Chronoforte in Japan: Our Visit to Tokyo Watch Week 2026

As a huge Japan enthusiast, I love returning to this country, whether for work or simply to relax a bit and draw new inspiration. Japan never ceases to fascinate me with its culture, attention to detail, and respect for traditional craftsmanship. And since watches are an integral part of my life, every visit to Japan is also an opportunity to discover its unique watchmaking culture.

During my last trip to Tokyo in October, I managed to visit Tokyo Watch Week 2026, an exhibition focused primarily on independent watchmaking. This gave me the opportunity to see watches from brands I have admired for a long time in person and to discover their creation from a completely different perspective.

Tokyo Watch Week – the world of independent watchmaking

Tokyo Watch Week is a relatively young watchmaking event, with its inaugural year taking place in 2025. This year's exhibition ran from October 9 to 12 in the Minami-Aoyama district of Tokyo and followed the theme Bridge, symbolizing the connection between tradition and the future of watchmaking.

Unlike large commercial trade shows, Tokyo Watch Week offers a more personal atmosphere. Visitors have the opportunity to view exceptional watches up close and better understand the philosophy of the brands and the people behind them.

During my visit, I stopped by several brands that personally interest me greatly – MING, Jean-Marc Fleury, Minase, and Naoya Hida & Co.

MING – modern design with its own identity

One of my stops was the MING brand, which was founded in 2017 by photographer and watch enthusiast Ming Thein along with a group of other collectors.

In a relatively short time, MING has built a strong reputation in the world of independent watchmaking. Its watches are characterized by a minimalist yet instantly recognizable design, unconventional use of light, and exceptionally interesting dials.

The brand often experiments with luminescence, sapphire components, and layered constructions that create fascinating optical effects.

It is with MING watches that one understands the huge difference between photographs and reality. The play of light, the depth of the dials, and the overall finish are details that are best appreciated in person.

 

Jean-Marc Fleury – traditional Swiss watchmaking

Another interesting stop was the presentation of Jean-Marc Fleury watches, an independent Swiss watchmaker with nearly three decades of experience in the watch industry.

During his career, he also spent more than ten years as a production manager at the prestigious Patek Philippe manufacture. In 2017, he founded his own Fleury Manufacture atelier and later his own watch brand.

His work is characterized by an emphasis on traditional watchmaking techniques, hand-finishing of components, and mechanical precision. An interesting example is the FXR-4 chronograph, which represents the combination of classic watchmaking craftsmanship with the personal vision of an independent creator.

It is precisely such small manufactures that prove that true watchmaking mastery is not the exclusive privilege of large and globally renowned brands.

 

Minase – Japanese precision in every detail

Minase is one of the brands that, in my opinion, perfectly embodies the Japanese approach to craftsmanship and precision.

Its roots go back to the production of specialized tools and precision metalworking. This experience gradually translated into the production of mechanical watches with exceptionally refined cases and unconventional constructions.

The brand is best known for its precise Sallaz polishing, which creates perfectly smooth mirrored surfaces and sharp edges. Some models also feature an interesting construction in which the dial appears to float inside the case.

When viewing Minase watches in person, it is immediately apparent how much attention is paid even to the smallest details. It is a beautiful example of combining traditional Japanese precision with modern watch design.

 

Naoya Hida & Co. – one of the greatest experiences of the entire exhibition

Of all the brands I visited during Tokyo Watch Week, I was personally most excited about Naoya Hida & Co.

As a huge fan of this brand, I have been following its creation for a long time and admire the philosophy with which it approaches the production of mechanical watches. The opportunity to finally see these watches in person was therefore a great honor for me and one of the most beautiful watchmaking experiences of the entire trip.

What makes them exceptional?

The brand was founded in 2018 by Naoya Hida, who has many years of experience in the luxury watch industry. His goal was to create watches inspired by the golden age of mechanical watchmaking in the first half of the 20th century, but using modern manufacturing technologies.

At first glance, his watches may appear surprisingly simple. You will not find extravagant shapes or striking design elements on them. Their exceptional nature lies in perfectly thought-out proportions, precise finishing, and a multitude of small details.

One of the most characteristic elements is the hand-engraved numerals on the dials, which are created with the help of engraving master Keisuke Kano. It is precisely this combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies that gives Naoya Hida watches their unmistakable character.

Personally, what fascinates me most about this brand is its ability to create something exceptional without the need to unnecessarily draw attention to itself. Its watches appear understated, but the longer one examines them, the more one can appreciate their finish.

Why is there so much interest in these watches?

Despite its relatively short history, Naoya Hida & Co. has built an exceptionally strong reputation among independent watch collectors around the world.

One of the main reasons is extremely limited production. Individual models are produced only in small quantities, often in dozens or even single units per year.

Acquiring Naoya Hida watches is also not as simple as visiting a boutique and choosing a model from the display case. The brand generally accepts purchase requests only once a year and then decides on the allocation of individual watches. The production for 2026 is already sold out, and the next round of requests is expected in 2027.

This rarity, combined with exceptional finishing quality, creates enormous interest among collectors from Japan, Europe, and the United States.

In my opinion, however, their true value does not lie solely in their limited availability. Naoya Hida represents an authentic approach to watchmaking, in which every detail has its place and nothing is left to chance.

Seeing these watches in person, observing their hand-engraved dials, and appreciating their proportions was truly exceptional for me. It is precisely such moments that remind me why mechanical watches fascinate me so much.

 

The inspiration I take away from Japan

The visit to Tokyo Watch Week was another beautiful reminder of how diverse and fascinating the world of independent watchmaking can be.

From the modern design of MING to the traditional Swiss craftsmanship of Jean-Marc Fleury, and on to the Japanese precision of Minase and the timeless elegance of Naoya Hida – each of these brands represents a completely different perspective on the creation of mechanical watches.

For me personally, such visits are not only an opportunity to see exceptional watches, but above all a source of new inspiration, experiences, and encounters with people who share the same passion.

From Japan, I once again took away a multitude of beautiful experiences and an even greater respect for the people who dedicate their lives to the craft of watchmaking.

And I am already looking forward to my next return.