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All the watch news, reviews, videos you want, brought to you from fellow collectors
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Japanese watchmaker Minase has introduced the Mastercraft J3, a new interpretation of the brand’s early M3 collection (2008) and its philosophy of “ultimate simplicity.” Inspired by the M3 – which gained international attention in 2023 with the M3 Nori exclusive edition for Fratello – the J3 brings the original concept into a smaller, more contemporary, and accessible format.
For the J3, Minase has reduced the M3’s case from 38.8 mm to 37 mm while trimming its thickness from 10.8 mm to 9.9 mm, thereby making it a unisex watch. Its cushion-shaped stainless-steel case surrounds a round dial opening – reminiscent of 1970s aesthetics. The brand has introduced three references – white (Ref. J3-NBLNWH-SSD), beige (Ref. J3-NGYNBE-SSD), and black (Ref. J3-NBKNBK-SSD).
Also Read: Minase's new Windows collection features electroformed copper dials
As with Minase’s other collections, the brand has upheld craftsmanship while maintaining simplicity. The stainless-steel components are finished using the Sallaz polishing technique, which produces distortion-free mirror surfaces and sharply defined edges, reflecting Minase’s emphasis on hand-finishing and details that cannot easily be achieved through mass production.
Three dial options are available in white, beige, and black. Each uses a sand-textured surface designed to create subtle depth and changing interactions with light depending on the viewing angle. Sharp-cut hands provide contrast, while both the hands and indexes are treated with blue luminescent material for improved visibility.
Minase, though a Japan-based brand, is renowned for using Swiss movements. However, it is the first time that the watchmaker has used a Japanese movement in its watches. The Mastercraft J3 uses the Miyota 90S5 automatic calibre, manufactured by Citizen and introduced in 2019. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and provides approximately 42 hours of power reserve.
Also Read: A fresh ice blue dial for the new Minase Uruga collection
The J3 is also designed around flexibility, with a one-touch quick-change system that allows the straps to be switched without tools. The options include three crocodile-embossed calf leather straps, four leather straps, two rubber straps, and a classic stainless-steel bracelet. Additional straps and bracelets can be purchased separately.
The collection will officially launch during Geneva Watch Days, which is set to take place from September 2–6 at the Beau-Rivage Palace. Prices start at USD 2,050 on a calf leather strap, while the rubber-strap version is USD 2,080 and the stainless-steel bracelet version is USD 2,500. A standalone stainless-steel bracelet costs USD 700, while additional rubber and calf leather straps with buckles are priced at USD 280 and USD 250, respectively.
Images: Minase
Japanese watchmaker Minase has introduced the Mastercraft J3, a new interpretation of the brand’s early M3 collection (2008) and its philosophy of “ultimate simplicity.” Inspired by the M3 – which gained international attention in 2023 with the M3 Nori exclusive edition for Fratello – the J3 brings the original concept into a smaller, more contemporary, and accessible format.
For the J3, Minase has reduced the M3’s case from 38.8 mm to 37 mm while trimming its thickness from 10.8 mm to 9.9 mm, thereby making it a unisex watch. Its cushion-shaped stainless-steel case surrounds a round dial opening – reminiscent of 1970s aesthetics. The brand has introduced three references – white (Ref. J3-NBLNWH-SSD), beige (Ref. J3-NGYNBE-SSD), and black (Ref. J3-NBKNBK-SSD).
Also Read: Minase's new Windows collection features electroformed copper dials
As with Minase’s other collections, the brand has upheld craftsmanship while maintaining simplicity. The stainless-steel components are finished using the Sallaz polishing technique, which produces distortion-free mirror surfaces and sharply defined edges, reflecting Minase’s emphasis on hand-finishing and details that cannot easily be achieved through mass production.
Three dial options are available in white, beige, and black. Each uses a sand-textured surface designed to create subtle depth and changing interactions with light depending on the viewing angle. Sharp-cut hands provide contrast, while both the hands and indexes are treated with blue luminescent material for improved visibility.
Minase, though a Japan-based brand, is renowned for using Swiss movements. However, it is the first time that the watchmaker has used a Japanese movement in its watches. The Mastercraft J3 uses the Miyota 90S5 automatic calibre, manufactured by Citizen and introduced in 2019. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and provides approximately 42 hours of power reserve.
Also Read: A fresh ice blue dial for the new Minase Uruga collection
The J3 is also designed around flexibility, with a one-touch quick-change system that allows the straps to be switched without tools. The options include three crocodile-embossed calf leather straps, four leather straps, two rubber straps, and a classic stainless-steel bracelet. Additional straps and bracelets can be purchased separately.
The collection will officially launch during Geneva Watch Days, which is set to take place from September 2–6 at the Beau-Rivage Palace. Prices start at USD 2,050 on a calf leather strap, while the rubber-strap version is USD 2,080 and the stainless-steel bracelet version is USD 2,500. A standalone stainless-steel bracelet costs USD 700, while additional rubber and calf leather straps with buckles are priced at USD 280 and USD 250, respectively.
Images: Minase
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