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We proudly announce our third collaboration with Japanese watchmaker Minase to bring you the Fratello × Minase M-3 "Nori". This is a watch that captures the key features of classic Japanese watch design. With a beautiful seaweed green dial and fantastic Sallaz polishing, the M-3 is a model previously only available in Japan.

Classic Minase and classically Fratello

The Fratello × Minase M-3 “Nori” Limited Edition comes in a steel case with a diameter of 39mm, a height of 10,5mm, and the lug-to-lug length is 46mm. It’s a size that ensures great comfort on almost any wrist. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters and features behind the closed, engraved Fratello case back. Inside is a Minase-modified Sellita SW200 movement with the date removed, thus eliminating the “ghost date” position on the crown. 

Green is the colour

Calling this watch “Green” would’ve been lazy and a discredit to the Japanese way of doing things. That’s why we set out on a quest for the perfect name. It led us to the Japan Museum SieboldHuis in Leiden. The museum is named after German physician, botanist, and traveler Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796–1866). Kris Schiermeier, the director of the museum, guided us through it to tell us more about the color green and its meaning in Japanese culture. We also searched for objects in the same shade of green as the dial. 

Learning makes anyone hungry, and because we felt inspired after the museum visit, we went to a restaurant called Dozo in The Hague. Sushi just seemed appropriate. It was the temaki with salmon and avocado that delivered the eureka moment. With the watch on the wrist and the roll in hand, it became very obvious that this Minase M-3 should be named after the very tasty toasted seaweed that holds the mixture of rice, salmon, and avocado together — nori. Sometimes you find inspiration by looking at a mountain lake at 3:47 on a crisp morning in May, and sometimes you find it in your hand moments before you take a bite.

The M-3’s versatility is a subtle feature

With the Fratello × Minase M-3 “Nori,” we took a different approach to finding the perfect strap for the watch. After all, a watch strap is the often unsung hero. It’s pretty incredible how much difference a simple watch strap can make. As we wanted to display the versatility of the M-3 as a canvas, the strap was quite significant. We worked with our strap-maker to produce a strap that perfectly complemented and enhanced the Nori dial. We decided on a special khaki green Fratello Signature Nubuck strap. The perfect combination of casual and sophistication.

The most affordable Minase

The watch will be available for a price of just €2,470 excluding VAT. Keep in mind that if you're inside the EU, VAT is automatically calculated and added. By keeping the price relatively wallet-friendly, we are opening up the world of exclusive Japanese watchmaking to a broader audience. Please keep in mind that Minase produces less than 500 timepieces a year and also takes its craft very seriously. The company philosophy is to create unique Japanese-made watches that pay tribute to the culture and traditions of Japan.

Sales are open for one week — No limited quantities

Sales remain open for one week until 4pm CEST on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023. That means you have some time to think about it and make up your mind. There is, of course, a limit to how quickly Minase can produce these watches. The first 100 pieces will be delivered in January 2024, and every subsequent batch will be delivered in three-month increments after that. 

VAT/taxes are adjusted to your locale at checkout once you’ve added your shipping information. If your shipping address is outside of the EU, VAT is removed, and the price is €2,470 but you may be liable for import fees at delivery. Please check with your local customs office for more information.

Specifications

Dial: "Nori" green
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 39mm × 46mm × 10.5mm (including crystal)
Lug Width: 20mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Case Back: Stainless steel
Movement: Sellita SW200-1 (modified to remove the date)
Power Reserve: ~42 hours
Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100 meters)
Strap: Khaki green Fratello Siganture Nubuck strap, tapered 20/16 with 16mm Minase buckle
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Price: €2,470 ex VAT (taxes automatically adjusted at checkout)

*Please note: Our Refund Policy applies to all pre-orders. Should you change your mind after placing your order, Fratello will honor any cancellations and offer a full refund where the request is made before the pre-order window closes. Once the pre-order window is closed, all orders are final, and we are unable to cancel your order and offer a refund. All pre-ordered watches are bespoke and made-to-order, so the regular 14-day return window does not apply.