the country of origin often influences the design and the overall approach taken.
In the case of Minase, the brand has repeatedly followed its own path. Indeed, there is no chance of Minase ever being accused of plagiarism. Take its ‘case in case’ structure, for instance. When held to the light, there is a small gap between the hand-painted copper dial and the case.
The ‘inner case’ is comprised of an upper dial surface that sits upon a lower dial surface. The lower dial features a triangular index that points to the prevailing date. A holder, positioned below the dials, keeps the above parts in position along with the movement.
In terms of the ‘outer case’, the indexes are located on a separate ring affixed to the main case. The indexes project over the aforementioned gap, seemingly resting on the upper dial surface.
The ingenious case in case structure affords Minase more possibilities for future updates or new releases without having to invest in a wholly new inventory of parts. Moreover, should a component become damaged at some point in the future, it can easily be exchanged by a trained watchmaker.
This modular approach is also evident with the bracelet. Termed MORE (Minase Original Rebuilding Equation), the bracelet was ‘inspired by Japanese wooden puzzles’. The unusual construction method allows the brand to assemble and disassemble components easily. This is particularly beneficial if one part becomes damaged. The cost of replacing a couple of links proves far more affordable than paying for a new bracelet.
When appraising the case and bracelet of a Minase watch, its impressive quality is palpable. The brand employs Zaratsu hand-polishing, a technique also used by Grand Seiko. The resultant mirror-like finish exudes a notable degree of refinement.
Now, the Japanese marque has unveiled the Minase Divido 2.0. Last year, I wore a sample of the first generation Divido and was mightily impressed. However, the land of the rising sun is the home of ‘Kaizen’, a culture of ‘continuous improvement’ where advancement is a way of life. Therefore, it is perhaps not surprising that Minase has chosen to release a new Divido, the aptly named Divido 2.0. At first glance, it looks similar to its predecessor, albeit the case is slightly slimmer. Perhaps the biggest difference relates to the model’s movement. The watch brand has always been very honest about using Swiss-made calibres. The Minase Divido VM04 I wore last year was fitted with the ETA 2824-2 which had been subsequently modified by the Japanese firm.
With the Minase Divido 2.0 the ETA 2824-2 has been supplanted by the ETA 2892/A2. This latter movement is slimmer and has a longer power-reserve (50 hours). Consistent with other Minase models, the company’s skilled watchmakers have enhanced the ETA base. There is much hand-finishing in evidence, including ‘perlage, blue screws, bridges with diamond polished bevels’ while the main plate and bridges are presented in black or. The oscillating mass has been personalised by the brand and incorporates a series of apertures inspired by the shape of a drill bit, a nod to the watch firm’s parent company.
On reflection, Minase should be applauded for not resting on its laurels but continuously seeking improvement for the benefit of its clientele.
The brand’s press
DIVIDO is the only round model in Minase collection and very appreciated for its peculiar yet beguiling appearance and the high level of craftsmanship it displays. Divido 2.0 is now a little thinner and fitted with a completely new movement with a new Swiss made movement based upon ETA 2892 ébauches and entirely customized for Minase.
Division that brings together
DIVIDO means division in Esperanto and the watch was called so because it is constructed following the Japanese Jigsaw puzzle model. Through a revolutionary approach in watchmaking, the dial seems to be floating inside the case, almost suspended below the box-type sapphire window, and this is no optical illusion. Indeed, there is physical space between the case and the edges of the dial, which is only fixed by four tiny screws on the corners, enabling light to flood in from all sides on the hand-painted stamped copper dial. Another special feature that meets the eye is the window displaying the number preceding and following the current “D-day” with a little arrow pointing to the current date.
A unique handmade watch
Manufactured in Japan, all Minase timepieces bear the registered label “HiZ “, a concept inspired by the Japanese words Hizu (exceptional) and Hi Izuru Kuni (Land of the rising sun). The products labelled HiZ are unique with innovative features such as the “case in case” structure, the extraordinary Sallaz (Zaratsu) hand-polishing and the construction principle “MORE” (Minase Original Rebuild Equation).
Highly skilled craftsmen spend more than 20 hours working on the polish of a single watch. Indeed, the result is remarkable with the flawless mirror polished surfaces standing in perfect contrast to the satin areas.
The top sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating. The polyhedric crown bears the brand’s logo, a drill head that pays homage to the origins of the parent company, Kyowa.
As with every Minase watch, the Divido 2.0 does not have a dial in the traditional sense. The movement is wrapped inside a steel cover (the top of which acts as the dial plate), on which a separate index ring is then attached. Fitted with the hands and a casing ring, the element is then attached to the case with 4 tiny screws. This is the case in case concept, unique to Minase timepieces.
A New Movement
Minase’s new KT7002 is a Swiss made movement based on ETA 2892/A2 ebauches. This high-end execution displays hand-finished surfaces with perlage, blue screws, bridges with diamond polished bevels and a main plate and bridges in black “or”. With 50 hours’ power reserve, Minase’s KT7002 movement offers some 12 more hours of autonomy than the previous movement.
The new Minase rotor is displaying the brand’s drill head logo, while several openings reveal the movement underneath. This component is assembled with MPS lubrication-free bearings. With its ETACHRON regulating system, this is a very high precision execution. 21 Jewels. Frequency 28’800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz).
Available on Minase webshop
The first series of Divido 2.0 has already arrived at our offices in Switzerland and are available for order on our website: www.minasewatches.ch/webshop. Delivery time of 3-4 days.
The first collection of Divido will remain available as long as stock lasts.
Further reading