15 Japanese Watch Brands You Need To Know In 2024

[@demarcusstrange5213]

I am on vacation in Japan right now. My wife and I went to Kyoto and I bought a KUOE Royal Smith series watch. It is a beautiful piece. The owner was awesome and took some time to chat with me. I appreciated his background in watchmaking.

[@delonteeast7955]

Did the same thing last year! I got the Royal Smith 90-008 in silver/silver, and I have to say that it's easily my favorite amongst my collection!

[@maxinahunt8652]

I also have a 002. Love it.

[@Clim0711]

Is it easier and cheaper to buy a watch Japan?

[@PPN462]

If you go to Tokyo at some point, definitely try to visit Knot and Minase for your dose of micro-brands, the flagship stores of Grand Seiko and Citizen for the experience, and of course Nakano Broadway for all the second-hand shops.

[@PPN462]

@@Clim0711 Easier yes and no. Shop owners are usually very welcoming but not many speak English. You can find a lot of references in incredible condition but you have to know the addresses and the sheer amount is sometimes very overwhelming. Cheaper yes. Yen is weak, as a tourist you can get 10% off due to being tax-free as long as you show your passport, and in general there are a lot of good deals. Just be careful to take into account import tax/duties when you come back.

[@hamacide]

Hello from Tokyo, Japan! I must say, Teddy is an absolute pro. Huge props for going the extra mile with those pronunciations. We have a lot of syllables in our names, making it extra tricky for non-natives. Now, nobody's expecting Teddy to sound like a native Japanese speaker overnight, but the effort he's put into nailing it really shines through. The time and dedication he's put into researching and practicing definitely haven't gone unnoticed. It's refreshing to see someone like Teddy take the time to get things right, especially when so many content creators seem to brush off learning a name with a quick apology. You can tell he's genuinely tried, and that's something we truly appreciate. Teddy, huge congrats on hitting 1 million subscribers! It's a shame I didn’t bump into you during your time here in Japan, but maybe next time!

[@greigmackenzie2091]

I went to the Seiko museum on Wednesday in Tokyo, then visited the flagship store round the corner. Who should be in there browsing, but none other than Nicolas Cage. I said hello and we chatted for a moment. He was lovely!

[@Sam_Leo1]

Wow!What did you guys talk about?Nice!

[@greigmackenzie2091]

@@Sam_Leo1 Just about the Seiko watch museum around the corner from the store. He was a bit shy.

[@jeonglee657]

How about Orient Star?

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Again, you're really never running out of great and refreshing watch topics, Teddy! Much appreciated. Really love Japanese watches and owned quite a few of them. Before watching the video I guessed I only don't know 5 of them. Turned out that I didn't know 3 of them, that was the last three. Very interesting! Thanks again for picking another great watch topic.

[@ukcliffjones]

Bought a Kuoe Old Smith 001 this year on a trip to Kyoto. Couldn't be happier and the most professional anf friendly experience ever buying a watch. Great to see the brand getting the attention it deserves.

[@cy894]

That's a lovely watch. A good choice.

[@Sam_Leo1]

Nice!What was the price in Yen?Is the warranty 5 years international?How do you like it after 5 month now?

[@ukcliffjones]

@@Sam_Leo1 Hi, I’m not sure on both but it’s a quartz and Kuoe care about quality and aren’t going anywhere and it’s a quartz so I am confident. I still love it. I would consider a more modern watch now as we see sizes trending down, but it’s got an elegant vintage vibe. I reviewed in as part of my SOTC on my channel recently if you are interested

[@Sam_Leo1]

@@ukcliffjones I see and why a quartz and not a mechanical one?Don't you prefer the smoothness ofthe mechanical needle?and also quartz make some noise compared to mechanicals no?

[@ukcliffjones]

@@Sam_Leo1 Yes I agree with everything you said, but the face of the quartz watch was the one that appealed to me the most. I have a review of it on mu channel if you are interested.

[@Christophe-k8s]

Hello Teddy, I'm not sure if you read all the comments but, at worst, I'd have enjoyed writing to you. I wanted to thank you for this very interesting video. I didn't discover any brand that I didn't know before. But, as always with you, I learned a lot of things. (120 hours of power reserve (!!) into a GS, how Credor continues to hand paint the indexes of its watches dials, etc). And I also wanted to let you know that you are the only english-speaking watches KZbinr whose videos I watch and listen to without having to put on subtitles. So, you improve my knowledge into watches and you also improve my inderstanding of English. Well done, and thank you again. 😊

[@talktomn]

You, Teddy, have done it again with this incredibly informative review. Perfect balance of breath and depth on the topic of Japanese watch brands. 👏

[@unaibb]

You never mention ORIENT STAR, the premium Orient watch brand, and a very good quality watch. Another brand I miss and it´s great is Knot

[@davidrodriguezc3724]

Don't know why the bigger KZbinrs ignore Orient Star this way, they have gorgeous watches, they even launched a "kinda snowflake" that is amazingly done

[@rdices]

My wife’s uncle gifted me his orient star from the 90’s. A very well finished watch for the price. It’s definitely a brand that needs more live.

[@lx95020]

Never heard of half of these. So glad I watched this video!!!

[@avstars]

Kuoe is a nice find. Their designs are really nice and good price too.

[@siongheeleong8078]

One notable Japanese watch brand missing from the video - Citizen's high end watch brand, Campanola.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

True! Very much unkown in the west hemisphere. One of the last true gems in watchmaking.

[@kashbadash5167]

Grand Seiko is highly praised for its dial work and rightly so but some of the Campanola dials in person are unbelievable.

[@BluGiant14]

Wow. Never heard of Campanola. So now I got one more brand to obsess over…🤦🏾‍♂️😭

[@andreidinu7316]

Any links where I could see them in the western world?

[@tonywong8134]

I think he left this off because it is mostly made in Switzerland, despite its parent company being Citizen.

[@bruceleroy8063]

Since Casio is the reason i ever wore a watch in the first place (original square as a kid) and my grandfather wore a Seiko, i decided to keep my collection all Japanese. This is just the reference video we Japanese watch fans needed. Thank you Teddy.

[@The_gaz9]

A UK or USA version of this type of video would be interesting.

[@forechunkukee]

Would love to see this, even if at the current moment, I think the UK list would be far more interesting than the US one. I say that as an American who would love to add an RGM, a Weiss, or a Towson to my collection.

[@JDinHNL]

Great overview! I love Orient, have several and it is my favorite recommendation for someone that wants a mechanical watch, but is used to buying "basic watches." If you don't have an Orient, dive in with Komasu! The other you highlight is Kuoe - absolutely stunning watch designs. In general, most of these smaller brands will have 38mm as their largest watch - which is a welcome change from the big watch trend over the past several years.

[@chrislyall6251]

Wow thanks Teddy 4 this informative video, i was always interested in watches from Japan, but you've opened my eyes to other watch manufacturers.

[@AizonDeSoteraux-tv1xx]

I have owned ORIENT, CITIZEN,SEIKO,CASIO since 1972.. I collect them and have so far about a total of 120 pieces of these watches from 1971- 2020 models.ans they all still work ...My favorite is Seiko Advan automatic .I've had it since 1971..

[@Sam_Leo1]

120?That is very impressive!I am thinking of buying my first Seiko and Citizen, a modern model.I've own an Omega, Breitling, Rolex, JLC, Longines and Oris.Not all at the same time, I wear one, sell it, then buy another one.Which Seiko and Citizen do you think I should buy that are really special a)between +/- 200 $ and 1.000 $ and b)between 1.000$ and 3.000$?I am confused lol, they have so so so many different models out there.

[@jtaka1453]

Your videos are top notch. I'm not that crazy into watches anymore, but always enjoy your videos none the less.

[@Inmo596]

A very well researched video. Thanks for highlighting my favourite brands from Japan.

[@zillsburyy1]

ORIENT is a tremendous value

[@markgilbertson1564]

But they look dreadful.

[@anonkhmer149]

@@markgilbertson1564 Bambino is a classic, but everything else I agree

[@zillsburyy1]

@@markgilbertson1564 shut up you bozo!!! they look expensive

[@zillsburyy1]

@@markgilbertson1564 you jackass!!!

[@zillsburyy1]

@@markgilbertson1564 you look dreadful. ORIENT watches look beautiful

[@alexn009]

France would be good for the next episode !

[@bc3618]

Great video - I have a Minase and I love it; spectacular details on the dial and case. One other Japanese brand that is definitely worth considering is OTSUKA LOTEC. Great steampunk designs, but super hard to get if you are not in Japan.

[@morallytainted1]

I absolutely love this series and would like to see more watch brands coming out of Singapore. I just recently purchased my first Vario, with their Empire GMT and it's an absolutely beautiful watch so I'd be curious what other watches are coming out of this country.

[@quintanalouie]

Because of this video I bought a Minase Horizon Steel - Black. I wanted a non traditional, dress type watch, and I love this one! Thanks, Teddy for highlighting the brand!

[@kungula]

The Citizen AQ 4091 from the series The Citizen is the best watch I ever owned. Unfortunately it is not available easily outside Japan.

[@edkwon]

Just purchased an AQ4091-56A from a Japanese AD online, fully agree, great HAQ

[@kungula]

@@edkwon I really believe the calibre is fantastic and it is even cheaper than a Grand Seiko. It is not always the famous watches which are better value.

[@kashbadash5167]

No mention of Campanola, Citizen's high-end brand?

[@drnick40]

Awesome video Teddy. Thank you! Credor is possibly the highest quality Japan watchmaking has to offer.

[@Boblw56]

As a big fan of Japanese horology, it’s great to put a spotlight on these wonderful makers.

[@diefenbachfravert]

got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on MAMACOO 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.

[@JDRichard]

I do need to come down and visit your store eventually. I’ve been repairing watches for many many years and specifically vintage pocket watches from as early as 1850. I do enjoy your channel and love your back-and-forth with Mr. wonderful.

[@AinatMorrissette]

MaMaCoo You are so well-informed about luxury watches. You've obviously done your due diligence and the comparison to the US is very informative...because of course, I live in New York. thank you very much

[@fabricea7704]

The lesser known ones are very beautiful. Thank you Teddy for the discovery.🤩🤩🤩🇨🇵A few French brands for the next video?

[@_SOON_]

How did you know I was searching for Japanese watches!! Nice video! Thanks!

[@elliotpaul97]

This is a well timed video! I am traveling to Japan in 2 weeks, and am hoping to pick up a watch as a souvenir…any suggestions on shops to check out in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto?

[@PPN462]

In Kyoto definitely check out the Kuoe store, it's their hometown. In Tokyo, check out the flagship stores of Grand Seiko and Citizen for the big guns, the stores of Knot and Minase for the micro-brands. As for second-hand shop, this is a whole other can of worms but I feel like you cannot go wrong with Jackroad and all the shops in Nakano Broadway, Tokyo.

[@Sam_Leo1]

@@PPN462 On average, Seiko's, GS's and Citizen's are how many % cheaper do you think in Japan compare to Europe/USA?

[@arlopoetiray5534]

You have to visit Japan Teddy especially an interview with few Japanese watch companies…will be great content 😍

[@whitenikkor]

Another excellent video Teddy, like what one of the guys mentioned here earlier, the Knot didn't make it on the list. I just recently ordered the Knot AT-38SVWH1, and I really didn't expect the quality of the finishing was superb, I'm happy with my new discovery and I'm still trying to do the honeymoon week with this watch and hoping to see this in one of your featured videos. By the way thanks for the additional info about the last 5 watches you featured here.

[@PPN462]

The AT-38 is indeed a nice pick. When I was in Japan, I went into one of their main stores and tried a bunch of straps. They are all made in Japan too which is great. After choosing a nubuck leather band, I grabbed the CAP-38SVGN because I am weak to open-heart complication haha. On a side note, I like how straightforward their naming convention for reference is.

[@ralphimbrogno9239]

Thanks Teddy! Another very educational video. Thanks for doing these!

[@zwzlife7394]

Just ordered a KUOE Royal Smith 90-008.

[@bossman4799]

As someone with not much money who’s slowly saving for the future, I’m team Japan all the way. So many great and inexpensive brands that make some great watches.

[@alocascio5825]

I have one of the most basic Oceanus offerings - T150. Titanium, water resistant, solar powered, atomic clock, worldtimer, and stunning blue dial with well-designed indices. The perfect summer travel watch.

[@jameschristiansson3137]

Those are beautiful and affordable.

[@jameschristiansson3137]

Mine arrived yesterday. Thanks for the nudge.

[@blackcoffeeinbed]

Great list, Teddy. ‘Would love to have seen Kuorono Tokyo have some time in the limelight. Their dials are just extraordinary.

[@ofb7212]

Great video with one glaring omission. Knot watches are excellent, reasonably affodable watches. Their automatics punch way over their price. Beautifully finished w Myota 9 series movements for $600 up to $1200 for their chronographs.

[@luxelist]

Thank you for bringing attention to these brands! Japanese watches can be masterpieces.

[@SusanKenney-x8h]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the amzwatch's watches are the most intriguing.

[@pistacheganache]

That’s a delightful collection of brands Teddy!

[@Tractorman-xj4gt]

Great video, Teddy - so glad you covered watch brands from Japan - now I'll have to investigate further !!

[@NooraliDerksen]

I bought a watch from AMZWATCH lightly used for my last milestone birthday. Don't wear it as much as it deserves, but not afraid to, either. It's stunning . Good taste, Sir.

[@nsweets]

Great video! I have had the Orient Kamasu for about a year now and it’s awesome! Wearing it as I watch this now lol

[@JM.TheComposer]

I would love to see a video on how to relate various colours of watches to skin tone, for people of different ethnicities. I realise you have an old video that touches on this, but something more in depth would really help. This is one of the biggest things I struggle with!

[@adamcuthbert9498]

Credor is one of the best values in the market for collectors who do not intend to re-sell for profit.

[@fshsunlimit21]

You killed it Teddy! One of the most captivating vid's you've done! Please do all of the far east, and neighboring swiss countries, Finland, Norway etc. Countries that people don't normally hear about, that are independent, but the quality is as good as the Japanese, or better!

[@someguy975-uy3ie]

Great video Teddy! One brand that I would love to see covered is Orient Star. I realize it's a sub-brand of Orient which you've already covered but feel the Orient Star watches are on a much better level compared to Orient.

[@grimbrum]

Great Video, love my G-Shock. Which Casioak Model do you show at 1:36?

[@ChrisMetz-c1e]

Thank you for making high quality videos!Love MaMaCoo ’s watches

[@williamjohnson6588]

Great video idea. Such a fun spectrum of classic and utilitarian, historic and boundary pushing.

[@tagginondawal3961]

I'm heading to Japan in a couple weeks. Will definitely be keeping an eye on some of these.

[@Sam_Leo1]

Nice!I'm going soon to Japan.Which district has many watch stores and pre-owned watch stores?And how much cheaper are Seiko's Citizen's etc there compare to Europe/USA?

[@frederickbasset1396]

Great review - thank you! for next videos, how about Great Britain or France, both have a long history in clock / watchmaking ; have had iconic brands before the quartz crises, some of them currently re editing vintage models, plus a dynamic micro brand landsape

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

Great video! Ive lived here in Tokyo for a while now and i absolutely love their craftsmanship. Another really cool 2 watch makers from Japan are Kentex and knot… kentex makes the watches for the jasdaf and all the other Japanese military branches and knot has fantastic watches from 200-2000 with handmade porcelain dials and such.

[@AlwayzLong]

Koruno Tokyo have also great watches

[@forechunkukee]

Kurono falls under Hajime Asaoka, but yea, wish they got some specific shine. Love my Calendrier.

[@peekay4]

Kurono was showcased in the video starting at 11:33. I was lucky enough to get the HISUI chronograph shown there.

[@goatrope2946]

Nice​@peekay4 I missed the boat on the Hisui but will visit the studio on my upcoming trip to show my appreciation for the brand.

[@pavXX]

The Nakagawa watches are really striking. Simple, refined, but very elegant. And have several Citizen eco-drives. Very underrated brand.

[@skykao1197]

Fantastic video as always, Teddy! I just wanna shoutout Citizen's higher end lines: The Citizen (the most accurate Quartz watches in the world), and Series 8. Some absolutely incredible watchmaking and technology going on there that bare mentioning! As well as Orient Star, a higher end version of Orient, that has some stunning pieces!

[@JacobTab_S7_Plus-sg4ju]

Nice review🎉 Credor is second to none, I have a Spring Drive Seiko diver, but Credor is a BIG dream of mine.

[@sergiomira3813]

Please Teddy you have to make a review of the Casio GST-B600-1AJF. Was released last month in Japan. A way smaller and thiner G-Steel, just gorgeous

[@altherr1957]

Watching this with my Grand Seiko SBGP017 Sea of Clouds on the wrist 🙌

[@davidokeefe8346]

What a brilliant video really enjoyed that thank you 👍

[@DistractedPlatypus]

Another great video. I’ve been really impressed by Hitori’s offerings. The dials and finishing looks amazing, especially considering the price. Not the most high-end movements, but what do you expect for $350 or so?

[@nedflanders3769]

Thanks Teddy. Several of these brands were new to me, and I know a fair amount about watches. 😊

[@KenYamaguchi-sg5zr]

Thanks for an enjoyable and educational video. Great information, photography and narration. I had no idea of the newer boutique Japanese brands. Some of the Grand Seiko dial designs are truly works of art, such as Unkai - 'Sea of Clouds'. Thanks again.

[@jameswu6156]

Thanks for this video. Will be visiting Japan later this year. What do you think of Knot?

[@diegosebastian5113]

Hi , Mr. Thank you for your vlog and expertise in watches from simple to luxury . Please can you feature french and italian watches, thank you and more power in your vlog.

[@sundar_rsn]

I had Casio g shock, Seiko 5 and citizen econdrive, all were a great watches with affordable tags....

[@jackallread]

Thanks Teddy! This is a great episode! I loved all of these watches. The Japanese have such a clean design ethos that lends itself to everything they make!

[@HanozeIrani]

Teddy u r my encyclopaedia for watches.I follow all ur videos there are great Japanese watch companies I know after this video thanks

[@rafficrashid867]

Just want you to know that I Really Love your channel and content. There's so much to learn from you about watches. ❤❤❤

[@jontrimble6874]

The Casio Edifice that you featured is awesome. I cannot find that particular watch anywhere. I looked on Casio Europe, but to no avail. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@igorshumov6118]

Hi! Thanks for the review! What about Kentex? It's Japanese watch brand.

[@GiftedGentleman87]

I'm going to buy at least 70% of the watches on this list... it may take me 10yrs but... I'm so ready to get started. 1st up: CASIO. 2nd SEIKO. 3rd CITIZEN

[@suttersenesac]

My experience with NKUWAN was fantastic. The watch arrived quickly and was exactly as described.

[@victormejia512]

Now that's quality 😊

[@twb6821]

Teddy once again putting me on some JDM 🔥🔥🔥

[@mikeyoung7385]

Teddy, as an american that lived in Japan for a couple years and became fluent, your pronunciation of all the Japanese words was perfect! Well done! This was an informative video, keep them coming.

[@rubenc8048]

What about Orient Star?

[@stephenschroeder6567]

I should stop watching these videos as I'll never be able to afford these masterful and beautiful machines. Those Grand Seikos are even speaking to me in my dreams. 😍 Thank you sir for another great presentation!

[@Robert-xy6mt]

Absolutely great video! Thank you Teddy!!🙏

[@Mrwickid1979]

I'd love to see a video on Australian watch brands. I'm just not sure if there are enough to make it worth it. I only know of a few, but I like to shop locally where possible and it would be nice to know if there are any worth looking at that I may not have considered.

[@msm9430]

Had no idea these existed. Mind blown. Stunning timepieces. No idea about the price. Please do a deep dive into each one of the lesser known brands. I'm hoping they're priced in or lower and around GS territory. May be wishful thinking.

[@cathydaly3436]

Fabulous. Those watches were gorgeous. Lovely to see brands not trying to only mimic dive watches. These justify the expensive watches.

[@alleskleinundzsamm]

It is always a pleasure for me watching your YT videos - perfect presentation - always handsome and well informed! This one is outstanding. Thank you for introducing the most relevant watch brands from Nippon - beside the big three (five) - Seiko (CREDOR/GS), Citizen and Casio. Kuoe catched my attention on Insta - and I still struggle to order one. Living in Germany means in terms of warranty issues to send it back to Japan. I love the look and design of their priceworthy products and due to the fact I once visited Kyoto back in 2008 this would be like kind a good time memory of Kyoto. Maybe I´ll take the risk - also because Kuoe is almost unknown in Germany.

[@BrokenBones1982]

Flying to Japan tomorrow. Might have to pick up one of these brands when there! Might? I mean I will!

[@Sam_Leo1]

So did you pick up a watch there?How were the price compare to Europe/USA?

[@BrokenBones1982]

@@Sam_Leo1 Cheaper for sure. A lot of items are duty free (tax free) if you visiting for less than 6 months. Also the sticker prices on everything is the actual price after tax then it’s cheaper when they take off the tax for you as a visitor.

[@Sam_Leo1]

@@BrokenBones1982 Thanks for the reply.I see but you think prices are 10% cheaper?20%?30%?

[@mightya]

The final group of watches make Grand Seiko look like a bargain! Thanks for this fascinating content.

[@BiblicalBasics]

A most informative video, thank you so much. I particularly liked the historical angle.

[@carlmullender2941]

Thank you Teddy, brilliant to see these watches ( from a UK fan !! )

[@user-kq6tt7oo3x]

MAMACOO！Every time you exhibit one of these watches I become super tempted to get one.

[@antonisempere7425]

will casio ever make an automatic movement?

[@jacobbrown4269]

On my trip to Tokyo last year i bought a speedtimer at the seiko dream square store in Ginza. Havent worn anything else since.

[@kevinorr6880]

A particularly informative and enjoyable video. Thank you for your time and education.

[@davidoleary6631]

Awesome video Teddy. More like this please.

[@pmimagery1295]

Thank you for this! I live in Japan and have Seikos, Orients and Orient Stars but I'm a Russian watch collector!

[@Sam_Leo1]

Nice!I'm going soon to Japan.Which district has many watch stores and pre-owned watch stores?

[@Giuseppe_De_Bellis]

Please do a video on Italian watchmaking😉. Keep up the great work, cheers from Italy!☺️

[@noneofus007]

Great video Ted, but I am confused. I went on the Kurono Tokyo website and every single model that I clicked on was 'sold out'. I tried to preorder and the 20 minute ordering window had closed in August 2023 (last year). Not sure what their business model is, but everything was out of date (2023) and I got the feeling that they did their customers a huge favor by selling them a watch... except that they had nothing to sell and no way to even preorder anything. Makes Rolex and Patek waitlists look good.

[@goatrope2946]

I get your sentiment. Its a micro brand, and there's no way they could handle volume production. I waited for the window to open on the Hisui, and I could have pulled the trigger, but was on the fence. Then I just missed the second window due to my neglect. The point being, I could have got my order just by waiting for the order window to open. With my Rolex, there was no order window, but instead a mythical "register of interest" without a timescale or commitment. And there are definitely Rolex watches available for purchase at every AD, just not to us. With Kurono Tokyo, it's a small run, and when it's finished, that's it. At least KT is honest about the situation. ❤