Urushi Series SHIBO-URUSHI “DIVIDO ~A Sky Full of Shells” Rubber Model [VM14-RBKKA4-SSD]

Matte black rubber under a lacquered night sky is an unlikely pairing, and it works. The MINASE Urushi Series shibo-urushi dial “DIVIDO ~A Sky Full of Shells” sets blue luminous shell into a black ground, covers it in lacquer, and polishes the pieces back into view.

The technique behind it is a MINASE speciality within the JAPAN ART COLLECTION. Lacquer mixed with egg white is applied thickly enough to set in an intentionally uneven relief; colored lacquers and nacre go over the top; then the whole surface is ground flat again. Nothing is drawn. The image is discovered by grinding, which is why MINASE says no two of these dials share a pattern.

On its black rubber strap this DIVIDO weighs about 91 g, considerably lighter than the bracelet version, and the strap's flat darkness makes the shells the only thing on the wrist that catches light. The case is stainless steel, 40.6 mm square and 11 mm thick including the sapphire, built case-in-case so the structure and movement show in glimpses at the top, bottom and both flanks. Self-winding KT7002 calibre, a Swiss ETA 2892-A2 / Sellita SW300 base finished by MINASE, with a date. Rated 5 atm.

The most wearable way into hand-lacquered dials, without dressing the watch up.

Perfect for: rubber strap luxury watches, lightweight art dial pieces, weekend wear with a hand-made dial.