Precision Japanese Craftsmanship

Introducing the Fratello × Minase Divido Limited Edition

We are proud to announce our latest collaboration with Japanese watchmakers Minase, to bring you the Fratello × Minase Divido with a rich, blue "suiboku-ga" dial and limited to just 10 pieces worldwide.

Japanese watchmaking has become synonymous with excellent finishing and attention to detail, and the Minase is no exception. When it comes to case finishing, Minase places the importance of hand-applied finishes at the fore of everything it does. This very Japanese attitude to watchmaking shines through at every possible stage when examining the Fratello × Minase Divido Limited Edition.

The Divido — Fratello style

Since its launch in 2013, the Divido has become one of the most recognizable and most popular models in Minase’s catalog. Indeed, it is our favorite of Minase’s designs and seemed the logical place to start. With Minase’s watches’ focus being the incredible case and bracelet quality, we decided we wanted a dial that would speak up and demand the wearer’s attention in equal measure.

Color me blue

We are big fans of color here at Fratello. When done right, color can take watch design to the next level. Picking the right color, shade, volume, and finish is all very much an artistic science. Thankfully, the Japanese are well known for their mastery of the science of art. Between Fratello and Minase, we came up with the glorious blue dial you see before you today.

The inspiration for Minase dials can be found in the the principle of "suiboku-ga" ink and water painting. The suiboku-ga painter expertly modifies the ink dilution, the brush position, the depth of the stroke and line thickness, sharpness and level of color. Essentially, Minase has replaced the ink with a special lacquer, but held true to the same principle, using a brush. This is what gives the dial such impressive depth of reflection and shadow play depending on the light hitting the dial.

Cased to perfection

The Divido case is a 40.5mm case composed of several parts with many Sallaz polished and brushed surfaces, highlighting Minase’s expertise in metalwork and finishing. Not all finishes are created equally. Even something as seemingly simple as brushing can be starkly different between watch brands. Minase’s Japanese perfection is clearly evident on the Divido case, with perfectly uniform lines brushed with the right combination of texture and subtlety. The Sallaz polishing is what really helps elevate the Divido to the next echelon of visual impact.

A choice of straps

The Fratello × Minase Divido Limited Edition comes on a choice of either a rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet. The black rubber strap is the cheaper option. It offers a comfortable wearing experience and is fastened by a similarly excellent fold-over clasp, decorated with the Minase “drill head” logo.

As one would expect from a company that cut its teeth on a groundwork of precision metalworking and machining expertise, the bracelet is nothing short of exceptional. All too often, bracelets let down the overall design of a watch, often appearing as solid-yet-unspectacular afterthoughts. Here, nothing could be further from the truth. Minase has matched the excellent casework with a bracelet of equal quality. The Divido bracelet is thin yet strong. It articulates beautifully and boasts the same type of Sallaz finishing as the rest of the watch.

Please note: We strongly recommend that strap or bracelet changes are done by a watchmaker.

Japanese excellence

Working with Minase, we were determined to allow the Fratello × Minase Divido Limited Edition to shine equally on both the dial side and the case back. By black-coating the movement holder, adding some engraving, and creating a custom, black-coated, and decorated movement rotor, the case back’s visual impact was finally on par with the front of the watch.

At Fratello, we are incredibly proud to bring you a limited edition release with a brand such as Minase. With its dedication to its craft and exceptional watches, we are thrilled to finally be able to release our collaborative project into the wild. However, when we say limited, it is indeed that. With just 10 pieces being made, this is a prime opportunity to experience Japanese watchmaking’s best-kept secret.

Please note: These watches are assembled by hand and made to order, so delivery times are around 3-6 weeks.

Specifications

Model: Fratello × Minase Divido Limited Edition
Dial: Royal blue "suiboku-ga"
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 40.5mm x 48.5mm x 12mm
Lug width: 20mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Case Back: Sapphire
Movement: Minase KT7001 (Sellita SW200-1 base)
Power reserve: 38 hours
Water Resistance: 5 atm (50 meters)
Strap: Choice of rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet
Functions: Hours, minutes, central second hand, date
Price including VAT: €3,950.00 (rubber strap) or €4,980.00 (stainless steel bracelet)