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19 February 2018, 08:55 PM | #1 |
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AP not so popular in Japan?
Having been in Tokyo for the past week or so, and spent the last weekend browsing watches, I noticed its still all about Rolex. I see an occasional AP here and there, but they don't seem to be nearly as popular as Rolex.
I am hoping there are any Japanese members that care to chime in as to why this is? How is AP seen in Japan? I have thought about 2 possible reasons: 1: Value retention for Rolex is better 2: Brand awareness for Rolex is better Please feel free to share your opinions. Ps: I'll be in Japan for a while, in case anyone wants to meet up? I'm in Tokyo. |
19 February 2018, 09:03 PM | #2 |
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Maybe AP watches are too flashy, while Japanese are naturally more reserved. They do have a boutique in Ginza and I bought there a few times. It's also possible to find AP watches in preown watch dealers.
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19 February 2018, 09:09 PM | #3 |
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Rolex value retention and brand awareness is stronger than APs in the whole world not just Japan...
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20 February 2018, 12:17 AM | #4 |
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Maybe wrist size is generally smaller so Rolex and PP do better.
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20 February 2018, 12:56 AM | #5 |
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But AP is very popular in Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.
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20 February 2018, 01:30 AM | #6 |
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I was going to say wrist size as well. Japanese tend to absolutely not wear anything that doesn’t fit. As an example I know they would even prefer the Speedy Reduced over the standard Speedmaster. Japanese culture tend to have a very meticulous type of fashion over the preceived “value” or “wealth” that a brand brings visually to others. Just in my opinion a lot of the time it seems they wear things more for themselves and their own style vs other’s perception of them wearing it. (Which you can argue is more like watch geeks/nerds like us on the forums)
I might be generalizing a bit, but having heritage from HK and traveling numerous time back and forth to visit family, people seem to wear the brand or brands for others as weath perception and generally doesn’t really care if a watch would be a natural fit (size, style, etc) |
20 February 2018, 07:32 AM | #7 | |
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Quote:
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20 February 2018, 07:55 AM | #8 |
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20 February 2018, 11:29 AM | #9 |
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You might check out Osaka. I’ve been told that Tokyo is sophisticated like NY and Osaka is flashy like LA.
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20 February 2018, 12:13 PM | #10 |
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21 February 2018, 12:08 AM | #11 |
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As a long-time resident of Japan for over a decade, I think it depends on what neighborhood you are in, regardless of Tokyo, Osaka, wherever.
I've seen plenty of APs in Tokyo. Nagoya is somewhat of a watch hub as well. |
21 February 2018, 11:30 AM | #12 |
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I do notice the incredible popularity of Patek (seen a 5711 blue for 53k usd) the other day.
But not so much AP in the "main" central areas of Tokyo. I also frequent Osaka often, and feel its pretty much the same over there, although prices tend to be a bit better there. Have to check out Nagoya :) |
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