The Japanese craft of 和紙 washi, and particularly, the techniques associated with hand-crafted paper, or 手漉き和紙tesuki washi, were registered in 2014 as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Used not only for letter writing and books, but also in home interiors and in various crafted objects, washi is sturdy and versatile. The more decorative versions, such as chiyogami 千代紙, printed with colorful designs, are popular among tourists.

We'd like to introduce a series of unique watches featuring this traditional Japanese craft.

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 tesuki washi 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 bands 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 band at the time of purchase.

vie handmade wristwatch: tesuki washi

The tesuki washi series comes in several colors and designs. Here are two of the designs currently available at grape SHOP:

Ume (Japanese Plum) motif

The tesuki washi pattern is in 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.

With its vivid red color and cute design, this watch can be enjoyed by all ages.

The dial is 39mm in diameter and is large enough to give you a great sense of presence. The numbers are individually twisted into shape by hand from brass wire. Their rounded shape adds to the cuteness of the design.

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.

Even if it is the same model, depending on the band color you choose, etc., it will be your own original, one-of-a-kind watch.

Four-colored flower motif

This unique watch features tesuki washi in an attractive design featuring flowers in four different colors.

The natural rough texture of the handmade Japanese paper combined with the four bright colors of the flowers fuse together traditional Japanese style and contemporary pop flair.

The dial is 39mm in diameter and is large enough to give you a great sense of presence. The numbers are individually twisted into shape by hand from brass wire. Their rounded shape adds to the cuteness of the design.

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.

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A gift box with a Japanese pattern is also available if you intend to give it to someone as a gift. (Please note that you cannot choose the pattern.)

We also recommend vie's beautiful mizuhiki watch series, featuring colored cords made of twined paper.