TEN TO SEN "TTSW-GT-BKBK" – All-Black Automatic, 38 mm, MIYOTA 9015 (Full Set, unworn 2024)

The TEN TO SEN "TTSW-GT-BKBK" is one of those Japanese watches rarely seen on the European market – and that's precisely what makes it so appealing. It comes from a segment known in Japan as "Manufacture Microbrand": small, focused design projects brought to market not through traditional distribution channels, but via crowdfunding platforms like Makuake, and assembled domestically by their own watchmakers.

About the Brand

TEN TO SEN (Jap. 点と線, "Dot and Line") is operated by SPB Co., Ltd. (エスピービー株式会社) in Nagoya and originated in 2021 as a crowdfunded project titled "1st STANDARD". The brand name refers to a guiding design principle, which also appears visually on the dial: "Connecting dots and there will be a line" – individual dots, when connected, form a line, and thus structure, direction, and consistency. This is more than just marketing: the brand deliberately positions itself against fleeting trend aesthetics and for a watch that is intended to remain relevant for ten, twenty years. In its orientation, TEN TO SEN is reminiscent of the Japanese design school around Naoto Fukasawa or brands like Knot and Maker's Watch Knot – with the difference that TEN TO SEN works more conceptually and minimally and has its watches entirely assembled in Japan.

Within the Japanese microbrand segment, TEN TO SEN models, due to small editions (often series of 10 or 100 per variant), are regularly sold out quickly. Outside Japan, they are almost non-existent – imports practically only occur via Japanese shipping services.

Model "TTSW-GT-BKBK" – Character

The variant offered here is the uncompromising all-black execution of the series: case, integrated stainless steel bracelet, and dial are consistently black, the indices are applied, and the dial is matte. The result is a watch that appears calm and almost monolithic in a direct view, but gains contrast in oblique light through the polished bezel edge and the applied brand logo at 12 o'clock. At 6 o'clock, the aforementioned brand motto is subtly placed, without visually overloading the dial.

It's a watch that works in the city. With a suit as well as with a black turtleneck or hoodie. A typical "one-watch-collection" concept – yet the simplicity is so consistently implemented that the watch takes a clear design stance and is therefore not an anonymous all-rounder.

Case, Wearing Comfort, Proportions

The stainless steel case made of surgical 316L steel measures 38 mm in diameter, 44 mm lug-to-lug, and with a height of 10.7 mm, it is pleasantly flat for a watch with an automatic movement. The continuous black coating is matte, with targeted polished accents on the bezel edge and bracelet link flanks – an interplay between industrial aesthetics and jewelry character that makes the watch appear architectural without being cold. With the integrated bracelet, it looks slightly larger than a nominal 38 mm on the wrist and thus comfortably fills wrists around 18–19 cm, but remains easily wearable for narrower wrists (from approx. 16 cm). The weight of around 134 g on the full original bracelet feels substantial without being obtrusive.

Movement and Technology

Inside works a MIYOTA 9015 – the well-known slim automatic movement from Citizen, which, due to its beat rate of 28,800 bph (4 Hz), its uncomplicated reparability, and its solid accuracy, has become the first choice for serious Japanese and Western microbrands. The use of the 9015 (instead of a cheaper 8215) is a clear commitment to a long-term serviceable watch and is one of the reasons why TEN TO SEN models have a loyal customer base in Japan beyond mere design interest.

Additional features include sapphire crystal, 10 ATM (100 m) water resistance, a screw-down crown, the "Made in Japan" marking on the dial, and an integrated stainless steel bracelet with quick-release spring bars and half-links for precise length adjustment. This makes the watch significantly more robust than its "designer look" might initially suggest – in particular, the 100 m water resistance combined with a screw-down crown sets it apart from the typical mid-range design watches.

Technical Data

• Model: TEN TO SEN TSW-GT-BKBK
• Movement: Automatic, MIYOTA 9015
• Case Diameter: 38 mm
• Case Height: 10.9 mm
• Lug Width: 20 mm
• Bracelet: Integrated stainless steel bracelet, black coated
• Clasp: Folding clasp
• Weight: approx. 125 g
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100 m)
• Functions: Hour, Minute, Second, Date
• Origin: Japan Made
• Special Features: Quick-release system, integrated bracelet design

Condition and Scope of Delivery

The watch comes from a private collection and is unworn. Original purchase date is March 31, 2024. A complete set is supplied with original outer and inner box, filled warranty card, hangtag, three spare bracelet links, and accessories.

Warranty (Used)

This is a used item. The statute of limitations for defect claims (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.