Japan has a long history in the watch industry but even in the past five years it feels like the interest and hype surrounding Japanese horology has increased. Especially when it comes to Japanese microbrands and independents rather than the accessible powerhouses like Seiko and Citizen. We recently produced a profile on one of the leading Japanese independents, Hajime Asaoka but today we’re taking a look at the new 2025 launch from a different watch brand whose presence on the global stage is steadily increasing, Naoya Hida & Co. The new watch is the NH Type 6A.
Off the bat, the headline is that this is a perpetual calendar wristwatch. While the brand has dabbled in moonphases and other refined complications previously, this is by far the most complex watch Naoya Hida & Co. has ever produced. It features a new movement in the form of the Cal.3025PC, crafted in partnership with Habring2 and Dubois Depraz. It has a 45-hour power reserve with manual winding and is equipped with hours, minutes, days, date, months and leap year indicators.
In classic Naoya Hida style, it has a design that’s perfectly balanced on the edge between classical and minimalist. What that means is that while the numerals and typography have that sort of Art Deco inspired flair, the layout is super restrained and easy to read. It also has the signature Naoya Hida economy of colour where the case and dial are both silver, with black numerals, blue subdial hands and gold central hands. Blue, silver, gold – these are the Naoya Hida trademark. In fact, the NH Type 6A takes things a step further because while the case is made from steel, for the first time ever the dial is made entirely from sterling silver.
Building on that refinement are the case dimensions. It measures 37mm in diameter with a thickness of 11.5mm, so while it’s not ultra-slim it will still feel fairly svelte on the wrist thanks to the vintage dress watch sizing. Completing the case on the reverse side is an exhibition caseback that reveals the details of the new calibre. It’s finished immaculately with a series of banded concentric rings – while this isn’t the most romantic description it sort of looks like four millipedes curled up together. I don’t know how to convey in text that I mean that with positive enthusiasm.
Pricewise, the Naoya Hida & Co. NH Type 6A is ¥8,250,000 (approx. £42,350), making it pretty exclusive. Though what makes it more exclusive is that it has a limited annual production of just 10 pieces.
Price and Specs:
More details at Naoya Hida.
