The Japanese microbrand Minase creates watches with a distinctive personality and meticulous attention to detail. Minase's philosophy, emphasizing artisanal craftsmanship, respect for tradition, and a willingness to learn through trial and error, reflects its Japanese heritage. Known for its signature 'case-in-case' construction, Minase also stands out for its exceptional watchmaking methods. The movement is housed in a container with no dial - at least in the conventional sense. The dial is placed between the chapter ring and the case ring, creating an impression of a floating structure within the case. Among the Divido collection, it is the only round model. Now it is equipped with a new movement and a slimmer case. Meet the Minase Divido 2.0.
As the name suggests, Divido 2.0 is an evolution of the original Divido model. At first glance, the update is barely noticeable, as the model has retained its characteristic design and personality. Inside the complex, round, yet angular case, the dial appears to float. This suspended construction creates a sense of depth, enhanced by the three-dimensional indices, curved hands following the dial's contours, and the original date indicator. The dial is made of forged copper and coated with lacquer, creating a reflection almost like mother-of-pearl.
The main update in the Divido 2.0 model concerns the movement. The model is now equipped with a thinner and more elegant movement - the automatic caliber KT7002, based on the ETA 2892/A2 ébauche. Minase traditionally trusts its mechanics to Swiss manufacturers, while performing significant refinements. In this version, the time-tested movement features hand-finished surfaces with perlage, blued screws, bridges with diamond-polished bevels, and a main plate and bridges in 'black or' color. The rotor is skeletonized to replicate the brand's logo in the form of a drill head and reveal the mechanism hidden beneath it. It is mounted on MPS bearings, which do not require lubrication, instead of the traditional 2892 bearings. According to the 2892 specifications, the movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a 50-hour power reserve when fully wound.
This new movement provides 12 additional hours of autonomy compared to the previous movement based on the ETA 2824. Importantly, it has also become thinner, which allowed the case height to be reduced to 11 mm from the previous 12 mm. Although the diameter has changed little (40.6 mm), the Divido 2.0 case demonstrates surprisingly balanced proportions. The use of a central part with black PVD coating further emphasizes the case's distinctive angular profile. The crown features embossed polished claws gripping a black insert with the brand's logo.
The Divido model retains its vibrant personality on the wrist, but the thinner case also provides greater comfort. Like previous versions, the Divido is offered on a patterned rubber strap or a steel bracelet with a folding clasp. As always with Minase, the architecture and finish of the bracelet are thoughtfully designed and well-executed. The bracelet's side has no holes, but screws are visible underneath. Each segment is screwed in separately and can be disassembled. It is surprisingly articulated, making it flexible and comfortable on the wrist.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Minase Divido 2.0 model is now available on the brand's website and is offered with a white, blue (blue to white gradient), gray (gray to white gradient), or purple-blue dial. Models on a rubber strap are priced at 4,300 Swiss francs, and on a steel bracelet - 5,400 Swiss francs.
For more information and to order the model, please visit www.minasewatches.ch.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – MINASE DIVIDO 2.0
Case: diameter 40.6 mm x height 11.0 mm – lug-to-lug 48.7 mm – stainless steel case, matte and polished (Zaratsu technique) – sapphire crystals front and back – water resistance 50 meters
Movement: caliber KT7002, based on ETA-2892/A2 with Minase finishing and personalization – automatic – power reserve 50 hours – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 21 jewels – hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Strap: Rubber strap or steel bracelet – with steel folding clasp
Availability: Now available in the brand's online boutique
Price: 4,300 Swiss francs on rubber strap, 5,400 Swiss francs on steel bracelet