I bought this model during a visit to their studio in Kyoto this past spring . My VAT-free price, converted to USD , was $265. The purchase price came with a choice of two straps from among their collection. I picked a NATO style, and a suede. Given the near-luxury welcome, attention, and treatment you got when visiting* their studio, I thought this was a damn nice experience (& watch!) for the price charged . The watch has been a favorite in my wearing rotation ever since. * I’m trying not to be over-the-top in my comments, but if I’m bein’ completely real, I’ve been treated *WORSE* at more than some “luxury brand” ADs, by comparison. Kudos to Kuoe for carving out this special niche for themselves..
It’s nice little watch, and I’m not usually one to throw an AliExpress Brand into the fight, but Baltany makes one so similar with sapphire and the exact same movement for $164. I’m sure it’s not finished the same, but this one is a bit too expensive for me. Thanks for the great review though.
Oh I'm happy not to be considered a gimp! 😅 This is a cracking little watch, no more no less. This lovely piece of sapphire is the best argument against that acrylic bs, people who claim you need acrylic for a real vintage look.
Thanks. I became aware of this brand a few days ago and was interested. It was billed elsewhere as a "value alternative" to the Hamilton Khaki -- and a few years ago it was (under $300). Sadly, the automatic is now north of $500 -- and I found my Hamilton Khaki on sale for less than that also just a few years ago. I've concluded that it's reminiscent of the Shinola watches in the US -- a retro esthetic and brand story for average movements with inflated prices. So sad, too bad. Even the Kuoe quartz, if you spring for the sapphire crystal is over $400 USD. Yeah, no.
I think that's the problem a lot of people will have, mate - there's so much out there at that price that you really have to be into the look to go for it. Though the Japanese element will definitely have some enthusiasts cooing.
I have the new 38mm with a white dial and both the Khaki hand wound and automatic. The hand wound Khaki is a nice little watch but the complete lack of anti reflective coating, very long lugs and 50m water resistance really place this in a lower class than the Kuoe Old Smith. The automatic is a much nicer watch than the hand wound Khaki although it still has long lugs, little or no anti reflective coating and no screw down crown. What it does have is fantastically crisp printing on the dial. It has more of a tool watch feel than the Kuoe and I love the case finishing with a mixture high polish and brushing. However I love the Kuoe. The short lug length and lower weight are more comfortable and the aesthetic is more mid century, plus screw in crown makes this the winner for me. My Khaki auto was €475 about and now they're nearly €900 which is ridiculous.
Nice looking watch but straight end links! Really? And why do we call it "Beads of rice." Any other time you'd say "Grains of rice." On that side of things.
The price increase for a piece of crystal that costs £25 is ridiculous. It’s a nice watch, but that’s just greedy. And the “mechanical” font in italics just looks weird. Nice, but that and the greed factor is a big no thank you. Good review though!
That price is bonkers - I paid similar for a 38mm, SW200-1 powered Cinncinatus Centurion with super similar dial design, lume that glows till the morning and with sapphire crystal. Not to mention that ugly MECHANICAL text, ugh... We really should start calling out those wannabe premium yet very unknown brands for their pricing bs. PS: kudos for easing up on the jokes - the video was much more pleasant to watch now.
I bought this model during a visit to their studio in Kyoto this past spring . My VAT-free price, converted to USD , was $265.
The purchase price came with a choice of two straps from among their collection. I picked a NATO style, and a suede.
Given the near-luxury welcome, attention, and treatment you got when visiting* their studio, I thought this was a damn nice experience (& watch!) for the price charged .
The watch has been a favorite in my wearing rotation ever since.
* I’m trying not to be over-the-top in my comments, but if I’m bein’ completely real, I’ve been treated *WORSE* at more than some “luxury brand” ADs, by comparison.
Kudos to Kuoe for carving out this special niche for themselves..
Love to hear that, mate 👌🏻
I love your videos. Good comedy, good takes, good.
Thanks so much, mate! Really glad you enjoy them 🙌
That's awesome sir I recently got a steel dive that has the Hamilton style dial very nice for the price still prefer my Hamilton from the 1977
It’s nice little watch, and I’m not usually one to throw an AliExpress Brand into the fight, but Baltany makes one so similar with sapphire and the exact same movement for $164. I’m sure it’s not finished the same, but this one is a bit too expensive for me. Thanks for the great review though.
Baltany do some absolute belters for the money!
Oh I'm happy not to be considered a gimp! 😅 This is a cracking little watch, no more no less. This lovely piece of sapphire is the best argument against that acrylic bs, people who claim you need acrylic for a real vintage look.
Never, mate! I couldn't agree more - acrylic/hesalite/plastic, it's not for me either!
Thanks. I became aware of this brand a few days ago and was interested. It was billed elsewhere as a "value alternative" to the Hamilton Khaki -- and a few years ago it was (under $300). Sadly, the automatic is now north of $500 -- and I found my Hamilton Khaki on sale for less than that also just a few years ago. I've concluded that it's reminiscent of the Shinola watches in the US -- a retro esthetic and brand story for average movements with inflated prices. So sad, too bad. Even the Kuoe quartz, if you spring for the sapphire crystal is over $400 USD. Yeah, no.
I think that's the problem a lot of people will have, mate - there's so much out there at that price that you really have to be into the look to go for it. Though the Japanese element will definitely have some enthusiasts cooing.
Incredible photography there👏🏼👏🏼 great review
Straight end links should be classed as a crime against humanity
I just don’t get it. I think straight end links on a BOR or milenese bracelet look great. Super retro and different.
I have the new 38mm with a white dial and both the Khaki hand wound and automatic. The hand wound Khaki is a nice little watch but the complete lack of anti reflective coating, very long lugs and 50m water resistance really place this in a lower class than the Kuoe Old Smith. The automatic is a much nicer watch than the hand wound Khaki although it still has long lugs, little or no anti reflective coating and no screw down crown. What it does have is fantastically crisp printing on the dial. It has more of a tool watch feel than the Kuoe and I love the case finishing with a mixture high polish and brushing. However I love the Kuoe. The short lug length and lower weight are more comfortable and the aesthetic is more mid century, plus screw in crown makes this the winner for me. My Khaki auto was €475 about and now they're nearly €900 which is ridiculous.
Cracking review…. Unfortunately in my experience trying to find a new 38 mm is liking finding someone who can platt fog!
Very nice looking watch, I have 8” wrist. This would look nice on my thumb but not my wrist.
🤣🤣
I like this more than the Hamilton
Just about to pull the trigger on this rather than the Hamilton Automatic, the dial is less complicated and I love the texture.
That texture is something else, mate, you're right
Nice watch but with Hamilton Mechanical for around 620 euros make no sense for me to buy Kuoe.
I think that'll be the headache for most people!
I like it better than the Hamilton but I think it’s too expensive considering the simple polished case, movement and lack of included bracelet.
Nice looking watch but straight end links! Really? And why do we call it "Beads of rice." Any other time you'd say "Grains of rice." On that side of things.
Hey, wait, you're right! WTF?! This is my The Berenstain Bears moment... 😅
it says mechanical when it should say AUTOMATIC
At 38 or 39mm, perfect. 35mm 😬 no can’t do…
The price increase for a piece of crystal that costs £25 is ridiculous. It’s a nice watch, but that’s just greedy. And the “mechanical” font in italics just looks weird. Nice, but that and the greed factor is a big no thank you. Good review though!
I think the pricing structure could maybe do with a look in terms of the crystal - good shout! Thanks very much, mate
You had to beg to get this watch, and they sent it to you!
Like your Mum, you must be good on your knees
You'll be hearing from my lawyers in due time, Mike...
That case size will fit your limp wrists 🤪
That price is bonkers - I paid similar for a 38mm, SW200-1 powered Cinncinatus Centurion with super similar dial design, lume that glows till the morning and with sapphire crystal. Not to mention that ugly MECHANICAL text, ugh...
We really should start calling out those wannabe premium yet very unknown brands for their pricing bs.
PS: kudos for easing up on the jokes - the video was much more pleasant to watch now.
Those end links 🤢
Yeah, mate, they maybe add something vintage to the look (maybe), but it's a step in the right direction with future models having fitted ones!
@@LumePip they are my biggest watch ick
Really love the love the look. I have been looking at this watch for a while. Also have been looking at Vertex but I don’t like vertex prices