URUGA 42 "ICE BLUE" Rubber Model [UG03-RWHNIB-SSD]

White rubber under an ice blue dial is the coolest reading of the URUGA 42, and the only one in the line that looks as though it were assembled for a specific season.

The dial is the reason MINASE names this variant ICE BLUE. Its horizontal gradation is inspired by the glittering waters of the Minase River in Akita, and the pale end of the palette shows that gradation most plainly, shifting from bright to soft across the face as light crosses it. Around it sits the clamping structure that defines URUGA: four voluminously cut clasps, faceted on several planes, holding case and sapphire crystal together in the manner of prongs securing a gemstone. MINASE describes the resulting effect as contrast between sharp edges and smooth curvature.

The steel case is 42.0 mm across, 48.0 mm long including the lugs and 10.2 mm thick with the crystal, whose slight vertical curve is visible from the side. The white rubber strap keeps the whole watch bright and light-toned rather than letting the steel dominate. Power comes from the self-winding MINASE calibre KT7002, built on a Swiss ETA 2892 and Sellita SW300 base and finished by hand, with a date.

At 5 atm it is rated for rain and splashes, not for swimming. Indices cut on the oblique, a detail MINASE takes from the front of a kimono, scatter the light rather than reflecting it flatly.

Perfect for: summer watch wearers, white strap and ice blue dial seekers, buyers looking for a Japanese hand-finished automatic.