Daytona hunting in Japan

[malarky_hk]

Currently in Japan on holidays and was hoping to pick up a little souvenir to take back home. I sent a Gaijin (aka Tom) a message that I was coming to town and he was more than happy to take me around and hook me up with his local connections.

We hit several local shops as well as the AD looking for a RG Daytona with the ivory dial.

The first stop was an AD at high end department store. Great collection and of course they had the Daytona I've been drooling after. But alas, no deal as they were not willing to bargain - at all. Nonetheless, Tom and I were able to try on a couple of cool Daytonas.







The Platona was freakin' awesome - felt like a brick and looked like a million bucks.

We also stopped by a couple of grey dealers but I wasn't able close the deal.



Tom also took me to a place where I would have never thought to look for a Rolex - a local electronics store called Bic Camera. I didn't belive it at first but sure enough after meandering through two floors - Rolexes! Here's a pic of Tom admiring the display of wrist candy.



Even though I couldn't close the deal I had a great time hunting. The service in Japan is second to none. Thanks to Tom for all his help and hospitality. You are the man! Whenever you are free you definitely need to make a trip to HK where I can return the favour.

[Old Expat Beast]

Looks like fun with great company...I'm sure Tom is great fun to hang out with there. I checked out a Bic Camera place in Sapporo, too...only bought a Seiko for my brother in the end. You're in Fukuoka?

[thomaspp]

Fun times!

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Looks like fun with great company...I'm sure Tom is great fun to hang out with there. I checked out a Bic Camera place in Sapporo, too...only bought a Seiko for my brother in the end. You're in Fukuoka?

Yes, in Fukuoka and Tom is da man here! Was pleasantly surprised by the all the stores available and the selections they had.

[Old Expat Beast]

I must get there one day soon...maybe with a Nagasaki side trip....before the yen gets back up.

[T01]

Nice Daytonas!

[Perrinyanna]

how do you compare prices of bnew rolex in japan against hk?

[tkerrmd]

Well great watches and the search is half the fun!

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by Perrinyanna

how do you compare prices of bnew rolex in japan against hk?

I can only speak to the prices on Fukuoka. Against HK prices are slightly higher even with the 8% tax back for tourists.

However, Tom tells me that there are more competitive prices in Tokyo.

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Well great watches and the search is half the fun!

I agree Tom.

Hope you're enjoying your Platona. When we tried on that beauty it weighed like a ton. I think with constant wear you might get tendinitis.

[Gaijin]

Mark! What's up!? That was a fun day. Mark had on his Seadweller and I had on my White Gold Black Dial Daytona. We looked good. Hahahaha!

Mark had the green light from the Missus to pull the trigger on a new Rose Gold Ivory Dial Ceramic Daytona and had the cash burning a hole in his pocket! I thought I was going to be a witness to TRF greatness.

Alas... it was not to be.

We haggled. Then we haggled some more. The Grey we were at would not budge below 2,300,000 Yen (less than $23,000). Man we were close! But Mark could get it 100,000 Yen cheaper (a bit below $1,000) in HK. The salesman did his best. He was exhausted. Bummed we walked out and got a pizza. Thank you Mark. Good times!!!!!

See you soon in Hong Kong Bro!

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Well great watches and the search is half the fun!

When that Platinum Daytona came out Tom, Mark and I both mentioned you. Yea! That thing is a tank. Like beautiful armor on your wrist.

[Gaijin]

Mark, we can still hit JFK this weekend if you are game. The place we went to that was closed. That place rocks. That is the place that has the Spacedweller under glass.

[kimnkk]

What a coincidence, I checked out the 116515 Ivory on the weekend too. Definitely a drool worthy watch!

Japan are also Daytona crazy, Daytona and Birkin crazy.

So tempted to pull the trigger, what was the price in japan? Was around 27k USD here in AU, but confident I can shave a bit more off.

[Tokyo Time]

Do you lads hit Nakano Broadway?

[nickb732]

That is awesome. Looks like you guys had fun!

[lipjin]

Sounds like a fun day. I know a GD who could knock the 116515 down a bit more

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Tokyo Time

Do you lads hit Nakano Broadway?

Have many times Douglas and love it. But we were in Fukuoka.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by kimnkk

What a coincidence, I checked out the 116515 Ivory on the weekend too. Definitely a drool worthy watch!

Japan are also Daytona crazy, Daytona and Birkin crazy.

So tempted to pull the trigger, what was the price in japan? Was around 27k USD here in AU, but confident I can shave a bit more off.

You can get that new in Tokyo for way less. And get your tax back. 8 %. Check Houseki Hiroba, Kame Kichi or Jack Road. Stand by I will check it for you. See below.

[osamu]

I was watch hunting in Fukuoka last year. Definitely a good time with how great Japanese customer service is. Of course, helped my wife had her "American" sized engagement ring on. Didn't end up buying anything but got some Piaget branded chocolate, haha.

[Gaijin]

Wow! Super cheap in Tokyo. Tax included. So you can take 8% off of that.

http://housekihiroba.jp.e.nh.hp.tran...shop/g/gRX2041 Houseki Hiroba.

Kame Kichi. http://www.kame-kichi.com/webitem-21295.html?q=1

In stock.

[Gaijin]

and this seems to be the cheapest one in Tokyo!!! Jack Road.

http://www.jackroad.co.jp//product_i...9icgftkl72e1n3


Get on a plane!!


2.090,741 Yen. $20,524.27 Not in stock , but I am sure that they can get it.


http://www.xe.com/ja/currencyconvert...rom=JPY&To=USD

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by lipjin

Sounds like a fun day. I know a GD who could knock the 116515 down a bit more

Thanks Lipjin. I'll PM you if I can't get the deed done myself.

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

and this seems to be the cheapest one in Tokyo!!! Jack Road.

http://www.jackroad.co.jp//product_i...9icgftkl72e1n3


Get on a plane!!


2.090,741 Yen. $20,524.27 Not in stock , but I am sure that they can get it.


http://www.xe.com/ja/currencyconvert...rom=JPY&To=USD

Thanks for checking out the prices in Tokyo, bro. Did you call to confirm that the prices include the tax? Remember we were mistaken about the prices in Fukuoka and the price quoted did not include tax.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by malarky_hk

Thanks for checking out the prices in Tokyo, bro. Did you call to confirm that the prices include the tax? Remember we were mistaken about the prices in Fukuoka and the price quoted did not include tax.

No worries Mark. The website says tax included for Houseki Hiroba. I can't read the Jack Road completely. But to answer your question no I did not call.

But if they add on the tax what the heck you get it all back and you still get that baby for $20,524.27.

[kimnkk]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

and this seems to be the cheapest one in Tokyo!!! Jack Road.

http://www.jackroad.co.jp//product_i...9icgftkl72e1n3


Get on a plane!!


2.090,741 Yen. $20,524.27 Not in stock , but I am sure that they can get it.


http://www.xe.com/ja/currencyconvert...rom=JPY&To=USD

Oh man, that's a hard proposal to deny!
One can't have too many Daytona's right?

[Speed]

Great story. I came close to getting a Daytona when I met up with Otto at Jack Road a few years ago. Saw a cherry M serial SS model in white for $8800 USD. Many more in black for more $. Just could spend that much at the time.

Ended up getting a lady DJ for my wife instead.

The preowned selections were pristine. Box & papers et al. :-)

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

No worries Mark. The website says tax included for Houseki Hiroba. I can't read the Jack Road completely. But to answer your question no I did not call.

But if they add on the tax what the heck you get it all back and you still get that baby for $20,524.27.

Dude...that's a deal I can't refuse. Just need to be able to get my hands on one before I head back.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by malarky_hk

Dude...that's a deal I can't refuse. Just need to be able to get my hands on one before I head back.

Road (shinkansen) trip!!!!!


Of course a flight would be much faster, but I love the bullet train.

[bmrisko]

My wife and I just got back from Japan as well...I was basically numb from all the watches available and couldn't decide what to pull the trigger on so I came home empty handed. We went to all the mentioned stores...Jack Road, Kame Kichi, Houseki Hiroba, Bic, several department stores, BEST, Watch. and many more. My wife did get a 37.5 Omega PO chrono for a steal...! I can't wait to go back!