ISHIDA is highly regarded for its personalized advice and attentive customer service, which allows each customer to find the perfect watch. One of its branches, ISHIDA N43°, is not only a retailer of luxury watches but also a rare presence in the northern Japan area, disseminating watch culture in the heart of Sapporo. It carries many brands that are only available at this location in Hokkaido, and has firmly captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts living in the prefecture.
Address: 5-1-1 Odori West, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 11:00 - 19:00 Closed: Irregular
Photographs by Masahiro Okamura (CROSSOVER)
Yuzo Takeishi: Editing and writing
Edited & Text by Yuzo Takeishi
[Article published in the July 2026 issue of Kronos Japan]
A luxurious space featuring a wide selection of brands, including some that are only available in Hokkaido.
Odori Park, one of Sapporo's landmarks, stretches approximately 1.5 km from east to west through the heart of the city. ISHIDA N°43 opened in May 2016 in the western area facing this park. Until then, luxury watches in Hokkaido were generally purchased mainly at department stores, so the opening of ISHIDA N°43 must have significantly changed the environment in which watch enthusiasts in the prefecture could purchase watches.
After passing through the luxurious and modern entrance, which store manager Yoji Shimoda describes as having an "exciting atmosphere," you are first greeted by the Cartier Watch Boutique. This floor is dedicated solely to Cartier, without booths from other brands, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its world and charm. The second floor, on the other hand, is characterized by its spacious layout, divided into two areas, front and back. The back area also has a spacious consultation space, and the thoughtful layout ensures that customers can choose their watches without interfering with each other, creating a comfortable experience.
They carry a total of 14 brands, including jewelry. Many of these brands, such as Breguet, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Girard-Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin, and Norqain, are exclusively available at ISHIDA N°43 in Hokkaido, greatly expanding the options for watch enthusiasts living in the area, as well as for those looking to purchase a luxury watch for the first time. Moreover, "Even if we don't carry a brand in our store, we can provide it if it's available at our affiliated stores in Shinjuku, Omotesando, etc. Please consult us first regarding anything related to watches, including how to obtain the product. Of course, we don't refuse to order something unless you intend to purchase it. No matter how much we confidently recommend a watch, we understand that you'll want to see the actual product before purchasing," says Shimoda, showing that they don't forget to align with the customer's perspective.
At its core is the stance of "staying in Sapporo." This year marks the 10th anniversary of the shop, and by consistently adhering to this principle, it has steadily increased its customer base.
"We believe this should be a place that watch enthusiasts can enjoy. We hold events as part of that, and through these kinds of events, we want to be a place that people always feel is the go-to place for anything related to watches," says Shimoda.
ISHIDAN°43, which continues to spread watch culture from Sapporo, including opening BEST VINTAGE in this milestone year, truly embodies the role of a companion for watch selection in this city.
Message for Customers
ISHIDA N43° is pleased to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. I have also been in charge of the BEST ISHIDA group for five years, and I am truly grateful for the many opportunities I have had to meet and connect with customers in Hokkaido through various events. In addition to being the only store in Hokkaido to carry certain brands, we opened BEST VINTAGE, a store specializing in vintage watches, in the Sapporo Station underground this March. All of this is to allow more people to enjoy the charm of watches. We will continue to deliver "excitement," "laughter," and "dreams" to the people of Hokkaido.
CARTIER
Automatic winding (Cal.1904-CH MC). 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 47 hours. 18K yellow gold and stainless steel case (47mm x 39.8mm, 11.6mm thick). 10 ATM water resistance. 3,036,000 yen (tax included).
"The Santos de Cartier Chronograph, released this year, has been downsized, making it a model that can be chosen by a wider range of people. The push buttons are now positioned to sandwich the crown, making them easier to use. In particular, the combination model has a dressy feel, yet can also be worn casually, making it a well-balanced timepiece," says Kaneda.
BREGUET
Automatic movement (Cal. 7775). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 18KRG case (diameter 38mm, thickness 8.8mm). Water resistant to 3 ATM. Price: 2,673,000 yen (tax included).
"The Classic collection encapsulates Breguet's signature features, symbolized by its guilloché dial, but I also recommend this simple yet impactful piece, which combines a black Grand Feu enamel dial with a rose gold case. It's elegant yet has a strong presence, and unlike other Classic models, it's easy to pair with casual attire," says Taneda.
BLANCPAIN
Automatic movement (Cal. 6654.4). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.20mm, thickness 10.60mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
"The Villeret Complete Calendar is a model that embodies the charm of a mechanical wristwatch, combining a complete calendar that displays the day, date, and month with a moon phase, and a classic yet timeless design. I think it's a romantic timepiece that allows you to reflect on the brand's history when you wear it," says Shimoda.
HUBLOT
Automatic movement (Cal.HUB 1280). 43 jewels. 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Ceramic case (44mm diameter, 14.50mm thickness). 100m water resistance. 3,388,000 yen (tax included).
"Hublot is the brand that most clearly embodies innovation and the energy to break with convention. While its impactful designs tend to attract attention, it also offers a range of models with high-performance movements and high-quality exteriors. This new model is a redesign centered around the in-house developed and manufactured chronograph movement "Unico," allowing you to feel its advanced design and solid technical capabilities," says Shimoda.
