An affordable way to experience a Japanese washi dial - MMI x Awagami Factory

[thesingularity7]

When it comes to paper dials, or Washi dials as they’re referred to in Japanese, the first brand that comes to mind is Citizen. They’ve built a reputation for embracing traditional Japanese Washi and dyeing techniques, creating some truly stunning dials in the process. Over the years, Citizen has perfected this craft, but their watches featuring these intricate dials typically start at around $2,000, well into premium territory. That’s why I was genuinely excited to see MMI, a relatively young micro-brand, take on the challenge of bringing Washi dials to a broader audience. In collaboration with the Awagami Factory, MMI created a series of four watches based on Unryu Washi, a swirling fiber paper that brings texture and depth to the dial. These form the aptly (but slightly unoriginal) named Four Seasons collection: watches that blend traditional Japanese artistry with a surprisingly sporty and versatile design.