Shinzo Abe wore a Minase Divido, reference VM04-R01SD, at the 2019 G20 meeting in Osaka, according to watch publication Fratello. That dated sighting—not a claim about the preferences of Japan’s current prime minister—is the basis for Minase’s association with the office. The brand’s appeal lies in its Japanese case-making roots, intricate case construction and hand finishing, paired with mechanical movements whose origin varies by model.
What watch did Shinzo Abe wear?
Fratello identified Abe’s watch at the 2019 Osaka G20 meeting as the Minase Divido VM04-R01SD (Fratello’s report). A 2019 Nikkei report says Abe learned about Minase through his wife’s recommendation. An aide said Abe wore the watch with the aim of presenting a domestic brand at an international meeting and supporting regional business (Nikkei’s account). This is a reported occasion, not evidence of a continuing endorsement or current ownership.
Fratello’s account describes that reference as having a polished case, a case-in-case dial construction and a Swiss ETA 2824-based movement. Those are details of the Abe-associated reference as reported in 2019, not verified specifications for every Divido or current production version.
What is Minase?
Minase is a Japanese watch brand from Akita Prefecture, associated with Kyowa Seiko and its precision cutting-tool and watch-case manufacturing background. The brand’s own history traces its development from watch-case and watch manufacturing in 1988, to OEM finished-watch production in 1993, brand development in 2001, and the launch of its first GREADY (M1) watch in 2005 (Minase’s brand history).
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Minase describes its watches as made in Japan and fitted with Swiss mechanical movements, while individual models can differ. For example, the Master Craft J3 announcement specifies a Miyota 90S5 movement. The brand says it produces fewer than 500 timepieces a year; its current brand page does not state the figure’s year, and it is a company-published figure rather than an independently audited output count (Minase collections).
What makes Minase watches different?
Case-making expertise and case-in-case construction
Minase’s case-manufacturing background informs its emphasis on the case as more than a container for the movement. The brand’s HiZ approach includes a case-in-case structure and MORE, short for Minase Original Rebuild Equation. The construction allows separate case parts to be finished individually; Minase says this also supports repair and fine-grained maintenance (Minase’s brand history).
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- ⌚【Minimalist Design】Unique design (mysterious and unconventional).Simple & Elegant. Casual fashion watch.
- ⌚【Selected Watch Material】Japanese quartz movement, provides precise and accurate time keeping.
- ⌚【Daily Water Resistant】Water resistant to 99 feet (30 M),withstands rain and splashes of water, but not showering or submersion
- ⌚【Premium Material Band】High quality watch band, cool and outsanding with a comfortable wearing experience.
- ⌚【Good After-sale Service】SK has been manufacturing fashion watches with a long history. Professional and state-of-art design to meet different meets.LOVE Me TENDER, LOVE Me HOME.
Sallaz polishing and surface contrast
Minase describes Sallaz mirror finishing as hand polishing against a wheel. The resulting reflective surfaces contrast with brushed areas, making the case geometry and transitions between finishes a defining part of the design. On the Windows collection page, the brand says skilled craftspeople spend more than 20 hours polishing a single watch. That is a collection-page claim, not a universal labor figure for every Minase model (Minase’s Windows page).
The same page attributes this statement to Yusuke Takahashi, identified there as a Minase polisher of 45 years: “I am very proud of this watch because to me, it is the result of a lifetime’s work at Minase.” The quotation concerns the watch presented on that page, not necessarily the entire range.
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- Classic solid brass casing with thick retro mineral glass crystal and scratchproof stainless steel back.
- Vintage style hypoallergenic croc-print vegan leather bracelet with matching brass buckle.
- Start your own graphic art collection and collect things of beauty that will appreciate in value over the years. Build a legacy of the things you love.
Sapphire windows on the Windows collection
Windows, also known through Five Windows and Seven Windows models, uses sapphire windows around the case to reveal parts of the movement, according to Minase. The brand page also describes a movement with 21 jewels, a 50-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). Those figures belong to the movement described on that page; check the exact model and retail reference before applying them to a particular watch.
Japanese manufacture does not mean every movement is Japanese
Minase’s Japanese-made positioning and Swiss mechanical movements are not contradictory: the origin of the watch’s manufacture and the origin of its movement are separate details. Nor should the brand-wide description be taken to mean that every model uses the same movement or that every component is Japanese. The Master Craft J3, for instance, is specified with a Miyota 90S5 movement in Kyowa Seiko’s July 2026 announcement.
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- 【Creative Anime-Inspired Design】 This men's sports watch stands out with its unique anime-inspired design, featuring a striking sketch-style dial that blends minimalist black and white tones with creative artwork.The dial’s minimalist aesthetic ensures that the watch remains sleek and sophisticated, making it perfect for both young men and students.
- 【Sketch-Style Dial】The dial’s is the centerpiece of this watch, offering a creative, hand-drawn design that mimics the artistic sketches found in anime. With every glance, the watch draws attention to its innovative design, appealing to those who appreciate artistic expression and anime culture.
- 【High-Quality and Durable】Powered by a reliable quartz movement, this watch guarantees precise and consistent timekeeping, keeping you on track throughout the day. The sturdy ABS case provides excellent protection against wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting durability. Whether you're heading to class, the gym, or a night out, this watch is built to handle all your activities without compromising on style.
- 【Comfortable and Adjustable Fit】Designed for those with an active lifestyle, this sports watch features a robust structure and is made to last. The lightweight yet durable material makes it comfortable to wear throughout the day, and the water-resistant feature ensures that it can withstand splashes and sweat.
- 【Versatile and Practical】With its innovative design and practical features, this watch is suitable for a variety of occasions. The sketch watch is more than just a timepiece—it’s a statement of creativity, youth, and individuality. Plus, the simple yet striking design makes it easy to pair with different outfits, ensuring you'll always look sharp.
Minase collections and a current model
The brand’s history names Divido, Five Windows, Horizon, Seven Windows, Uruga, Luna Arch and the 2024 MS Strap among its milestones. The official webshop currently presents J3, Divido, Uruga, Windows, Horizon and Masterpiece collections; catalog listings can change, so use the official webshop to check live models and specifications.
Master Craft J3
In a July 7, 2026 release, Kyowa Seiko described the Master Craft J3 as the first model in the J collection, based on M3. The announcement specifies a Miyota 90S5, a Sallaz-polished bezel and white, beige and gray dial options. It gives July 24, 2026 as the domestic Japan launch date (Kyowa Seiko’s announcement). That release does not establish international stock or current prices.
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How to compare Minase models
Rather than assuming that one collection is simply a smaller or more expensive version of another, compare the individual watch’s proportions, case architecture and finishing. These details shape both its appearance and how it wears.
- Case shape and dimensions: Compare the exact case measurements and profile with your wrist; collection names alone do not tell you how a watch will fit.
- Construction: Check whether the specific model uses a case-in-case design or another case architecture.
- Finishing: Look at where mirror-polished and brushed surfaces meet, and whether the model’s description specifies Sallaz polishing.
- Movement: Verify the movement name and origin for the exact reference rather than inferring them from the brand’s general description.
- Dial and visibility: Compare dial treatment and whether the model uses sapphire windows to expose parts of the movement.
- Strap or bracelet: Check the supplied configuration and attachment details for the particular reference.
Minase’s official webshop is a starting point for current catalog information, but prices, warranty terms, service policies and authorized sellers vary by market and are not established here. Confirm those details with the brand or a seller before buying.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
