KUOE Watches Review: Old Smith & Royal Smith Watches Unveiled
KUOE, a distinguished watch brand, emerged in 2020 from the heart of Kyoto, Japan. Founded by Kenji Uchimura, the brand envisions bringing forth the timeless charm of Kyoto’s classic designs to a global audience. Today at Saatsaz Watch, we are going to do a KUOE watches review, but before that, let’s learn more about the brand itself.
Table of Contents
History of KUOE Watch Brand
Drawing inspiration from a transformative encounter with vintage hand-wound watches in a quaint London shop in 2010s, Uchimura was captivated by their enduring appeal. This revelation ignited his passion to create a watch brand that encapsulated the universal allure of classic design.
Following years of dedicated work and invaluable industry experience, Uchimura realized his dream in 2020 with the establishment of KUOE Kyoto watch brand.
KUOE Watch Review
KUOE watches are a fusion of classic design and Japanese craftsmanship, embodying Kyoto’s timeless charm. Each piece balances functionality with visual allure, reflecting founder Uchimura’s passion for vintage watches.
Now let’s get to the KUOE Old Smith & Royal Smith models and review them.
KUOE Old Smith Review
The KUOE Old Smith exudes a timeless, vintage charm. With its screw-down crown and a radiant, fresh appeal, it effortlessly captures the essence of a bygone era in watchmaking history.
KUOE Old Smith 90-001 Review
KUOE’s inaugural model, the Old Smith 90-001, draws inspiration from 1960s antique watches. Featuring a modest 35 mm diameter, a domed glass, and an ivory dial, it exudes a distinctive vintage charm reminiscent of classic tan timepieces. Its sleek, minimalist design caters to both men and women, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
The KUOE 90-001 watch’s price ranges from $248 to $270.
Old Smith 90-001 Watch SPECS:
- Case Size: 35mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Domed Mineral Glass
- Strap Material: Oiled Italian Leather
- Movement: Quartz SEIKO VD78A
- Water Resistance: 50m / 115ft
KUOE Old Smith 90-002 Review
Taking cues from the military watches of 1940s to ’70s, this automatic watch features a distinctive 35mm diameter, bold numerals and hands, fluorescent accents, and a matte dial. Crafted in stainless steel, it balances rustic charm with elegant refinement.
The KUOE 90-002 watch’s price ranges from $358 to $403.
Old Smith 90-002 Watch SPECS:
- Case Size: 35mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Domed Mineral Glass
- Crown: Screw-Down
- Strap Material: Leather
- Movement: Automatic SEIKO NH35
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft
KUOE Royal Smith Review
The KUOE Royal Smith exudes a captivating allure, seamlessly fusing vintage charm with modern reliability. Its unique blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary craftsmanship makes it a noteworthy addition for any watch enthusiast.
KUOE Royal Smith 90-006 Review
The ROYAL SMITH 90-006 boasts a unique 35mm diameter, a nod to vintage aesthetics. It features Breguet numerals, Dolphin hands, and a dial adorned with a traditional Japanese “Washi” pattern. Powering this timepiece is the Japanese-made high-beat premium automatic movement, the CITIZEN MIYOTA Cal.9039.
The KUOE 90-006 watch’s price ranges from $528 to $576.
Royal Smith 90-006 Watch SPECS:
- Case Size: 35mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Domed Mineral Glass
- Crown: Push/Pull
- Strap Material: Oiled Italian Leather / Stainless Steel
- Movement: Automatic Citizen Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Water Resistance: 50m / 115ft
KUOE Royal Smith 90-008 Review
Meticulously crafted with handpicked components, this model draws inspiration from 1940s antique watches, featuring a classic cushion case design. The dial boasts individually applied Breguet numerals and textured detailing. For added durability and clarity, both the watch glass and caseback sport domed sapphire crystals with AR coating.
The KUOE 90-008 watch’s price ranges from $658 to $690.
Royal Smith 90-008 Watch SPECS:
- Case Size: 35mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Domed AR Coated Sapphire
- Crown: Push/Pull
- Strap Material: Oiled Italian Leather / Stainless Steel
- Movement: Automatic Citizen Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Water Resistance: 50m / 115ft
Conclusion
KUOE Watches stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic design. Each timepiece encapsulates a blend of history, artistry, and modern craftsmanship, offering a truly unique experience for watch aficionados.
We hope this review has provided valuable insights into the world of KUOE, and we’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your comments below.
FAQ
Where are KUOE watches made?
- KUOE watches are proudly made in Japan, with their roots tracing back to the historic city of Kyoto. KUOE’s dedication to creating high-quality timepieces is influenced by this heritage, ensuring that each watch embodies the essence of classic design and precision that Japan is renowned for.
