Mizuhiki 水引 is ancient Japanese decorative art with origins in the Muromachi period. Featuring colored cords made of twined paper, often knotted in ornate patterns, mizuhiki is offered as gifts on special occasions and is believed to have an auspicious meaning. Today, it is most commonly seen in gift wrapping. The knotted designs are intended to symbolize connections between people and long-lasting relationships.

We'd like to introduce a series of unique watches featuring this beautiful art form.

Handmade wristwatches meticulously modeled by Japanese craftsmen

These handmade watches are produced by "vie," a watchmaking studio located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. They have been working with various jewelry brands for many years.

The watches are created by utilizing modeling techniques cultivated through jewelry production. The expertise and artisanal skills of the craftsmen shines in each and every watch they make.

There are two types of Vie watches: the quartz type powered by batteries and the hand-wound type powered by a spring. These mizuhiki watches are hand-wound.

You need to wind it, but the act of taking care of your watch every day will make you love it even more.

Elegant antique style

Brass is the main material used for vie watches. Finished through a burning process, the brass glows discreetly, creating a unique texture.

The dial is covered with mineral glass, which is highly transparent and makes it easy to see the dial. It is scratch-resistant and ideal for long-term use.

The belts are made of Tochigi leather, which is highly regarded worldwide. It's very durable and the more you use it, the more it will gain a stylish, weathered look. You can select the color of the belt at the time of purchase.

vie handmade wristwatch: mizuhiki

The mizuhiki series comes in several colors and designs.

Ume (Japanese Plum) motif

Mizuhiki, which originated in the ancient capital of Kyoto and is still used in Shinto rituals and Buddhist ceremonies, is tied into a motif representing the shape of the Japanese plum, the blossoms of which color the Japanese landscape early in the year, providing a welcome respite from the grey and white of winter and hinting at the approach of Spring.

Red, white and platinum pearl mizuhiki cords are tied into an elegant flat plum knot which contrasts beautifully with the three-dimensional dial, making a strong impression at first glance.

The watch case and buckle are made of brass that has been seared with a burner to give it an antique finish that you'll enjoy for years to come.

The backing of the watch is made of surgical stainless steel (316L), which contains less nickel and is hypoallergenic, so it is perfect for watches that are worn for long periods of time.

Your vie watch comes in a Japanese-style patterned box, perfect for gift-giving. (Please note that the design of the package is subject to change).

Sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) motif

Most suited for a cherry blossom-themed design, this watch features a Sakura-color mizuhiki and combines it with platinum pearl mizuhiki to create a cute and stylish design reminiscent of cherry blossoms.

The washi paper background adds an elegant touch and contrasts well with the cheerful mizuhiki knot. Although the color is sakura, the mizuhiki is tied in a flat ume knot.

Matsu (Japanese pine) motif

Strong apple green-colored mizuhiki is combined with dark green and white to create a motif inspired by a bonsai-like pine tree with well-developed branches. A light lime green washi paper in the background adds a touch of class.

It's a unique and elegant design suitable for both men and women.

Lake Biwa motif

Mizuhiki colored in white, platinum pearl, and lapis lazuli are formed into a traditional motif known as an Awaji knot symbolizing the rippling surface of water. The watch is inspired by Japan's famous Lake Biwa. The light blue washi paper used in the background represents the Lake's surface.

Ninja motif

The black color in mizuhiki is typically used for formal life occasions, both happy and sad, but in this watch, it's used to create a ninja shuriken, or throwing star. The rich color of platinum gold adds a touch of opulence to this handsome design.

The subdued washi paper background makes the shuriken design stand out while keeping the entire design of the watch from being too flamboyant.

---

Other beautiful models inspired by Japanese arts and artisanal traditions are available, such as nishikijin-ori textile from Kyoto and chiyogami decorative paper.