On the hunt for a BLNR in Japan

[Kanoo]

Hi all, am heading to Tokyo on holiday next week and on the lookout for a BLNR while I am there.

I heard a rumour that there are no waiting lists in Japan and so I might be lucky enough to find one at an AD if by chance they have had a recent delivery? If not I can apparently pick a new one up on the grey market - although I should expect to pay at least $1000 USD above retail? :O can anyone confirm this?

Thinking this might be one of the few opportunities I get to be able to purchase a BLNR as I'm not high rollin' enough for the dealer in my country to prioritise me on the waiting list (sometime in the next year) am also concerned they might discontinue the batman next year OR WORSE bring out a new model on a jubilee that can't be changed a la the new Pepsi.

There seem to be a hell of a lot of AD's in Tokyo - but would I be wasting my precious vacation time hitting up the AD's on the off chance they might have a BLNR in stock at retail?

Or should I just bite the bullet and head for the nearest grey market dealer store? In which case any recommendations are welcome.

[aalyu]

Most likely ADs in tokyo would be out of stock as well. Do expect to pay a premium for the BLNR. You're sure to find one there but on the gray market shops. In terms of savings you would be able to if your local currency vs the jpy is good, otherwise prices will be the same if not higher.

[jestrada]

Most likely they wont have that in stock in most ADs. If u want to save some precious vacation time (and are willing to pay a premium), going gray would be the best route as there are a lot of stores that have the BLNR. If in Tokyo, Jack Road would be a good place to start. Try looking at Quark (they have a website) as well. I paid about 500usd premium last Dec for mine. Perhaps you’d have to pay more nowadays. You may want to look at pre-owned as well. The Japanese seem to take good care of their watches and you might see a good deal on a few very mint condition BLNRs. Hope this helps. Good luck!


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[Quamby]

No Tokyo AD will have a BLNR on display. All the sought after SS models are only available by order and they don't take any orders from tourists. You just have to try your luck and see what they have on display and speak to them.

Have a great time in Tokyo!

btw, the prices at grey dealers in Nakano are astronomical.

[sya]

if ad, no stock fo4 sure

[ranggaatmadja]

You maybe wants to try another city than Tokyo. I tried last year going around Tokyo for a subc, found nothing and ended getting one from an AD in Osaka.

Try to make some calls instead of going to each and every AD to save your holiday time.

Greys like Quark or Jackroad or Houseki hiroba have bigger probability with some premium though. In subc case was 5-10% premium over the AD's.

[sensui]

I wouldn't waste your vacation. If you want it from Japan, expect to pay they premium at the grey shops. You won't see this watch from ADs. Have a good time.

[Kanoo]

Hmm thanks everyone, pretty much zero chance of getting from an AD then. My wife recently stopped by Osaka a few months back and they had SS Rolex galore in one grey market dealer there (but no BLNR) prices were reasonable and after tax were slightly cheaper than an AD in my country.

Can anyone recommend any good second-hand dealers with reasonable prices, tbh I have zero experience of buying pre-owned so I'd be cautious of taking that route and from what I see of Quark, their prices are very high and compare to buying a new piece.

I might also be stopping off in Kyoto so I guess I could phone ahead and see what's in stock cheers. btw has anyone been to the Seiko museum? worth it?

[jyn]

I was just in Japan and made a trip report. Check it out if you need a heads up on where to look for grey sellers.

[jimcarver]

Depends how much you are prepared to spend, you will be able to get one for around $10.5K without too much trouble from a grey dealer, but as others have said highly unlikely from and AD

[jimcarver]

I should add the above price is based on not paying the sales tax.

[osamu]

I saw one at a premium at a Yodobashi Camera last week, but this is in Fukuoka. Not sure this helps at all, but might give you an idea of the premium you can find it at.

[Zoomie54]

Tokyo has some great options for shopping. I have to say, that I was there the other week and didn't see a BLNR, but I'm sure you'll have a great time looking. Shinjuku has a mix of new and used. BIC Camera stores have watches of all price points from Casio to beyond Rolex. Shinjuku also has great used/vintage finds like BEST Watch. Ginza has most of the high end shopping and has standalone boutiques for luxury brands as well as the Waco department store of Seiko fame. While you are in Ginza, make sure you hit up Bar High Five for a sazerac.

[Zoomie54]

Thought about it some more, and one of the vintage rolex shops next door to BIC Camera shinjuku did have a BLNR. Can't put my finger on the price.