The Next BIG Japanese Microbrand

It's no secret that Japan make some of the best watches in the world. But it seems like they all come from the giants of Seiko, Orient, Citizen and Casio. Surely there has to be some great Japanese microbrands too? Well in this video we take a look at the brand Kuoe and why you should absolutely check them out.
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Disclosure - Kuoe sent me this watch for free and I do not have to return it. They did not pay me anything to make this review and they had zero influence in the making of it.
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[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for watching guys! Sorry, I forgot to mention the price in the video! This watch retails at $358. A discount is also available when subscribing to the website newsletter. The sapphire upgrade is around $100, which is pricey but worth it if you'll get a lot of wear out of the piece. Remember making a watch in Japan is much more expensive than producing them in China like the majority of other microbrands do.

[@siddharthaghosh191]

Loved it. Stunning looking watch.

[@kanwaljitsingh2079]

Sir,I am interested to buy watch.Made in Japan

[@carlkim2577]

Including the sapphire crystal, $450 for an nh38 is really pushing it. You have to really like the style to get this.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Most micro brands make their watches in china, that’s why they are so cheap. This being manufactured in Japan means your going to pay more for that.

[@markjohnston7869]

@@turnbasedtoddy7664 Or maybe not paying it at all. Could put a lot of potential customers off. It has me until the brand is more tried and tested.

[@emanuelv19]

What would you pick instead?

[@rizkiakbarhasan6213]

I have the 90-001, gift from my gf. silver case, cream dial, stick indices, blue hands. love the dome crystal, classic small size, and the finishing of the case is just lovely. kinda wish it has automatic movement and sweeping second hand, but the lack of it paid off by the physical beauty of the dial and case finishing (and of course the accuracy of a quartz movement). i personally think that their attention to details for dials and case finishing as their main specialty. love it. i'm aiming to get the 02 as my next collection, really like the vintage field / WW2 look. nice vid btw!

[@TopTierTicker]

Yep! It's a beautiful watch. Do take the warning about the crystal into consideration though. Thing is super shiny! Enjoy! Thanks for watching

[@thewholecut]

Beautiful dress watches in 35mm case size? Take my money!

[@cqc2238]

35mm???? Now we’re in a race to get smaller apparently. Wish thus was a 37-38mm

[@void1984]

@@cqc2238 35 is a nice Goldilocks size. Thet offer 38mm as well.

[@just88]

Based solely on my experience with them, their customer service is topnotch. Unfortunately one would most likely find this out is when there is a problem with your watch. Mine broke within its warranty period, thankfully - not that it broke, that it was still on warranty. They offered to pay for the shipping to have it fixed. And they fixed it alright. I've had many Seiko watches and they never break. Saying Kuoe is better than Seiko is subjective, to say the least.

[@leatt6136]

This is a Seiko movement so… It’s a Seiko inside, if it breaks it’s also Seiko…

[@xpusostomos]

There's something appealing about the product of a Japanese enthusiast, making these with love out on his own. Also nice taste, that's exactly the model i would choose after looking at their web site.

[@nickhudd2011]

Just ordered this exact watch but with the sapphire upgrade and some engraving on the bottom. Been shopping other brands as well for my first adult watch purchase and I finally decided this was the one. Can't wait! Should arrive next week.

[@TopTierTicker]

Wow, this was your first watch purchase? You've started your collection off well. I hope you really enjoy the piece. Update me in a few weeks with your experience with it :)

[@nickhudd2011]

@TopTierTicker Will do! Technically I have my grandfather's old Movado from the late 70s or early 80s (not exactly sure). But I tend not to wear it because it's so sentimental and I want to keep it safe.

[@bozartg]

35mm when using the entire dial and actual numerals is very legible and seems a bit larger than specs would indicate. $450ish for a sapphire model is a bit on the high-side though.

[@joshsher6327]

I like your reviews. In fact, I purchased a Kuoe Old Smith because of your recommendation. But you can't really say it's better than a Seiko when it uses a Seiko NH35 in it. ;)

[@randomescu]

what a beauty! reminds me of old Poljot and Orient. i noticed i like the most items that i could not buy as a kid . my purchases as adult clearly reflect this.

[@jazzman5598]

Fine review Bud. I wrote the name down. I am slim waisted on my left due to surgeries. 35 mm sounds perfect. Sapphire and date please!

[@TopTierTicker]

Sapphire and date is actually available on this model. For a slightly higher price mind (for the sapphire). But the price isn't astronomically big like some brands charge, I still think it's more than reasonable. Happy to introduce you to a new brand. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment my friend!

[@jazzman5598]

✌🏿✌🏻✌🏻

[@Geoduck.]

I've loved the Smiths service watches for years never plan to own one. There are many brands available today that share that heritage. I have to say Kuoe has truly made a fine looking watch here. Will check online if there are retailers on the West Coast here in the States. I would want to try one one before buying.

[@SaHaRaSquad]

I must say I like the brown variant even more and I love the style of the digits. Though right now I already got a neat watch in a similar style (and also green). Overall really neat designs I think, simple but tasteful.

[@simonlangmead7]

I learned the story of this young Japanese man, who’s life was changed around by walking into a vintage watch store in London England. He in particular loved the 40s to 70s Smiths watches, which was a British brand that is now defunct. He went back to Kyoto Japan and got a job with a watchmaker, for about 10 years, then decided to start his own brand. I bought their premium model Royal Smith / 90 - 008. This has the cushion watch case style. A beautiful watch and you should give their website a good look and I recommend this brand.

[@charudattaalate7176]

Thanks for introducing a New but relatively unknown Japanese Brand to the World As you mention the watches are look well made & showcase the excellent Japanese workmanship

[@TopTierTicker]

My pleasure! This is definitely a brand to keep an eye on. Thanks for watching!

[@dukirps]

It’s the Mazda Miata of the watch world. I mean that as a huge compliment ❤ if they made a field in a brushed steel, I’d be all over it.

[@williamsipe1151]

I really like the diameter, design, and execution. Sadly, I would not buy one. I am completely sick of NH3x movements and the unnecessarily thick case sizes that come with them. At 35-38 mm diameters ( my preferred size range these days), an 11 mm case thickness is the max I would consider. Re-issue this with a miyota 9000 series and 10.2 mm case, and definitely.

[@BosunM8James]

Interesting story about the brand and I love the style and inspiration of the watches. Vintage military inspired watches are my favorite.

[@I-Libertine]

The cream field watch is gorgeous.

[@StevanOutdoor]

I love small size mechanical watches but for the price I can get a Hamilton. For half the price a Timex.

[@chinckennugget]

Another great video keep up the good work you do I learn so much from your videos 👍

[@I-Libertine]

Agreed. I will be watching KUOE.

[@jiankhan]

That's the way to make a classic.

[@jamessher6956]

Love Kuoe but would love it even more at 37 or 38mm.

[@rikdriscoll2160]

This is a beautiful looking watch, i think it looks great on both those straps. They've managed to get a vintage quality vibe into a classic field watch look! Thanks for another great video, keep em coming 😊👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Couldn't agree more! I love this style of watch, throw in a 35mm Case and two amazing straps, winner winner! Thanks again Rik! Always love to see you on the videos! 🎉

[@marklipson]

I believe there are lots of people who would/will pay that retail price for a well-built, handsome, old school field watch.

[@ingsoonloh6211]

Nice model,will check up some other models from this brand. Good review. 👌👍

[@BEYSeamaster1]

So classic and so beautiful.

[@jasonodell79er]

I visited Kyoto in 2002...Spring. Special memories. Would love this. Beautiful piece.

[@gordonshaw6231]

Added to the list

[@pinikpikantv3555]

I am astonished as Seiko dominated the watch world. Aigi from Norway, Brew from US, San Martin from China list goes on and on. What is the common denominator. Yes. They all use a seiko movements. Today’s watch ERA is partly a contribution of Seiko. Quarts mostly from Casio was from Seiko’s inventions. What I am hoping to reach soon is having the G Spring Drive Movement on their budget lines of prospex in the far future. The other brands will also benifit from it once they sell them cheaply like what they did with the NH35/36 , meca quarts etc.

[@kiwicory100]

i have a Pagani knock off of this watch with sweeping Qtz Seiko movement. Picked it up on Ali Express 54.00. Love the look of it. Sapphire Crystal.

[@Ex.zed.]

Pagani? LMFAO

[@losangeles9320]

Beauty, nice find mate !!

[@pete.b4197]

Jeah! And these videos pumps watch prices up!!

[@johnstyron6543]

I have the cushion cased 90-008. Just a beautiful watch!!!

[@timotheusn.h.nakashona1001]

That's one beautiful watch.

[@finesse49]

I took a look at all their models and couldn't find one that didn't have something I didn't like whether it was a textured dial, orange lume, crown position, movement, mineral crystal or price.

[@TopTierTicker]

That's all good man, it would be boring if we all liked the same watches.

[@markjohnston7869]

£380 is a bit high a price for an unknown and untested brand. The movement is a Seiko so should be ok but the price is what is holding me back.

[@hirengor2909]

Yes..i would like to buy 90-001 old smith model...but price is on higher side....

[@kennethgrisham9409]

Very nice lookin watch I’ve never heard of them …. Now I think I need one😅

[@bluefox6392]

This is so funny in leaving for my trip to japan today. And i will be in kyoto aswell i will definetly check there store out

[@hazeroth]

Great video, thanks for posting. I don't agree though that Japanese watchmakers "sit behind" the Swiss.

[@warwickmudge4114]

I have my eyes on these guys for a while, the old Smith looks good. Not sure on the movement though

[@maxinahunt8652]

I have one and love it.

[@thefearofaflatplanet]

These look fantastic. Definitely one to check out. 👌🏼

[@thegorn]

China copies British vintages watches: China - have you no shame!! Japan copies British vintage watches: OMG AMAZING!!!

[@TopTierTicker]

It's when Chinese brands copy a particular model from a brand that some people have an issue. Copying a style of watch is different as no one brand exclusively holds heritage to it. For example, I like the San Martin bronze flieger, fantastic watch!

[@SFVYachtClub]

Remember like ten-odd years ago when Russian soldiers took the flag patches off their uniforms, rolled into Ukraine, and told everyone they were "private contractniki unaffiliated with Russian government?" It's like that, but with Seiko.

[@Dylboz]

I have one, it's a really nice piece, but it's sized for Japanese wrists. Bigger gaijin will need to replace the strap.

[@mantisshadow8990]

Great video Top Tier Ticker!

[@TopTierTicker]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@claudtalkz2194]

Lovely watches. I’m afraid to open the floodgates. So many appealing options. I don’t know what people are expecting to pay. I think they’re buying timepieces from drugstore displays 😂

[@theshadowman1398]

Saw their watches pop up on Instagram. Really interested in that square’ish watch.

[@TopTierTicker]

Yeah I see them on insta too! They're so beautiful!

[@delonteeast7955]

I bought that square Royal Smith 008 in silver/silver last month. Worth every penny man.

[@theshadowman1398]

@@delonteeast7955 Yeah it really looks like it does. Planning to travel to Japan in several months. Will drop by their studio to pick one out.

[@delonteeast7955]

@@theshadowman1398 oh you definitely should! That was exactly what I did! Took a trip to Kyoto, dropped by their studio and picked it up in person. Their staff was very accommodating. They let me try all the models! Highlight of my trip for sure!

[@mathematicstv7814]

How can i get this watch

[@logcylee]

Great review ❤

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for watching

[@kevineccles7766]

I’m a fairly large guy with bad eyesight , so subsequently any watch smaller than about 38mm is not gonna cut it on my wrist. That’s really too bad because I like the look of these watches

[@TopTierTicker]

Indeed, but look on the brightside. There's a ton of amazing watches that look ridiculous on my wrist because it's soo small!

[@nikodemfiglus7393]

What is the size from lug to lug

[@ccw5886]

Quite nice. Too expensive I think and not competitive , though I have not seen this in the metal so it may be that it is a very good watch indeed.

[@twitchyjambo]

Great looking watch,I have a 7" wrist though 🤔 think it may be too small 😢

[@TopTierTicker]

A 7 inch wrist could absolutely pull them off, it's all about the confidence! I'm 6ft3 and love a 35mm watch!

[@nutronhammernutronhammer]

I've been eyeing this for quite sometime now, what's the accuracy like on this one?

[@TopTierTicker]

Standard Seiko deviations. Mines running at around +8 seconds per day! They are great little watches :)

[@bhargavpatel1183]

But it uses seiko nh38 movement

[@TopTierTicker]

Well it's either that or a Miyota movement. It's Japanese made.

[@Stanjara]

Love it!

[@MatchaLatte11229]

It’s beatiful, I have a trip to Japan soon, and I do consider to buy an auto watch. However even it looks nice, I would call it highly priced not reasonable. They use seiko movement, no offence but I would rather buy a Seiko specially made for JDM.

[@delonteeast7955]

They also use high grade miyota calibers for other models.

[@vladimirvasic8388]

Wors mov from NH35 is NH36

[@CATARINOVICTOR]

You dont say the price off Thais modelo?

[@urbanus3546]

You definitely have forgotten to mention German watch industry.

[@davidbarrs9721]

Where can I buy one and how much are they !!!!!

[@TopTierTicker]

Kuoe website, around $500 depending on the crystal

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Grand Seiko, makes the watches, in all of history.

[@rahatmahmud8209]

Very elegant.

[@Ray.J]

Plus $138.00 sapphire crystal upgrade? Hard pass, sorry.

[@TopTierTicker]

Understandable

[@robertcheatham1513]

First time on your channel. Few recommendations. EVERY video should have the price(s) mentioned and you should tell us your wrist size. Lastly, I can’t believe anything you say when your ONLY negative is that you can upgrade the crystal. C’mon man. 18mm, bottom of the wrung Seiko movement, one case size, cheap packaging. I BELIEVE you were paid to give this OR feel compelled to give a 100% positive review out of fear of blacklisting from other manufacturers. It wasn’t a believable review. “Feels really well built” wtf does that mean?

[@TopTierTicker]

I like the watch, I like the design, size, packaging etc. The only thing I dislike is the domed mineral crystal. I forgot to mention the price but pinned it as the top comment. Just because you disagree with my opinion of the watch doesn't mean you can accuse me of taking a biased sponsored review. This is something I will NEVER do. If I choose to be overwhelmingly positive about a watch, it's because I am genuinely enthusiastic about it. I've burnt bridges with brands when I think that the watches they sell are trash. I've turned down multiple reviews because I don't like the designs of watches. It's absurd to insinuate my integrity could be compromised for a free watch. Please feel free to keep your toxic attitude away from my channel. By the way, it's illegal to state that you haven't been paid by a brand to promote a product if you actually have. So I certainly wouldn't risk breaking the law for a watch review.

[@nittanyburg20]

I’m going to run out of money at this rate

[@mustang251883]

Sounds like Citizen better than Seiko.?

[@zer0tzer0]

Actually, the proper Japanese pronunciation of Kuoe would be (Ku-Oh-Eh). I'm not sure if they want their name pronounced like an English word, usually not. But it would be like calling a girl named Akane A Cane instead of (Ah-Kah-Nay).

[@wristcandy5451]

Love it

[@vishalkumar040393]

Check Ajwain watches from India.

[@AGC828]

While I'm sure "watch enthusiasts" can truly ppreciate the "details" of watchh making from "micro brands" like KUO....I'm sure (even though no one dmits it) the point of collecting/wearing "colletible" watches is kind of rooted in "douch-baggery". ...with watch guys purprosely putting their vintage Rolex in the faces of friends....heh...trying to get freinds and maybe strangers to look envious and ask them "...what kind of watch is that? How much did it cost??...."....and YET watches are items that can easily be cloned....and usually worn under sleeves...covered up Really kind of sucks for Chiense watch enthusiasts with authentic Rolex's, Omega's, Cartier tanks...etc...becasue unfortunately China is known for making copies of "everything"...only wyy to know the Rolex on a Chiense man's writst is real is to pick it up...copies are usually superlight and i guess made of aluminum and low grade steel...so even if any Chinese man (or woman) can afford uthentic time pieces most won't believe it's the rel thing...same holds true for designer clothing, luggage....etc...

[@CACOPHONIE]

Could be better by same color numerous lume & hands.

[@scottsj4625]

This is no bargain. It's over 450 US dollars with sapphire. Plus it is small and rather boring.

[@rp7326]

Agreed!

[@delonteeast7955]

What would you two rather have for $450?

[@tt756]

The Swiss are way behind Japanese watchmakers. You know I am right!

[@johncalberg1573]

well its a seiko movement. just one more in the line....of confusion? so many choices out there

[@TopTierTicker]

Not when the watch is Japanese made. It's either Seiko or Miyota...

[@johncalberg1573]

@@TopTierTicker doesnt change much does it? you have tons of choices with those 2 what's the difference then?

[@rubbermaiden]

How can it be better than Seiko if its movement is from Seiko Epson, lol. A watch brand neither has its own in house movement. Lol

[@tk423b]

35??

[@sambiswas1265]

let me checkout the website

[@garynico9872]

Beautiful watch, but rather expensive.

[@TopTierTicker]

That's fair enough! It is on the most expensive side of 'affordable'. But I do think the quality is there for the price being charged.

[@AguilaEmplumada]

"Behind the Swiss" mate? the Japanese OWN timekeeping way before the "quartz crisis" -- since the early 60's Japanese Mechanical manufacturing has been superior IN EVERY WAY... over the Swiss. Out of 1600 factories, the Swiss lost 1000 watchmaking factories in less than a decade and only 600 survived. 69,000 employees lost their job/career out of 90,000 industry players. The Swiss government cancelled the annual Chronometer-time-trials in 1963 and the Concours de Geneve in 1968 after Grand Seiko started winning them. That should tell you everything you need to know about Swiss Horology versus Japanese. "Behind the Swiss" You're funny.

[@TopTierTicker]

It's common knowledge that Switzerland is and almost always has been the mecca of watchmaking. Not only in sales figures but also complications. The quartz crisis was a blip in an otherwise stable dominance.

[@kokhui32liau88]

Early 60.. wow that late.. watch making started in Europe since 1600 century.. oh that 300 year way ahead.. the crisis do hit the Europe watch making hard but that doesn't make Japan any superior than Europe.

[@xpusostomos]

Superior in every way? Come off it. There's no Japanese Patek Phillippe

[@AguilaEmplumada]

@@TopTierTicker Heritage yes.... but manufacturing --and precision, wrong. And here is another reality for you. The time keeping clocks inside NASA modules, computers, and rockets were BULOVA not Omega. Omega was the offical wristwatch but the computers and instrumentation were powered by Bulova. Which now belong to Citizen Group. The Japanese are the masters of timekeeping.

[@kokhui32liau88]

@@AguilaEmplumada Bulova only bought over by Citizen in 2005... NASA only start to go to space after 2005!? Oh Bulova was started by a Czech in 1875.. I believe czech is in Europe n not in Asia or Japan?? N btw Bulova fall like a angel after gotten into Citizen group!!

[@ScratchyBaws]

£400 QUID for an ugly looking plain watch that even if you found in an old biscuit tin back in the 1970's would look bloody dated then. You must have gotten one as a freebie to praise it so highly?. Sorry but it aint worth £400 of anybodies hard earned cash.

[@jimutjayadev]

Ah the traditional japanese handcrafted bs to markup the price. Like all those knives, pens etc. I would rather take one eaqually well crafted from a Chinese sweatshop. 450 for nh38, no thanks.

[@TopTierTicker]

You'd rather buy from a sweatshop?

[@ajbcruz]

I think it's pronounced more like Koo-Oh-Eh.

[@TopTierTicker]

I did the research on pronunciation, I found a Japanese born reviewer and this is how they pronounced it

[@GunsWatchesCO]

Better than Seiko? I would have to say no. Not that Kuoe is lacking in quality, but it uses a Seiko movement. I don't believe you can rightly call it better than Seiko when it's heart is Seiko.

[@TopTierTicker]

The quality, detail, packaging, straps and construction is better than a Seiko you get around this price point.

[@GunsWatchesCO]

@@TopTierTicker This is true.

[@FWIWDept]

As a Seiko enjoyer, I would say yes for the price. It feels like a nicer piece than the Seiko 5, but not as nice as the Prospex/Alpinist line, and is priced in the middle accordingly.

[@richfranks9161]

They’re selling a 528 dollar watch with a mineral crystal on their site.

[@TopTierTicker]

That isn't the one I featured. You do also have to take in to account that these are Japan made. Which in itself is way more expensive that producing watches in China.

[@finesse49]

​@@TopTierTickerIf Jspan made has similar rules to Swiss made, it doesn't say much for where most of the parts are produced.

[@ABC-rh7zc]

Nice designs but unfortunately the name is a turn-off for me and it's impossible to ignore when it is that large on the dial.

[@TopTierTicker]

Fair enough, I quite like it actually, certainly not the worst I've seen 😂

[@Doug5524]

This watch looks like it is made for the Japanese market, their site only has 35mm cases and NH38 no thank you

[@snagireddy3283]

Oh man, my alcoholism for timepieces is kicking again looking at this one...

[@TopTierTicker]

😆 Join the club my friend

[@googleuser4207]

Meh fake patina.

[@jerroldfrank5869]

I have one. It’s tiny and toyish. Waste of money.

[@glenh4971]

In my opinion this watch is pricey. At the very least it should come with a sapphire crystal. Its a nothing burger.

[@TopTierTicker]

Find me another Japanese microbrand offering a similar package for a cheaper price then.

[@cqc2238]

too small

[@baba98052]

Top tier? Not even close. How about cheap and plentiful

[@xtr1092]

not better than seiko

[@La7arus]

still crap ... I have a very bad experience with seiko watches. When you say this brand and I say NO ... never again.

[@TopTierTicker]

This isn't a Seiko watch my friend.

[@daddykool9507]

But is it better than Pagani Design or AddiesDive?😂 ! Currently everything is better than Seiko nowadays 😁😁🤣