August 6 2025

Frozen Beauty: The Mesmerizing Dial Of The Minase Uruga Ice Blue

MRSTATELESS MINASE, NEW RELEASES 2025 0

Minase, the boutique Japanese watchmaker known for its meticulous craftsmanship and low annual production, has introduced a new model to its portfolio: the Uruga Ice Blue. With only around 500 watches produced each year, Minase remains committed to its philosophy of precision, hand-finishing, and uniquely Japanese design — offering an alternative to larger mass-market brands.

Refined Sportiness in a Striking Case

Despite its name — Uruga, which combines the Japanese words for “beauty” and “elegance” — this timepiece is not a delicate dress watch. Instead, it embraces a bold and sporty aesthetic. The case measures 42 mm in diameter and 10.20 mm in thickness, crafted from stainless steel and characterized by its wide, flat bezel and distinctive clamping case structure. These brushed clamps serve both a visual and functional role, as they help secure the multi-part case while contrasting with the polished sections to create a dynamic interplay of surfaces.

For those who prefer more compact dimensions, Minase also offers a 31 mm version that retains the same design principles in a smaller package.

A Dial Inspired by Japanese Waterscapes

The dial of the Uruga Ice Blue is where the watch truly comes to life. It features a gentle wave pattern inspired by the flowing waters of the Minase River in northern Japan, from which the brand takes its name. The ice blue color enhances this natural texture, evoking imagery of snowy landscapes and frozen lakes, which gives the watch a refined, almost meditative visual quality.

Additional elements on the dial include faceted hour markers that catch the light with each movement of the wrist, as well as sharply angled alpha-style hands that ensure clarity and precision. A date window is positioned at 3 o’clock, and it is enhanced by a cyclops lens for improved legibility.

Swiss Mechanics with a Japanese Soul

While the design and finishing are deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, the movement inside is Swiss in origin. The 42 mm version houses the KT/7002, a movement based on the ETA 2892, which has been upgraded to deliver a 50-hour power reserve. The 31 mm version features the KT/8001/2, which is based on the ETA 2671.

Both calibers are extensively hand-finished by Minase’s team of artisans. Techniques such as perlage (a decorative circular graining) and anglage (the beveling and polishing of edges) are applied throughout the movement, elevating it far beyond its base architecture and underlining the brand’s dedication to quality at every level.

Versatility in Style and Pricing

The Minase Uruga Ice Blue is available with a choice of bracelet or strap, allowing the wearer to adapt it to a variety of settings. The 42 mm version is priced at USD 5,900 when paired with a stainless steel bracelet, while options on leather or the new rubber strap bring the price to USD 4,600. The 31 mm model is available for USD 5,600 with a bracelet, and USD 4,300 on leather or rubber.

These prices reflect the extensive attention to detail applied to both the exterior and interior of the watch, from the finely brushed case components to the customized movement finishing.