Grand Seiko “Kiku” at Big Moon, Kyoto, Japan

There are watch stores that sell watches, and then there are watch stores that create lasting memories. Big Moon Kyoto belongs firmly in the second category.

After several days of hunting through Osaka and Kyoto’s incredible watch scene, I arrived at Big Moon with one specific watch in mind—a watch that had been quietly occupying my browser tabs for months.

The Grand Seiko SBGM235 “Kiku” GMT.

The Hunt

For months I’d been watching this reference across every marketplace imaginable.

• Chrono24

• eBay

• Reddit r/Watchexchange

• Japanese dealer websites

  
  

Every time one appeared, it was either too expensive, already sold, or simply wasn’t in the condition I wanted.

The SBGM235 isn’t just another Grand Seiko. Limited to only 1,000 pieces, its dial is inspired by the intricate geometry of a Japanese chrysanthemum (kiku), creating a mesmerizing spiral guilloché-like pattern that changes dramatically depending on the light.

It was one of those watches that kept pulling me back.

Sometimes that’s how you know.

Walking on the Big Moon

From the outside, Big Moon looks like many of Japan’s excellent pre-owned watch dealers.

Inside, however, it quickly becomes apparent why they’ve earned such a strong reputation among collectors.

Display cases are filled with everything from Rolex and Patek Philippe to Grand Seiko, Credor, and independent brands, all carefully presented and clearly priced.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than intimidating, allowing you to browse at your own pace while knowledgeable staff remain available when needed.

One thing I immediately appreciated was that the watches weren’t treated like museum pieces. They were there to be enjoyed and tried on.

As with all Japanese watch stores, the price is clearly marked so there is no guessing, and the price is reduced by 10% for tourists by removing the GST, which makes it an even better deal!

Over the moon with the Service

I was fortunate to be assisted by Shoji Yoshii-san, whose professionalism perfectly reflected the Japanese approach to customer service.

I had actually gone into the store the night prior just before their 7pm closing time and I was eyeing up a Otsuka Lotec 7.5.

Even though it was 10 minutes to their 7pm closing time, there was never any pressure.

Instead, he patiently answered questions, retrieved watches from the display, and allowed me the time every collector needs when making an important purchase.

Buying a watch isn’t simply about the transaction.

It’s about confidence.

By the time I left, that evening I had plenty of it.

But pressed for time, I wasn’t able to see all they had to offer, so I took photos of their display cases to look over later.

“Kiku” me over

The next day as I swiped through my photos of loads of display cases of the over 10 watch shops I had visited, I saw it, the Grand Seiko SBGM235 aka “Kiku”.

I immediately called Shojii San and asked for the watch to be placed on hold as I rushed back to the store.

Once it was placed on my wrist, I knew why I’d spent months chasing it.

The dial is unlike almost anything else Grand Seiko has produced. There is one blue (SBGH267) and a brown variant (SBGR311), but the OG is Kiku and I was fortunate to get number 396 of the limited 1000 ever made.

From one angle it appears bright silver.

Tilt it slightly and an intricate woven chrysanthemum pattern suddenly emerges, giving the watch remarkable depth without ever feeling flashy.

The whirlpool pattern contains G, S and the Grand Seiko Logo

The blue GMT hand adds just enough color, while the polished indexes catch the light in the unmistakable Grand Seiko fashion.

This is one of those rare watches that photographs beautifully…

…but looks even better in person.

Why Kyoto Is Such a Great Watch City

During my time in Kyoto, one thing became very clear.

If you’re looking for brand-new Japanese watches, prices are certainly competitive thanks to Japan’s domestic market, favorable exchange rates, and tourist tax-free shopping.

But the real treasures?

They’re in the pre-owned market.

Dealers such as Big Moon consistently source watches that combine:

• Outstanding condition

• Honest servicing

• Excellent provenance

• Strong pricing

• An ever-changing inventory that rewards repeat visits

  
  

These are the kinds of stores where collectors can find discontinued Grand Seikos, vintage Seikos, limited editions, and unusual references that rarely appear elsewhere.

For another excellent Kyoto destination specializing in vintage Japanese watches, be sure to read my article on Kyotoya, where I found an equally memorable piece from Grand Seiko’s early history.

Final Thoughts

One of the lessons I’ve learned while collecting watches is the art of staying patient. Never compromising on quality or price. Getting a deal on the exact watch you’ve been researching, in great condition is definitely something I’m still continuously striving for.

Had I rushed months earlier, I might have settled for an average example at an average price. Instead, by waiting until I reached Kyoto, I found a beautifully presented example from one of Japan’s most respected dealers, backed by a recent service and sold by people who genuinely cared about the buying experience.

Sometimes the destination is worth the journey. Not sure if Buddha ever said that.

But as fate would have it, waiting for me behind the doors of Big Moon Kyoto was the grail I had been seeking.

After months of searching, my Kiku finally came home.

WatchTravel Verdict for Big Moon

⭐ Selection: 9/10

⭐ Service: 9.5/10

⭐ Value: 9/10

⭐ Collector Appeal: 9/10

If you’re planning a watch-hunting trip to Kyoto, Big Moon deserves a place near the top of your itinerary. Whether you’re searching for a modern Grand Seiko, a vintage classic, or something unexpected, it’s exactly the sort of dealer that reminds you why Japan remains one of the world’s greatest destinations for watch collectors.