Minase, who we’ve covered once before, is a young Japanese watch brand that was founded in 2005 by Kyowa Co., Ltd., a cutting tool manufacturer that dates back to 1963. Originally specializing in precision drills (such as step drills) for metal machining, the company began helping watch manufacturers and still does, which eventually led to their expansion into watchmaking.

The company’s latest wristwatch is the Divido Dégradé Dial which uses the company’s existing round 40.5 mm x 12 mm stainless steel case. The dial has a dark gray to a bluish hue that graduates from lighter in the center to darker on the perimeter and was inspired by Japanese ink painting.

In addition to the gradation dial, which requires coating a copper disc with multiple layers of lacquer, the case finishing uses a “Zaratsu” polishing technique, also used by Seiko and Grand Seiko, among others in Japan. Further, the case (and bracelets) have a distinctive design that truly makes this company stand out, all within reasonable dimensions.

Driving the functions is a basic automatic 4Hz Swiss made ETA 2824 movement with 38-hours of power reserve, which has been decorated by Minase. The company does have its own movement but it only goes in more expensive models at this point. A large cut-out has been made for the date wheel, and the dial slopes downwards towards the perimeter. Oversized, faceted, applied indices go well with the angular case lines. The dial is protected by a box-type sapphire crystal. Water-resistance is 50 meters. It comes with a rubber strap and folding steel clasp.

The Divido Dégradé dial will go on sale directly from Minase beginning at the end of November 2019. Retail is approximately $3,350.

Learn more at Minase.