My Suekichi Watch
Well, I finally managed to get a Haruo Suekichi watch after several failed attempts to obtain one. A total stranger assisted me, and for that I am grateful. Oh the kindness of people who understand crazy desires.
I have been looking to get a Suekichi watch for around a year (or maybe a bit longer) now. I have contacted the stores that sell them, and either I am ignored, or I get a form email stating 'sorry, we do not ship overseas'. I then began my hunt to find someone either in Tokyo or going there to stop by and pick up a watch. Usually the conversation goes something like this:
me: Yes, I'd like you to pick up a watch for me in Tokyo
them: Sure, let me guess, it's a Seiko, you can get them anywhere in Japan
me: No, it's a custom one-off watch from one of like 3 little shops in Tokyo.
them: Ok, send me the photo of the exact one you want, and I'll see what I can do.
me: Well, they are all one of a kind, so it is hard for me to say which I want. I can show you examples of the ones I want, or, just pick up *any* one they have
them: um.. so which one do you want again?
After that they usually do not reply.
I finally found another watch lover who was going to Tokyo and was willing to help me out. A true gentleman. I gave him all the information I had at the time, as far as directions, address, etc. Then, I wait. About a week later, I get a reply back that he couldn't find the shop. Sigh, so close! Failure again.
A couple weeks later, I get another message from this guy, and he says he is going back, and if I would like, he would check one of the other stores. I say of course! The day comes and I hear back that he has purchased one! He sends some small photos of the watch in question, and some photos of other watches around the shop. It turns out that most of the watches in the store are just on display and not for sale. Usually there is only one watch up for sale (at each store?), so the original guy would have had no problems making the 'choice' for me.
I thank the guy profusely, and he sends it right on to me EMS. Payment is made to the kind gentleman, which was a trip in itself. My bank had little clue how to send an international bank wire, and really couldn't even tell me what information I needed. Maybe I needed an IBIN, they said, maybe just a swift number, who knows. I get that sorted and wire the funds. The only snag in shipping was that it was 'held by customs' for a day or so, then arrived as you see below. Had me nervous for that time.
I figure it's about time for some high res photos of the suekichi masterpieces; looking at tiny thumbs just isn't the same
Enjoy, and feel free to comment below! Click the small thumbs for a gallery of larger images.
2008-04-19
Holy shit, that's sweet.
2008-04-20
Steve, that is not sweet, that is a piece of garbage wrapped in faux leather and brass coated lead. It will probably give the wearer cancer in 38 days. He should toss it in the bin and tell himself that's for the better.
2008-05-01
thats amazing, how much did it cost?
2008-05-01
God, why are you so negative scott? if you knew anything about that watch you wouldn't jump to conclusions like that. its a peice of art why would you throw it away?
2008-05-22
Can someone PLEASE tell me how to get ahold of this guy? I have been searching desperately for a way to get one of these watches!!!
Seriously, it would make my day.
-Matt
2008-08-24
Nifty! Dare I ask what it set you back?
2008-09-12
Scott, how sad are the people who are yealous of other people's talent.. or is it just that you are moping because you will never have one of these fabulous watches? Thank you for making me laugh an remind me of how pathetic and childish some people can react to their own failiures.
I will soon be owning a real Suekichi watch, but I will tell you, it has not been easy!
I have an email address, but I promised to keep it to myself, sorry guys!
2008-11-19
Face