This Very Cheap Watch Is PERFECT

[@ukcliffjones]

I'm on vacation in Kyoto with my family from the UK. Today I stopped by the Kuoe studio (I emailed ahead), picked out a watch, the sales rep added a sapphire crystal, asked what kind of AR coating I preferred, I chose the hands, bought two straps and met the founder. Great value, wonderful service, and I walked out with a stunning watch at an incredible price and a great experience.

[@Yayo509]

that sounds awesome. Which model did you get? and which model would you recommend after seeing them in person?

[@ukcliffjones]

@@Yayo509 I got the OLD SMITH / 90-001 with the sapphire crystal. I would have gone got mechanicsl, but this quartz model is stunning.

[@ffit4life]

Must we email before showing up? I plan to visit in October.. Thanks

[@ukcliffjones]

@@ffit4life I did and they were very polite. I told them I would be arriving on a certain afternoon but they didn't ask me for a time or anything. And they didn't check who I was. Either that or they remembered. But they were great. Email first to avoid disappointment in case they are closed that day. It's not like a shop, more like a showroom within an office next to their workshop.

[@Pinaka1991]

Sounds great, did you use the mailaddress from their official website?

[@ryoho1]

I was in Kyoto and managed to visit their office/store to buy a watch. It was a brief visit as it was 1 hour before they close, but was very pleasant. The store is small but their customer service is excellent (they have both Japanese & English speaking staff). All the models and straps are on display so you can actually try them on before you buy. Once you've chosen a model to your liking, they then assemble the watch for you right there and then. If you happen to be visiting Kyoto, I would recommend dropping by their store.

[@delonteeast7955]

Did the exact same thing! I wound up buying the Royal Smith 90-008 in Silver! Kuoe's definitely got some lovely pieces!

[@IdunaPictures]

Me too this summer! Met the founder in person for a chat, and left with the KUOE Old Smith 90-007 - incomparable way of buying a watch!

[@ilhan5515]

So they put the watch (case, dial, movement..) together while you're waiting? Woah

[@BrokenBones1982]

I’ll be in Kyoto in March. I wanna buy one of these watches.

[@delonteeast7955]

@@BrokenBones1982 it should be on your bucket list! Go for it!

[@TylerTuszynski]

Love my Kuoe, even on my large wrists. I regularly comment about how it simply quiets the noise. When I wear it, I am actually demonstrably less stressed. There is something about watch that just does what it is supposed to do, beautifully, simply, and without pretense. A wonderful video. Beautiful, simple, nostalgic. Absolutely pitch perfect for the brand.

[@jerrycooper171]

Possibly the most thoughtful and articulate piece you've ever done, Andrew. Well done!

[@blesstothelord]

Thanks for featuring the brand! I had an amazing experience visiting their office last month and ended up with 90-001, and 003 for the wife. Outstanding service from start to finish considering we arrived when they were about to close at 13:00.

[@shawnmungur4875]

I bought the 001 as featured in this video on the Italian leather strap and everything about it reminds me of many of my vintage watches. I'm glad you finally did a video on the brand.

[@Ricelord4]

I love the dials made with washi paper. Something about it just feels calming and right in its simplicity. Maybe that's why I like analog watches, both mechanical and quartz. It brings me back to a time when I wasn't flooded with notifications. All I needed to know was the time so that I could go shopping or eat somewhere.

[@shaynemelanson2489]

I bought the old Smith 90-002 after watching many KZbin videos and I must say yours is the one that expresses how I feel about vintage inspired watches thanks

[@dzyknior4977]

Glad to see the old style video. Please do these again.

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

Thank you for making a traditional watchfinder video. These reviews are my favourite. Beautifully shot, lovingly narrated. I would advise what you said about these watches should apply to your videos again. No need for the flashiest clickbaity content. I promise there’s an appetite for wonderful reviews of all watches high and low, loud and modest

[@scottfraser1758]

I have an old Smith 90-007 and it’s one of my favourites. It is the epitomy of what a classic watch is.

[@AndrewCheung90]

Great video! My wife and I visited the workshop in Kyoto during our honeymoon. I picked up the 90-007 model (leather band and also a stainless band) and my wife got the matching quartz movement in the smaller size with the mesh band (plus extra leather band). Beautiful timeless pieces that will forever remind us of our adventures in Japan!

[@icalexander]

I absolutely love what this brand is doing. I only own one microbrand watch and I bought it used but I love just the sheer simplicity of the Kuoe line.

[@Bkesal14]

I've had my eye on a Kuoe for quite a while now! It's great to see some mainstream recognition to give me some buyer's confidence

[@GregBauman-h8j]

Thanks for a great review! I live in Kyoto half the year and just today discovered Kuoe is a 10 block walk from where I live, so I took a walk over there, met Kenji and his staff and.......came home with a super cool Old Smith navy dial and beads of rice bracelet. What a great experience.

[@Santoshlv426]

The Kuoe is a beautiful time piece. Understated elegance.

[@robcameron9351]

The background music is honestly so nostalgic for me. I don’t know if anything brings me more comfort, lol.

[@Robert32064]

Kudos, Andrew. "Wearability with convenience on the wrist." After a few years of shopping and buying new watches, I went back to an early 70's hand wound. It is 34 mm, 11mm tall, and weighs less than 55 grams. After a run of divers and chronographs, wearability had become the most important factor for me in choosing a watch. I came very close to buying one of these for the same reason. I like these watches a lot. If it was solar, it would be perfect.

[@Robert32064]

​@@Sumerdini Thanks for the recommendation. Nice watch, good weight. Not for me.

[@galuhrichata6148]

@@Robert32064 Why not? Not for a debate, just curious, for my own insight and learning.

[@RogerBaum-sm9kn]

Just stopped by the Kuoe boutique yesterday while on vacation in Kyoto, and have to say I was pleasantly surprised. For context, I have a pretty extensive collection of high end and vintage watches, so a sub-$500 piece isn’t something I’d normally be on the hunt for… however, I keep hearing about this brand, and felt like I had to at least check out their shop while I was in town. Really glad I did! Although small, the shop has the look and feel of a high end boutique, and the service reps were all very accommodating. I tried on several models, including a number of different strap combinations on each. For me, the 90-002 field watch is the model they really nailed. I initially gravitated towards the larger, 38mm case, but ended up walking out with two (2) of the more period correct 35mm pieces (both no-date variations). I got a black dial, as it most closely resembles the original RAF watches the model is patterned after, but I also got a blue dial, because it just looks fantastic, and is an awesome modern spin on the historic design. Again, I wouldn’t normally buy a watch like this, but it just felt like such a good value for money that I couldn’t pass it up. When you factor in tax free, plus the two (2) straps and watch roll that are included in the base purchase price, it just felt like a no brainer. I know I would’ve regretted walking out without making a purchase, so I’m really glad I did. Definitely check out this store if you’re in the area-you won’t regret it.

[@Molland-photography]

A traditional watchfinder video. I do appreciate those!!

[@kabysummit5801]

I love vintage classic watch design, proportions and the feel I get when wearing a meaningful time piece. I'm in love with Royal Smith, design from the 1940s. It's pricey, but a tremendous value still. Comes with the great Citizen Miyota Cal.039 high beat movement (oscillates 28K times an hour or 8 times per second), sapphire crystal, individually assembled by Kuoe's own watch maker. And important, the case size is 34mm and only 3.9mm thin. Mike drop. OK I'm sold.

[@HarryCollett]

The movement is 3.9mm. The case is 10 or 11mm.

[@giuseppecapilli1954]

The presentation alone is worth much more than the watch. Thank you.

[@michaelkruszynski8524]

My wife got me the white dial 002 as a gift last year. I absolutely love it! Came with a hacking and handwinding 8-series Miyota movement which is perfectly fine in terms of accuracy.

[@MrLukealbanese]

Best watch video in years. Fantastic message and beautiful watches.

[@gavinmcleod5243]

Been really close to buying one for months, this might finally push me over the edge. Thanks gents. Lovely content as always!

[@bbot21]

Same here :] I love these commercials! 😂

[@Natesmitguitar]

Checking in - did you do it??

[@Apriliars]

I really dig this. The blue hands on the first are awesome. The second has a vintage look that everyone can appreciate.

[@paulhiggins8774]

Its a case of the old saying less is more, worth a place in anyone's collection

[@sorefingertips2667]

My god I just checked their website and they have several affordable models and aesthetically pleasing designs despite being simple I am personally in love with the old smith 90-002 line with the green dial and date window it’s prominent numbering on the dial gives it a military watch vibe but the images on the website also shows one pairing with different straps and the leather pairing somehow manages to make it look formal too.

[@jileel]

Too many nice watches now days. My wallet is cry lol.

[@fabiodefreitas6009]

Andrew … another great video covering another important topic… simplifying our lives and what makes us happy. Great brand acknowledgment on your part. FYI … the term you referred to is from my native Portuguese language … saudade is pronounced sow-dah-jee 😊

[@Agrantar]

I don't even speak Portuguese and I wanted to say the same thing - so, uh... gracie y bom dia, senhor? :D

[@dejuanmcguire9348]

Thanks for featuring Kuoe. I have been considering them ever since I came across the brand a few months ago.

[@adam_kano]

Had seen adverts for these for years and was never sure if they would be worth it, glad they got featured.

[@apatsa_basiteni]

The mechanical one with silver coloured nylon straps, that's very beautiful.

[@martinkaplan1805]

Beautiful, luxurious tranquillity. Thank you for this tasteful presentation and sumptuous language.

[@styraxopoponax8294]

Just saw their bronze 90-002. First bronze watch I have ever wanted!

[@raphthecollector3824]

I'm so happy that Kuoe is getting the attention they deserve but at the same time I'm slightly anxious that their growing popularity may influence prices to go up. But, oh well, if it helps business grow and keep the team running, it's worth it.

[@bevtsen]

I visited thwir store in Kyoto (staff were amazing) and got myself cream dial, old smith 90-002 with the sapphire glass upgrade. I have barely worn anything else since. I love it. Contemplating getting their new bronze range.

[@LaDariusNorris]

I have a KUOE Royal Smith and it's probably my most worn watch.

[@batimarchi]

Your reference to "saudade" was perfect! nice timepiece.

[@gozzilla78]

Not only the reference, the pronounce too!

[@jc.baptiste]

Perfect size, very nice. The only thing that I don’t like is the font. Too classic, it looks out of place.

[@cangelus]

My son bought me the Old Smith for a gift. It arrived, and he thought it was way too small for me and attempted to contact KOUE to see about a return. They did not respond after a few attempts. The watch arrived with with no battery, and when I had a professional install one, the movement didn't run. He told me for $15 he could put a better movement in than the one it came with. This watch looks nice, but lots leaves a ton to be desired. I am selling it.

[@rickybobbysdriver555]

This brand is simply class.

[@dasein43]

I have two Kuoe. Wonderful quality and design for the price

[@sachinhj9910]

4:03. This watch is so reflective. Just like my Seiko SRPG39K1

[@JochenVogel]

I'm wearing a 1960s Vostok right now, that tells a similar story.

[@theshadowman1398]

I am actually planning to get Kuoe Royal Smith 90-008 . Love the design.

[@delonteeast7955]

I bought one a couple months back and I have zero regrets. Consider this a sign to get it! 😂

[@erikkalifornia5182]

Great Video, the second counter doesn't even line up with the dial markers, very clearly at 2:24.

[@JG-ib7xk]

I get this watch advertised to me on Instagram more than any other watch

[@andrew097]

I bought one about 10 months ago. I don't know why it just appealed to me. The simplicity of it called me, I then promptly broke the glass doing something stupid. Returned it to Japan and had the shappire glass installed. I love it even more now, understated, modest. It's calming, and the smaller size is in human proportion to your wrist. Seriously, I'm considering buying another one as I'm enjoying that modest idea of luxury

[@23664gray]

Back to the simple video style, well done Andy

[@shamaldass241]

Bought on when in Kyoto about a month ago ... Well worth the investment...it's beautiful

[@djfc1962]

What a great, soothing episode.

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Great video 😊!

[@notDonaldFagen]

I don't buy microbrands anymore, but I follow a few, and I do love what Kuoe and a few others do.

[@XSXXL]

Finally!! I was looking for this essay for so long ❤❤❤❤

[@mystic48209]

I would get the mechanical version of this. The kuoe watches are beautiful to behold.

[@svdragunov]

Tried them on when I was in Kyoto. Their watches are really nice for ladies but it's a bit too small for men unless you're the skinny type like a lot of Japanese guys. My wrist size is only 6.5" but I have a stocky build. It didn't really suit me. I highly recommend trying them on first before buying if you can.

[@deepb249]

So with my 6.75 inch wrist but skinny average built will this suit me?

[@svdragunov]

I think it might be ok for you if you're on the skinny side

[@wiseguy4725]

Just discovered this brand and wow it has my attention. Definitely must buy in case they increase in popularity and demand.

[@mikekane9213]

YES! Bought this last year. Glad it got some love from you.

[@jeffreysmith8977]

No doubt a great watch and love many of the Japanese independent and microbrands. Only wish these watches came in sizes larger than 36mm.

[@SolomonLFH]

Although too small for my wrist, it's nice to see another Japanese microbrand enter the market. Japan has a standard most don't attain; therefore, for this microbrand to survive, it'll have to produce watches as affordable close to the Grand Seiko standard for Timex pricing. Anyone in the know would understand that reaching levels of high standard for us everyday folk is only going to be good for horological posterity.

[@ComfortRoller]

I like the 02, it says watch in a very comfortable way.

[@JG-df7ve]

Nice to have mentioned the word "saudade". It's a unique portuguese word for a universal feeling.

[@nickbotfield]

The description of saudade sounds similar to hiraeth in Welsh. Both lovely words in sound and meaning!

[@Morris2906]

Are you Welsh?

[@garyjohn1956]

I love this watch, I’ve been looking at them for a couple years now. I know they’re going for that beautiful classic style but I wish they were a couple mils bigger. 35 is just a little too small 38 or 39 would be better.

[@Its_just_me_again]

from my limited japanese i think it is pronounced both koo-oh-eh or koh-eh as the "u" which makes the "oo" sound can be casually omitted when it follows a "k" or an "s" would like to have that confirmed as i couldnt find a video of the company saying their name.

[@jesuisnoach]

So glad you are finally featuring Kuoe, Ive loved these watches for a few years now.

[@BollocksThreeofThem]

Very charming. Their field watch is delightful.

[@maxinahunt8652]

I want a watch that’s automatic, tells time and has a second hand, and waterproof for normal activities. I’m not a diver or a race car driver….. That looks nice.

[@hslev]

I ordered an Old Smith mechanical. I wanted to like it, but wound up returning it. It felt a little cheap to me, and the accuracy was disapointing. I wound up getting a slightly-used 36mm Nomos Club, an updated version of this type of watch, but beautifully made and accurate to within 10 seconds a day. But I will say that Kuoe were very pleasant to deal with.

[@mattsutatham6586]

I wish the gold in Royal Smith model is actually “gold capped” or even “rolled gold”, not pvd. Rhat would make it really “old school” and more appealing for me. 😊

[@Rich-fv5ey]

Good review and great commentary on life!

[@tom1399]

I've been looking at these recently, they look excellent, and a shame we no longer make watches like this back in the UK, where they seem to be inspired and influenced from. My only issue is the size at 35mm, I have quite small wrists, but even 35mm is a tad too small for me! If they could bump the size to around 37-38mm, I'd be very much interested!!

[@Yayo509]

they have 38mm version mate.

[@melody3741]

Well, I don’t really like the fake blue hands. It just comes off as cheap. Even any kind of paint, which just look better. You could anodize them.

[@nutronhammernutronhammer]

i have been eyeing these for a while now, i wonder what the accuracy on these are like. Saphire crystal at this price point would have been nice

[@jonathanwright7975]

Been seeing this brand a lot on Instagram and because im a weeby jdm boi it took my interest but now youve pointed out the greatness of these watches i think i might pull the trigger

[@77Tenacity1]

I have the 001 with jubilee bracelet. gives me so much joy, and i bought it from their showroom in Kyoto, which made it all the more special. =]

[@adnanabbasi9482]

What is the exact code for this watch, because I didn't find exact match especially while trying to match the seconds with corrugated circles within it?

[@mrz80]

I don't know about "very cheap", but dang those are some nice watches. I love the raised numbers on the first one.

[@jamesmullett5404]

I love this brand, I just wish they’d increase the size to 39-40mm.

[@kelvynbettridge]

I like them a lot. However I have a 36mm Longines that doesn’t get wrist time due to its pimple on a pumpkin feel.

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

What's the bracelet upgrade look like ?

[@thenotanclan]

Beautiful design

[@deepb249]

My wrist is 6.75 inches. Is this watch appropriate size for my wrist?

[@gordonlesforis772]

Thank you for bring this brand to my attention, are you the agents for this brand, as I would like to see them ,

[@MvG84]

God I love the structure on the dial of the 002 ❤

[@kairodumba7924]

I'm looking into getting my first watch. Would you recommend this, baltic or furlan marri?

[@theautumnalcyclist7629]

You can't beat a traditional watchfinder review, it's as close to a Clarkson monologue of the esgle roadster

[@burneytoshoe]

Just listening to Andrew drives me to buy a watch...

[@TonioToutBeau]

Took me a while to understand you were talking about Saudade :).

[@metallusmelandril7380]

Yup I’ll get one!

[@alunjones2550]

I've loved Kuoe watches for a while. I just wish they made a larger size. 35mm is way too small for me. If they made one at least 39mm, I'd buy it.

[@MrBacchus18]

That's what keeps me away. I'd be all over a 37mm - 40mm

[@GalorOffroad]

@@MrBacchus18 for such a simple watch, 39-40mm diameter is what keeps me away from it ^^ I love small watches like that, it is just more true to the vintage watches 🙂 My last one is a CWC G10 replica, which is 36mm diameter and 42mm lug to lug. I absolutely love it !

[@MrBacchus18]

@@GalorOffroad I'd have to try it on to be sure and that's not happening. But in the past sub 37mm hasn't looked ideal on my 7.5 inch wrist. Just personal preference.

[@GalorOffroad]

​@@MrBacchus18 yes I understand. I have a 6 3/4 inch wrist and recently I sold my 40mm field watch. That is not a good size for my taste. I still have two 40mm watches but they are dress watches with some complications.

[@t.n.m7577]

Does the royal smith actually contain any actual gold in it or is it just visually?

[@DonLee1980]

-20+40s, that really is something. the dial looks interesting tho.

[@dangermouse8466]

Beautiful case back.

[@gamerdenk999]

Never thought I would love watching Doctor Strange talk about Watches but I'm HERE FOR IT !!!!

[@garysalisbury8949]

Wow, these look nice!

[@krongkraengchannel]

Have seen their ads on FB for a while. I thought Kuoe (pronounce Ku-O-E ???) might wanna be a budget version of Kurono Tokyo. Or maybe just that both names start with "K" 😅. Anyway, I enjoy small watches. So glad there are more smaller watches in the market now. I own 35-42 mm watches. Oh also 44mm Luminor Marina PAM111 once. But, I caught myself wearing smaller watches more.

[@borjastick]

Lovely but far too small. Make it in 39-41mm cases and watch them fly. Love the look and attitude but they need to make larger watches.

[@N334FT]

I own one and it’s amazing!

[@jesseenriquez1097]

On another microbrand, can you please review SWC Hyper G T5? Thank you