MINASE Five Windows Automatic – Ref. VY01-K05SD / 00088 - with ETA 2897 - good condition

Japanese Luxury Watch in Good Used Condition – Complete Set

This exceptional automatic watch comes from Minase, a highly regarded watch brand in Japan, yet still rarely seen in Europe. Minase is known for its elaborately constructed cases, sophisticated surface finishing, and a very distinctive design and construction philosophy.

The watch offered here belongs to the characteristic Five Windows collection and is in good used condition. The case shows visible signs of wear and scratches. These are particularly noticeable on the polished surfaces, on the bezel, and on individual case edges. The marks are deliberately clearly depicted in the product images and correspond to a regularly worn watch.

The watch comes with its original Minase rubber strap. Additionally, an original leather strap is included, which shows significant or heavy signs of wear and is to be understood as a free extra. Original box, instruction manual, and hangtag are present.

The MINASE brand – Japanese watchmaking beyond the mainstream

Minase is not a marketing brand but emerged from a highly specialized Japanese metal and precision company. The brand is particularly known in Japan for its extreme case quality, its perfect edges, and its elaborate surface finishing, which is reminiscent of Zaratsu or Sallaz techniques but is implemented using proprietary processes.

Characteristic of Minase is the so-called "Case-in-Case" principle:
The case does not consist of a simple mid-section but of several precisely joined components. This modular architecture not only allows for an exceptional depth effect but also places the highest demands on fit accuracy and hand-finishing. Each visible surface is individually machined, polished, or satin-finished before being assembled into the finished case.

Minase produces in comparatively small quantities. Many steps are performed manually, which explains why these watches are considered high-quality collector's items even in Japan and are rarely offered internationally.

Model "Five Windows" – Design, Architecture, and Impact

The name "Five Windows" describes the fundamental design concept of this watch. Through strategically placed openings and levels, a play of light, shadow, and transparency is created. The dial thus appears not flat but architecturally structured – almost like a precisely crafted object.

The applied Roman numerals, faceted hands, and multi-layered dial give the watch a very three-dimensional effect. Despite the technical-modern design, legibility remains clear and balanced.

With a lug width of 26 mm, this model has an exceptionally powerful presence on the wrist – a clear statement that distinctly sets it apart from classic dress watches.

Movement & Caliber – ETA 2897 with Power Reserve Indicator

Inside this Minase Five Windows beats the ETA Caliber 2897, a Swiss-made automatic movement of high quality, developed especially for sophisticated display concepts.

The ETA 2897 is based on the proven Caliber 2892-A2 but extends it with an additional module for displaying the power reserve on the dial. This complication allows the wearer precise control over the current tension state of the mainspring at all times and emphasizes the technical sophistication of the model.

Technical Details of the ETA Caliber 2897

• Movement type: Mechanical automatic movement with manual winding
• Jewels: 21 Jewels
• Frequency: 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz)
• Power Reserve: approx. 42 hours
• Shock Protection: Incabloc
• Escapement: Swiss lever escapement (stone lever)
• Rotor: Ball-bearing, bi-directional winding
• Display:
  • Hour, minute, central second
  • Power Reserve Indicator

Movement Dimensions

• Movement size: 11½ lignes
• Diameter: 25.6 mm
• Movement height: approx. 4.85 mm

Due to its low height, the ETA 2897 is one of the technically particularly elegant automatic movements with an additional function. It allows for flat, harmoniously proportioned case constructions while offering very high rate stability and ease of maintenance.

Classification

The Caliber 2897 is considered one of the more demanding mass-produced movements with complications, as the power reserve indicator requires additional precision in construction, assembly, and regulation. In combination with Minase's own further processing, regulation, and the elaborately constructed case, a watch is created that is significantly above the standard level of classic ETA automatic models.

 

Operation according to the instruction manual

• Position R0: Normal position – watch runs
• Position R1: Quick setting date
  (Date is advanced step by step)
• Position R2: Hand setting (hour/minute)

Important note from the manual:
Date adjustments should not be made between approx. 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM, as the calendar mechanism is in the switching process during this time. A date adjustment during this period can lead to damage.

The watch can be wound both by the movement of the rotor and manually via the crown. A noticeable resistance signals sufficient winding.

Condition and Features

Condition: good used

Case:
Visible signs of wear and scratches, especially on the highly polished surfaces, on the bezel, and on individual edges and side surfaces. The watch has been worn; the existing signs of use are clearly visible in the pictures. No deep damage affecting functionality.

Glass:
No obvious major damage under normal viewing. Minor superficial signs of wear or very fine marks cannot be completely ruled out for a used watch.

Dial and Hands:
Very good condition. No noticeable damage visible.

Movement and Function:
The watch runs and the functions could be operated during testing. A recent service is not documented, unless corresponding documents are available.

Straps:

• original Minase rubber strap, mounted, good used condition
• additional original leather strap with heavy signs of wear; free add-on

Scope of Delivery:

• Minase Five Windows
• original Minase rubber strap
• additional original leather strap
• original box
• instruction manual in Japanese language
• hangtag

Technical Data (Overview)

• Reference: VY01-K05SD / 00088
• Case Material: Stainless steel, multi-part ("Case-in-Case")
• Case Size: 37.5 × 41.7 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 46.5 mm
• Height: 13.1 mm
• Lug Width: 26 mm
• Weight: 108 g (on rubber strap)
• Movement: Automatic (ETA-based)
• Display: Hour, Minute, Second, Date
• Glass: Sapphire crystal
• Crown: Signed
• Manufacture: Japan

Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Note
As this is a used watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.