{"id":672586,"date":"2026-11-02T11:08:30","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T11:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/672586\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T11:08:30","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T11:08:30","slug":"introducing-the-sleeker-more-compact-and-more-accessible-minase-mastercraft-j3-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/672586\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing: The Sleeker, More Compact and More Accessible Minase Mastercraft J3 Collection"},"content":{"rendered":"

Minase<\/a> is a Japanese microbrand specialising in complex watch cases with superlative handmade finishing. Based in Akita, Minase was founded in 2005 as a spin-off of Kyowa, a specialist manufacturer of watchmaking tools. Its portfolio of complex, multi-faceted, three-dimensional cases, featured in the Divido<\/a>, Horizon<\/a> and Windows<\/a> collections, has attracted attention and appreciation beyond Japan\u2019s borders. In a radical departure from the dramatic avant-garde profiles, profusion of sapphire crystal and large dimensions that characterise the brand, Minase adopts the time-honoured Japanese trait of minimalism. Scaled down and pared back, Minase introduces the Mastercraft J3, a compact 37mm model in a streamlined case. In a coherent move for a thoroughbred Japanese brand, Minase \u2013 for the first time in its history \u2013 equips its watch with a Japanese movement.<\/p>\n

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Although the Mastercraft J3 might be considered a \u201cnew\u201d model, it is, in fact, a return to the brand\u2019s roots, which began with the M1 in 2005. Designed around the concept of \u201cultimate simplicity\u201d, the M1 was an integrated, ultra-thin 37mm steel model that showcased the brand\u2019s refined case-manufacturing skills \u2013 but it was powered by quartz. Following the hybrid M2 and mechanical M3 editions, which were sold exclusively in Japan, editors at Fratello teamed up with Minase<\/a> to produce the M3 \u201cVery Peri\u201d, \u201cNori<\/a>\u201d and \u201cShiro<\/a>\u201d editions, introducing the model to an international audience. Inspired by the tonneau-shaped case of the M3, Minase\u2019s Mastercraft J3 refines the design further by reducing the case from 38.8mm to 37mm and the thickness from 10.8mm to 9.9 mm.<\/p>\n

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A Minase watch would never be a Minase if it didn\u2019t bear the meticulous hand-finished touches the brand is famous for.\u00a0 Although the brand calls it a cushion-shaped case, it\u2019s closer to a helmet- or bullhead-style case with a subtle 1970s aura. The case\u2019s swooping lines feature a brushed top and gleaming Sallaz or mirror-polished bevels. Anyone familiar with the brand knows that Sallaz polishing is an in-house speciality, achieving distortion-free mirror surfaces and sharply defined edges. The round bezel is also mirror-polished to dramatic effect. However, unlike the larger, 100m water-resistant M3, the J3\u2019s depth rating has been reduced to 50m.<\/p>\n

\"minase-mastercraft-j3-entry-level-collection-miyota-introducing-2\" <\/a> <\/p>\n

The three watches share sand-textured dials and come in white, black or beige. Once again, Minase\u2019s mastery of metal shines through in the stepped and polished indices and hands, highlighted with luminescent inserts that glow blue in the dark. The peripheral precision track is raised and features cutout areas to accommodate the rectangular indices.<\/p>\n

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Minase\u2019s choice of movement carries a certain irony. In its early years as a Japan-only brand, the brand equipped the original M3 with the Swiss Sellita SW200-1, a calibre whose provenance carried particular weight and prestige among Japanese collectors. With the J3, however, Minase reverses that logic, fitting the watch with a robust and reliable Miyota 90S5 automatic movement<\/a>. Running at 28,800 vibrations\/hour with a 42-hour power reserve, the slim calibre lets the watch maintain its lean 9.9mm profile.<\/p>\n

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Versatility is also part of the package, with a one-touch quick-change system supporting various fully interchangeable options. Prices start at USD 2,050 on a calfskin strap, move to USD 2,080 on a rubber strap, and top out at USD 2,500 for the classic stainless steel bracelet combination. More information at minasewatches.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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