Introducing: The Ominous Minase Horizon GEN DLC Limited Edition
At Fratello, we have a particular taste for the creations of Japanese brand Minase. We have done two collaborations that seemed to resonate with many of you. Today, I would like to introduce you to another limited-edition Minase, though Fratello had no input this time. For this watch, Minase took its popular Horizon model and gave it the DLC treatment.
Let’s have a quick look at this latest introduction from Minase, limited to just 25 pieces.
Minase Horizon GEN DLC
The inspiration for this limited-edition Minase model is the Japanese word gen (玄), which translates to “depth,” “darkness,” “mystery,” or “black.” Well, nomen est omen, am I right? Minase has blacked this Horizon out using a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating.
Minase applies the Sallaz polishing technique to its watches. Yes, that is the method that gained mainstream popularity under the name Zaratsu (ザラツ), the Japanese transliteration. The origin of the term is a German producer of polishing machines, named Gebrüder (German for “Brothers” or “Fratelli”) Sallaz. At heart, it comes down to creating perfectly flat and perfectly smooth “black-polished” surfaces. Grand Seiko famously adopted the technique.
The Minase Horizon GEN DLC receives a black DLC coating on top of the Sallaz finish. The result is an exceptionally sleek and ominous look. Additionally, the coating also hardens the top surface, boosting the scratch resistance of the metal.
The specs
Under the DLC coating, this is the same Minase Horizon we know and love. The rectangular case measures 38mm across by 51mm long and 12mm thick. It is water resistant down to 50 meters. The case flanks are inspired by the Japanese katana sword. Additionally, up top, we find a beautifully curved sapphire crystal, following the case’s curve.
Inside ticks a modified ETA 2892-A2. The Minase version is manually finished with perlage, diamond-polished bevels, blue screws, and a blacked-out mainplate. Additionally, the rotor is customized with cutouts in the shape of the Minase logo. Fully wound, this caliber offers a 50-hour power reserve.
The Minase Horizon GEN DLC comes on a black rubber strap. Any Minase watch is rare since less than 500 of them are produced every year. However, this one is limited to 25 pieces, so you are highly unlikely to run into someone wearing the same watch. The Horizon GEN DLC has a price of CHF 4,700 / €5,200 / US$4,700. At the time of publishing, the final pieces are still available from the Minase website.
What do you think of the new Minase Horizon GEN DLC? Let us know in the comments below!
