Minase has once again joined forces with the Fratello Watches for the Dutch media outfit’s most recent collaboration, the M-3 “Nori”. The Japanese watch brand has pared back its typical styling for this model, while adopting a unique tonneau-shaped case paired with a dégradé dark green dial transitioning to black at the edges, a hue inspired inspired by seaweed, an important food in Japanese culture.

Initial thoughts

Minase’s watches sometimes feel over designed, so the M-3 is a refreshing, restrained design in comparison. At the same time, the Nori further refines a design first seen on Fratello’s previous Minase edition, the M-3 “Very Peri”, which had a vibrant purple dial that was not for everyone.

The dark green dégradé dial with its unusual radial finish stands out. The orange-tipped seconds hand appears a touch mismatched within the overall muted aesthetic. However, the colour is there for a reason: it’s a subtle nod to the Fratello’s home country, adding a unique charm to the watch.

The €2,470 retail price of the Nori is a modest increase over last year’s M-3 “Very Peri”, but reasonable compared to other models from Minase such as the Divido, which costs more than double.

Also, it is worth nothing that whilst not officially a limited edition, the Nori will be available for order only for a limited time, so it will be limited to a degree.

Last year’s M-3 “Very Peri”

Inspired by Japanese seaweed

The Nori is inspired by nori, a universal ingredient in Japanese cuisine. This translates into a dark green dial, which is hand painted to achieve the graduated, dégradé effect similar to the dials found in the pricier Divido. Complementing the dial are applied hour markers that are roughly similar to the wedge-shaped indices in the Divido.

Many of the elements of the Nori are similar to last year’s M-3 “Very Peri.” The shared traits include the time-only dial with an orange-tipped seconds hand.

The case is also identical and measures 39 mm in diameter and 10.5 mm high. The polished tonneau case has flat, mirrored surfaces created using the Zaratsu technique. 

Concealed under an engraved case back is a modified Sellita SW200-1, which now features just two crown positions since there is no date function. The power reserve is short 38 hours, but standard for the SW200-1.

Key facts and price

Fratello x Minase M-3 “Nori” 

Diameter: 39 mm
Height: 10.5 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Modified SW200-1
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Nubuck strap with pin buckle

Limited edition: No, but available for order from September 27-October 7, 2023
Availability: Only at Fratellowatches.com starting September 27, 2023
Price: €2,470 (excluding taxes)

For more information, visit Fratellowatches.com.

After having developed its recent offerings centred on the retrograde display, Vacheron Constantin is presently hosting High Watchmaking Retrograde Displays: A Vacheron Constantin Signature in Singapore from now till September 30, 2023. The exhibition chronicles the development of the retrograde complication from its origins in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

On display are rare examples of pocket watches and wristwatches from the brand’s collection. These range from the 1930 “Bras en l’Air”, literally “Arms in the Air” (pictured above) featuring a dual retrograde display, to the more contemporary Métiers d’art Savoirs Enluminés Caper in 2015. This latter piece offers a modern interpretation of the complication, with designs from a page from a 12th century medieval manuscript.

Also on show are the brand’s latest timepiece offerings that focus on this specific complication, which were initially introduced at Watches & Wonders in March of this year, like the Traditionelle Tourbillon Retrograde Date.

High Watchmaking Retrograde Displays: A Vacheron Constantin Signature is taking place from September 1-30, 2023 at the Vacheron Constantin boutique located at ION Orchard. It is open to the public daily from 10:00 am-8:30 pm. 

ION Orchard Singapore
2 Orchard Turn, #02-07
Singapore 238801

To register, visit Vacheron-constantin.com.

Correction September 23, 2023: The Don Pancho minute repeater is not on shown at the exhibition, however, it is highlighted by Vacheron Constantin as one of the brand’s most significant and important retrograde display watches.