NAOYA HIDA & Co. 2026 Collection

The NH TYPE1 series began with the creation of its prototype in 2018 and was unveiled in 2019 as the inaugural product of NAOYA HIDA & Co. Continuous refinement of its details led to the NH TYPE1C in 2020, followed by the NH TYPE 1D, which has been produced for the past four years since 2022. This year, the series enters its fifth generation. The most significant evolution is the new 36mm case, reduced from the previous 37mm while achieving a more powerful and substantial presence. At first glance, it may appear similar to the NH TYPE 1D, but when placed side by side, the differences become unmistakably clear. Another major advancement is the redesigned sapphire crystal. The previously gentle curvature has been replaced with a more pronounced domed profile, adding depth and dimensionality. As a result, the case thickness has increased from 9.8mm on the NH TYPE 1D to 10.8mm, yet the visual depth and overall presence have been elevated to an entirely new level.

36mm stainless-steel case with a domed crystal.

Production quantity: approx. 25 pieces to be produced between 2026 and 2027.

The NH TYPE 3B-4 is the first model in the NH TYPE 3 series—equipped with a moon phase mechanism—to feature hand engraved decoration across the entire case surface, excluding only the bezel and case back, both crafted in 18K yellow gold. In 2024, Naoya Hida introduced the NH TYPE 1D-3, which showcased engraving on the case sides. The positive reception of that model encouraged them to pursue engraving on a larger scale. To bring this vision to life, they selected Art Nouveau as this year’s design motif. Historically, watches incorporating Art Nouveau elements have been far less common than those inspired by Art Deco, yet through this project, they sought to revive the spirit of the era in a contemporary form. This ambition extends beyond the case itself. By applying gold leaf to the three dimensional, relief sculpted Arabic numerals—a first for the brand—Naoya Hida & Co. believes they have succeeded in capturing the essence of the period while presenting it through a distinctly modern lens.

Art Nouveau–style engravings on an 18K yellow‑gold case.

Arabic numerals finished with gold leaf.

Production quantity: approx. 2 pieces to be produced between 2026 and 2027.

The NH TYPE 5A, introduced in 2024 as the brand’s first rectangular watch, received an exceptional response from the market. Over the following year, Hida-san continued wearing and testing the model himself, ultimately concluding that several subtle adjustments to the case were necessary to achieve an even more refined and harmonious design. For the NH TYPE 5B, they have renewed the dial design and shortened the lugs by 1mm on each side compared to the previous model. In addition, the stepped section along the case flank has been widened by 0.3mm. These may appear to be minor modifications, yet they have resulted in a noticeably transformed overall impression. This piece reaffirmed how even the slightest dimensional differences can dramatically influence the character of a wristwatch.

Newly designed dial and case.

Comparatively small two-piece case with a three-dimensional box-shaped sapphire crystal in two parts.

Production quantity: approx. 10 pieces to be produced between 2026 and 2027.

The NH TYPE 5A‑1, introduced in 2025, was the first NAOYA HIDA & Co. model to feature an acrylic (plastic) cover glass. For many years, Hida-san has been drawn to the warmth of acrylic crystals found on vintage watches and to the unique character created by the subtle distortion they impart to the dial. When he learned that modern acrylic materials could be used to manufacture a cover glass of high quality, he decided to adopt it—though he initially wondered how it would be received by watch enthusiasts. Fortunately, the response was overwhelmingly positive. As a result, when designing the NH TYPE 5B, he had no hesitation in adding the NH TYPE 5B‑1, which also features an acrylic cover glass. If you have the opportunity, Hida-san encourages you to compare the two models side by side.

Newly designed dial and case.

Acrylic glass manufactured using a custom mold.

Production quantity: approx. 10 pieces to be produced between 2026 and 2027.

The NH TYPE 2 series made its debut in 2020 with the NH TYPE 2A, featuring a hand wound center seconds movement. This was followed by the NH TYPE 2B in 2021 and the NH TYPE 2C in 2022, along with the brand’s first collaboration model with The Armoury, the NH TYPE 2C-1 "Lettercutter,” released in the same year. This year’s NH TYPE 2C-2 marks a significant milestone as the first Naoya Hida & Co. model to feature a porcelain dial. The desire to create dials using materials other than German silver or Argentium silver has existed for some time, and Naoya Hida & Co. are pleased to have finally brought this vision to life. A central theme of the development process was how to harmonize a porcelain dial—an element frequently seen in 19th century timepieces—with the NH TYPE 2 series’ concept of reinterpreting the modern dress watches of the 1950s and ’60s for today. While the dial design is extremely simple, the depth created by the hand painted indexes and logo integrates beautifully with the case, achieving a balanced and distinctive presence.

First porcelain dial.

Production quantity: approx. 10 pieces to be produced between 2026 and 2027.

When Hida-san began working in the watch industry in 1990, he was strongly drawn to smaller timepieces. He still remember the particular appeal of classics such as the Patek Philippe Ref.96 and the Breguet Ref.3210. Even as the industry shifted toward larger and thicker cases, his desire to create a refined, compact watch never faded. His experience developing the Cal.2524SS for the NH TYPE 5 series gave him the confidence to design a small movement capable of placing the small seconds far from the dial center. This led him to pursue a 31mm screw‑down dress watch. The result is the NH TYPE 8A, featuring the newly developed hand‑wound Cal.2326SS, a complex three‑piece case with a see‑through back, and a domed sapphire crystal. For Hida-san, this model represents the first step toward creating the ideal small watch.

A small 31mm dress watch.

Production quantity: approx. 20 pieces to be produced between 2026 and 2027.

When Hida-san began his watchmaking project in 2012, using vintage movements was an option, but limited experience and concerns about sourcing spare parts kept him from pursuing it. Still, the desire remained. A few years ago, he had the opportunity to acquire a significant number of vintage movements, and the Valjoux 23(236) immediately came to mind—an iconic chronograph caliber used by many renowned manufacturers. He wanted to pair its vintage charm with a modern case, hand‑engraved indexes, and sculpted hands to create his ideal Valjoux 23(236) chronograph. This vision became the foundation of the NH TYPE 7A. If you have the chance to handle the watch, he encourages you to operate the chronograph. You will notice the distinctive motion of the slender yet slightly thickened chronograph seconds hand as it starts, stops, and resets.

A chronograph watch equipped with a vintage Valjoux 23(236) movement.

Production quantity: approx. 10 pieces to be produced between 2026 and 2027.