On May 28, 2025, our Wancher Watch team experienced a truly unforgettable moment in Japan. Joined by Mario Lenke and Frank, we had the distinct honor of visiting the home and atelier of Master Yoko Hirota, one of Japan’s most respected urushi lacquer artisans.
Renowned for her unparalleled skill, Master Hirota is the creative force behind Wancher’s Dream Watch Tora, Black Moon, and Hibi Nuri—each a masterpiece of urushi art that honors centuries of Japanese craftsmanship.
Unveiling the Art of the Urushi Dial
As we stepped into her world, we were welcomed not just with kindness but with deep insight. Master Hirota offered us a rare, behind-the-scenes look at her meticulous process—especially her techniques for the Dream Watch Tora dial, and Dream Watch Black Moon.
(Master Yoko Hirota Applying a Thick Black urushi using an engraved Cypress wood brush to create the unique textured pattern)
Each urushi dial is created by building up countless layers of natural lacquer, allowing them to cure and harden under strictly controlled humidity and temperature. The patience and precision required cannot be overstated—this is true Japanese traditional craft at its most refined.
Watching her work felt like observing a sacred ritual. Every brushstroke was slow, deliberate, and filled with purpose.
Meet Mario Lenke: The Man Bridging Germany and Japan
One of the most exciting aspects of this visit was sharing it with Mario Lenke, a passionate collector, content creator, and founder of Japanese-Microbrands.com.
Based in Germany, Mario runs a one-of-a-kind online store dedicated exclusively to rare and hidden Japanese microbrand watches—brands and artisans often unknown outside of Japan. His mission is clear:
To uncover and share Japan’s hidden horological gems with the world.
With a deep appreciation for design, craftsmanship, and story, Mario has built a platform that doesn’t just sell watches—it celebrates the soul behind each timepiece. His collaboration with Wancher reflects his commitment to elevating independent Japanese watchmakers and traditional artisans like Master Hirota.
In the coming days, Mario will release a new video feature highlighting our studio visit, Master Hirota’s urushi technique, and his impressions of the Wancher Dream Watch Collection. This is not just content—it’s a tribute to the beauty and cultural heritage of Japanese urushi lacquered dials.
👉 Follow Mario on YouTube
👉 Discover hidden gems at Japanese-Microbrands.com
The Dream Watch Collection: Timeless Urushi Beauty
The experience of watching Master Hirota at work renewed our own passion for preserving these traditions through the Dream Watch Collection. Every Wancher Urushi Watch is an expression of artistic legacy. No two dials are the same—each is hand-lacquered, layered, and finished with the care of a master.
Whether you are a collector seeking originality or a lover of Japanese craftsmanship, the Dream Watch Collection invites you to wear a piece of history on your wrist.
👉 Explore the Urushi Collection
👉 Meet Master Hirota
👉 Shop the Dream Watch Tora
Final Reflections
This visit wasn’t just about watches. It was about honoring tradition, sharing culture, and deepening the connection between Germany and Japan through design. We left with more than admiration—we left inspired to continue showcasing the soul of Japan through our timepieces.
If you're looking for something beyond the mainstream, something with heart, heritage, and handmade excellence, now is the time to discover urushi dials and the artisans who make them unforgettable.
#UrushiLacqueredDials #UrushiWatch #UrushiDial #MasterYokoHirota #WancherWatchUrushi #JapaneseTraditionalCraft #JapaneseMicrobrandWatches #MarioLenke #HiddenGemsJapan #DreamWatchCollection #GermanyJapanConnection
