I'm heading to Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo this April and hoping to discover some unique Japanese watch brands that fly under the radar. While I love the big names (Seiko, Citizen, Orient, Casio, Kuoe), I'm specifically looking for something different to make my trip extra memorable.
Budget: Under $1000
What I'm seeking:
– Mechanical or automatic movement
– Distinctive or unconventional dial designs
– Lesser-known Japanese brands with interesting stories
– Something I can't easily find outside Japan
Does anyone have experience with smaller Japanese watch manufacturers or know any hidden gem watch shops I should visit? I'd love to bring home a unique timepiece that tells a story beyond the usual tourist purchases.
Feel free to share your recommendations for both specific brands and watch shopping districts/stores I should check out!
by _ullas
8 comments
How is that a Kyoto thing?
I don’t know man “lesser known” usually comes at a premium in Japan. like Kurono? There is a wait list for I think a few years now and those watches can be like $40,000-50,000.
You could try Kuoe which for their Sombrero watch is right around 1,000 and some of their more classic designs are like 300-400 bucks.
None I can think of that will fit yr budget. Hajime Asaoka’s cool af tho
https://www.kuoe-en.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop73-GUAGMTFx5dPqZhZ7rUjAQakFZeZw4hFnmo9zh7peB_Ijg5
Watchmakers based in Kyoto. Just picked up a watch from them for a friend of mine.
https://www.dedegumo.jp/
Dedegumo might be exactly what you’re looking for. Small cool shop in Kyoto, reasonable prices and unique watches unlike any others
In the age of the internet, there is no hidden brands. Just micro and household. The only hidden gems are usually the extremely micro brands that do yearly watch allocations and produce maybe 40 watches a year? They’re charging out the ass though. Do your research before buying Kuoe as it is much more liken to a marketing gimmick than actual craftsmanship.
Vintage is expensive in japan because they only carry perfect examples of watches- I tried bargain hunting for vintage in Japan and realized that was an oxymoron unless you go to flea markets which I believe Kyoto doesnt have any as far as I am aware.
In my opinion, finding japanese exclusive releases from the Japanese household names like Seiko, Orient, Casio etc. This way you check the box of having something unique while also being able to hunt and discover on your own.
Go check out Nanako Broadway in Tokyo.
It’s an old mall with tons of retro anime memorabilia and tons of watch sellers. You might find your hidden gem there.
[This one has quite an interesting dial.](https://en.knot-designs.com/products/at-38svjpbkgs)
It is using the Urushi teqnique, it cant get anymore unique to Japan than that, hah