NAOYA HIDA & Co., a noteworthy independent micro-brand, presents its new watch collection for 2026, full of new challenges.

Since releasing its first model, NAOYA HIDA & Co. has steadily built its reputation as a leading Japanese watch manufacturer. Their new collection for 2026 is full of unprecedented challenges, sure to pique the curiosity of watch enthusiasts.

NH Watch explores new horizons in watchmaking.

　Since its founding in 2018, NAOYA HIDA & Co. has been creating watches based on vintage models from the 1930s to the 60s. While the materials and techniques are extremely traditional, their new collection for 2026 introduces a bold and unprecedented concept.

　First, the new "NH TYPE3B-4" is the first model in the "NH TYPE3B" series to feature a moon phase complication and boasts an 18K yellow gold case adorned with elegant hand engraving. The motif is inspired by Art Nouveau, which swept the world from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The complex and magnificent patterns, reminiscent of flowing water and clouds, are expressed using a technique inspired by "fleurizan decoration," a specialty of Bovet and others, where the area around the motif is carved out to create a three-dimensional effect.

　But the engraving isn't the only highlight. The minute marker ring on the outer edge of the dial is set with 60 yellow gold dots that were hand-polished from separate parts. The three-dimensional Arabic numeral indices employ an elaborate technique where the numbers are hand-engraved and then covered with gold leaf.

　Incidentally, when creating a classic wristwatch, everyone considers using a vintage movement. However, when Naoya Tobita first considered making watches, he lacked sufficient experience and was concerned about obtaining spare parts, so he decided against it. This has now been realized with his new hand-wound chronograph, the "NH TYPE7A."

　The watch is powered by the Valjoux Caliber 23, a legendary movement that began production in 1916 and continued for approximately 60 years. This masterpiece movement is housed in a case crafted with the latest ultra-precise machining technology. Furthermore, hand-engraved indices and other artisanal elements have been added to create a high-end model. We are proud that this has been realized in Japan.

　By the way, are you familiar with "porcelain dials"? These are made by firing kaolin, which is crushed clay or stone. In contrast, enamel (cloisonné) is made by applying a vitreous glaze to a metal plate and firing it. The dial of the new "NH TYPE2C-2" is not metal-based, but porcelain. Until now, dials made of metal with engraved designs have been the norm, but this is the first time a dial made of a different material has been realized. Moreover, it is not just the beauty of the dial that is astonishing, but also the perfection of the hand-painted logo and indices. In addition to the depiction of the numbers being as accurate as printing, the expression is full of tension and without a single flaw, even down to the decorative details at the ends called "serifs," and the metallic, three-dimensional texture is breathtaking.

　The Armoury, a men's clothing brand with shops in Hong Kong and New York, and NAOYA HIDA & Co. have collaborated for the third time on the "NH TYPE4A-2," a watch with a delicate feather motif hand-engraved on the dial.

　The dial is made of Argentium Silver, a silver alloy that is resistant to discoloration even when exposed to air. This is a mixture of 92.5% pure sterling silver, copper, and a small amount of germanium. It is known as a maintenance-free silver material that is resistant to oxidation. Bead blasting is applied to it, and three feathers are engraved with delicate detail, appearing to float gently. The sharpness of the feather shafts and the softness of the feathers are conveyed realistically, even through the domed sapphire crystal.

　Recently, small-scale watch manufacturers, sometimes called micro-brands, have been gaining attention, but even among them, NAOYA HIDA & Co. stands out for its exceptional quality. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.