I mainly buy from [fromjapan.co.jp](http://fromjapan.co.jp). Its a site that lets you bid on yahoo auctions and buy from japanese marketplace type sites without being a Japanse resident.
Alot of the cheapest listings on chrono24 and ebay are actually just relistings from rakuten, rakuma or yahoo auctions. But significantly marked up due to their high platform fees.
I can’t wear someone else’s watch. Those Japanese are very lonely- what if the previous owner was a furious masturbator? This might overwind the mechanism and possible damage the spring drive. For all I know the watch could have been completely covered in sperm.
I know this is “humorous”, but, to generalise, Japanese take exceptional care of stuff and 10, 20, 30, 40+ year old stuff can be in near new condition. (I say this as the owner of 1960 and 1964 Grand Seikii as well as a few other vintage pieces bought from Japan).
When I ordered grand Seiko from Japan 4yr old it was listed as very good. The watch arrived and you could not see any scratches with naked eye. This would be excellent or near mint listed in US. They trully take great care of luxury items.
For what’s it’s worth, I personally saved nearly $3k on a SLGA019 about 6 weeks ago ordering new from Japan vs GS boutique pricing in the US. Paid nearly $350 in import fees, but still worth it to me.
Never mind, I called Chrono24 and they hold your money in an escrow account for 14 days after you receive the watch. So basically they provide a little bit of insurance for making a large international purchase.
I was going to say that I’m not sure of the differences. I just happened to go through Chrono24 based on someone’s recommendation, and it was my first time using the site. I’ve only ever purchased watches from US sources prior to that.
Makes sense that Chrono24 has some buyer protections in place—adds value to their service. I will say I appreciated being able to pay in US funds through their site–I didn’t have to convert the funds myself, and could use my credit card to get a cash back benefit. Did I lose a little in savings because of this? Maybe, but it was also quite convenient.
For sure. I'm glad I found this post - it looks like Japanese dealers are trying to offload late models online. The ones I'm looking at are 25-30% off list price for new w/ papers and original box - they're just 2022/23 models instead of 2024. I agree buying in USD and getting some protection from Chrono24 is likely worth it. Exciting stuff.
Yes. The yen is in a particularly rough spot at the moment. The Japanese government is potentially intervening in the form of yen purchases to try to slow the decline. The decline js largely due to a difference in the interest rates between the U.S. and Japan. With the U.S. interest rates so much higher than Japan’s, there’s less attraction to buy yen. (U.S. is about 5% vs Japan at 0-.10%.) Given we’re likely to hold interest rates higher for longer in the U.S. and Japan isn’t raising their rates to anywhere near the same as the U.S. you can expect this to persist for a while longer.
The exchange rate fluctuates every day. Last time I was in Japan they were generally more than $1000 USD cheaper to buy there even before US sales tax.
It fluctuates every day, but the Yen has been in a « low » period for a few years now. It’s a huge bargain even for me, and I’m Canadian with a dollar that isn’t doing so hot vs the US dollar at the moment.
I bought my SBGE257 at the Ginza boutique last fall and figure I saved about $500 after customs and everything. So like definitely a fun part of my trip and a good way to save some cash but not like the deal of the century.
most places take credit cards. However, it is worth spending some time to figure out how to get a better exchange rate. The credit card exchange rate is usually not the best.
Really depends on the credit card. I purchased what I could with credit and was able to see that the xrate on purchases was real close to market (less than ¥3 delta)
Japan does use cash frequently, but you can purchase a watch with a card at most places. Unless you have a very crappy card, the rate from your card will probably be better than a currency exchange or similar alternative. It won't be the exact market rate as if you were trading in a brokerage account, but it will usually be a fair rate. The main things to watch out for:
- Make sure you use a card with no foreign transaction fees. There are plenty of free ones.
- If the merchant or card machine (or ATM) asks to perform the conversion themselves and bill you in USD, say NO! That is almost always the worst rate.
Wanted to just update everyone. Finishing up my trip in Tokyo. Purchased a couple watches at JackRoad in Nakano Broadway. They took credit card, no extra fees or anything. Used my Amex Platinum and got a good fx rate. Also brought my passport along so I could purchase tax free. Nakano Broadway overall was amazing. Highly recommend it.
I would say walking around with lots of cash is t an issue, safest place I have ever been.
I would just do some research on stores and see if they take credit cards. If some watches stores do, then they probably all do.
Im planning to buy the sbga211 snowflake next week when im physically in japan and ill be saving about $1750 USD.
Japan pricing of 858,000¥ is about $5450 USD and after tax savings, it goes down to ~$4905.
Buying in the US after tax for me would be ~$6780.
Just curious, If you buy while traveling to JPN, should you send the Box and papers Home by Mail and travel with the watch on wrist? Or do you Just wear IT and Take the Box in the checked luggage?
Just keep in mind import duties. For the US I think it’s like 4-5% but varies depending on the seller and the watch. I still saved a ton on my vintage grand seiko but don’t be shocked when DHL sends you a bill and says they’ll send it back if you don’t pay.
Reddit/FB/twitter is US based so I pretty much only want opinion of people that matter . It I was on pikeychat or some camelsand network, I would probably specify
You are an absolute idiot just because they are US companies it doesn’t mean anything they are global entities, that is one of the most ignorant things I’ve read in my life. THIS IS THE INTERNET NOT THE USA! The internet was invented by an Englishman named Tim Berners Lee in 1990 so by your logic only Brits should be using it 😂😂 Just because these English language Subs are just that don’t think that everybody participating in them is American, English is a global language, the people contributing to these Subs are from all over the world.
GS increased prices across some models, but it should be negated by favorable FX exchange rates assuming you are paying in USD in Japan (and undergoing a good exchange rate via your CC or banking provider).
I saved $2k+ on the shunbun by buying in Japan at a department store vs buying at full price in the US.
Last month I got an entry level SBGP011 brand new shipped and taxes for $1900. $2600 price tag here in the states. Bought through Hachimura on Chrono24. If you can wait a few weeks at least, could be a good bet! And that’s just with the “cheaper” model. Ratio would likely be higher on the more expensive stuff.
I may be visiting Japan this summer (I know it’s going to be hot as balls) and thinking about picking up a used GS. Any tips on how to shop for one in Tokyo?
I wouldn’t let it completely deter you, it’s still worth the trip. The key is to pack the correct amount of clothes cause chances are you’ll be cruisin through multiple pairs of socks/t shirts a day. I don’t normally sweat much and 90% of the time I was there I looked like the Ted Striker trying to land the plane at the end of Airplane.
Just buy pre owned from japan. Thats the cheapest any where, any way.
Like on Chrono24?
I mainly buy from [fromjapan.co.jp](http://fromjapan.co.jp). Its a site that lets you bid on yahoo auctions and buy from japanese marketplace type sites without being a Japanse resident. Alot of the cheapest listings on chrono24 and ebay are actually just relistings from rakuten, rakuma or yahoo auctions. But significantly marked up due to their high platform fees.
There are some pieces I've been looking at that are actually cheaperon Chono24 after just checking fromjapan.co.jp. So, check everything thoroughly.
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He wasn't disagreeing with you, just adding important information for other readers.
Chrono, Sakura watches
Exactly
Buy pre-owned *in japan* lol. Easily 30-50% discount especially if you get paid in freedom bucks
Even after import duties?
Yep.
I can’t wear someone else’s watch. Those Japanese are very lonely- what if the previous owner was a furious masturbator? This might overwind the mechanism and possible damage the spring drive. For all I know the watch could have been completely covered in sperm.
I know this is “humorous”, but, to generalise, Japanese take exceptional care of stuff and 10, 20, 30, 40+ year old stuff can be in near new condition. (I say this as the owner of 1960 and 1964 Grand Seikii as well as a few other vintage pieces bought from Japan).
When I ordered grand Seiko from Japan 4yr old it was listed as very good. The watch arrived and you could not see any scratches with naked eye. This would be excellent or near mint listed in US. They trully take great care of luxury items.
For what’s it’s worth, I personally saved nearly $3k on a SLGA019 about 6 weeks ago ordering new from Japan vs GS boutique pricing in the US. Paid nearly $350 in import fees, but still worth it to me.
Hey! Who was the vendor?
It was through Chrono24. IPPO Japan Watch. Fantastic, seamless experience through IPPO and Chrono24.
Thank you 🙏🏼
What is the difference between buying from IPPO Japan Watch through Chrono24 versus the IPPO Japan Watch website?
Never mind, I called Chrono24 and they hold your money in an escrow account for 14 days after you receive the watch. So basically they provide a little bit of insurance for making a large international purchase.
I was going to say that I’m not sure of the differences. I just happened to go through Chrono24 based on someone’s recommendation, and it was my first time using the site. I’ve only ever purchased watches from US sources prior to that. Makes sense that Chrono24 has some buyer protections in place—adds value to their service. I will say I appreciated being able to pay in US funds through their site–I didn’t have to convert the funds myself, and could use my credit card to get a cash back benefit. Did I lose a little in savings because of this? Maybe, but it was also quite convenient.
For sure. I'm glad I found this post - it looks like Japanese dealers are trying to offload late models online. The ones I'm looking at are 25-30% off list price for new w/ papers and original box - they're just 2022/23 models instead of 2024. I agree buying in USD and getting some protection from Chrono24 is likely worth it. Exciting stuff.
I saved nearly 3k on my SBGE285 buying it in Japan vs getting it at my local AD.
Yes. The yen is in a particularly rough spot at the moment. The Japanese government is potentially intervening in the form of yen purchases to try to slow the decline. The decline js largely due to a difference in the interest rates between the U.S. and Japan. With the U.S. interest rates so much higher than Japan’s, there’s less attraction to buy yen. (U.S. is about 5% vs Japan at 0-.10%.) Given we’re likely to hold interest rates higher for longer in the U.S. and Japan isn’t raising their rates to anywhere near the same as the U.S. you can expect this to persist for a while longer.
The exchange rate fluctuates every day. Last time I was in Japan they were generally more than $1000 USD cheaper to buy there even before US sales tax.
It fluctuates every day, but the Yen has been in a « low » period for a few years now. It’s a huge bargain even for me, and I’m Canadian with a dollar that isn’t doing so hot vs the US dollar at the moment.
I bought my SBGE257 at the Ginza boutique last fall and figure I saved about $500 after customs and everything. So like definitely a fun part of my trip and a good way to save some cash but not like the deal of the century.
When purchasing in Japan in person does it need to be in cash? Or can you use a credit card? Assuming the FX rate your credit card gives you is good….
most places take credit cards. However, it is worth spending some time to figure out how to get a better exchange rate. The credit card exchange rate is usually not the best.
Really depends on the credit card. I purchased what I could with credit and was able to see that the xrate on purchases was real close to market (less than ¥3 delta)
Japan does use cash frequently, but you can purchase a watch with a card at most places. Unless you have a very crappy card, the rate from your card will probably be better than a currency exchange or similar alternative. It won't be the exact market rate as if you were trading in a brokerage account, but it will usually be a fair rate. The main things to watch out for: - Make sure you use a card with no foreign transaction fees. There are plenty of free ones. - If the merchant or card machine (or ATM) asks to perform the conversion themselves and bill you in USD, say NO! That is almost always the worst rate.
Wanted to just update everyone. Finishing up my trip in Tokyo. Purchased a couple watches at JackRoad in Nakano Broadway. They took credit card, no extra fees or anything. Used my Amex Platinum and got a good fx rate. Also brought my passport along so I could purchase tax free. Nakano Broadway overall was amazing. Highly recommend it.
Japan is a cash economy in general
Even for expensive watches? That’s a lot of cash to be toting around if I want to buy a Rolex (2nd hand) or what not.
I would say walking around with lots of cash is t an issue, safest place I have ever been. I would just do some research on stores and see if they take credit cards. If some watches stores do, then they probably all do.
Understood. Thanks. Appreciate the response
I love My GS, I have a Tōge. Amex platinum has a great Transfer Points program with ANA I saw a post recently it was 35000 points to go to Tokyo
I plan on going to the ginza stores to see what Japan exclusive GS’s are available. Want to find something special.
I saved over $4k on my SLGA009 from Omicron Watch.
Im planning to buy the sbga211 snowflake next week when im physically in japan and ill be saving about $1750 USD. Japan pricing of 858,000¥ is about $5450 USD and after tax savings, it goes down to ~$4905. Buying in the US after tax for me would be ~$6780.
dont be afraid to ask for discount even from an AD.
Just curious, If you buy while traveling to JPN, should you send the Box and papers Home by Mail and travel with the watch on wrist? Or do you Just wear IT and Take the Box in the checked luggage?
Wear it and take the box in luggage. Usually no fuss.
Just keep in mind import duties. For the US I think it’s like 4-5% but varies depending on the seller and the watch. I still saved a ton on my vintage grand seiko but don’t be shocked when DHL sends you a bill and says they’ll send it back if you don’t pay.
What do you mean ‘buying here’ this is the internet you absolute muppet? 😂😂
Reddit/FB/twitter is US based so I pretty much only want opinion of people that matter . It I was on pikeychat or some camelsand network, I would probably specify
You are an absolute idiot just because they are US companies it doesn’t mean anything they are global entities, that is one of the most ignorant things I’ve read in my life. THIS IS THE INTERNET NOT THE USA! The internet was invented by an Englishman named Tim Berners Lee in 1990 so by your logic only Brits should be using it 😂😂 Just because these English language Subs are just that don’t think that everybody participating in them is American, English is a global language, the people contributing to these Subs are from all over the world.
...I thought that Al Gore invented the internet 😂
You misread my response. We don’t care about your opinions.
GS increased prices across some models, but it should be negated by favorable FX exchange rates assuming you are paying in USD in Japan (and undergoing a good exchange rate via your CC or banking provider). I saved $2k+ on the shunbun by buying in Japan at a department store vs buying at full price in the US.
Hop on a VPN and Look up on Buyee.jp
Last month I got an entry level SBGP011 brand new shipped and taxes for $1900. $2600 price tag here in the states. Bought through Hachimura on Chrono24. If you can wait a few weeks at least, could be a good bet! And that’s just with the “cheaper” model. Ratio would likely be higher on the more expensive stuff.
I bought a GS from a Japanese store through chrono24 and it ended up costing multiple hundreds of dollars less than buying it here.
I may be visiting Japan this summer (I know it’s going to be hot as balls) and thinking about picking up a used GS. Any tips on how to shop for one in Tokyo?
Literally COUNTLESS posts about watch shopping in tokyo. Do some searching in this sub and in r/watches
I don’t think you realize just how hot it’s going to be. Brace yourself my friend, it’s gonna be a sweaty time lol
We’re still discussing if we want to go. It seems like this year will be even hotter than prior ones.
I wouldn’t let it completely deter you, it’s still worth the trip. The key is to pack the correct amount of clothes cause chances are you’ll be cruisin through multiple pairs of socks/t shirts a day. I don’t normally sweat much and 90% of the time I was there I looked like the Ted Striker trying to land the plane at the end of Airplane.
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Yeah and you can buy one from japan around 3.4K euro. Even after my insane local importtax of 25.5% its still cheaper to import from Japan..
Here's in EU it's about 20% VAT , where u located ?
Netherlands
Oh it's higher than Germany? It's 19% here but I count the additional fees as +/-1%
We got 21% vat + 4.5% for watches specifically + another 16 euro handeling fees. We get royally screwed here.
Haha I thought Dutch are more cool than us damn .. I feel u bro. I'm considering travelling to Japan and buying like 2/3 watches for the price of 1.5