Fratello x Minase M-3 Nori
Fergus Nash- The Fratello x Minase M-3 Nori follows on from last year’s Very Peri, replacing the purple tones with a murky green
- It’s a limited edition with one week to place your order, but all orders made will be honoured
- The movement is a Swiss Sellita SW200-1 modified to remove the date complication, keeping the price lower than you’d expect for such an artistic watch
The last two or three years saw a huge boom in brand collaborations, and publications were some of the biggest contributors. We got in on the action with the Nivada Grenchen ChaosMaster, the Zenith Night Surfer and the Doxa SUB 600T Pacific, but our colleagues from Fratello have arguably been even more prolific. The Fratello x Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date was one that really kicked this trend into gear, and now they’re collaborating with the artful Japanese watchmakers Minase for the third year in a row with the Fratello x Minase M-3 Nori.
The Fratello x Minase M-3 Nori follows on last year’s M-3 Very Peri, which featured a crazy purple-blue dial which seemed to shift colours drastically in the light. This year’s dial is called Nori, which all fans of Japanese food should recognise as the word for seaweed. The dial’s texture almost manages to evoke the large strokes of impressionist painting, each throwing forward a slightly different shade of green as the light reflects. This results in a rippling effect as it moves around, ranging from a dark mossy tone to light, silvery apple. In less direct lighting, the brushed texture comes through a little more, and the murkier atmosphere closely resembles a view of seaweed forests underwater.
Like with all Minase watches, the case is superbly crafted and finished. The shape is a more nuanced take on cushion styles with circular brushing on the upper surface and a band of high-polish on the outer edge. The bezel is also given this ‘Sallaz’ polishing (also known as black polishing), for perfectly smooth reflections. The case is sized with comfort in mind, without sacrificing too much space for the dial to be shown off. The diameter is 39mm, with a wrist-friendly 46mm lug-to-lug and a 10.5mm thickness. All in all, it’s an incredibly charming package with a little bit of vintage flair but an unmistakably contemporary identity.
Powering the Fratello x Minase M-3 Nori is the humble Sellita SW200-1, modified to remove the date complication. This helps to make it the most affordable watch in Minase’s catalogue, and it also means you can get it serviced at any decent watchmaker should you need to. The SW200-1 runs at a smooth 28,800 vibrations per hour, and the 38-hour power reserve is suitable for daily wear thanks to its automatic winding. The solid caseback hides it, but the rotor is embossed with a Minase emblem.
Fratello x Minase M-3 Nori pricing and availability
The Fratello x Minase M-3 Nori is a limited edition, however to promote equal opportunity it won’t be limited by number. The pre-order period will open from 16:00 CEST on September 27 2023, and all orders placed within one week will be honoured. The first batch will be delivered in January 2024, and subsequent batches after that. Price: €2,470 (ex-VAT)
| Brand | Minase |
| Model | M-3 Nori x Fratello |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 10.5mm (T) x 46mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Seaweed green |
| Strap | Nubuck leather, steel hardware |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1, automatic, removed date wheel |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Limited to one week of pre-orders |
| Price | €2,470 (ex-VAT) |