Country guide
Buying ultra-luxury watches in Japan
Japan has the deepest vintage Rolex and vintage Patek inventory globally. Japanese collectors hold incredibly well-preserved 1960s-80s pieces due to humidity-controlled storage culture. Yen weakness since 2022 has made Tokyo a major arbitrage destination — foreign buyers regularly fly in for vintage acquisitions at ~10-20% discount to home-market pricing. Jackroad in Shibuya has ~5,000 pre-owned luxury watches at any time.
Tax & import regime
10% consumption tax (tax-free shopping for tourists with passport). 0% import duty.
Key retailers
Jackroad (Shibuya), Komehyo, GMT (vintage Rolex specialist), Antiquorum Japan
Auction houses
Antiquorum Japan (vintage Patek catalog), Christie's online for Japan
Best for
Vintage Rolex sport models (Daytona, Submariner, GMT) in unpolished original condition. Vintage Patek complications. Travel arbitrage opportunity for foreign collectors.