Horological Meandering

Hey there,

I am making a trip to tokyo and was wondering if there are any watches that are sold only in Japan and not outside Japan, i.e. watches sold for the local market only.

In addition, i heard that Grand Seiko is cheaper in the domestic market, it is really so?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Kel

First off each of the Japanese makers, Seiko, Citizen, Orient et al, make a large number of models for the domestic market only, the Grand Seiko is the best example of a JDM model, although it has begun to find its way outside of Japan. And yes, Grand Seikos are cheaper in Japan.

European brands also do make limited and special editions for the Japanese market because the watch buying population there is large, sophisticated and wealthy. Patek, IWC, VC and all the major brands you can think of have made Japan-only watches at one point or another. Sinn too makes a number of unusual looking watches for Japan.

- SJX