HANDA Watch World, known for its unusual TV commercials, is actually a store that follows the royal road of watch retailing. By taking the stance that you can't really understand a watch until you touch it, each HANDA Watch World store has a huge number of watches on display. Handa Watch World is unique in that it combines breadth and depth that can be enjoyed by both watch novices and experts. They even have all-you-can-eat Häagen-Dazs in the store.
The other day, I got a call from someone at Missuzu, the company that runs Handa Watch World. "There's something interesting happening at the Kichijoji store. Would you like to come and visit?" The "interesting" thing at Handa Watch World is always more interesting than you'd imagine. So, I decided to visit "HANDA Watch World Kichijoji Space Watch Store" (hereafter referred to as Handa Watch World Kichijoji Store), located behind Tokyu Department Store. I know I'm being a bit persistent, but they also have all-you-can-eat Häagen-Dazs at the store.
All Handa Watch World stores are offering an all-you-can-eat Haagen-Dazs event. You don't need to buy a watch to eat. I'm trying to lose weight, so I decided not to go. This is a trivial story, but apparently Handa Watch World has become a major customer of Haagen-Dazs, even though it's not a restaurant.
The first floor of Handa Watch World Kichijoji store. Rado, Tissot, and Hamilton models are lined up. The key point is that they not only have the best-selling models, but also models that are popular with connoisseurs.
On the second floor, among the watches of the Swatch Group, there are also Minase and Ball Watches. The Minase inventory is probably the largest in Japan.
The biggest difference from before is in the displays. Previously, the first floor featured brands like G-SHOCK and Roberto Cavalli, but now it's filled with watches from the Swatch Group. The first and second floors are lined with models from Tissot, Hamilton, Longines, Rado, Mido, and Glashütte Original. "I think there are 700 watches on display at the Kichijoji store alone," says the owner, making this a hall of fame for the Swatch Group! Jokes aside, this is probably the only store in the world with such a wide selection of Swatch watches.
Rado's booth. Rado watches are light and great, but you really can't tell until you see them in person. Personally, I recommend the True Thinline.
So, I would like to talk about the watches that I personally found fascinating. The following are just a few. My tastes are biased, but I think it's amazing that there is such a wide variety of watches on display.
I wondered if there was such a model, the Rado "Diamond Star Original." I have never seen a model with a black bezel, even in a catalog. Of course, it is an authentic product.
Rado's Captain Cook is a retro sports watch at an affordable price. It's not a watch you see often, but as you'd expect from the Swatch Group, it's well made. It's water resistant to 300m.
One of Tissot's most famous masterpieces is the "Navigator" with world time function. This is a reproduction model, the "Heritage 160th Anniversary Model," created to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the company's founding. I don't think there is any other model left with a stainless steel case.
Of course, there's also the Tissot "PRX." I think it's a thin, light, and easy-to-use watch. It has a nice texture considering the price.
I don't understand why this watch isn't getting much attention, even though luxury sports are all the rage. It's the Glashütte Original Seventies Panorama Date. It's available in leather, but if you're going to buy one, you have to buy it with a bracelet. The dial has a mysterious design that changes color depending on the light. Personally, I think it's the coolest watch ever.
I have one too. It's the Glashütte Original Sixties. According to insiders, it's the least profitable Glashütte Original watch. It's also a watch you rarely see.
Minase is a representative Japanese micro manufacturer. The "Divide" model, used by Prime Minister Abe, is also on display. This is another watch that you won't find anywhere else. The texture is surprisingly good.
In the basement, there was a Timex "Q." It was amazing. I have nothing to say.
HANDA Watch World Kichijoji Space Watch Store
[Address] 2-13-9 Kichijoji Honmachi, Musashino City, Tokyo
[TEL] 0422-29-0305
[Business hours] 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (currently 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM)
[Closed] None (However, there may be times when the store is closed due to special events, etc.)
Contact info:Misuzu Tel. 03-3247-5585
