Japan & Watches
Tokyo - Osaka - Kyoto
Tokyo - Osaka - Kyoto
Watches and Vintage in Japan
I'm Tom, watchmaking enthusiast and founder of Montres & Vintage.
In 2024, I traveled to Japan, a must-see country for vintage watches.
From Tokyo to Osaka, I visited the best watchmaking boutiques, unearthed unique pieces, and discovered a fascinating culture of detail.
On this page, I share my favorite addresses, my buying tips, and some rare models I found there.
Section Tokyo - Vintage watch stores
Jackroad & Betti (Tokyo - Nakano)
Undoubtedly one of Japan's most renowned vintage watch boutiques. Located in the heart of Nakano Broadway, it offers an impressive selection of Rolex, Omega, Seiko, Cartier, even a few Enicar Heuer and many other prestigious brands.
The pieces are in exceptional condition, perfectly serviced, ideal for collectors looking for rare models or ready-to-wear watches.
You'll receive a warm, professional welcome from our passionate, attentive sales team, who take the time to answer all your questions. Whether you're looking for a man's or a woman's watch, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
You can try on the watches freely, without pressure, and even enjoy a private area for the most confidential fittings. A unique watchmaking experience in Tokyo.
Finds at Jackroad
Fire Kids Nakano - Tokyo
An emblematic boutique on Nakano Broadway, known for its cutting-edge selection of vintage Japanese watches, including Seiko, Citizen, and rare or atypical models. And it's not just the classics you'll find here: you'll also discover little-known pieces, sometimes in mint condition (NOS), with incredible patinas and uncommon charm.
The atmosphere is warm and authentic - you immediately feel you're in the home of true enthusiasts. The sales staff take the time to talk, to tell the story of each watch, and to make you feel at home.
If you're looking for a Seiko 70s, an original diver, or simply a vintage watch that's off the beaten track, Fire Kids is the place to go.
Fire Kids finds
Shibuya center
In the center of Shibuya, a stroll through the streets is enough to discover numerous second-hand and vintage watch boutiques. Some are discreet, others better known, but all are well worth a visit. There's a real culture of resale watchmaking in Japan, and Shibuya is teeming with enthusiastic retailers - sometimes just a stone's throw from the big names, sometimes just around the corner.
The kings of Datejust
7 HOURS Nakano Tokeyo
A true reference for vintage Rolex enthusiasts, this boutique boasts an incredible selection of Datejust, Precision, Oyster Perpetual and other iconic models. From the moment you enter, you'll be struck by the diversity of dials, original configurations, vintage bracelets and superb patinas - each piece has its own character.
7 Hours is the king of Datejust in Tokyo. The store is sober, but run by a true enthusiast. The manager is discreet, but if you strike up a sincere conversation, he'll be happy to share his knowledge.
There are also some vintage Omega Seamaster, Zenith, Longines, and other nice surprises. Prices are very competitive, but as always, it's essential to check the consistency of the pieces (number matching, general condition, authenticity).
A must if you're looking for an authentic vintage Rolex, especially a Datejust, at a fair price and in remarkable condition.
Finds at 7 Hours
Akihabara
The hidden alleys of Akihabara - Tokyo
Away from the big, bright streets of Akihabara, you need only descend a staircase or pass through an arcade to enter another world: discreet, narrow galleries full of unexpected treasures.
Here, window after window is filled with Pokémon cards, electronic cables, vintage cameras and unlikely gadgets. But as you wander the aisles and floors, you'll come across some real watchmaking nuggets: Seiko from the 60s, Citizen automatic, Omega Constellation, Enicar, Zenith...
You'll also find bracelets, original boxes, tools and spare parts in a cheerful Japanese bric-a-brac.
It's not a shopping mall: you browse, compare and discuss. The salespeople are often discreet but passionate, and a simple exchange can open the door to rare models they keep behind the counter.
For lovers of vintage watches, this is an authentic treasure hunt, far from the overly perfect shop windows. Not to be missed if you like to bargain, bargain, bargain and feel the true Tokyo of enthusiasts.
Finds in Akihabara
Ginza
Ginza - A world apart in the heart of Tokyo
Ginza is much more than just a neighborhood: it's a city within a city, a world apart where luxury, elegance and modernity meet at every corner. The imposing architecture, glittering shop windows and ultra-refined ambience sometimes give the impression of being somewhere between Singapore and Hong Kong.
The world's leading watchmakers are represented here: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Cartier, Citizen, Grand Seiko: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Cartier, Citizen, Grand Seiko... All the brands have their flagship stores here, in breathtaking boutiques.
What's also striking is the crowd: the watch boutiques are packed, the windows carefully observed, the test drives numerous. Ginza breathes high-end, but also watchmaking passion. Whether you're a fan of luxury Swiss watches or Japanese timepieces, you're bound to find what you're looking for.
Store in Ginza
Watchnian is a boutique specializing in luxury watches and rare models, with a selection ranging from Swiss classics to more confidential vintage pieces. The perfect place for discerning collectors.
Boutique Patek Philippe - Vacheron Constantin - Citizen
Osaka
Selection of exceptional watches in a high-end boutique - Osaka
This discreet but ultra-elegant boutique, located in an Osaka shopping mall, offers an impressive selection of vintage and modern Rolexes, displayed like real jewels.
In the showcases: Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi, two-tone Datejust, yellow gold Day-Date, sometimes with President bracelet or rare configuration. Each piece is authenticated, meticulously polished and accompanied by a detailed technical data sheet.
The staff are professional, polite and passionate. Watches can be tried on by appointment, in a calm, refined environment, with attention worthy of an international flagship.
Prices are in line with the Japanese market: transparent, but often slightly more attractive than in major European capitals.
If you're visiting Osaka and a lover of high-end vintage Rolex watches, this is a must-see stop.
Boutique Osaka
Casanova Vintage Tokyo:
Luxury, Watches and Passion
Meeting with the founder of Casanova Vintage - Tokyo
During my stay in Japan, I was lucky enough to meet the founder of Casanova Vintage, one of Tokyo's leading names in vintage luxury.
With several boutiques in the Japanese capital, Casanova Vintage offers rare, high-end pieces, from prestige watches to luxury clothing and accessories. The style is cutting-edge, the atmosphere meticulous, and the public often prestigious.
I had the opportunity to talk directly with the owner, a warm, simple and passionate person, despite the world he rubs shoulders with Pharrel, Travis Scott... We talked watches, of course - and he even showed me his diamond-set Cartier Crash, an incredible piece.
Don't hesitate to push open the door of Casanova Vintage: you're sure to find what you're looking for.
Between designer pieces, iconic luxury garments and cutting-edge designer selections, this is the ideal address to find a rare piece or the garment of your dreams.
The team is welcoming, passionate and will guide you with expertise. A true landmark for high-end fashion lovers in Tokyo.
It was an unforgettable moment for me, and proof that the world of watchmaking can still offer wonderful human encounters.
Information :
Instagram: casanova_vintage3
1F T's Omotesando, 5-11-6 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku
@casanova_ginza
Ginza, Chuo-ku, 7-10-18
@casanova_market24
Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, 5-41-8
@casanova_buysell
Minato Minami-Aoyama, 5 -12-5
Casanova - Legend
See you soon..
An unforgettable journey through passion, watches and encounters
This trip to Japan will go down as one of the finest chapters in my watchmaking adventure.
I discovered incredible boutiques, rare watches, impressive expertise... but above all, I experienced powerful human moments, made authentic encounters and created precious bonds.
Japan is a country where watches are respected, collected and talked about.
And for me, I leave with a head full of memories, unique models, and above all, the desire to go back.
Thank you to all those who welcomed me, advised me and talked passionately about watches.
And to you who are reading this: I hope this notebook has taken you on a journey. Perhaps even inspired you to embark on your own watchmaking adventure in Tokyo, Osaka... or elsewhere.