KUOE: The Kyoto-Based Microbrand Redefining Japanese Watchmaking
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When it comes to Japanese watches, most enthusiasts instantly think of the big names: Seiko, Citizen, Grand Seiko. But tucked away in a quiet street in Kyoto, there’s a small brand that’s quietly making waves in the world of horology. It’s called KUOE, and it might just be the most exciting microbrand in Japan right now.
Why We Came to Kyoto
At The Japanese Factory, we explore every corner of the Japanese watch world; from spotting hidden gems to chatting with strangers about what’s on their wrists. This time, our journey brought us to Kyoto for one reason: KUOE. We visited their flagship store and sat down with Kenji Uchimura, the founder and CEO, to hear the full story behind this unique brand.
A Brand Born from a Personal Vision
KUOE (pronounced "koo-oh") is a young brand, founded in 2020 by Kyoto native Kenji Uchimura. The name is a personal blend of his initials (KU) and his birthday (October 8), cleverly merged into a name that feels as unique as the watches themselves.
Kenji’s journey into watchmaking began in the UK, where he first encountered a vintage Smiths watch while studying abroad. The elegant design, durable build, and decades-long timekeeping left a lasting impression. But vintage watches, he realized, were expensive and high-maintenance—hardly practical for everyday wear.
So he returned to Japan with a mission: to create a line of Japanese-made watches with vintage aesthetics, modern reliability, and an accessible price point.
The KUOE Design Ethos
What makes KUOE stand out is its commitment to vintage-inspired design. Most models feature:
- 35–36mm case sizes (true to mid-century styling)
- Domed crystals and classic dials
- A strong nod to 1960s British military watches
In a world dominated by oversized, flashy pieces, KUOE watches feel refreshingly understated and wearable.
Walking into their Kyoto showroom doesn’t feel like entering a typical retail space; it feels like stepping into a design studio. You might even catch a watchmaker casing a timepiece behind the window. That kind of transparency and intimacy is rare.
Watches That Capture the Spirit of Kyoto
Many visitors to Kyoto look for a meaningful souvenir. KUOE captures the essence of the city in its watches; thoughtful, handcrafted, quietly confident.
Each watch is hand-assembled in KUOE’s own workshop in Kyoto. That commitment to craftsmanship is not just a selling point—it’s the heart of the brand.
“We want people around the world to say, "If it’s from Kyoto, it’s KUOE," Uchimura told us. And they’re on the path. KUOE has already appeared at the WindUp Watch Fair in California and will be heading to the New York edition this October.
The Watch That Stole Our Hearts
During our visit, we tried on several models but one stood out: the Royal Smith 910. It features a triple calendar complication powered by the Miyota 9122, all within a beautifully compact 35mm case. The proportions, dial texture, and overall balance make it a standout piece, not just from KUOE, but from any microbrand.
Kenji calls it his favorite design to date, and we see why.
More Than Just Fashion
One thing KUOE is careful about? Not becoming a fashion brand.
"There’s a risk when branding a watch as just a fashion item," says Uchimura. "You might get quick attention and sales, but that popularity fades just as quickly. We’re building something that lasts."
KUOE’s goal is to create affordable, heirloom-quality pieces. Watches that young collectors can grow into. Gifts from fathers to sons. First watches that won’t be their last.
What’s Next for KUOE?
Right now, KUOE uses Japanese-made movements from Miyota and Seiko to maintain their "Made in Japan" authenticity. But Uchimura dreams bigger. One day, he hopes to develop an in-house hand-wound movement. It’s a massive challenge, but one he’s not afraid to take on.
And while there are no immediate plans for complications like moonphases, KUOE’s focus is clear: keep refining vintage-inspired mechanical watches, and offer a uniquely Kyoto experience with every piece.
Final Thoughts
We left Kyoto with more than just a watch. We left inspired by a brand that’s quietly rewriting the rules of Japanese watchmaking. KUOE is proof that you don’t need to be big to be bold.
If you ever find yourself in Kyoto, make time to visit their showroom. Try the watches. Talk to the team. Feel the story behind every tick.
And if you already own a KUOE, we’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below and tell us what drew you to the brand.
Thanks again to Kenji Uchimura and the KUOE team for welcoming us into their world. We can’t wait to see what’s next.