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Old 19 February 2018, 08:55 PM   #1
yoast
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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.
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Old 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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Old 19 February 2018, 09:09 PM   #3
edo
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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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Old 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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Old 20 February 2018, 12:56 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AK797 View Post
Maybe wrist size is generally smaller so Rolex and PP do better.
But AP is very popular in Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.
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Old 20 February 2018, 01:30 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AK797 View Post
Maybe wrist size is generally smaller so Rolex and PP do better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by benlee View Post
But AP is very popular in Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.
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)
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Old 20 February 2018, 07:32 AM   #7
AK797
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2nastie View Post
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)
Japan is a bit like England, old school and conservative so less conspicuous displays of wealth... altho both have crazy anti-establishment youth cultures.
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Old 20 February 2018, 07:55 AM   #8
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Quote:
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Maybe wrist size is generally smaller so Rolex and PP do better.
Also Rolex have better resale and high demand over AP all over the world!
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Old 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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Old 20 February 2018, 12:13 PM   #10
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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.
Tokyoites are colder, Osaka people are much more friendly and fun. Kyoto has the real snobs.
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Old 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.
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Old 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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