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

Japanese Manufacture Watch in Good Used Condition – Complete Set

This exceptional automatic watch comes from Minase, a highly esteemed manufacture in Japan, yet still rare in Europe. Minase stands for uncompromising vertical integration, elaborate handcraftsmanship, and an independent design and construction philosophy that clearly distinguishes it from industrial mass production.

The watch offered here belongs to the iconic "Five Windows" collection and is in near-mint condition. It comes with the original Minase rubber strap; an original leather replacement strap is also included, though it shows heavy signs of wear and should be considered an add-on. The box and hangtag are fully 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 engineering 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 implemented with its own processes.

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

Minase produces in relatively 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 Effect

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 constructed – almost like a precisely crafted object.

The applied Roman numerals, the faceted hands, and the multi-layered dial give the watch a very sculptural effect. Despite the technical-modern design, readability 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 works the ETA Caliber 2897, a Swiss-made automatic movement of the higher quality class, specifically developed for sophisticated display concepts.

The ETA 2897 is based structurally 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 of the mainspring at all times and underlines 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 design, assembly, and regulation. In combination with Minase's own further processing, regulation, and the elaborately constructed case, the result is a watch that is significantly above the standard level of classic ETA automatic models.

 

Operation according to the instruction manual

• Position R0: Normal position – watch running
• Position R1: Quick date setting
  (date is advanced incrementally)
• Position R2: Hand setting (hour/minute)

Important note from the instructions:
Date adjustments should not be made between approx. 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM, as the calendar mechanism is in the process of switching during this time. Adjusting the date 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 & Equipment

• Condition: Good
• Case: Very clean, only minor signs of wear
• Crystal: Scratch-free
• Dial & Hands: Excellent
• Strap:
  • Original Minase rubber strap (mounted, very good condition)
  • Additional leather strap (heavily worn, add-on)
• Scope of delivery:
  • Watch
  • Original Minase Box
  • Instruction Manual (in Japanese)
  • 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
• Crystal: 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, no water resistance can be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.