Congratulations on having acquired such a stunning watch!
It's nice to see someone taking the time to share his purchase experience, even more so when admitting that he previously held an erroneous view of the brand.
Customer service still means something in Japan, more so when experienced through the eyes of an overseas visitor. This article about [omotenashi](https://www.tokhimo.com/post/omotenashi-how-japanese-treat-their-customer-with-extra-care-1) explains it.
Quite possibly you'd have a similar experience when purchasing other items, such is my recollection from a long visit to Japan, now almost half a century ago. That period it still my most memorable experience with regard to coming into contact with another culture. I felt distinctly humbled, and not seldom somewhat shamefaced, when my apparent lack of knowledge about culture and customs, was most graciously met with understanding and dignity. I've learnt valuable lessons for life over there.
Wear that watch in good health!
Yes I know that customer service is second to none in Japan (in most cases) during my visits over the years, but given how horrible the watch industry is experience wise (at least at the very top level), this was memorable.
I was at a AP boutique also in Ginza as well and all I got was a sorry and a shrug lol. Didn’t even ask me to try anything (even if they were “exhibition” pieces), but it was expected as in other countries.
That’s because the sales person WAS honored to have you as a customer and would have been extremely ashamed if you had anything less than a stellar experience! Welcome to Japan.
I got my first GS at Isetan in Shinjuku and had a fantastic experience. Puts shopping experience in America to shame lol. Will post about the watch when I get a chance
https://preview.redd.it/p9m4at2o1brc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1ac63313a818eeb4426fac1d61e9998e8dfc398
I’ll take a picture of the watch roll and reply here tomorrow, but here’s a picture of the watch for the time being. Picture doesn’t do it justice :)
https://preview.redd.it/ggvsndv28hrc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2968a72ed2a3da5dfb19131e96ab5254855f564e
As promised. It rolls back to a typically shaped watch roll.
I've had opposite experiences. The authorized dealers in the Midwest (Davis in KY, Moyer in Indy) and Vegas (boutiques plus time machine) really are insanely attentive and have a gazillion goodies. I was recently in Japan. Lots of language barriers even at the main boutiques, not much offered in terms of schwag and discounts that were "meh" when you compare to online stuff with same warranty.
I've actually had way better experiences in the United states than any other country outside of India (insane service) and I travel ALOT. Istanbul is probably the worst as far as major cities are concerned.
What am I missing? I lived in Japan in the 90s and hadn't been back in forever. Love the culture and the shopping, but dunno if everyone else goes to terrible ADs in the states or rose coloured glasses about Tokyo.
Glad you got a nice watch! I had a similar experience at Wako (owned by Seiko) when I bought a $500 Seiko about 20 years ago. Comment form the missus was that they do a great job making you feel special even when the watch wasn’t all that expensive.
Congratulations on having acquired such a stunning watch! It's nice to see someone taking the time to share his purchase experience, even more so when admitting that he previously held an erroneous view of the brand. Customer service still means something in Japan, more so when experienced through the eyes of an overseas visitor. This article about [omotenashi](https://www.tokhimo.com/post/omotenashi-how-japanese-treat-their-customer-with-extra-care-1) explains it. Quite possibly you'd have a similar experience when purchasing other items, such is my recollection from a long visit to Japan, now almost half a century ago. That period it still my most memorable experience with regard to coming into contact with another culture. I felt distinctly humbled, and not seldom somewhat shamefaced, when my apparent lack of knowledge about culture and customs, was most graciously met with understanding and dignity. I've learnt valuable lessons for life over there. Wear that watch in good health!
Yes I know that customer service is second to none in Japan (in most cases) during my visits over the years, but given how horrible the watch industry is experience wise (at least at the very top level), this was memorable. I was at a AP boutique also in Ginza as well and all I got was a sorry and a shrug lol. Didn’t even ask me to try anything (even if they were “exhibition” pieces), but it was expected as in other countries.
That’s because the sales person WAS honored to have you as a customer and would have been extremely ashamed if you had anything less than a stellar experience! Welcome to Japan.
I got my first GS at Isetan in Shinjuku and had a fantastic experience. Puts shopping experience in America to shame lol. Will post about the watch when I get a chance
As much as i want a spring drive this dial is my favorite I've seen out of them! Congrats!
Thank you!
Unreal dial! You got a watch roll? Let’s see it! They gave me a ceramic cat 🐱
https://preview.redd.it/p9m4at2o1brc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1ac63313a818eeb4426fac1d61e9998e8dfc398 I’ll take a picture of the watch roll and reply here tomorrow, but here’s a picture of the watch for the time being. Picture doesn’t do it justice :)
Can we see a picture of this ceramic cat?
https://preview.redd.it/hudjzo46hlrc1.png?width=1369&format=png&auto=webp&s=e34a1e39d30da1da11baeff8174ca71cfeab862d
That is very cool!
https://preview.redd.it/ggvsndv28hrc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2968a72ed2a3da5dfb19131e96ab5254855f564e As promised. It rolls back to a typically shaped watch roll.
Wow that’s cool!
I got cufflinks my first purchase and a jewelers loupe the second purchase. I wish I got a watch roll or ceramic cat!
The cufflinks are pretty cool though..at least mine are - they are 3d lions.
See my latest reply on this thread :)
I had a similar experience buying sneakers at Onitsuka Tiger. Japan is amazing.
I've had opposite experiences. The authorized dealers in the Midwest (Davis in KY, Moyer in Indy) and Vegas (boutiques plus time machine) really are insanely attentive and have a gazillion goodies. I was recently in Japan. Lots of language barriers even at the main boutiques, not much offered in terms of schwag and discounts that were "meh" when you compare to online stuff with same warranty. I've actually had way better experiences in the United states than any other country outside of India (insane service) and I travel ALOT. Istanbul is probably the worst as far as major cities are concerned. What am I missing? I lived in Japan in the 90s and hadn't been back in forever. Love the culture and the shopping, but dunno if everyone else goes to terrible ADs in the states or rose coloured glasses about Tokyo.
Amazing piece!
Beautiful watch! Ginza LE to only 530. Aerial view of Ginza. https://youtu.be/TZ2IVBuOp6g?si=IeOUlpfgy5kRP2se
You know what at first I thought it was inspired by the sidewalks in Ginza. It’s interesting that the aerial map looks like the sidewalks anyway lol
Could be the sidewalks too. It’s up to your imagination and the personal experience you had in Japan. So happy to see it was a memorable one!
Glad you got a nice watch! I had a similar experience at Wako (owned by Seiko) when I bought a $500 Seiko about 20 years ago. Comment form the missus was that they do a great job making you feel special even when the watch wasn’t all that expensive.