Shopping Watches in Japan and Where to Find Them

After months of preparation trying to find the perfect watch to buy in Japan, I’ve came up with some tips on the best places to find watches, how to find deals, and things you should consider when buying a watch in Japan.
In this video, we had the pleasure to visit several stores throughout Japan, including Grand Seiko, Seiko, Kurono Tokyo, and Kuoe to name a few. I talk about my journey and pickups I’ve acquired along the way. So sit back, grab your favorite snack, and hope you’re ready for a ride throughout Japan on a journey to find some watches.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:23 Where to buy watches in Japan
00:28 Bic Camera
02:16 Seiko Dream Square Ginza
02:57 Pro Tip: Stores Run Hot!
03:08 Grand Seiko Wako Building Ginza
04:24 Back to Bic Camera!
05:01 Kurono Tokyo
06:50 Nakano Broadway
09:09 SLAPPED BY THE WIFE
15:50 I found my vintage grail
11:34 KYOTO!
11:49 Knot - Kyoto Store
12:30 Kuoe Kyoto
14:30 Quick Tips for Shopping Watching in Japan
Special thanks to @kuoekyoto1438 for generously helping us out with our watch purchase, @KuronoTokyoOfficial for being so kind allowing us to film in their space, and @firekids1995 for taking care of us as I picked up my vintage grail watch with your amazing staff.
Find me on Social Media!
link.clickybezel.com/RQVHHC
Equipment List:
Camera: Canon R6 Mark II - amzn.to/3xdTSxD
Canon 100mm RF - amzn.to/3vkWbhP
Canon 28-70mm RF - amzn.to/4crHlXg
Lights: Godox SL60W - amzn.to/4axjC6h
Microphone: Zoom F2 - amzn.to/4aw0aqv

[@ClickyBezel]

Hope you all enjoyed my journey! Here is a list of the featured stores in this video if you'd like to follow along: 1. BIC Camera - 1-11-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 2. Seiko Dream Square - 4-4-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061 3. Grand Seiko Wako Main Store - 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 4. Kurono Tokyo Aoyama Salon - 2-10-22 Kita-Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo 107-0061 5. Nakano Broadway - 5 Chome-52-15, Nakano, Nakano 164-0001 Tokyo Prefecture 6. Jackroad and Betty - Tokyo, Nakano ward, Nakano 5-52-15, Nakano Broadway 3F 7. Samurai Joy - Can’t seem to find the address but it’s located within Nakano Broadway 8. Fire Kids - 164-0001 Nakano, Nakano Ward, Tokyo 5-52-15 Nakano Broadway 1F 113 9. Knot Kyoto - 23-3 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8083, Japan

[@TeluguUnfiltered]

What are the prices you paid for each watch? We all know what you told what we don’t know is the prices you paid which is the most important info for someone planning to go buy or even consider to travel Japan.

[@sergioramirez1693]

Any 1980-70 and mid 90’s Rolex with jubilee bracelets 😅

[@roylee0202]

Hi, i will be going to kyoto in sep and i saw that beautiful watch that you bought…that citizen bow head if i hear it correctly. May i know what is the exact model? Thank you :)

[@JDowPCs]

I got a SARX033 from Samurai Joy. Small shop and the owner was awesome. It's on the 3rd floor in Nakano, in the top (right?) corner down a ways from Jackroad. It's kind of tucked in a corner. Ended up getting my Grand Seiko in Kyoto at Big Moon.

[@firekids1995]

Thank you for swing by and picking up that beautiful Bullhead! Take care, friend. FIREKIDS-Chris

[@ClickyBezel]

Thank you! Hope to see you again soon!

[@akinigiri]

This place is very cool both shops are awesome

[@TheFuturisticVintage]

Love this video. I was locked in the whole time. Shots and storytelling is amazing. That Citizen bullhead is amazing.

[@ToyTimeLearningFun]

why didn't you put any of the other watch prices?

[@hugomota3696]

I love how you apreaciatte the watches fully on their beauty and functionality and never let that snob dialogue of "quartz vs automatic/mechanical" questioned your choice.

[@ClickyBezel]

Life is too short to be a snobby collector. Especially when there are so any great watches out there! Thanks for watching :)

[@predcole]

Your story telling and cinematography is so great. Love the content!

[@ClickyBezel]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@CoachKonpeki]

Loved the story telling! I can tell you put a lot of thought and work into this video. Thanks for sharing!

[@ClickyBezel]

Thanks a lot! Yes, quite a bit of work went into this one haha. Appreciate you noticing!

[@mateuszz7]

BIIICUU BIICU BICU BIC CAMERA!! Man I miss that sound lol

[@84drahcir]

Chris, I really connected with you during this video. Thanks for making it. I look forward to binging past episodes.

[@rccarz3962]

Superb video ..really enjoyed over a cuppa.. I’m falling in love with the seiko watches..keep Up the great work ..🎉

[@mellangatang]

This video is great! I love that it's more about the watch buying experience.

[@theriskypanda2055]

New subscriber here since last week. So glad I found your channel! I love your style of story telling and amazing cinematic approach. I am planning for my first trip to Tokyo next year and this video was inspiring and gave me some great insight into where to start.

[@ClickyBezel]

Welcome to the channel! I'm so happy I was able to help you on your journey next time you hit Tokyo. Keep me posted what you end up getting and thanks for watching!

[@khronokraze]

Great choices. That citizen bullhead is the sweetest of the three. 👍👍 Enjoyed taking us with you on a virtual watch shopping trip. I know one of my good friends is going to Japan soon and looking to pick up a watch to mark and remember the occasion. I think your video will help with his own journey to find THE watch(es).

[@ClickyBezel]

Always excited to see other peoples journey searching for watches in Japan. Best of luck to them! Thanks for watching :)

[@vforvendetta6193]

Dude, i like your videos, and the slap... haha, keep them humor... awesome stuff

[@josephj7387]

Amazing content! Perfect direction and editing! Cheers from a new sub in Bengaluru India ❤

[@RPhlo]

I had the opportunity of visiting Japan last year with my family. We managed to get to BIC Camera where I was able to purchase a Casio-Oak for myself and a Seiko 5 Automatic for the Mrs to commemorate our 1st trip there. I was hoping to get to Nakano Broadway but missed out due to the tight schedule. Kyoto was amazingly beautiful but unfortunately, Kuoe was unknown to me at the time. Your trip brought back many fond memories. I especially love the example of the Citizen Bullhead and Kuoe Old Smith that you acquired to commemorate your trip. Thank you for the Video, I’m officially subscribed to your channel.

[@stoic1024]

I just returned from 3 weeks in Osaka and Shikoku. I came home with a Seiko SPB381 diver/gmt green dial. I love the watch. I purchased from Seiko Boutique in Shinsaibashi. Shopping for watches in Osaka is also mind blowing. I bought the Seiko at about 20% below US msrp. The IWC watches I priced were not at any discount compared with the US. Customs agent in Boston let me through without paying duty. I enjoyed your video. The production quality is excellent. Thanks! PS I just subscribed.

[@bentcph2031]

You got yourself a new subscriber! Awesome video. Got Lucky enough to get a GS GMT Spring Drive that had a wrong price tag last November. 🎉

[@yexiu6656]

The cinematography is 💯 so you've earned a subscriber. 😊

[@acm7709]

This was a next level video, Chris. Bravo!

[@biaoist]

OMG that slapped by the wife skit is amazing lol.. Great Content man! keep it up

[@ClickyBezel]

Haha. You're the first to point this out. We had fun making that! Thanks for watching!

[@nma923]

That scene was reason enough for me to subscribe. Well earned

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Just flew back from Japan today and picked up a GS Shunbun while there. Kyoto was my favorite city and will need to get a Kuoe when I go back. Great picks and love the Citizen in particular!

[@ClickyBezel]

What better place and time to pick up a Shunbun. Congrats!

[@user-cl2jx8nm7s]

Love this vid, love your taste in watches

[@tgonoude]

Well done. I also have a vibtage Citizen Bullhead. My vintage watch dealer gave to me as a gift. I love it.

[@adamdorney5143]

Was there in 2019 and grabbed a JDM Monster at Ginza. Love this video - thanks for sharing

[@andreituculanu4991]

Man, i love your cinematic style and your taste in watches!

[@sold9948]

Pulling production from the 500k sub level... but only 20k?? Mad respect. You're doing great. Keep going. Subbed.

[@ClickyBezel]

I really appreciate it! 🙌

[@fleshcrunch7988]

Super cool video, super awesome Bullhead! The storytelling and quality of your videos is peak watch enthusiast content! Thank you

[@tbomber]

hey i just randomly discovered your channel. you do an amazing job brotha keep it up!

[@storytimeplease-fc1cx]

keep on making this kinda videos! great content!

[@ClickyBezel]

Appreciate it!

[@mommyjeanscorner704]

Wow, thank you for this! Just ordered Kuoe’s Royal Smith 90-010. Can’t wait to recieve it. And now I know where to go when I visit Japan 🙏🏻🥰

[@ClickyBezel]

You won't be disappointed! Thanks for watching!

[@mohammedrahman4853]

I found one of these on ebay that was fully serviced and switched the dial to yellow and its my favorite piece!

[@MrDominicharrison]

Great video! Often thought to by. Kuoe they are so elegant

[@brunolerer560]

BTW love this!

[@deoubana9029]

That BIC camera in Yurakocho is gold!!! I've been in a couple of BIC camera branches and I can say that the watch collection in there is almost complete! They have Longines and Tudor in there too! Can't wait to get back on that branch!

[@danehardinge8801]

I am heading to Japan in the Autumn. Thank you for the advise

[@openyoureyes88]

omg..I think I fell in love with the Kuruno Tokyo Chronograph blue dial. I was i Japan last year and did not know about the BIC Camera store at all. Will make a visit for sure! Thank you for the info!

[@blesssedd]

great pick ups man! that citizen chrono is in crazy condition

[@ClickyBezel]

Thanks man! Seriously! I almost feel bad wearing it after being preserved all these years but watches are meant to be worn haha.

[@commentingaccount122]

i wish this video was an hour long, I was sad when it ended. Amazing pick ups, can't wait to explore myself

[@theTECHYnewb282]

I needed this last month when I was in Tokyo lol. Ended up at Nakano and visited the same stores you did. Jack Road & Betty is absolutely worth the visit. I was there for over two hours looking at everything. Got my Grand Seiko at Ginza Wako and a Longines at Fire Kids in Nakano. That Fire Kids store is really awesome!!! They have a youtube channel as well! That Citizen you picked up is NUTS!

[@ClickyBezel]

Great pick ups! I could easily spend more time at Nakano. Maybe next time haha. Thanks for watching!

[@orvillefindley8117]

Great video, i really enjoyed it. 👍🤗

[@ross938]

First time watching your content. This was such a great video! Just amazing how many watches are available!

[@ClickyBezel]

Thanks for joining! It's an overwhelming amount of watches but highly recommend the experience haha.

[@ross938]

@@ClickyBezel I have never heard of Kurono Tokyo before! OMG wow wow wow! Their designs and dials and sizes watches speak to me........I need to get one of these into the collection!!! So glad I came across your video(s)

[@gerrycz6520]

Hey, love your video. Do you still remember how much was the Seiko field GMT that was sold out in Bic Camera?

[@4booger403]

What an awesome and timely video!! So helpful thank you. Any suggestions for places to buy watch accessories? Straps/cases etc

[@ClickyBezel]

Appreciate it! I don't any specifics for accessories as I wasn't actively searching for them but I did see quite a bit at BIC Camera. Might want to give them a shot!

[@4booger403]

Cool I will!!

[@aznrickross]

not so sure about the bull head or the seiko chrono but that, Kuoe mechanical dress watch is a beauty. I think that watch will pair with many outfits and add a bit of flair to everyday.

[@jimmeyer803]

Love BIC Camera store . Shopped there at least once a month

[@fumeokid]

I was very unimpressed by the Grand Seiko stores in Japan as well. However the Citizen store was awesome. I went in thinking I was going to get a GS but left with a Citizen. And the store staff all gathered together when I left and waved me off. And they gave me a nice gift to boot. Best customer service ever.

[@ClickyBezel]

I didn't have time to make it to the flagship Citizen store. Maybe next time! Thanks for watching!

[@JacobTab_S7_Plus-sg4ju]

I have a Tuna SBDB013, A Citizen Promaster autozilla (also have there Orca SE on the way) and my dress is a Dornbluth 99.1 custom made, I have had many divers (and watches generel) and a Tuna is second to none as a true diver. Great video, thanks for taking the time.

[@ClickyBezel]

Great collection! One day a Tuna will enter the collection. It's only a matter of time haha. Thanks for watching :)

[@Dr_Kubrick]

Great video, pretty wild timing because I just got back from my first visit to Japan last week. I visited about half of the places you mentioned here but ended up picking up a JDM Casio Oceanus OCW-S7000C-2AJF. Similar to BIC Camera I got it from Yodobashi in Kyoto, I got the last one and they took the display down. I went to 7 other Yodobashis and BICs across Tokyo and Kyoto after and didn't see it again so while it wasn't super rare I would have been gutted had I passed and missed it.

[@deusx.machinaanime3072]

Seiko is a great brand. Nice choices too. Interested in knowing other Japanese brands.

[@sergioleite4309]

FANTASTIC VIDEO!!!

[@Ac-zw9jk]

I came upon your KZbin channel and I must say that it's among the greatest ones I've seen. It has excellent dialogue, well-executed editing, and your wife hitting you in the face overall great video.

[@blessedfaith_]

Great production

[@keithteaser]

I have a couple Seiko's in my collection love them one of which is a Pulsar which is also made by Seiko..

[@salvogibaldi6781]

Congratulations a fantastic video, I will be going to Tokyo and Kyoto soon and I hope to pass by these beautiful shops :D If you have anything else to recommend let me know and again, how you are getting on with the KUOE?

[@kayflip2233]

That's a slick Citizen. Love the band, reminds me of the Zenith Defy bands.

[@muslihabdillah_2514]

Great video man! Now you're tempting me to visit Ginza fr 😋

[@ClickyBezel]

You won’t regret it haha. Thanks for watching!

[@Dumbled0resArmy]

great content! Very seamless enjoyable watch!

[@ClickyBezel]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching :)

[@George4Greece]

Great video! I’ll be hitting the same spots in a few weeks!

[@chingo1543]

FireKids has a good selection and decent prices. Picked up a vintage seiko Business A that belonged to a Nikon employee so it has Nikon on the face. Nice souvenier of my first time in Tokyo. Next time I'm looking to pick up a vintage omega or GS

[@ukcliffjones]

Kuoe is great. I picked one up in Kyoto in January and they it was a great experience

[@ClickyBezel]

Great brand to shop with and excellent service 😃. Thanks for sharing!

[@Watchugoton]

Great video 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@michaellau2544]

Really appreciate the heads up about the overheating in retail stores there🥵something I always dread

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Fun video. Great shopping for wrist watches that are not crazy expensive.

[@alex98281]

What are the best bic cameras store locations for a bigger stock?

[@laststopwatchchannel]

This video is amazing! you got a sub from me. Thank you for this.

[@MohamedMorsy90]

New subscriber here. Great vid! My trip last year to Japan somewhat mirrored your watch hunting experience. I was somewhat disappointed to not find a Ginza edition Seiko at the Wako building but did walk out with a boutique edition 62 mas. Hoping to purchase my first GS on the next trip back. Happy watch hunting 😎

[@MetalMadnessss]

The Citizen bull head is real sweet! Do you mind sharing how much you got it for?

[@DanzeyGFX]

Just discovered your channel with video, i'm going to Japan in summer i'll definitely go by the independants watchmakers you recommended !

[@dirkalferink15]

I have seen this tray at 8:41 in July😄. I bought a seiko skyliner from the 60’ over there.

[@FT__Cool_Stuff______-of5pi]

I'm very curious about the Knot watch brand. I saw that model which you are actually holding in your hand at @12:13 (at least I think it's the same - the one I want has a titanium case, quartz, solar). And.. I can't get a very good feel for the quality of the watch. Some things made me wonder if this is more of a ... you might say "fashion" or "mall watch" type brand - which might not be very durable, serviceable, etc. For that titanium case watch, I wonder what kind of coating they use and how much it will get scratched. So -- do you have any more thoughts about the Knot brand and watches related to these concerns?

[@davidsobel3303]

My brother and I hit a lot of the stores in Nagano Broadway looking for high end watches. We ended up of all places at Takashimaya to buy his Jaeger Le-Coultre moon phase. Surprisingly they had the best discount and with the tax back policy he saved about $2K on it. Me, I'm a vintage Seiko man..

[@brunolerer560]

Is the seiko chrono you bought japan made sure?

[@babybrocute]

Love ❤️ your travel and look watch in your hand it feels different when you there.

[@ClickyBezel]

Definitely! Thanks for watching!

[@babybrocute]

@@ClickyBezel Sir how you feel about this watch orient moon phase limited edition so beautiful ----> M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase RE-AY0119L .

[@kidk007]

So how much did you spend on the vintage Citizen 8110 chronograph?

[@bestboy897]

really cool vid that citizen chrono looks spectacular

[@ClickyBezel]

Thanks a lot! I'm still gushing I have this Citizen bullhead in my possession haha. Thanks for stopping by!

[@chapmanlung9602]

New to the channel! Keep up the great work!

[@ClickyBezel]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching :)

[@lefroy1]

The Kuoe is lovely Chris. Well bought.

[@tony808watchfan7]

That's so funny, Fire Kids was the one shop in Nakano that I got good vibes from when I visited last year. Awesome pick ups!

[@ClickyBezel]

I’m so glad I discovered it in the end, literally haha. Definitely worth another visit next time I’m in Tokyo. Thanks for watching! 🙌

[@tony808watchfan7]

@@ClickyBezel you convinced me to visit Kuoe on my next trip. Seeing that shop was pretty cool.

[@AnyoxB.D.]

Great video. This temporarily scratch my itch to go watch shopping in Japan. Maybe consider adding a list of shops and address in the description.

[@ClickyBezel]

Thanks a lot! I took your suggestion and added it as a pinned comment :)

[@alocascio5825]

That citizen is really cool.

[@2muchmedia]

Nice video. Thank you

[@subisisniki]

Damn Chris, the unveiling segment of the bullhead.. ive watched it 8 times already

[@fortniteking420sheeeesh3]

I’m going to Japan later this year , looking for a seiko alpinist or a baby alpinist, is there anywhere you would recommend to look?

[@ClickyBezel]

Definitely BIC Camera and be sure to look online for coupon codes you can grab for additional discounts! Thanks for watching :)

[@YouthfulYogi91]

That Citizen is gorgeous. Absolute stunner with a lot of character.

[@ClickyBezel]

They don’t make them like they used to 😆. Thanks for watching!

[@2manysigns]

Very nice production . Nice watches .

[@ClickyBezel]

Appreciate it!

[@kvom01]

I found my GS GMT at Yodobashi Camera in Kyoto a few steps from Kyoto station. In addition to being tax-free and with great $USD exchange rate, it was on sale for 10% off. $2K buy for a watch selling for $6K retail in the US.

[@ClickyBezel]

Now that is a deal!

[@senecoboneco]

Fantastic video!

[@IanLai]

I saw a Speedmaster Pro selling at a departmental store in Kyoto too

[@lerioman]

Great video. How much was the citizen chronograph?

[@sonh788]

What Seiko reference number is that $90 Chrono?

[@gamerdaddy8597]

Great video 👍

[@daleyfamily2179]

When you brought the watches back to the States were you hit with a import tax of any kind? Or is it kind of like duty free?

[@555kaneda]

Can you do a full review of the bullhead pls?

[@deech2086]

New here - great video - can you share the reference number on the Bullhead? It is spectacular. Congrats!!

[@Sinblck]

Went to Yobodashi Kyoto to look for some GS, price was insanely affordable.

[@bartsplaylists]

Love the Kuoe

[@boi8296]

If you don’t mind telling, was there a significant difference of price in buying the Kuoe old smith 002 in Kyoto vs buying it online? Will be in Kyoto early May and definitely making a stop at Kuoe to swoop either that or the royal smith 008 🤞🏼

[@ClickyBezel]

Picked up the Kuoe for ~$250 after applying discount code you can find on their Japanese website and of course the exchange rate 🙏

[@boi8296]

@@ClickyBezel About $250?!?! Oh say less!! Thanks for the info!! 👊🏻

[@handlebarchap898]

I'm sorry, but seriously the Seiko Tuna is just fantastic. I KNOW it's expensive, but once you brave it and take the leap on that model - you may just find it to be your daily wearer. The lume, the history, and the rarity factor outside of Japan and respect factor inside Japan make it worth it. once I did it (at GBP 15000 here in the UK) it fast became my favourite - leagues ahead of my 5 digit sea-dweller and equal I'd say to my favourite Breitling.

[@TerroristJames]

What a great video! Thank you for sharing your experience ❤I love that Citizen bull head. It’s hard to find out in good condition as the one you got.

[@ClickyBezel]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by again and joining me on this journey :)