Kuoe

Kuoe is a watch microbrand founded in Kyoto that has absolutely blown up in a few years. They’ve steadily expanded their locations in Kyoto, and have expanded to other cities including a major store in Omotesando, Tokyo. It’s rare to pass their store without seeing it full of customers. It’s a comparatively relaxed store layout however, with a few long countertops displaying all their watch faces and straps, allowing you to pick them up and mix and match to get a feel for their sizes and styles.

The founder, Uchimura, went to London during university and became enamored with an antique watch store, specializing in pieces from 1940s-70s. After returning to Kyoto, he worked in the watch industry before founding Kuoe.

I haven’t picked one up yet, but I like their Royal Smith 90-006 model a lot. Details vary by model, but are good specs across the board. Miyota 9000 series automatic movement, Super-LumiNova lumed dials and hands, domed sapphire crystal with AR coating.

Website: https://www.kuoe-jp.com/
Photo from Kuoe’s website