MINASE's craftsmanship, Zaratsu polishing

First of all, what is MINASE?

Famous Japanese watch brands include SEIKO and CITIZEN, but MINASE is a brand that is in no way inferior in terms of exterior quality.

The watches are manufactured in Minase, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, where the watch workshop is located, and the brand name comes from the place name "Minase."

This is not a mass-produced industrial product, but rather a "craft" watch brand that is produced by around 20 skilled Japanese craftsmen, with only 800 units produced per year.

MINASE's parent company is Kyowa Seiko (established in 1963), a cutting tool manufacturer that developed the stepped drill used to drill stepped holes for crowns on watch cases.

From there, we began making cases for luxury watches, producing watches on an OEM basis, and developing our original watch, "MINASE."

What is SALLAZ POLISHING?

The world of base polishing that determines the "beauty" of a mirror surface

When talking about the exterior finish of a watch, words like "mirror finish" and "polished" tend to come to mind first. However, the key to distinguishing a truly high-quality exterior is not how shiny it is . What's important is the "type of surface" that is created before it shines.

At the heart of this is Sallaz polishing .
This is not a polishing process for finishing, but rather a base polishing process to create a distortion-free mirror surface , which is an entirely different process.

Zaratsu polishing is not a "polishing method to make it shiny"

Saratsu polishing is a pre- finishing process in which the metal surface to be polished is rubbed directly against abrasive paper to create an accurate flat surface and thoroughly remove any distortions .

In this process, it's all about how "flat" the surface can be, how sharp the edges can be, and how naturally the connections between surfaces can be made.

Gloss is not an issue here. In fact, if the surface is even slightly wavy at this stage, the distortion will not disappear no matter how much you polish it in later processes .

Zaratsu polishing is a process in which the craftsman adjusts the polishing accuracy to within a few tenths of a millimeter using only the sense of touch.
If the angle, pressure, or method of application is incorrect, the surface will immediately collapse.

For this reason, there are currently very few craftsmen who can accurately perform this technique, and it is said to be a mythical technique .

What will change when the distortion disappears?

If the mirror surface is distorted, the outline of the reflected image will be blurred, giving the impression of being somewhat unfocused.
On the other hand, when a distortion-free surface is illuminated, the edges of the reflected image become sharp and the light appears as a "line."

Customers who love watches

"This case is strong."

"The edges are off"

When you feel this way, the problem is almost always the quality of the base .

Saratsu polishing is the process that determines the "quality of the surface."

Terminology: Differences between black polish, block polishing, and Zaratsu polishing

Here we clarify some terms that are easily confused.

Black Polish

Black polish is a mirror-like polishing process used in the finishing process .
This is the final process, in which the surface is smoothed to the utmost, producing a dark reflection depending on the angle of the light.
This is the "final process to improve the level of completion," and does not necessarily refer to the process of creating the base.

Block Polishing

Block polishing is a polishing method that keeps flat surfaces flat and edges sharp .
This polishing process reduces surface undulations and leaves edges unrounded, protecting the exterior's "framework."

Sallaz Polishing

Zaratsu polishing is a base polishing process that creates a distortion-free mirror surface .
This is not a process of polishing to make it shiny, but rather a process of creating a surface that will produce a distortion-free reflection when it is polished to a mirror finish in a later process .

・Zaratsu polishing = The "base" that determines the quality of the mirror finish

・Black polish = "finish" to enhance the finish

・Block polishing = "polishing concept" that protects flat surfaces and edges

The origin of "Sallaz"

The name "Zaratsu" is said to come from the German word Sallaz .
The most likely theory is that the name was retained because the polishing machine had the words "Gebrüder Sallaz" written on it.

This technique was once used in Switzerland, but this level of manual polishing is now rarely seen anywhere in the world.

What makes MINASE's Zaratsu polishing so special?

MINASE applies this Zaratsu polishing method thoroughly to the entire exterior.

MINASE watches are crafted with Kyowa Seiko's advanced polishing technology, from the case to the bracelet.

We have taken an unconventional approach to manufacturing by applying Zaratsu polishing to almost all cross sections of exterior parts such as these.

Polishing time: 1 case: approx. 6-7 hours in total, 1 bracelet: approx. 12-15 hours in total

On a part-by-part basis, even the most skilled craftsmen can take up to 90 minutes to polish a single piece .

This time is necessary because the surfaces and lines are created as a shape through polishing alone .

Conclusion: MINASE's Zaratsu polishing is excellent

In conclusion, even if you are used to seeing luxury watches, MINASE's Zaratsu polishing is excellent , and not just because it is beautifully polished.

We put a lot of time and skill into polishing the base to create a distortion-free mirror surface.
The craftsman's touch is evident in every detail of the case, indexes, and bracelet.
As a result, light flows across the surface like a single board, the edges are sharp, and the three-dimensional shape exudes a beautiful sense of tension.

This is not a watch with a beautiful mirror finish, but a watch whose surface precision itself is a defining feature of its design .

The moment you pick up the actual device, the difference is immediately apparent.
Zaratsu polishing is a "primer", not a finish!
Surface precision is everything, and gloss is the last thing to come out!
MINASE prepares the foundation for the entire exterior!
That's why it can't be conveyed in a photo, but you can really feel it when you see it in person!

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Authorized distributor: CONTÉVANOU

CONTÉVANOU is an authorized dealer of watches and jewelry with a store located in Nishisando, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo .

The distortion-free mirror surface and sharp ridges achieved through Zaratsu polishing, which are the charms of MINASE, are areas that cannot be fully conveyed through photos or specs alone. You can hold the actual product in your hands and carefully check the way light travels and the precision of the surface.

We handle everything from pre-purchase consultations to after-sales service as an authorized dealer, repairs, and maintenance. Our store offers a calm atmosphere where you can appreciate the true perfection of your watch. We also accept reservations.

Store information : 〒151-0053
Nishi-sando Terrace E1, 28-7 Yoyogi 4-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3299-8008
WEB: https://www.CONTÉVANOU.com/