Everything You Need to Know
About Shopping in Tokyo at SEKINE
Below you will find some of our most frequently asked questions, but if your query is not listed below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
Authentication and Warranty
Are the branded products sold genuine?
All of our products undergo multiple inspection processes from procurement to display. This includes rigorous authentication checks, manual inspections, X-rays and various other tests, depending on the item’s branding and composition. Visit our authentication page for more details.
Do the watches come with a manufacturer’s warranty?
Some of our watches come with an original manufacturer’s warranty, while others don’t. Please feel free to ask the in-store staff about the specific item in question.
Any items that are priced over ¥20,000 come with a special in-house warranty from SEKINE. The warranty is written in Japanese, however, to briefly summarise, it provides six months of coverage in case of a malfunction.
This is an international warranty, which means that no matter where you have used the watch, you can still return it to the SEKINE store within six months for a repair of any unexpected faults. However, the watch must be returned in person to our store to be serviced.
In-Store Service and Returns
Can I purchase items duty-free?
Yes, at SEKINE Ikebukuro West Gate Store and SEKINE Shinjuku Store, travellers to Japan can purchase items duty-free which are exempt from consumption tax.
Read more about the rules regarding the purchase of tax-free goods here.
Do you offer returns or refunds?
Since every item for sale at SEKINE is used and/or vintage, we unfortunately cannot offer returns, refunds or exchanges of purchased items. Watches under the SEKINE warranty may be returned for repair as per the terms of the warranty (see above).
Product Range
What is the extent of damage to the bags?
The extent of damage varies for each product, with many items that are completely free of damage or restored to their original mint condition. We operate a strict grading process to evaluate the damage of each item, with the grade clearly displayed on its price tag. If you would like a member of staff to point out any specific damage or defects to an item, please feel free to ask. You can read more about our grading system on the authentication page.
Have the watches been overhauled?
At SEKINE, we have a professional watchmaker measure the time accuracy of mechanical (automatic) luxury watches, to see how many seconds the time deviates per day after winding the mainspring. If watches do not meet certain standards, they are sent for overhauling, which involves specialist disassembly and cleaning to fine-tune performance.
Depending on the condition of the items at the time of procurement, some undergo overhauling while others receive other forms of finishing. Our shop staff are aware of the condition of each item, so feel free to ask.
I’m looking for a specific item. Can you check the stock for me?
Since all of SEKINE’s products are unique, second-hand items, our stock varies all the time and therefore we can’t check for specific products ahead of your visit. However, almost all of our items that are currently for sale are also listed on our online Rakuten website, so you are free to check there for the specific piece you are searching for.
If you do visit one of our stores, our staff would be happy to try and help you find the item you are looking for.
How often do you receive new stock?
New stock arrives in our stores approximately eight to ten times a month, meaning there are always new pieces to be discovered.
About Shopping in Tokyo
Is shopping good in Japan?
Japan is renowned for having a vibrant shopping scene, offering everything from traditional markets to upscale department stores and of course, luxury vintage boutiques like SEKINE. This is especially true in the capital city Tokyo, where you’ll find something for every shopper.
Where is the best shopping in Tokyo Japan?
Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, with countless districts and neighbourhoods catering to various tastes and preferences. Some of the best areas for shopping in Tokyo include Ginza for luxury department stores, Harajuku for trendy fashion and streetwear, and Shibuya for bustling shopping malls.
Pre-loved luxury designer stores can be harder to find, but our flagship SEKINE Ikebukuro West Gate Store is located just a two-minute walk from the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station in Toshima City. We also have an additional location in the vibrant entertainment district of Shinjuku for more tax-free second-hand designer shopping.
Are watches cheaper in Japan?
While prices can vary depending on the brand, model and condition of the piece you are interested in, Japan is often considered a prime destination for purchasing luxury watches. This is especially true at SEKINE, where you can find many second-hand mint condition and rare limited editions that we have collected over a broad 80-year history in the industry.
Where to buy second-hand branded bags in Japan?
You can buy second-hand luxury bags in Japan at specialised boutiques such as SEKINE, where branded items are independently verified for authenticity. We always recommend buying from a reputable provider of second-hand luxury goods with a physical store, in-house verification experts, and a history in the industry.