Japan's Newest Attainable Watch Brand

[@_abradley_6344]

I stumbled into their Kyoto offices by accident a couple years ago while looking through watch stores for a gift. I had never heard of them and when I walked in just before closing, they asked if I had a reservation. I told them no, but they went ahead and let me into the workshop/showroom. The attendant was extremely helpful and super knowledgeable about the products. It felt like the kind of workspace you'd want to spend your life in if you were a craftsman. I was really blown away by the fit and finish of the watches as I had been shopping for vintage Seiko's and Grand Seiko's while in Japan. For the price you pay, I think they're well worth the price and you get to support a smaller brand in the process! When I get back to Kyoto, I'll think I'll gift one to myself next time haha

[@fjls69]

I was there less than two weeks ago. I fell for one of the bronze models, pulled the trigger and they asked me to wait as they assembled my watch. A very special retail experience!

[@俊毅陳-v6p]

This is why I like this channel, always looking out and introducing new brands that I can't seem to find otherwise.

[@condoreo37]

Been seeing Kuoe's ads online for a bit, good to see a proper look at what they're all about

[@Nintendomasterw]

Was seeing Teddy B. liking those same posts. The watches looked classy and classic

[@Ent13111]

I bought the OLD SMITH 90-009 recently. I love it!

[@myboyt]

Same

[@electricburning]

same

[@johnp3971]

I love when you highlight small brands because I don't have the time to research and find them. So, your videos help put them on my radar!

[@IamnotJokic]

That’s because he has to sell them at his store. He won’t get large allocations from Rolex or the more prestigious watch makers just yet.

[@midgedork]

Picked up a kuoe as well as a GS this past winter while in kyoto and tokyo respectively. I love wearing my kuoe as much as my GS! Stop by the boutique if you are in kyoto.

[@rafficrashid867]

More of these kinds of reviews please Teddy. We learn more this way. Thank you.

[@nicsamazingpinballchannel7688]

Ahhhhh Kuoe! Finally. I've cycled through 100+ watches in my collection, but the 90-002 Old Smith 36mm green field watch is still here and still among the favorites. It wears perfectly on my 7.1" wrist, is wonderfully legible, and is even better on an old classic beads style bracelet.

[@WatchesCanBeFun]

Whoever is responsible for getting the photography, it looks like the quality has gotten even better(which I didn’t even think was possible) Congrats on 1 million subs.

[@saptarishipandey4012]

agreed! The hand focused macro shots are so pleasing to watch

[@oxocube5000]

OH MY GOD I am so happy to see this video. I have a Kuoe that I bought in late 2022 in Kyoto at their office. It was genuinely the best watch buying experience I've ever had and the story of the brand is so amazing. Thoroughly recommend this brand to anyone, I wear it all the time. So glad to see one of my favourite brands getting attention from one of my favourite creators.

[@chrislyall6251]

Well done Teddy, kuoe is one of many Japanese watches i really think will be massive in the coming years if not already. Thank you for the exposure its well overdue.

[@techpassion4126]

Omg Im so glad you're covering this! Been a fan of Kuoe ever since I saw their Royal Smith pop up in my Yotube feed a while back, looking forward to seeing your take on it!

[@danielsimon8735]

I genuinely thought my Kuoe would be too small on my 7.5" wrist but could not resist ordering one. As it turns out, it looks great, fits great and IS great. Cannot recommend these watches highly enough!

[@johnstyron6543]

Ditto that! My Royal Smith is a perfect fit!!

[@uttam-tambar]

Can any of you kuoe owners with larger wrists show pictures of the watch on your wrist? I’m curious to see how that looks. Thanks.

[@Marshell99]

@@uttam-tambarjust buy the 38mm version then

[@Tikkaspecial]

Too small for 7" wrist IMO

[@danielsimon8735]

@@Tikkaspecial I would have agreed with you until I actually tried it on.

[@shirishpanwalkar]

Thanks for covering this unique and niche brand! Loved their designs.

[@tokyofall99]

I bought 2 last week after watching your previous video regarding Kuoe. One mechanic and one quart. Both arrived shipping quite fast. Beautiful watches in person, very good pricing.

[@mvseaurchin7455]

The Kuoe Old Smith 90-002 with date uses a Seiko NH35. We missed visiting the Kuoe workshop when in Kyoto, but I bought one when in Osaka during our trip. It's a nice momento for my wife and me to share.

[@echochapman7657]

I am often in Japan for work, and picked up an Old Smith a few months back, nice watches really nice dials, wear well, and great value for what you get. Happy with the 35mm, but would love it in a 38mm.

[@Tractorman-xj4gt]

Kuoe caught my eye as well a while back - thanks for shining the spotlight on them !!

[@DonalONeill-k8j]

Love this kind of content and delighted to see someone of your stature and reach covering brands like Kuoe. Thanks.

[@StandAloneState]

Thank you for covering KUOE Teddy! I asked you to do this for future content and feel like you personally heard my request. Also congratulations on 1 million subs!!

[@rangorango7545]

i like this, classy looks, a reminder that mainstream brands are not always on or have to be on your radar, thanks teddy

[@Spectrecontrol]

I've been eyeing off that bronze case for a while now, I am sure it'll be joining my collection at some point

[@Eayala17]

I was in Japan this week, and saw some of their ads in the subway. I never heard of it till the subway. Glad you made a video talking about them. I'm going to put in an order for a watch

[@riknos3289]

I just got my first Kuoe last week, a ROYAL SMITH 90-008 in Silver / Silver. Very happy with my decision! The bracelet is very well finished and comfortable as well.

[@KalvinPatel]

did you get the bracelet adjusted?

[@yasouss]

I learned about this brand from your channel! thank you for bringing attention to it. More videos like this are really appreciated .

[@syedrehanfida]

Love to see new watch makers from Japan! Thank you Teddy for shining the light on this brand!

[@kinslowrainer3982]

I've been looking for a more modestly sized dress watch for a while, and Kuoe had caught my eye. Glad to see a little bit of information on them. Keep it up!

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Thanks for showing, Teddy! Yes please, anytime. If you hear something fresh and new and are able to get your hands on, keep it coming!

[@whorolledthis1567]

ive been looking heavily at Kuoe! glad to see some more info on them

[@martinw8635]

I know someone with one if these watches and it catches my eye. I enjoyed learning more about the brand!

[@OrinNewberry]

My wife and I recently found Kuoe on a trip we took to Kyoto. We went to their store -- a small unassuming shop. The customer service was wonderful (as is the case in much of Japan). I fell in love with the watches. I purchased the Royal Smith and have been very pleased. It is a beautiful watch. It is the smallest watch in my small collection but I love the look and feel. Since I have only owned the watch for about a month, I can't comment on reliability. That said I highly recommend the watch and if you happen to be in Kyoto it is well worth seeking out their store.

[@spoketube]

Picked up an Old Smith 002 in bronze, blue grain dial, the other day at their Kyoto boutique. I had been following them for a couple years and wasn’t sure how they’d look in hand. And they’re great, really classic. And 35mm with Seiko automatic makes for good, beefy small case wrist presence. I’m totally charmed, have been wearing all week.

[@SH4D0W2011]

Thanks for covering this brand! I still can't decide between the bronze and the steel Old Smith.

[@rhorto01]

I've seen their ads on Facebook for a while now, and I like the look. For dress watches I mostly wear vintage, but these are tempting.

[@jwilson1744]

I’ve been seeing ads for these recently, so good to hear your take. Also from Kyoto, there is KNIS too.

[@shinokuchiki7761]

I've been waiting for this for ages!

[@Marshell99]

They exist for 4 years and startet in the same Age as We live in but i get the Point 😂😂

[@jamesbyrontaduran3738]

Thank you for featuring KUOE! My next dress piece ❤

[@maxinahunt8652]

I have the 90-002 in navy with no date. I love it. It’s my daily work watch.

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

This brand consistently shows up in my FB feed, and I have checked their website and really like their design language. Great review as always Teddy

[@stephengassner4478]

Teddy! Thanks for this video, was hoping you’d drop an overview of Kuoe. I always learn so much from you. As always, so appreciative of everything you do!

[@randylaw3368]

Kyoto is a beautiful, historic city and Kuoe catures its character. Nice watches.

[@ajay-xjs]

Nice designs, I like them. I've seen their ads recently so this review is timely.

[@youSupaflyy]

Wait, just noticed this...1 million subs!! Congrats! Hoping to run into you at Watches and Wonders next weekend

[@FWIWDept]

The Smith 002 was my first mechanical watch! I’ve branched out to the Seiko Alpinist line, but it still gets lots of wear and I’m planning to purchase a green dial version later this year.

[@RudyVisuals]

Thanks for giving this brand the attention it deserves!

[@bcosVic]

Thank you for giving the brand a spotlight.

[@kestertroy]

I must say...the younger generations are really killing it. Many years ago, I loathed the Urban Gentry so much, so much so I quit subscribing to any watch channels on YT, and went on my own journey of exploration and collection (I still read watch blogs, minus anything from B. Clymer). Fast forward to 2024, I'm genuinely glad to see more and more relatable YTers that do not exude the phony/pretentious vibe.... white glove anyone? The YT watch scene back then was so toxic and unhealthy, it's not an exaggeration. We had a morbidly obese dude that could not be bothered to care for his health, we had a foul-mouthed Australian that speaks with an almost incomprehensible language and context, etc. And I'm pleasantly stoked to see Teddy's subscribers being double of that Gentry dude. Well done Ted. On a side note: this is probably my first compliment on YT in years.

[@allanbergsma3256]

Congrats on 1M Teddy!

[@averybaker1185]

Picked up a pre-owned, black no-date 90-002 yesterday in Portugal from a friend's shop. I'd heard about these watches for a year or so now, and I have to agree that they are small and upstart; but mighty! I love the classic look on the beads straight end bracelet. The only sub 38mm watch I own, but already a new favorite! Amazing quality for the price, and a great excuse to visit Kyoto again. Thanks Teddy.

[@Dario_Daniele]

Lovely watches indeed, will bear Kuoe in mind for the future! Thanks for sharing Teddy!

[@Steve-vm1fi]

Favorite new brand and stoked to see Teddy cover them

[@WriterandPhotographer]

Really like this brand. I have always complained that most brands offered only cases sizes that were too large. Then, many years ago, when my wedding was in Tokyo, my in-laws (former in-laws) bought me a very expensive Japanese watch. It was the first time that I ever wore a watch that was too small, although it was such a good watch, that I wore it daily. Now, this brand is producing what I see as the sweet spot for watch case size. Perfect compromise. Great looking dials also. Thanks for the introduction Teddy.

[@b3blueblue]

Thank you, Teddy, for introducing us to this new brand, KUOE Kyoto.

[@robbbbery]

Fantastic video! I'd absolutely love to see you do videos exploring the story and perspectives of other lesser-known brands, especially in that affordable price bracket.

[@joolski]

I bought an old smith 90-002 in green, and I was a little concerned when I got it out the box the 35mm case would be swamped on my wrist, but after a few days I realised that it fits perfectly and I kept just looking at the deep green dial. Just because.

[@chickenporkadob0]

happy to see this brand being recognized.

[@VMIyanks04]

Thank you for looking out for the little guys! Fantastic designs!

[@nikkolomakaveli8295]

I really want to purchase a Kuoe so badly!!! Their annual calander they just dropped looks so nice to me and the dimensions are just perfect. I hope to see this brand grow and expand.

[@dangermandave67]

Thanks very much for covering this brand. I'd love to see more videos about the more obscure yet established brands.

[@mdunawaym]

I watched this on my girlfriend's iPad, but couldn't wait to get home to say how much I love mine! I got the Old Smith field automatic! I got the black dial, bronze, with that same strap. Gorgeous! Definitely not my last Kuoe.

[@nedflanders3769]

Congrats on 1M subs, Teddy !!! Well deserved! ❤😊

[@pipeninja1578]

Thanks for the review. These watches look great. Love your channel, Teddy.

[@tucsontim8841]

Beautiful! Well placed for success. I like the grainy dial.

[@wesleywright1493]

Been looking forward to a review of this brand! Been following Kuoe for a while now!

[@chrisricci7268]

Definitely love the microbrand coverage.

[@RogerHayes-j3f]

What an amazing outcome for a beautiful watch. Always a pleasure to see amzwatch work your magic. Thanks for sharing this transformation with us!

[@alexcruzpr]

We want to see stuff like this. Thank you

[@jesuisnoach]

I love Kuoe, I have their Old Smith 90-001 and its awesome.

[@eekmad13]

I just got an Old Smith 90-001! I love it. So classic looking. It looks like something you'd inherit from a rich uncle 😊

[@TheChilu90]

Happy to see more brands like this on the channel..

[@BMW-wt4xs]

Please make more videos showing good smaller brands, it's good to know you don't take money from the watch companies

[@Z-Man1973]

Teddy, thank you for spotlighting Kuoe on your channel. I think it's important to bring these brands into focus for your viewers to show the breadth of watch making in all countries. Although these Kuoe watches are way too small for my Neanderthal wrists, I think they're great looking and belong in the greater horological universe we live in.

[@miclucs]

I've had one for a few years now and I very happy with it. Looks great and I like the smaller size.

[@shonen84]

Kuoe is great - thanks for the deep dive! Minase is another Japanese brand that’s an interesting one!

[@AbdulRWatches]

Looks very cool, definitely love how it looks with that white dial and crown at 4.

[@cyanoinitium]

I'm Japanese and I read sevaral articles （written in Japanese）about the founder, Uchimura Kenji. As a fact, he made this brand just for a DtoC business with using the name value of "Made in Japan." He understand how to sell watch for foreigners and what is intriguing for them. He made a store in "Kyoto" to sell the watches to foreigners who visit Japan. To me, as a Japanese, It's just sad that they use the name ,Kyoto, to sell "business-oriented" watches. Several (？) years ago, a name of a cheap watch brand, Daniel Wellington, spreads in Japan. Inside of the DW was Miyota caliber therefore it's not bad as cheap watches for daily use. But they are selling the watches with advertising that "the design is inspired from "Northern Europe design" or a fabricated "English man's vintage watch" (they change their story so I don't know what is true). It seems not to be worth buying at all. I feel the same scent from KUOE. To all of watch lovers, please be careful for Japanese microbrands. Please forgive my poor English.

[@deedsdecastro974]

Congratulations on reaching 1m subscribers 🎉

[@aaronmendoza2690]

I just got the old smith last week at their offices in Kyoto, and it was amazing! Those guys welcomed me, showed me the assembly, I tried a lot of watches, and I even got to see how they engraved my name on the back of the watch with laser. I was pleasantly surprised, and I give 10/10 to this watches.

[@tdfrie]

I was born in Japan, and currently live here (for the past 14 years). I also speak Japanese relatively well. FYI: I humbly offer a correction on you pronunciation of KUOE and KYOTO. In Japan, we do not use the Roman alphabet, we use two different syllabaries; Hiragana and Katakana. And of course Kanji - a pictogram . So, KUOE is written くおえ in Hiragana. This is three distinct syllables … ku-oh-eh. And KYOTO is written 京都 in Kanji and きょうと in HIRAGANA. This is pronounced with two syllables … Kyo-to, not three syllables … ki-yo-to. Respectfully yours. 西川トミオ

[@WillEDC]

Thanks for sharing. Weird. I saw another review where they say the brand correct be pronunciation as ku oh rather than ku oh ee. But if you see the characters then I assume your pronunciation is correct

[@oppositeofh8]

thanks for the education on kuoe, hadn't heard of them before -- but now i'm a fan.

[@Verlie-o6l]

I like the watch I got from amzwatch. That rubber strap combo looks really cool! Been wearing it since last year and love every minute of it.

[@ifesta1]

Congrats on hitting 1 Million subscribers Teddy.

[@WillEDC]

Would love one of these if I’m in Kyoto or elsewhere in japan. Just like my seagull reminds me of living in China. I recommend people to get a Rockstead knife while in Osaka as well

[@AdAce21]

never heard of this brand, but that Old Smith Small Seconds is gorgeous! Thanks for bringing this brand to my attention

[@zedsfed1619]

This time next week I will be picking up my first kuoe in kyoto!

[@jimiemaley4512]

I have been waiting for a Kuoe video from you for a while! I love this type of content! I’m always looking for new brands to look at in the affordable range! Thanks for the great video and I’d love to see more content like this! (Don’t get me wrong. I love all of your content!)

[@gunnystew7404]

I’d love to see more on the Mido watch brand. It seems to run under the radar. ❤ your content.

[@fedraoberfrank2610]

If it wasn't for you I never have found this brand, I'm in love. Perfect size, perfect design, perfect price.

[@jamesbyles7070]

Bought a Kuoe Holborn with the mesh bracelet for my wife early last year. I was very impressed with the quality of the watch.

[@DRE-DAH]

Being to Kyoto I had to visit the new flagship store (opened may 1st, 2024). Beautiful little shop, really, really nice sales persons and amazing watches to a absolutely reasonable price. Went home with the Old Smith 90-007 (to see at 08:59) and this watch is a fantastic dresser. Love it!

[@brokedownsuperman]

We need more of this type of video

[@jonkeogh3160]

Been seeing these all over my Instagram feed lately. Nice looking watches but wasn't sure whether they were any good, so this video was really helpful!

[@jakegoulas1314]

Amazing video! The bronze case is so cool

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Excellent video 😊!

[@richardnedbalek1968]

Thanks, Teddy! Love seeing quality alternatives. Nice pieces, nice prices. More on Kurono, Naoya Hida, Minase, Hajime Asaoka, and other small Japanese watch brands, please! 😁

[@WristwatchWizard]

Went into the boutique in Kyoto and had an amazing experience. I seen some of the hype and ads on Instagram and was hesitant. After going in, I knew in the first 20 seconds I’d be purchasing a watch. Incredible watches. If you go to Japan, swing by. They are all enthusiasts in there. Talked about grand seiko and others. Really fun.

[@JoshKWellness]

I really like their watches. Rarely do I stumble on a brand where I’d genuinely own their entire collection. I have a small wrist and a more minimalist preference. This is my dream brand

[@lucasl.righetto8853]

Beautiful. Think i saw it before on Watchfinder .

[@f3lipollo]

It’s nice to see Teddy reviewing a brand you thought had a great product and bought it before his video. I guess all those teddy’s you tube lessons are paying back. 😊 thanks amigo

[@redswift31]

Never heard of Kuoe before I watched this video. Now after I've checked out their site all I can say is I really want one. I wear a watch everyday for work due to not being able to have my phone on me (Corrections Officer) and think one of those will do nicely.