Top 12 Most Popular Japanese Watch Brands in Vietnam

Casio Watches is a brand widely known and loved around the world, particularly by watch enthusiasts. With a long history of development and distinct features of Japanese watchmaking, Casio has created timepieces renowned for their exceptional quality, diverse designs, and affordability, catering to all types of consumers. Notable collections include Casio Edifice, Casio G-Shock, Casio Sheen, and Casio Baby-G.

1. Casio was founded in 1946 by engineer Tadao Kashio. The company entered the watchmaking industry in 1974 with its first model, Casiotron. Over time, Casio has grown alongside the global watch industry's evolution. In 1980, Casio introduced a watch that integrated a computer, marking its entry into the world of quartz, digital, and analog timepieces.
2. In 1983, Casio released the iconic G-Shock, a rugged and bold timepiece designed to defy the trend for thinner, lighter watches. The G-Shock is known for its extreme durability, capable of withstanding drops from 10 meters and even being run over by trucks without affecting its functionality. Today, G-Shock remains one of Casio's best-selling collections. In 1984, Casio launched the Databank Telememo 10 (CD-40), a model capable of storing and recalling 10 groups of 16 alphanumeric characters. Then, in 1994, Casio introduced Baby-G, a stylish yet durable watch aimed at women, with a more compact size and brighter colors compared to its male counterpart.
3. In 2004, Casio unveiled the Oceanus Manta, a high-end series known as the “Businessman's Watch.” Casio has continued to innovate and expand its range, ensuring that its watches meet the evolving needs of global consumers. Today, Casio watches can be found worldwide, including Vietnam, where they are widely available to satisfy the growing demand for quality timepieces.

Popular Casio Watch Collections

• G-Shock: Constructed from durable materials like shock-resistant plastic, tough rubber, and reinforced glass, the G-Shock is the perfect choice for active individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. With water resistance of up to 200 meters, this watch is built for ruggedness and is ideal for those who need a dependable, long-lasting timepiece. G-Shock’s bold design has become a standard for many other watch brands.
• Baby-G: The female version of G-Shock, Baby-G features the same durable construction but with a smaller, more feminine design. Despite its compact size, Baby-G offers impressive shock resistance and water resistance up to 200 meters, making it an excellent option for women who enjoy sports and active lifestyles.
• Edifice: If you prefer a more sophisticated, stylish timepiece, Casio Edifice is the ideal choice. With its metal casing and elegant design, this collection appeals to men, particularly those aged 24 and older, looking for a refined, classy watch that still offers great functionality.

As a leading global producer of digital watches, Casio offers a wide variety of timepieces that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're young or old, male or female, simple or adventurous, Casio has a watch for everyone.

Minase is a Japanese domestic watch brand established in 2005. Known for its exclusivity, Minase produces only about 500 watches per year. Initially sold only within Japan, the brand later began offering collections like Divido, Horizon, and Windows to a global market.

Minase's designs adhere to a concept called MORE, inspired by traditional Japanese wooden stacking models. This structure allows for easy component replacement without affecting the overall design. Minase gained international attention in June 2019 when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was seen wearing a Minase Divido watch at the G20 Summit in Osaka.

The brand is firmly positioned in the high-end luxury market, with prices ranging from ¥300,000 to ¥500,000 (approximately 66 million to 77 million VND), and limited-edition models reaching up to ¥1.4 million (around 221 million VND). While Minase uses Swiss-made ETA movements in its watches, the brand is also working towards creating its own in-house movements.

Some of the key collections that have defined Minase's reputation include:

• Master Craft Series: These timepieces are entirely handcrafted to order, featuring a modular design that allows all external components, including the case, to be disassembled. They also utilize ETA movements.
• HiZ Series: This includes several smaller collections such as DIVIDO, FIVE WINDOWS, FIVE WINDOWS 18K, and HORIZON.

Next, Mytour introduces you to the Knot brand. Founded in 2014 by Hiromitsu Endo in the heart of Tokyo, Knot aims to create exquisite timepieces at affordable prices. Their design philosophy revolves around customization, allowing customers to personalize their watches.

What sets the brand apart:

• Knot is known for its wide range of models, with prices starting from ¥10,000. They combine the best materials and technologies from various renowned Japanese companies to craft watches tailored to each customer's preferences, offering a fun and experimental experience.
• Although Knot is not widely known globally, it has gained significant recognition in Japan despite being a relatively young brand.

On April 15, Knot opened its first store in Vietnam. The brand, renowned in Japan, brings a unisex trend with diverse and innovative designs, offering endless possibilities for mixing and matching straps and faces. The name 'Knot' symbolizes the fusion of modernity and tradition, simplicity and luxury, connecting people through technology. The brand's representatives stated that the Vietnamese market presents an exciting adventure for Knot.

Beauty queen Tú Anh quickly acquired one of their elegant designs. All Knot watches feature sapphire crystal faces and 316L stainless steel bezels, which are used in medical surgery, preventing metal allergies for consumers.

Hajime Asaoka is one of Japan's premier luxury watch brands, created by the master watchmaker of the same name. After achieving success in product design, Asaoka ventured into the world of watchmaking in 2005. Four years later, he produced his first Tourbillon.

What sets the brand apart:

• Over the next decade, Asaoka refined his craft, creating timepieces with flawless mechanics and razor-sharp details, as though they were etched by machine.
• He earned recognition as a member of the prestigious AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants), a renowned association of independent watchmakers. His signature design style includes simple chronograph watches and the creation of the world’s smallest Tourbillon pivot bearings.

Born in Kanagawa, Japan in 1965, Hajime Asaoka’s educational background seems unrelated to watchmaking. He graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts in 1990 and, two years later, opened a design consultancy. Despite having no formal watchmaking education, Asaoka self-taught himself and began crafting watches in 2005, unveiling his first Tourbillon in 2009. He became a member of AHCI in 2015.

In addition to his self-taught expertise, Asaoka is known for personally executing every aspect of watchmaking. This means he is involved in all stages: design, feature development, assembly, and finishing of the timepieces.

Masahiro Kikuno is a master independent watchmaker and a member of the prestigious AHCI. He is capable of creating timepieces that are almost entirely handmade, from design to production and assembly. Today, Kikuno is among a select group of around 30 individuals worldwide who possess the expertise to craft intricate and complex watches.

As a child, Kikuno stumbled upon a magazine about watches in a small bookstore. The exquisite details on the watches immediately captivated him, sparking a lifelong passion for horology.

Masahiro Kikuno is one of two Japanese watchmakers in the AHCI, alongside Hajime Asaoka. Born in Hokkaido, Japan in 1983, he became a member of the AHCI at the age of 30, in 2013. After finishing high school, Kikuno pursued his studies at a specialized watchmaking school in Japan. Even as a student, he successfully crafted a perpetual calendar watch with a Tourbillon mechanism – an achievement not easily accomplished by most watchmakers.

What sets the brand apart:

• Masahiro Kikuno’s timepieces showcase traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring distinctive patterns and motifs.
• In a tribute to the art of Origami, Kikuno crafted the Orizuru watch, which features a moving paper crane activated when the user engages the hourly chime function.

Naoya Hida is a renowned Japanese watch brand founded in 2018 by Naoya Hida. Before launching his own brand, Hida had already made a name for himself in the Japanese watch industry through his prominent roles in sales and marketing for major brands such as Jaeger-Lecoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, and FP Journe since 1990. His watches are known for their high-end materials, such as 904L steel, similar to Rolex, and their meticulous handcrafted details, with prices reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

The brand, named after its founder, debuted in March 2019 with the goal of creating the ideal timepieces in Japan. Hida, an influential figure in the watch industry, also represents F.P. Journe and Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry in Japan. His first model, the NH Type 1B, was introduced just last year, and the 2020 collection features new works.

What makes the brand stand out:

• Hida's passion for watchmaking led him to establish his own brand in 2018. His first piece, the NH Type 1B, was launched shortly after, and it garnered attention for its craftsmanship and innovation.
• In 2020, Hida introduced the NH Type 2A, a hand-wound watch that blends classic 1950s design elements with modern specifications. The 37mm case, while smaller than typical vintage watches, features a contemporary thickness of 10.7mm, keeping the design compact yet stylish. The case is made of durable 904L stainless steel.

904L steel is known for its high resistance to corrosion and exceptional durability, making it a challenging material to work with. Only a few manufacturers, such as Rolex, use 904L steel for their watch cases. The sharp lugs, distinct edges, and large, easy-to-operate crown contribute to the watch's vintage aesthetic.

Dedegumo is a unique watchmaker based in Kyoto, Japan, with a small studio dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind timepieces inspired by local culture. Each watch is handcrafted, with components sourced from Seiko and Citizen. The dial and case are meticulously crafted by hand, ensuring every piece is entirely unique. The price range for these watches is between 400 USD to 750 USD.

What makes the brand stand out:

• Founded in 1997, Dedegumo operates two stores: one in Shirakawadorishini and the other in Yasakakamimachii, located in Kyoto’s Millennium City.
• Every Dedegumo timepiece is handmade at their workshops, where skilled artisans combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with unique, high-quality designs.

Dedegumo watches are water-resistant up to 30 meters, except for the Intro Series. Their watches feature a distinctive coating that prevents the formation of green rust over time. The movements are sourced from renowned Japanese manufacturers like Seiko and Citizen. Each watch is carefully inspected and tested by a certified watch repair specialist to ensure its superior quality.

Rhythm, officially known as Rhythm Watch Co. Ltd., was founded in 1946 by Noson Tokei Seisakujo. Unlike many other brands that focus solely on wristwatches, Rhythm produces, assembles, and sells a wide variety of products.

Rhythm was the first company in Japan to create plastic-cased watches. Over time, it expanded internationally, opening Rhythm USA Inc. in 1989, Rhywaco in Hong Kong in 1990, and later establishing offices in Indonesia and Vietnam. In addition to watches, they also produce radios, fans, cameras, and other electronic devices.

What makes the brand unique:

• Rhythm was established in Tokyo in 1950 and boasts 70 years of innovation in applying the “soul of time” technology, creating melodies that resonate globally.
• Initially a manufacturer of watch components, Rhythm entered the market with simple alarm clocks for schoolchildren and complex wall clocks with water-resistant features for airports, train stations, and harbors. They also created luxurious, gemstone-crafted, porcelain timepieces, quirky animated character designs, large cuckoo clocks, and musical chimes.
• Rhythm offers a full range of watches, from basic to premium, with features and designs that cater to all modern lifestyles, always combining movement and sound to captivate customers.

The core strength of Rhythm lies in its integrated production system, which ensures strict management from component manufacturing to final assembly and customer delivery. Rhythm watches always embody the quintessential Japanese traits: creative design, precision, durability, and affordability.

Frank Miura is a relatively new fashion brand that launched in 2012, resembling Frank Muller but at a much lower price point. Upon its debut, this brand quickly caught the attention of Frank Muller, leading to a legal battle. Initially, Frank Miura lost the case and was ordered to cease sales, but by April 2016, they successfully appealed the ruling. The court reasoned that the dial designs were distinct enough, and the price difference made confusion unlikely.

Franck Muller is known for producing some of the finest and most complex watches in the world. Founded by Franck Muller and Vartan Sirmakes in Geneva, the brand aimed to create exclusive timepieces distinguished by intricate movements and unique designs.

What makes the brand unique:

• With a strong internal capability in various fields of Haute Horlogerie, this young company quickly rose to become one of the best in Swiss watchmaking.
• Today, the brand believes it has successfully combined boldness and creativity with the unique expertise of Haute Horlogerie.

Franck Muller dedicated his career to crafting highly complicated timepieces, working in his own workshop to create watches that would stand out on the global stage. In 1991, he met Vartan Sirmakes, who challenged him to turn a small-scale production facility into a prestigious brand, which ultimately became the renowned Franck Muller name we know today.

When it comes to Japanese watches, the first brand that comes to mind is Seiko. Indeed, Seiko is a trailblazer in the industry, with over 110 years of history and growth. It is considered the cornerstone of Japan's watchmaking success, often rivaling or even surpassing Swiss giants in global sales.

• Today, Seiko Corp is the second-largest watch manufacturer in the world, behind Switzerland's Swatch Group. Seiko's journey began in December 1881 when it started as Hattori, a small shop in Tokyo selling and repairing old watches. In 1892, they built a factory and began producing their first wall clocks. From then on, Seiko became a symbol of Japan's watchmaking pride and, by extension, Asia's watchmaking heritage.
• In 1985, Seiko hit a major milestone with the creation of the iconic Time Keeper. The company continued to innovate, and in 1913, Seiko released Japan's first wristwatch, which became a sensation among the nation's elite. This success quickly spread from Japan to Asia, Europe, and eventually the rest of the world. The brand initially used the name Laurel, but by 1924, it adopted the name Seikosha, and later, simply Seiko. The name 'SEIKO' symbolizes 'Minute', 'Success', and 'Exquisite'. Over time, Seiko has introduced many famous lines such as Seiko 5, Seiko Kinetic, and Seiko Automatic, becoming a household name representing Japanese craftsmanship.
• Starting in the 1960s, thanks to its innovative designs, great quality, and affordable pricing, Seiko quickly captured a significant market share, even surpassing Swiss brands that had dominated the industry for over 300 years. As a result, Omega watches began to take a backseat as the Samurai from the Land of the Rising Sun became a formidable competitor to Swiss watchmakers.
• Over the next 20 years, Seiko adopted advanced manufacturing techniques that helped reduce costs and labor expenses. With its efficient management system, Seiko was able to maintain profitability, even if it doubled its workers' wages. Seiko's watches are not just about innovation in manufacturing and marketing, but also represent a complete revitalization of the global watchmaking industry. Among the notable releases at the Basel World Exhibition was the 2006 Sportura Ultimate Kinetic Chronograph.

Seiko offers a wide range of collections, each making its mark from the moment they are introduced, including:

1. Seiko 5: Launched in the early 1960s, Seiko 5 watches featured five groundbreaking features for the time: water resistance, shock resistance with durable cases and bands, automatic winding, a compact crown at the 4 o'clock position, and a day-date display.
2. Seiko Kinetic: This innovative hybrid movement combines mechanical and quartz technology, making it a unique product of Seiko. With Kinetic, energy is generated through arm movement, while the watch stores energy in a rechargeable battery. The collection offers sleek, sophisticated designs and numerous convenient features, such as sport chronographs, leap year indicators, energy-saving modes, automatic time resetting, and calendar adjustments up to the year 2100. Today, Seiko Kinetic remains one of the brand's best-selling collections with over 8 million units sold.
3. Seiko Presage: Seiko Presage is the brand's premium line, encapsulating more than 100 years of expertise. It features shock-resistant Diashock mechanisms, two-way automatic winding, and Spron springs — a highly durable, shock-absorbent material. The Presage collection also boasts high-precision 8R movements with exceptional accuracy, far surpassing standard movements.
4. Seiko Premier: While it may not have standout mechanical features, Seiko Premier is renowned for its elegant, classic designs inspired by the architecture of Greek temples, combining durability with timeless beauty.
5. Grand Seiko: Initially simple in design, Grand Seiko gradually evolved into a high-precision masterpiece. Over four years, the collection was refined, introducing a calendar function and ultimately becoming the pinnacle of Seiko's craftsmanship. Grand Seiko now holds records for its accuracy, even surpassing Swiss Chronometer-certified watches, making it Seiko's most luxurious and expensive line.

As a Japanese brand, Seiko embodies the highest standards of watchmaking, known for durability and longevity. Rather than focusing on flashy designs or trends, Seiko stays true to simplicity, offering timeless elegance and superior quality that defines its legacy.

Citizen has earned the respect of other watch brands with its remarkable achievements. The journey of Citizen can be summed up with the words: "Determined, strategic, and bold."

Citizen rose to prominence during the quartz watch era in the 1970s, directly competing with renowned Japanese and Swiss watch brands. It quickly became a leader in the quartz market. During this time, the "battle of thin watches" ensued between quartz brands such as Seiko and ETA from Switzerland.

One of Citizen's most brilliant moves was the development of solar-powered watches. It began with the Cryston Solar Cell, the world's first watch capable of converting sunlight into energy. This innovation laid the foundation for Citizen's Eco-Drive technology, which remains its most successful and widely recognized product. By 1995, Citizen improved its Eco-Drive technology, elevating the entire quartz industry. This leap helped Citizen become the world's largest watch manufacturer.

What makes Citizen stand out?

• Technology: Citizen continues to lead in the solar-powered technology space, converting light into energy to power the watch's precise movement, with a lifespan of up to 10 years.
• Design: Citizen offers a wide variety of designs, with a focus on elegance. Their ultra-thin watches (5-7mm thick) are lightweight, simple, and extremely refined, providing a sense of understated class. Citizen constantly enhances its designs and features to meet consumer demands, including satellite synchronization, radio-controlled timekeeping, and the ability to display time across 40 cities worldwide. Many Citizen models also feature masculine designs with sub-dials. Each watch is crafted with harmony and attention to detail, making it accessible to a global audience.
• Materials: Citizen uses high-quality stainless steel and titanium for its watch cases. Titanium, known for being five to six times stronger than steel but 45% lighter, is a popular choice for its durability and resistance to impact. The watch crystal is made from high-strength, scratch-resistant glass. Citizen watches are also water-resistant and designed to withstand the test of time. While Citizen may not outpace Swiss brands in terms of advanced manufacturing, its materials and durability are on par, with the added benefit of more affordable pricing.
• Affordability: Citizen watches offer exceptional value for their price. The brand produces a range of models with top-tier craftsmanship and durability at competitive prices, making Citizen an accessible choice for consumers with an average income.

1. Citizen Watches (2 – 4 million VND): These models feature a variety of designs made from leather straps, metal, and round or square faces. While simple in design, they have limited features compared to higher-end models.
2. Citizen Watches (4 – 6 million VND): Ideal for those who prefer solar-powered models, these watches use natural light to charge. High-quality sapphire crystals enhance their durability and shine.
3. Citizen Watches (6 – 8 million VND): These models offer advanced technology, with in-house Miyota movements and fast, reliable performance. The sapphire crystals are durable and lend an elegant touch.
4. Citizen Watches (10 - 20 million VND): At this price range, Citizen watches feature exquisite designs with luxurious materials, including super titanium ion plating and sapphire crystals.

From materials to design and functionality, Citizen watches offer excellent value. Their affordability combined with advanced features ensures Citizen remains a popular choice among consumers worldwide.

Orient is a well-known name among watch enthusiasts in both Vietnam and around the world. As one of Japan’s top watch brands, Orient is synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and exquisite materials.

• Orient was founded in July 1950 in Tokyo, Japan by Shogoro Yoshida under the original name Tama Teiki. From the very beginning, Orient worked tirelessly to make its brand known globally.
• In 1951, the company changed its name to Orient Watch Co. Ltd and began designing and manufacturing mechanical watches, a distinctive path compared to other brands in that era. By 1967, Orient developed the world’s thinnest mechanical movement at just 3.9mm.
• In the 1980s and 1990s, the brand gained recognition for its Orient SK Fire Dial series, which made a huge impact on the global watch market.
• Today, Orient is a household name in the watch industry. Despite competition from other Japanese brands like Seiko and Citizen, Orient remains a top choice, showcasing how highly regarded the brand is among its customers.
• With a presence in over 100 countries and regions, Orient entered the Vietnamese market in 2005 through its distributor Hamex Co. Ltd, and has since become one of the most popular watch brands in the country, posing a significant challenge to other international watch brands attempting to break into the Vietnamese market.

Notable Features of Orient Watches

• In-House Movements: One key distinguishing feature of Orient is that all of its movements are made in-house at their factories in Japan, unlike brands such as Seiko and Citizen, which outsource production to other Asian countries.
• Historical Movements: In order to keep production costs low while manufacturing in bulk, Orient acquired the rights to Seiko’s 7006 and 6600 movements and developed the Orient 46, which remains the core movement used in many of their watches today.
• Advanced Movements: Orient also manufactures high-end movements, such as the Orient 88700. Many of Orient’s mid-range to high-end models feature a power reserve display, a unique feature that sets them apart from other brands. Orient is also known for using reverse-sweep hands on some of its models.

Popular Orient Collections Include:

1. Orient Bambino (ER): A classic and minimalist timepiece.
2. Orient Mako and Ray (CEM): Affordable, water-resistant dive watches.
3. Orient Pro Saturation Diver: A robust diving watch.
4. Orient Star: Elegant watches perfect for formal events.