Upcoming Japan Trip Recommendations
Hi guys,
As the title says I have an upcoming trip planned for Tokyo in October. We are specifically planning to stay near Ginza but don't have too much time since the trip is fairly short (1-week). I want to maximize my time watch hunting for a unique Seiko/Grand Seiko piece to commemorate the trip. I also can't afford to spend my entire week going to Seiko store as the wife and kids will unlikely to cooperate.
I would like to ask those who have done this to give some recommendations (yup, I've seen a few reddit threads about this but wanted to check here too). My questions:
What Ginza exclusive or JDM models should I be looking for that might be available? I love both Grand Seiko and Seiko. I currently have a 44GS GMT high beat (pictured) already as well as several classic Seikos like the SARB and the new laurel alpinist (Ginza edition). Ideally there is a spring drive GMT that is exclusive to the location I can hunt for.
Other than the Wako flagship stores, I've heard there are many other Seiko stores in the area. Which ones are worth going to? Does anyone have a short-list they recommend?
How/what should I ask for when I go to these stores. Not sure what the protocol is. Somehow, I can't imagine it will go down well if i walkes in and ask the sales rep "give me all the exclusive stuff".
I’m planning for a trip next April so I’m interested in hearing how this goes. Can’t speak for 1 or 2 but Japan is known for their hospitality so a few Japanese phrases will help open doors.
BIC Camera sells watches that are usually cheaper than at a boutique or at a major department store. They sell a whole range of watches from smartwatches to Casios to Grand Seiko and Omegas.
If you don’t mind 2nd hand, you can go to this store . They are a big 2nd hand luxury goods shop. They have physical outlets in Tokyo. You can scan the QR code by each watch for details on the watch. 2nd hand luxury watches in Japan tend to be well/competitively priced.
https://lips-online.jp/slide.php/78
Bring your passport along. You can get tax free pricing straight away.
You don’t really need to know Japanese to shop in Tokyo. Most people have basic comprehension of English and all shops have free wifi. So just use google translate to type out what you want to ask in English and show them the translated text.
Just ask them directly if they have any Japan exclusive models. They might just show you all the Made in Japan models. 😆
I visited Japan in March.
For Ginza they have GS and Seiko. They have some boutique exclusives watches I don't know about Japan only models.
If you can go to Jackroad and Betty they have some epic watches
https://www.jackroad.co.jp/shop/pages/access_en.aspx
I had a hard time finding vintage seikos since most shops only sold watches 500 bucks and above. I do recommend picking something up since is Tax-Free for foreigners and the Yen is quite low. To be honest Japan is a very visual country so 99% of watches are on display. So I would just ask can I try?
Regular stores have the prices on display making it easier to convert.
The only thing I would not start to take pictures inside the store it was a bit weird, I would do it when you try on the watch.
Finally buy data download google translate and google Lens to translate text real time. Most translations are kinda broken Japanese but it helps. One tip if they don't speak English at all do not attempt to speak slowly to them hoping they understand it just makes it awkward LOL.
Just go to Nakano Broadway and you will find all the preowned models. Visit Jackroad or Kame Kichi (亀吉 / かめきち) there.
Plan to Seiko Outlets for excusive discount for overseas visitors. (Don't hold too much hope on this, as most of the watches might be already sold.)
Just go to Nakano Broadway and you will find all the preowned models. Visit Jackroad or Kame Kichi (亀吉 / かめきち) there.
Plan to Seiko Outlets for excusive discount for overseas visitors. (Don't hold too much hope on this, as most of the watches might be already sold.)
I see their official site showing 7 JDM GS right now. One of them the SBGH315 Hi-beat is named Ginza Exclusive.
That GS looks amazing
I see their official site showing 7 JDM GS right now. One of them the SBGH315 Hi-beat is named Ginza Exclusive.
Ooo! The GS hi-beat looks fantastic! I’m going to start saving pennies and get one on my next trip to Japan!
Don't know of any Spring Drive GMT, but there's this exclusive SBGA495...
Otherwise, probably the best place to do some extensive research is here...
https://www.plus9time.com/blog/2023/01/01/all-2022-grand-seiko-announcements
I see their official site showing 7 JDM GS right now. One of them the SBGH315 Hi-beat is named Ginza Exclusive.
Wow grand seiko never fail to impress on visual impressions of there surroundings on dials,even if I don't see the resemblance that much like on the first burch model still beautiful and get the inspiration,but that looks like a window 👌nice
🔥🔥🔥