Naoya Hida Introduces the NH Type 1C and NH Type 2A

More tasteful vintage style.

Founded by a veteran of high-end watch retail in Japan, Naoya Hida & Co. made its debut last year with the NH Type 1B, a time-only wristwatch designed after gentlemen’s timepieces of the three decades from 1930. Now the brand has just announced its line-up for 2020, which is made up of the subtly redesigned NH Type 1C, as well as the all-new NH Type 2A with centre seconds.

Both watches share a several common features, most notably an authentic retro style derived from Mr Hida’s decades of experience in a market that prizes tasteful, period-correct design. Even though the watches are brand new, the Type 1C and Type 2A ably capture the vintage flavour. But the watches are not just facsimiles of vintage timepieces, the execution is top notch. The dials, for instance, are German silver with hand-engraved hour indices that are filled with Japanese lacquer, giving them depth and glossy finish.

Both watches are powered by variants of the same calibre that starts out as a Valjoux 7750, but modified to do away with the automatic winding and chronograph, while incorporating a redesigned winding click for a tactile winding feel reminiscent of vintage movements. The movement in the Type 1C retains the subsidiary seconds as originally found in the Valjoux 7750, but on the Type 2A the movement boasts an added indirect seconds train for the centre seconds display.

The cal. 3019SS in the Type 1C

The Type 2A with centre seconds

The two models also have the same 37 mm case made of 904L steel (though the Type 2A has a taller case back due to the thicker movement). The alloy possesses superior corrosion resistance compared to the 316L steel alloy widely used for watch cases, but best known as the type of steel Rolex uses for all its steel watches.

The NH Type 1C (left) and NH Type 2A

The NH Type 1C is essentially a slightly improved version of last year’s Type 1B. Amongst the tweaks are slimmer lugs, a repositioned logo on the dial, and also a redesigned seconds hand.

The rest of the watch remains the same as on the earlier generation, including the heat-blued hands, retro case profile, and slightly domed crystal.

Though distinctive different from the Type 1C in design, the NH Type 2A shares a similar vintage feel. It has simple baton hands in polished steel, matched with a blued steel seconds hand.

It is identical in diameter, but fitted with a higher case back in order to accommodate the modified movement that is thicker due to the indirect seconds-hand train.


Key facts

Naoya Hida & Co. NH Type 1C

Diameter: 37 mm
Height: 9.8 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 3019SS
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Hand-wound
Power reserve:
45 hours

Strap: Calfskin with pin buckle

Limited edition: No but annual production limited to around 10 pieces per model
Availability: Direct from Naoya Hida & Co.
Price: 1.85 million Japanese yen (equivalent to US$17,100)


Naoya Hida & Co. NH Type 2A

Diameter: 37 mm
Height: 10.7 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 3020CS
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Hand-wound
Power reserve:
45 hours

Strap: Calfskin with pin buckle

Limited edition: No but annual production limited to around 10 pieces per model
Availability: Direct from Naoya Hida & Co.
Price: 2.1 million Japanese yen (equivalent to US$19,400)

For more, visit Naoyahidawatch.com.


 

Back to top.

You may also enjoy these.