In my profession, the chance of taking a 2 week break is potentially rarer than most LE’s on the market LOL. Hence one must make the most of it.
A great watch hunt in another country takes some careful preparation which includes; finding all the reputable dealers, their websites and specifically in Tokyo good directions (as the street signs and building numbers provide little guidance). The most useful things for directions was 'sumimasen' which is excuse me, the name of the place you are looking for and a map. Most people are willing to help. There are also local police boxes for directions as well, cab drivers often make use of them.
TARGET: A Patek Philippe Worldtime with all boxes and papers. Metal colour undecided.
Let the hunt begin – wow this is a massive place!
First stop Ginza - This is Tokyo’s upmarket shopping district with the majority of brand boutiques and big depatos(department stores) located here, more on that in a future post....
Covering the main street and then criss-crossing the side streets we found The Hourglass. Inside we were served green tea and were shown all the Pateks in stock including a PP5130R. The rose gold started growing on me already. It is important to note that one does not ask for a discount in Japan (with the exception of the 5% tax free component), it is considered an insult. We also came across a number of second hand dealers with colourful names such as Satin Doll, Cagi-Due and wait for it Cheese Penne(do you get some pasta with the watch I wonder?).
While walking around Ginza we noticed that Patek branding is very strong.....
Curious building this one....
Next Shinjuku and then onto Nakano. When you get out of the Nakano railway station takeo the north exit, you cross the street and immerse yourself in a covered market street before entering the Broadway building. Here we found Kame-Kichi and my prime target Jack Road. I was expecting to find at least one of the two 5130G’s that were for sale on the website, but both had been sold. My hopes faded. Later that night in the back of one of our Tokyo tourist pamphlets we saw an ad for House Kihiroba in Shibuya.
Day 3 we headed to Shibuya.
This is where I struck gold and found a brand new 5130R with box and papers. We visited Quark and House Kihiroba which had my watch (but not just yet).
Before making my purchase decision, we walked to Aoyama and Sphere (which can be considered Japan’s Patek Philippe Boutique).
Here we were treated with the highest courtesy by Morita san and his team. Over green tea, we discussed the latest offerings, my collection and the trends of Japanese Patek collectors. I have to say that the staff in all Japanese ADs display the utmost professionalism and respect for clients. Something the rest of the world should take to heart.
Finally I was in a position to make an informed choice and I decided to purchase a new PP 5130 in rose gold, which after seeing all the gold & platinum variants is the ONE for me.
After the purchase we decided to splurge further and treat ourselves to Champagne and chocolates at the Bvlgari Bar & Restaurant in Ginza. 2 Champagnes and 3 chocolates(fancy ones with a bit of gold leaf) was around A$70. Well worth it for our little welcome to the "family" celebration for the 5130R.
Boutiques in Ginza are whole buildings LOL.
First wrist shot in our Hotel room.
My first Patek to see snow (Station 1 at Fuji).
Buying a Patek is always a very memorable occasion and my recollections of Japan and its people, make my 5130R even more special.
We stumbled across this little bar called Brick in the back streets of Ginza. Fantastic atmosphere and a great selection of Whisky's and Whiskey's from around the world but we couldn't resist trying our first Japanese whisky.
Kam-pai time (with Suntory Whisky of course). Of course we had to say the line from "Lost In Translation"....'for a relaxing time make it Suntory time'.
Stay tuned for more on our trip.
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