{"id":1762,"date":"2022-07-06T17:32:16","date_gmt":"2022-07-06T17:32:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearabletalks.com\/?p=1762"},"modified":"2023-08-16T09:13:33","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T09:13:33","slug":"are-japanese-watches-cheaper-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearabletalks.com\/are-japanese-watches-cheaper-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Japanese Watches Cheaper In Japan?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rich historical value and tourist attractions like Mount Fuji aren\u2019t the only reasons why people go to Japan. In fact, shopping is one of Japan\u2019s major attractions. Not only do you get unique products that you can\u2019t find anywhere else, but the prices for everyday products can be much lower. But what about watches? Are Japanese watches cheaper in Japan?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally speaking, Japanese watches are not necessarily cheaper in Japan. Some models are made to be sold in Japan only, and they can be cheaper in Japan, but most Japanese watches are cheaper in other Asian countries like Hong Kong or Singapore. Japan offers a broader range of watches, though.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that a product is manufactured and designed in a particular country doesn\u2019t necessarily make it cheaper in that country. Export fees and taxes are often strange, with some interesting loopholes that can make them more affordable in other countries. Let\u2019s compare the top Japanese watches and their prices in different parts of the world to see if they are cheaper in Japan or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buying Japanese Watches In Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people who go to or live in Japan are disappointed about how expensive certain things are. Electronics like cameras manufactured in Japan are more expensive in Japan than in other countries. This is partially due to the exchange rate since one Japanese Yen is worth less than one cent in the US, especially after Japan\u2019s disasters in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of Japan\u2019s most popular exports is its watches. Famous watch brands like Seiko, Grand Seiko, Credor, Citizen, and Orient are all designed and manufactured by Japanese watchmakers and exported worldwide. You would think this would make the watches cheaper in Japan, but that is not necessarily the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Case Study: The Seiko 5 SRPE65 Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Seiko 5 range is one of Seiko\u2019s best-selling ranges, both in Japan and internationally. One of the most popular models in this range is the SRPE65. Let\u2019s compare its price in Japan and other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Japan, the Seiko 5 SRPE65 sells for around 37,800 Japanese Yen. In the US dollar, this converts to approximately $277.50. In the United States, you can buy the same model on Amazon for roughly $260. That may not be much cheaper, but there\u2019s still quite a sizeable difference when you work purely with exchange rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same rule applies to other Japanese watch models that are, on average, $20 to $30 cheaper in the US than in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what about other countries? In Hong Kong, you can buy the same SRPE65 for 1875 Hong Kong dollars, which is less than $240 in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are There Japanese Watches That Are Cheaper In Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some Japanese watchmakers manufacture limited edition watches<\/a> in smaller quantities. These watches are made specifically for the Japanese population and are not exported anywhere in the world. An example is the Casio Limited Edition G-Shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These watches are not necessarily cheap in Japan. Still, since the watchmakers themselves don\u2019t export them, you can only get them internationally if someone from another country imports them from Japan in limited quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two factors affect the price in this scenario. First is the fact that they are imported in limited quantities, which already makes the price a bit higher than if the watchmaker exported them. Secondly, import taxes and other shipping costs are much higher than they would be for larger shipments directly from the manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of these factors, these limited edition Japanese watches are much cheaper if you buy them in Japan than if you were to buy them from a small importer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese Watches Are Cheaper From Japanese Online Stores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One exception where Japanese watches are not more expensive in Japan is if you buy your watches from a Japanese online store. One of the most well-known Japanese online stores is biccamera.com, and here we can find the same Seiko 5 SRPE65 from the previous example for only 15,400 Yen. In US currency, that converts to approximately $115, similar to Hong Kong\u2019s price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some downsides to this, though:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n