What is MINASE J3? The story behind the MASTER CRAFT J3's development and its "ultimate simplicity" inherited from the M3
In 2026, the Japanese watch brand "MINASE," manufactured in Minase, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, introduced its new model, "MASTER CRAFT J3."
The MINASE J3 is a Japanese-made mechanical wristwatch that inherits the design of the "M3," which can be considered the brand's origin, while modernizing its case size, thickness, dial, and movement.
With a compact size of 37.4mm in diameter and 9.9mm in thickness, it incorporates MINASE's signature Sallaz polishing and precise case machining. Furthermore, the J3 features the Japanese-made automatic movement "MIYOTA 90S5."
However, tracing the background of the MASTER CRAFT J3 reveals that this model is more than just a new product.
In fact, several years before the J3's announcement, MINASE had been discussing the possibilities of "simple watches" and "Japanese movements" in interviews with overseas media.
Why was the MINASE MASTER CRAFT J3 created? We will unravel its development background along with MINASE's history, which continues from the M3.
What is MINASE? A Japanese Watch Brand Born in Akita Prefecture
MINASE is a Japanese watch brand with its workshop in Minase, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture.
Its parent company, Kyowa Seikō, has expanded its expertise in high-precision metal processing, cultivated through the manufacturing of precision cutting tools, into the production of precision components such as watch cases.
MINASE is the brand that elevated these accumulated technologies into its own wristwatches.
Currently, it offers mechanical watches with unique case structures and high-level finishing, such as "DIVIDO," "SEVEN WINDOWS," and "URUGA."
One of the distinguishing features of MINASE's watchmaking is its precise cutting and "Sallaz polishing." Rather than viewing the case merely as the exterior of a watch, MINASE meticulously crafts every detail, including the boundaries between surfaces, edges, mirror finishes, and curves. The technology cultivated as a case manufacturer contributes to MINASE's current distinctive character.
What is the MINASE J3's Origin: "M3"?
The "M3" is an essential watch for understanding the MASTER CRAFT J3.
The M3 was introduced in 2008.
Its concept was "ultimate simplicity."
When one thinks of MINASE today, many might envision complex and three-dimensional case structures. However, the M3 is in direct contrast to that direction.
Its basis is a simple three-hand watch with an hour, minute, and second hand. It combines a cushion-shaped case with a circular dial, expressing MINASE's character through the case's own form and finishing.
Precision cutting, Sallaz polishing, the contrast between mirror and different finishes, and the curves and edges that constitute the case.
Instead of adding embellishments, it delves into the fundamental elements of watchmaking. This philosophy of the M3 connects to the MASTER CRAFT J3, which appeared 18 years later.
From M3 to DIVIDO, to SEVEN WINDOWS: The Evolution of MINASE
After the M3's introduction, MINASE further developed its unique watchmaking.
Representative models include DIVIDO and SEVEN WINDOWS.
MINASE pursued a different approach from conventional wristwatches, such as its unique three-dimensional structure and a design that makes the dial and movement appear to float inside the case.
Through these watches, MINASE grew into a Japanese mechanical watch brand that also garnered attention from overseas watch enthusiasts.
At the same time, because MINASE created complex watches, the simple existence of the M3 began to be re-evaluated.
According to official MINASE documents, there were voices from watch collectors and journalists who appreciated the simple beauty of the M3, and the M3 was revived in 2018.
The flow leading to the MASTER CRAFT J3 can be seen as having truly begun here.
The 2023 International Interview that Foreshadowed the Development of the MINASE J3
To explore the development background of the J3, there is an interesting record. In 2023, the international watch media "Fratello" published an interview with Sven Erik Henriksen, who is responsible for MINASE's overseas expansion.
In it, he discussed how MINASE has utilized the cutting and Sallaz polishing techniques it cultivated as a case manufacturer to create watches with distinctive designs and structures.
And regarding the future, it was revealed that they were also considering "simple watches," which are in the opposite direction of the watches MINASE had created thus far.
This statement was made in 2023.
Approximately three years later, in 2026, the simple three-hand watch "MASTER CRAFT J3" was introduced.
Of course, it has not been officially announced that the watch mentioned in this interview was the J3 itself.
However, when compared with the concept of the current MASTER CRAFT J3, it is a very interesting statement.
MINASE interview by Fratello here
MINASE's First Japanese Movement: "MIYOTA 90S5"
Furthermore, in the 2023 international interview, it was also mentioned that MINASE might adopt Japanese movements in the future.
And the MASTER CRAFT J3 is equipped with the Japanese-made automatic movement "MIYOTA 90S5."
MINASE's official international website describes the J3 series as the brand's first series to feature a Japanese-made movement.
The MIYOTA 90S5 is a Japanese-made automatic movement characterized by its slim design.
The J3 adopts this movement, achieving a compact proportion with a case diameter of 37.4mm and a thickness of 9.9mm.
Combining MINASE watches, made in Akita Prefecture, with Japanese-made mechanical movements.
The MASTER CRAFT J3 is also a model that signifies a new direction in MINASE's watchmaking.
Differences Between MINASE J3 and M3
The MASTER CRAFT J3 inherits the design of the M3, but it is not simply a scaled-down version of the M3.
The M3 had a case diameter of 38.8mm and a thickness of 10.8mm.
In contrast, the J3 has been redesigned with the following dimensions:
- Case diameter: 37.4mm
- Case thickness: 9.9mm
- Lug-to-lug: 42.5mm
The difference is 1.4mm in case diameter and 0.9mm in thickness.
Looking at the numbers alone, it might seem like a minor change.
However, in wristwatches, the impression when worn can change significantly depending not only on the case diameter and thickness but also on the bezel width, dial size, lug length, and the angle of the case sides.
MINASE states that they pursued the J3's form down to "0.01mm increments."
Thus, the MASTER CRAFT J3 is not a model that simply scaled down the M3, but a wristwatch that reconfigured the M3's design to a contemporary size.
MINASE MASTER CRAFT J3 Official Page here
MINASE's Sallaz Polishing Carried Over to the J3
Even in its compact form, the signature finishing of MINASE's watchmaking remains firmly in place.
The MASTER CRAFT J3 features Sallaz polishing on the bezel, the mirror-finished parts of the case sides, and the sloped parts of the case back.
The Sallaz polishing creates a mirror finish with minimal distortion and a clear boundary with adjacent surfaces.
The reflection of light off these surfaces gives a three-dimensional feel even to the simple case.
A major characteristic of the J3 is that it expresses MINASE's characteristic three-dimensionality in a different way than the complex case structures of DIVIDO or SEVEN WINDOWS.
What is the "Light Sand Dial" of the MASTER CRAFT J3?
Another feature of the MASTER CRAFT J3 is its "Light Sand Dial."
The dial surface has a very fine, sandy texture.
Instead of strongly reflecting light, it softly absorbs it, creating delicate expressions depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions.
On the other hand, the mirror-finished parts of the case sharply reflect light due to Sallaz polishing.
A case that reflects light. A dial that softly absorbs light.
By combining these with three-dimensional indices and hands, it creates a depth characteristic of MINASE, despite being a simple three-hand watch.
Why MINASE Created the J3
Tracing the development background of the J3 reveals that this watch is not merely an inexpensive MINASE model.
MINASE possesses the technology to create watches with complex structures, such as DIVIDO and SEVEN WINDOWS. Precisely for this reason, the MASTER CRAFT J3 reduces its elements.
Instead of complex structures, it expresses MINASE's essence through the fundamental elements that constitute a watch: the case shape, cutting, Sallaz polishing, dial, indices, and proportions. This can be seen as a return to the philosophy of "ultimate simplicity" espoused by the M3 in 2008.
The MASTER CRAFT J3 is a New Gateway to MINASE
Regarding the MASTER CRAFT J3, MINASE has expressed the idea that it wants "more people to experience the MINASE essence."
Therefore, rather than simply being an entry-level model with a suppressed price, the J3 is better understood as a watch designed to convey "what kind of watch brand MINASE is" in its simplest form. The M3, born in 2008. The M3's revival in 2018. The possibilities of "simple watches" and "Japanese movements" discussed in international interviews in 2023. And the MASTER CRAFT J3 in 2026.
Looking back at MINASE's 18 years of watchmaking, the J3 is not a suddenly born new product.
It is a model where MINASE, having experienced complex watchmaking, reconfigured its origin of "ultimate simplicity" as a modern wristwatch. That is the "MINASE MASTER CRAFT J3."
Finally, regarding the J3's rubber strap, it actually uses a rubber strap from a luxury strap manufacturer. For this reason, authorized dealer Comptoir has standardized the rubber strap model. Please see the specifications list for details. You will see the background of its surprising cost performance!
