Japan bound - where to buy rolex?

[jbenj]

Hey guys! so I'm going to be in Japan for 10 days heading to Tokyo, Sapporo, and Hokkaido

Im going to be looking to buy a few rolexes while I am there. Want to take advantage of the low yen

I've been recommended by guys on this forum Jack road and Kame kimchi both near each other I'm guessing. Do you guys have other suggestions? And is it better to buy from these resellers or Rolex AD when I'm there?

[jbenj]

Anyone?

[prestocheetah]

The plaza where the Jack Road located at has few other stores, you might want to go there & check them out as well!! but prices are not as cheap as what you think it will be, good luck!

[Andad]

Shoot Tom (Gaigin) a PM.
I am sure he would be happy to give you a heads up.

[Otto]

Originally Posted by jbenj

Hey guys! so I'm going to be in Japan for 10 days heading to Tokyo, Sapporo, and Hokkaido

Im going to be looking to buy a few rolexes while I am there. Want to take advantage of the low yen

I've been recommended by guys on this forum Jack road and Kame kimchi both near each other I'm guessing. Do you guys have other suggestions? And is it better to buy from these resellers or Rolex AD when I'm there?

In Tokyo, Jack Road, Kame Kichi, and Housekihiroba are my recommendations.

ADs are very expensive in comparison to the three shops I just mentioned.

[jbenj]

Thanks for all the help guys!

[Lofty]

The yen is strong which means the US dollar is weak; because of this the same watch here (or any other item) will cost you more than in the States. So based on the exchange rate, I wouldn't recommend making your purchase here in Japan. Just my two yen... I mean cents.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Otto

In Tokyo, Jack Road, Kame Kichi, and Housekihiroba are my recommendations.

ADs are very expensive in comparison to the three shops I just mentioned.

What Otto said. He is my Sempai.

[gregmoeck]

shinjuku but dont expect any bargins in japan.

[zapokee]

I went to all three of the Holy Trinity of Tokyo today: a fine antipasto of Kame Kichi, a delectable main course of Jack Road, and a patissier's dream of Hoseki Hiroba.

Kame Kichi's looking good for the best prices on new Rolexes, but not much in the second-hand department (with the exception of a couple of stunning lone vintage Daytonas). Jack Road has great new and vintage Rolexes (as well as new and used other brands), and Hoseki Hiroba has a massive selection of new and used brands, including Rolex (although thin on the vintages), but the staff can be a bit snotty.

If it's Rolex vintage you're after, Corleone in Harajuku is the place to go in Tokyo. It's a tiny boutique shop and a bit hard to find, but definitely worth the shoe leather. The focus is on Rolex Subs and Tudors. http://www.corleone.co.jp/new.php

Enjoy Tokyo!

A

[Speed]

Sounds like you are good to go. Excellent recos and advice here.

I purchased a watch for my wife at Betty Road - across the aisle from Jack Road - a few years ago. Great service.

The Daytonas and Vintage watches at Jack Road were tempting...but it wasn't my time.

An added bonus for me was meeting Otto.:-)

[Gaijin]

You can bargain and barter away with the sales staff in Japan. I always do. I play one against the other to get the best price. Very effective. Gotten some gret deals.

[jbenj]

Wow thanks all! I think I have everything that I need. Housekihiroba - is that in the same area as Jack Road and Kame Kichi? In Nakano, near sun plaza, Shinjuku line?

[Otto]

Originally Posted by jbenj

Wow thanks all! I think I have everything that I need. Housekihiroba - is that in the same area as Jack Road and Kame Kichi? In Nakano, near sun plaza, Shinjuku line?

I normally give directions to these stores from Shinjuku Station because that's usually where I start.

I was at Jack Road and Kame Kichi briefly yesterday. I always enjoy that part of my sightseeing day! Actually, I was on my way to RSC Tokyo and took a brief detour to Nakano.

Housekihiroba is in Shibuya.

If you take the Yamanote JR line to Shibuya Station and take the Hachiko Gate Exit (Hachiko is a statue of a dog), you will see a very large Starbucks across the street at the intersection. Cross toward the Starbucks but once you are across the street, turn left and go toward the 109 building (you'll see it). When you get to the crosswalk to cross the street to the 109 Bldg, turn right instead and walk a block and a half or so. When you pass the grey Softbank store on your right, start looking for an entranceway to an elevator (just after crossing a narrow side street, I think). Go into that entranceway and take the elevator (on your right), to the 4th floor. You'll find Housekihiroba. It has a very large selection of new, used, vintage, and antique watches at competitive prices. I have always been treated very well there, but they pretty much ignore you until you ask them for assistance, at which point they become very attentive.

In a different part of town, Jack Road and Kame Kichi are on the same floor in the Broadway Shopping Arcade in Nakano. Take the Chuo Rapid JR Line (Orange color-coded line) from Shinjuku Station one stop to Nakano. Do not board the Chuo Rapid Line train going to Tokyo Station. Nakano is in the other direction. Once at Nakano Station, exit the North side and you'll see the entrance to a long shopping arcade straight ahead. Enter and go to the end, where you'll see the Broadway sign at the entrance to the main building. Enter and go up the excalator. Jack Road is to your immediate right. If you go straight instead, you'll see Kame Kich ("Lucky Turtle") a long way down the hall on your right across from a bookstore. These are both great, reputable stores. One or two floors down is a new store called Renzo, run by some guys who used to work for Kame Kichi. I haven't bought there yet, but the guys there have always been fair with me in the past. They have a few watches, but someone told me they specialize in finding watches for buyers. Incidentally, at the base of the escalator you take up is a pawn shop (part of a big chain) which sometimes has some good deals. I have bought several watches at each of these stores (with the exception of Renzo and the pawn shop, but I would not hesitate to buy there, especially Renzo).

You might also enjoy visiting Lexia, the official Rolex Boutique in the Ginza. Take the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ginza, and exit through exit B-10 at the Sony Building. As you exit, you will be on a back street. Walk to your right until you see the Breitling boutique. Cross the road to the front of the boutique and then walk to your left. Turn right at the next street. In 5- 10 minutes, you'll see Lexia on your left after you pass the A. Lange & Söhne, the Omega, and Panerai stores on your left. If you don't see those shops, then go one street over to your left and try the same direction walk. I could be counting the blocks after the Breitling Store wrong in my mind! It's easier when I'm actually there and walking to the store! Maybe Tom remembers better?

Oh, and when I say "block," I am talking about crossing streets and big alleyways; not the official grid system in Tokyo.

Unless it's moved (I haven't been there in a very long time), Corleone is in the Ginza in the opposite direction (left) one street over after you cross the main 4-chome intersection at Mitsukoshi Department Store (if you start from the Sony Building exit). It is indeed a great store for vintage watches.

Good luck!

Otto

[vman]

Originally Posted by Otto

Housekihiroba is in Shibuya.

+1 on Housekihiroba. I visited the store not so long ago. It is packed with new and used watches of all kinds.

Daikokuya in Ginza has a small selection, but still nice and cheap.

Finally there is a second hand store in Ginza -- the name totally escapes me -- that has pretty good deals on used watches. I was really tempted to get an ALS or a JLC there :)

[jbenj]

Wow Otto thanks for the direction typing all of that!!

[jbenj]

thank you all!

Hard to find stock for 116622 blue dial YM there in japan? and Hulk?

[Andad]

My pleasure James.

If you need any more info just ask me.......

[Otto]

Originally Posted by jbenj

Wow Otto thanks for the direction typing all of that!!

I was in Tokyo yesterday and, oops, it should he exit B-9 in my directions for the Sony Building!

[jbenj]

Originally Posted by Otto

I was in Tokyo yesterday and, oops, it should he exit B-9 in my directions for the Sony Building!

Thanks Otto this is for the Lexia one I see, currently in Sapporo going to be in Tokyo in 2 days. Which one should I check out first? Thinking of jackroad and kamekichi since it's next to each other.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by jbenj

Thanks Otto this is for the Lexia one I see, currently in Sapporo going to be in Tokyo in 2 days. Which one should I check out first? Thinking of jackroad and kamekichi since it's next to each other.

Jackroad and Kamekichi as well as the shop on the first floor right before you go up the escalator to JR and KK are rolex heaven. I won't speak for Otto, but that is where I always go first when in Tokyo.

Last time I was there I saw a random serial number 16610 LV Green Submariner for sale at the shop downstairs. Wish I would have jumped on that.

[DiamondJack]

Check out my thread when I was last in Tokyo and visited both JR and KK thanks to Otto's amazing directions..... Lots of photos of both stores.....Definitely recommend them .....

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=225128

[jbenj]

Thanks :) argh cannot wait for Tokyo, forget all the tourist attraction stuff all I want is the to be in rolex heaven!

[F.Works]

Low yen? .Now is acceptable but low low in 2006 ( one euro 167 yens ) . In 2012 one Euro change from 94 to 125.

[jbenj]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Check out my thread when I was last in Tokyo and visited both JR and KK thanks to Otto's amazing directions..... Lots of photos of both stores.....Definitely recommend them .....

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=225128

Thanks mate :) saw your thread while I was googling looked like you had a great time cheers

[Otto]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

Jackroad and Kamekichi as well as the shop on the first floor right before you go up the escalator to JR and KK are rolex heaven. I won't speak for Otto, but that is where I always go first when in Tokyo.

Last time I was there I saw a random serial number 16610 LV Green Submariner for sale at the shop downstairs. Wish I would have jumped on that.

I agree with Tom. Nakano is probably the best first stop.

[Like To Watch]

Originally Posted by gregmoeck

shinjuku but dont expect any bargins in japan.

I don't agree.

[Gaijin]

The Japanese will wheel and deal with you. You can get discounts. You just need to do the back and forth just like you would back home. I always get discounts. If I get stone walled I leave and hit the next shop. Too many Rolex dealers and greys in Japan without the restrictions of Rolex USA not to get a bargain.

[rollee1]

Great post thanks

[zapokee]

An update here: I recommended Corleone in Tokyo (Harajuku) for vintage Rolex and Tudor watches in my post above.

Due to a couple of separate poor experiences with them since that recommendation, I no longer endorse them.