The Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair, held every summer at the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, is celebrating its 29th edition. This year, a new initiative has been introduced. This article introduces the highlights of the fair, including this first-time event.
A sporty yet elegant watch, originally born in 1979, has been revived. It features a distinctive two-tone design from the dial to the bracelet. Automatic movement (Cal. 1200P1). 25 jewels. 21,600 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 37 hours. 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold case (38mm diameter, 7.45mm thickness). 5 ATM water resistance. 16,016,000 yen (including tax).
(Right) A. Lange & Söhne "Saxonia Annual Calendar" Ref. 331.033E
Automatic winding (Cal. L207.1). 56 jewels. 21,600 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. 18K rose gold case (36mm diameter, 9.8mm thickness). Price upon inquiry.
Photographs by Masahiro Okamura (CROSSOVER)
Written by Tsubasa Nojima
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 31, 2026]
The 29th Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair will start at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store from August 5th!
Established in 1904 as Japan's first department store, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store hosts the Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair every summer, an event that attracts watch enthusiasts. In addition to its extensive selection of brands, a hallmark of a department store, the World Watch Fair has delighted many with its diverse events and unique planning capabilities. Now in its 29th year, the fair awaits watch lovers with new and exciting events.
Therefore, this time, I would like to introduce the highlights of the Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair, which will be held over three weeks from Wednesday, August 5th to Tuesday, August 25th, 2026.
A place to learn about a wide range of "watches." Highlights of the World Watch Fair
This year's World Watch Fair theme is "Changing Landscapes, Unchanging Feelings." The environment surrounding watches is gradually changing. However, the fundamental feelings, such as the culture and technology that have been passed down through a long history, remain unchanged. This year, there are many events planned that will deepen your understanding of watches, which have always evolved in the space between innovation and tradition. It will certainly satisfy deep watch enthusiasts, but even beginners who have never been involved with watches before are sure to have a fulfilling time full of new discoveries.
Please note that a pre-event period, featuring pop-up stores and workshops, will run from July 15th (Wednesday) to August 4th (Tuesday), prior to the main event. We encourage you to enjoy this largest watch festival in Japan, including the pre-event period.
The central hall, where the statue of the celestial maiden stands, is just like Geneva.
Now, let me tell you about the highlights of this event. First, let's look at the scope of the venue. Until now, the main venue has been the watch gallery on the 6th floor of the main building, but this year, it will not be limited to that, and grand events are planned using the central hall and stage on the 1st floor of the main building. The central hall is one of the areas that symbolizes the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. In the center of the large atrium stands a magnificent statue of a celestial maiden expressing "sincerity," and customers occasionally stop to listen to the sound of the pipe organ. This year's World Watch Fair will begin here.
From Wednesday, August 5th to Tuesday, August 18th, the World Watch Fair Special Exhibition will be held in the Central Hall. This is an attempt to recreate a world-class watch festival in Nihonbashi, bringing together brands that have participated in various events in Geneva, including those exhibiting at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2026, as well as TIME TO WATCHES and the Masters of Horology organized by the Académie Horlogère des Indépendants.
The Breitling Chronomat, a versatile sports watch that was revamped in 2026, has been updated with a more compact and refined design. It features an automatic movement (Cal.01), 47 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. It has a stainless steel and 18K rose gold case (42mm diameter, 13.77mm thickness) and is water-resistant to 200 meters. Price: ¥2,068,000 (including tax).
A rare model limited to 161 pieces worldwide. It features a distinctive green dial combining bloodstone jasper and mother-of-pearl. The movement is the renowned Cal. 135. Manual winding (Cal. 135). 22 jewels. 18,000 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. 18K yellow gold case (39mm diameter, 10.5mm thickness). 5 ATM water resistance. Limited to 161 pieces worldwide. 7,227,000 yen (including tax).
The exhibiting brands include A. Lange & Söhne, Piaget, Zenith, Breitling, Frederique Constant, Ulysse Nardin, Franck Muller, and Baume & Mercier. Each brand has introduced highly anticipated new models in 2026, making this a unique opportunity to compare them side-by-side.
Furthermore, past winners of the Geneva Watch Grand Prix (GPHG) will be on display, and there will also be events themed around watchmaking, food, and travel, in collaboration with the Swiss Tourism Board and the Swiss Watch Federation (FH).
The GPHG award winners include a stellar lineup of watches such as the "Kudoke 3" by German microbrand Kudoke, which uses three hour hands and a fan-shaped opening to indicate the time; Raymond Weil's "Millesime," which has attracted attention for its affordable price range and neo-vintage concept; Piaget's "Piaget Polo 79," a sporty yet elegant watch that revives a 1979 model; IWC's "Portugieser Eternal Calendar," which is mechanically programmed to account for leap year exceptions in the Gregorian calendar and features an ultra-high-precision moon phase; and Zenith's "GFJ," which revives the masterpiece movement Cal.135.
A luxurious complication watch that combines advanced watchmaking techniques with exceptional jewelry setting skills. The tourbillon at the center of the dial boasts a carriage diameter of 17.7mm, making a strong statement. It features a mysterious time display and an in-house movement with a long power reserve of approximately 84 hours. Automatic winding. Power reserve of approximately 84 hours. 18K rose gold case (53.10 x 36.0 mm). Water resistant for everyday use. 4851 yen (including tax).
The "Freak X" features a compact 41mm diameter case. At its center sits a carousel mechanism where the movement itself rotates, acting as the hands. Automatic winding (Cal. UN-232). 27 jewels. 21,600 vibrations/hour. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (41mm diameter, 13.60mm thickness). 100m water resistance. Stainless steel bracelet: ¥6,765,000 (tax included).
A sporty watch with a sharp dodecagonal bezel and an integrated bracelet. The 2026 new model features a reinterpretation of the original "Riviera" from 1973. Quartz movement. Stainless steel case (39mm diameter, 7.65mm thickness). 50m water resistance. ¥284,130 (tax included).
This world timer features an attractive three-dimensional dial adorned with a world map. City names and 24-hour markings are placed on the outer edge, making it easy to check the time in major cities around the world. Automatic movement (Cal. FC-719). 26 jewels. 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter, 12.53mm thickness). 5 ATM water resistance. 880,000 yen (including tax).
This model, recognized by Guinness World Records in June 2024 as the "most precise moon phase watch," showcases IWC's technical prowess. It features an ultra-high-precision double moon phase display that is only off by a mere day in approximately 45 million years. Automatic movement (Cal. 52640). 54 jewels. 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve of approximately 168 hours. Platinum case (44.4mm diameter, 14.9mm thickness). 5 ATM water resistance. Price upon inquiry.
From classic masterpieces of the past to rare contemporary timepieces. A diverse range of brands on display and for sale.
For users who want to find a unique and special watch that stands out from the crowd at this World Watch Fair, we recommend the sale of vintage stock and certified pre-owned watches, which were very popular last year. Department stores generally only carry current new products. Especially recently, it's not uncommon for models that have been changed or discontinued to disappear from store shelves all at once as soon as the announcement is made.
However, at the World Watch Fair, you can acquire such rare and iconic timepieces. For example, the Zenith "Pilot Type 20," which is no longer in production, features a classic design that tells the story of the company's pilot watch history. It offers a different kind of charm compared to the current "Pilot" collection with its refined design. Similarly, certified pre-owned watches also feature models that are now difficult to obtain. Many users may be hesitant about buying used watches due to concerns about warranty, quality, and maintenance. However, certified pre-owned watches, offered as an official service of the brand, can be purchased with peace of mind.
On the other hand, the impressive selection of current models is also noteworthy. The watch gallery at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store usually carries around 60 brands, but during the World Watch Fair, brands not normally available will be added. This is an excellent opportunity to compare brands favored by connoisseurs, such as Gerald Charles, Parmigiani Fleurier, Antoine Preziuso, Reservoir, and Jacob & Co. In addition to watches themselves, there will also be a sales event for WOLF, which handles watch winders and watch cases.
Furthermore, from August 5th (Wed) to 11th (Tue), a Grand Seiko exhibition is planned on the first-floor stage. In addition to displaying new and limited-edition models, there will also be demonstrations of movement assembly. From August 12th (Wed) to 18th (Tue), the venue will be entirely dedicated to Vacheron Constantin, with new models, rare models, and heritage pieces on display.
The new "Hermès H08" features an eye-catching skeleton design. The dial is finished in a three-dimensional style while maintaining excellent legibility. It is an automatic movement (Cal. H1978S), with 26 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. It has a titanium case (42mm x 39mm) and is water-resistant to 10 atmospheres. Price: ¥3,465,000 (including tax).
At first glance, it's a simple three-hand watch. The chronograph function, normally hidden behind the hour and minute hands, is activated by pressing the push button at the 7:30 position. Automatic movement (Cal. PF053). 41 jewels. 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve of approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel and platinum case (40mm diameter, 13mm thickness). 100m water resistance. 6,017,000 yen (including tax).
The editor-in-chief and deputy editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan also took the stage. Numerous events, including talk shows, were held.
Many users are likely looking forward to the World Watch Fair, especially the talk shows and other events. In addition to talk shows featuring Masayuki Hirota, editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan, and Yukiya Suzuki, deputy editor-in-chief, there will be a variety of other events.
First up is a talk show by Xavier de Roquemorel, CEO of Czapek. The company is a luxury watch brand founded in 1845 in Geneva, Switzerland, by watchmaker François Czapek. To commemorate the launch of the "Time Jumper," a model marking the 10th anniversary of the brand's revival, CEO Roquemorel has come to Japan to talk about the new 2026 models, the "Antarctic Revelation Titanium Cosmic Blue" and the "Antarctic Tourbillon Cosmic Blue."
Don't miss the talk show featuring Naoya Hida & Co., the founder of the Japanese micro-brand that has impressed watch enthusiasts worldwide, and the luxury lifestyle magazine "RAKE." The talk, themed around "quiet luxury," is filled with insights unique to Mr. Hida, who has observed the watch industry for many years.
Furthermore, a live Instagram broadcast by watch media outlet HODINKEE JAPAN is scheduled for 7:40 PM on Wednesday, August 5th. This is an excellent opportunity for users planning to visit the World Watch Fair to get a better idea of what to expect beforehand.
Discover a new "watch" at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.
The 29th Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair is sure to be an event that will satisfy many watch enthusiasts, just like in previous years. For those considering purchasing a watch, it will be a valuable opportunity to compare vintage stock, certified pre-owned watches, and brands not usually carried, potentially leading to finding that one special timepiece. Furthermore, there will be numerous events to enjoy, including displays of new releases and GPHG award-winning watches, as well as talk shows.
Furthermore, this fair is highly significant not only for avid watch enthusiasts but also for those who have never been interested in watches before, as it provides an opportunity to step into a new world. The central hall on the first floor is a main spot that many visitors to Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store pass through. Providing an opportunity to encounter watches without having to go up to the sixth floor will likely increase the number of future watch enthusiasts and contribute to the revitalization of the watch industry.
The annual watch festival is about to begin. Let's look forward to discovering new watches and fully enjoy these special three weeks.
Event Outline
[Date]
January 2026-8, 5
【business hours】
10:00-19:00 *Main building 1st floor is open until 19:30
[Venue]
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store: Main Building 1st Floor Stage/Central Hall / Main Building 1st Floor Jewelry, Main Building 6th Floor Watch Gallery/Jewelry Gallery
【Inquiry】
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Phone: 03-3241-3311 (main number)
[Special site]
https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/event/nihombashi_e/world_watch_50
