A superb wristwatch which fuses contemporary Japanese design culture with traditional artisanal craftsmanship, the Divido 2.0 by independent brand Minase is an evolution on an original piece, which is strikingly distinctive and highly individual. Sporty, stylish and incredibly cool, the 2.0 features a brand new Swiss self winding movement. With a three dimensional display, which appears to float within the case, this is a watch with a head-turning presence on the wrist, and one which is beautifully engineered.

As with the rest of the Minase portfolio, throughout the Divido, the attention to detail in every little nuance is impressive. Pronounced angular lugs, finished with a coarse directional grain and polished surfaces, clasp the rounded stainless steel case which measures a comfortable 40.6mm, and which is elaborately constructed from multiple individual components. The watch features a unique ‘case-in-case’ concept, where the movement is encapsulated within a separate container which does not come into contact with the inner sides of the case, creating a visible space around the dial.

Beneath a domed box sapphire crystal the dial mysteriously appears to float within that space. Seemingly attached only via the polished steel indices which bridge the gap, this effect accentuates the striking three dimensional perspective of the subtle curvature of the dial and of the hands, which follow its contours as it tapers off downwards and into the void around its edge.

Like the case, the dial is modular and consists of a one-piece ring with indices attached, on top of a plate which is available in a choice of grey or blue dégradé finish, or alternatively with white or blue options. Legibility is excellent in all light conditions, with the steel indices and straight-edged hour and minute hands clearly defined, and luminous accents on the hands providing a green-blue glow in the dark. An angular aperture with pronounced bevelled edges at the three o’clock position opens on the date ring which is deeply recessed, and which rotates past a central arrow, which indicates the date, while the preceding and subsequent numbers are also visible above and below.

Powering the Divido is the KT7002; a new Swiss made premium grade movement based on the ETA 2892/A2 self-winding calibre. Being marginally thinner than that of the original version, the 2.0 is now 11mm as opposed to 12mm. The movement has been aesthetically enhanced and modified in the brand’s ateliers, with perlage finishing and the addition of Minase’s own skeletonised oscillating weight. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback the mechanism beats at 28’800vib/h and boasts a power reserve of thirty eight hours.

An exceptional watch with a uniquely novel twist on design, and finished to uncompromising standards, the Divido 2.0 by Minase is a masterpiece of modern styling which represents exclusivity and hand finished artisanal watchmaking, from a manufacturer with traditional Japanese values. It is presented on a stainless steel link bracelet or synthetic rubber strap with folding deployant clasp.