[James73]

I just returned from a 5-day trip to Tokyo. The main focus of my trip: watches, and specifically, Grand Seiko.
Below are some of my observations.

First of all, almost every department or electronics store has a fairly large watch department. Not just the cheap Casio's but also Grand Seiko and high end Swiss brands like Rolex, Cartier and even Patek Philippe.

The 'non-Master Shops' only have a limited collection of 'low end' Grand Seiko, most with the old Seiko dial.
While these stores don't have a wide selection, there is a very good reason to check them out anyway: 20-30 percent discount.

If you want something special or a wide selection, go to a Master Shop such as Wako, the Seiko Premium Boutique (both in Ginza) or various upscale department stores. Here you will find the newest models and maybe a limited edition. Prices are not discounted but same as on the Japanese Grand Seiko website.

Some interesting (Grand) Seiko watches I've seen:

• The very popular Snow Flake (new dial, SBGA211) was in stock in several stores
• SBGC225 'Wako Limited Edition' Spring Drive Chronograph. See the post from a fellow WUS member
• Seiko's extravagant Galante brand
• Credor Eichi II
• Seiko Prospex Landmaster Spring Drive

Most stores offer tax-free shopping to foreigners, so don't forget to bring your passport when you're ready to buy. VAT in Japan is 8%, but prices are often quoted without.

 

[HiggsBoson]

A 5 day trip to Tokyo, to buy watches, would be an absolute dream to me.
Of course, only if I could afford to come back with a load of them! ;-)
The euro lottery rollover, here in the UK, is an estimated to be £85 Million on Friday.
That would give me a great start.:-d

 

[James73]

A 5 day trip to Tokyo, to buy watches would be an absolute dream to me.

Despite my intentions to purchase a Grand Seiko Spring Drive, I was able to restrain myself and only bought a moderately priced Casio Oceanus.
See my other post

 

[closeset]

thanks for the info!

 

[ciphermonk]

I can second that Japan is a much better place to buy them if you can manage to get over there. Even in the other lines like Astron, there are many more limited editions available only in Japan.

As far as the GS goes, the SBGC225 is great example of a Japan-only (actually Wako store only) piece limited to just 30 pieces.

They're also less expensive to purchase in Japan than the US due to a combination of the base price and exchange rate.

 

[James73]

I can second that Japan is a much better place to buy them if you can manage to get over there.

I agree. Considering, for example, the price of a Snow Flake here in Europe, I will still save money buying in Japan even if I have to fly to Tokyo and spend 2 nights in a hotel.

 

[renzokuken]

Dear watch lover friends,
I intend to seek Snowflakes new edition (sgba211) on my coming trip to Japan. Besides the Ginza Premium store and other Prime store, is there any place I can seek Snowflakes with a better price? be it pre-owned or slight discount.
Appreciate any possible tips.
Thank you all in advance.

 

[allrachet]

Not sure about grand seiko but here are some vintage watch shops that not department/electronic stores

 

[renzokuken]

Dear allrachet,
Wow, I may not be able to search all the information you gave, but greatly appreciate the extraordinary help!
Thanks a bunch.
Wish you all well!

Not sure about grand seiko but here are some vintage watch shops that not department/electronic stores

 

[baselworld]

I just returned from a 5-day trip to Tokyo. The main focus of my trip: watches, and specifically, Grand Seiko.
Below are some of my observations.

First of all, almost every department or electronics store has a fairly large watch department. Not just the cheap Casio's but also Grand Seiko and high end Swiss brands like Rolex, Cartier and even Patek Philippe.

The 'non-Master Shops' only have a limited collection of 'low end' Grand Seiko, most with the old Seiko dial.
While these stores don't have a wide selection, there is a very good reason to check them out anyway: 20-30 percent discount.

If you want something special or a wide selection, go to a Master Shop such as Wako, the Seiko Premium Boutique (both in Ginza) or various upscale department stores. Here you will find the newest models and maybe a limited edition. Prices are not discounted but same as on the Japanese Grand Seiko website.

Some interesting (Grand) Seiko watches I've seen:

• The very popular Snow Flake (new dial, SBGA211) was in stock in several stores
• SBGC225 'Wako Limited Edition' Spring Drive Chronograph. See the post from a fellow WUS member
• Seiko's extravagant Galante brand
• Credor Eichi II
• Seiko Prospex Landmaster Spring Drive

View attachment 12252826 View attachment 12252834 View attachment 12252842 View attachment 12252850 View attachment 12252858

Most stores offer tax-free shopping to foreigners, so don't forget to bring your passport when you're ready to buy. VAT in Japan is 8%, but prices are often quoted without.

May I ask how much are they selling the SBGA211 in the stores that you have visited. Just wanted to have a comparison between them and local AD. Thanks