Grand Seiko Availability in Japan

[Fifteen]

Hi I’m going to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo for a few weeks starting tomorrow. Wondering if grand seikos are waitlisted (in general) and is so, which references are they? Or can I generally walk in and buy / view most models? I haven’t decided yet which model id like yet.

Also, are there any specific locations / stores I should purchase from to get the best pricing / VAT refund? Thank you

[Old Expat Beast]

In my experience you won't have any problems buying anything except some of the more limited editions. No waitlists. I usually stick to big discount department stores like Bic Camera, which are official ADs but offer good discounts (maybe 20%), plus some extra (5%) discount sometimes if you use Visa card, etc. You'll get tax knocked off too, at time of purchase. Don't bother asking for discounts, it's not a thing in Japan.

Try and figure out what model(s) you want before you go to avoid being overwhelmed by choice, but be prepared for an impulse buy as it's all very tempting. You might consider getting a Japan Domestic Market (JDM) piece that's only available in Japan. Yen is so weak now, you're virtually sure to bag a bargain anyway.

[Fifteen]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

In my experience you won't have any problems buying anything except some of the more limited editions. No waitlists. I usually stick to big discount department stores like Bic Camera, which are official ADs but offer good discounts (maybe 20%), plus some extra (5%) discount sometimes if you use Visa card, etc. You'll get tax knocked off too, at time of purchase. Don't bother asking for discounts, it's not a thing in Japan.

Try and figure out what model(s) you want before you go to avoid being overwhelmed by choice, but be prepared for an impulse buy as it's all very tempting. You might consider getting a Japan Domestic Market (JDM) piece that's only available in Japan. Yen is so weak now, you're virtually sure to bag a bargain anyway.

Thanks for the tips! When you say bic camera stores offer discounts but also that I shouldn’t ask for discounts….what do you mean?

[taitun4life]

Originally Posted by fifteen

thanks for the tips! When you say bic camera stores offer discounts but also that i shouldn’t ask for discounts….what do you mean?

🤷🏽*♂️

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Fifteen

Thanks for the tips! When you say bic camera stores offer discounts but also that I shouldn’t ask for discounts….what do you mean?

I mean don't bother asking for anything off prices shown as already discounted (or on full retail, either) in any stores in Japan. All prices are generally fixed and any possible discounts are already shown.

[mongrelnomoad]

Totally agree with above, except at Bic and Yodobashi. Most of the sales assistants are Chinese and are used to mainland tourists and haggling. I’ve got an extra few % off at Yodobashi Shinjuku more than once. The prices are already discounted, and you’ll get immediate tax reduction and whatever weird credit card promotion they’re doing, but while I would never ever even mention the d word at Wako or any other dealers, the discount stores are another matter.

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by Fifteen

Hi I’m going to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo for a few weeks starting tomorrow. Wondering if grand seikos are waitlisted (in general) and is so, which references are they? Or can I generally walk in and buy / view most models? I haven’t decided yet which model id like yet.

Also, are there any specific locations / stores I should purchase from to get the best pricing / VAT refund? Thank you

Wako in Tokyo on Ginza is the Seiko and Grand Seiko flagship location. Definitely check it out. In Japan there is an acknowledgment that even within the same model line some examples perform better than others and I was told they sell these superior pieces at Wako. I just bought a watch from them last month.

[Aussiexplorer]

I love watch shopping in Japan. Returning in April 2023 and can't wait.

I was surprised to the the range and number of pieces Bic Camera had when I was there last. In fact, they had the few remaining pieces of the SGBN007 that I was after. Even the boutiques had none! Paid Bic's prices with I think 8% off for OS customer and CC use.

[Old Expat Beast]

Here are a few Bic Camera store photos that I took on various trips to Japan, to give you some idea of what to expect.

Nagoya: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=662051

Kyoto: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=646589

Hiroshima: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=581975

[Fifteen]

Thanks guys. Just checked out the bic in namba / Osaka. They had a 10% tax refund and 5% off for credit cards. Is this as good as it gets? Or should I wait until I get to Tokyo and search there?

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by Fifteen

Thanks guys. Just checked out the bic in namba / Osaka. They had a 10% tax refund and 5% off for credit cards. Is this as good as it gets? Or should I wait until I get to Tokyo and search there?

There are tons of watch stores selling GS in Japan and each carry different inventory. You’ll understand once you get there. It’s like asking where is the best place to get sushi in Japan.

[A971]

Originally Posted by Fifteen

Thanks guys. Just checked out the bic in namba / Osaka. They had a 10% tax refund and 5% off for credit cards. Is this as good as it gets? Or should I wait until I get to Tokyo and search there?

Just be done there and move on… enjoy the rest of your trip.

If anything, your Japan experience will allow you to learn that despite what Ben Clymer tells you, GS is just another watch…


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[Fifteen]

Just picked one up! Thanks guys. Might pick up another in Tokyo if I have time

[1William]

Congratulations.

[mongrelnomoad]

Congrats!

[jingerman]

Looks great!!


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[sinkholeninja]

Originally Posted by Fifteen

Just picked one up! Thanks guys. Might pick up another in Tokyo if I have time

Congrats, it’s a classic!

[Fifteen]

Thanks everyone. For my second purchase, I’m thinking of SLGH005 or SBGA211. Are both of these hard to find for retail price in general? And harder in Japan? I couldn’t find them in any of the shops in Osaka today

[Ichiran]

Congratulations! I'm also heading to Osaka and Kyoto but in December. Happy GS hunting!