My New Tri-Compax from Private Eyes Tokyo

Sharing with the forum my newest acquisition, a Tri-Compax 222100-2, which I got from one of Japan's most reputable watch stores - Private Eyes. The store was perviously featured on Hodinkee here - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/watch-shopping-in-japan

I started the negotiations with the store's owner, Endo-San early February, since I was scheduled for a family trip to Tokyo end of March. I also sought the advice of @jordn. He pointed out that it's not in 100% condition, but it is a very honest watch, all original and priced well for its condition, in which the dial is oxidized. I remember what Jeff Stein said in a video interview for Crown & Caliber, stating that his motto is "Condition only matters on the second one...once you have one then I might think of trying to upgrade. On the first watch it has to be something you like, something you'd enjoy wearing."

I figured I cannot afford the same watch in its pristine condition anyway (approx. Euro 15k), I like the patina on the dial and I really wanted to buy from Private Eyes during my trip. So, I committed to buy the watch from Endo.

We arrived at Tokyo the evening of March 30 and yesterday, with my wife and kids, went to the store. Here are some pics . I'm including that of the store's as the store is really nice. It's small, intimate and has dashes of quirk. It's more soulful than the other watch stores here. You really feel it's run by people who love watches deeply.


My kids' reflection on the store's window:


Looking around the store was overwhelming. Not that there were that many watches, but the ones they had were just great ones in excellent condition. I ended up buying this also:



Finally, my UG Tri-Compax:

Here are my kids learning how the various dials are adjusted:


I love those lugs!


The pics do not do justice to the watch. The goldish patina linen dial is beautiful.

Thanks! It was USD 6000.

Lovely watch and photo exposition. In addition, it's always great when the little ones can participate in the fun! Thanks for sharing and congrats.

Yes. My lil ones were very much into it. I'm dead!

Wow, lovely shop and beautiful watches. Some day I'll make the pilgrimage and hopefully make a nice purchase.

Great piece... That longines mono pusher is very tempting as well

Wow, very cool, I was expecting a 5 figure damage report because of the Hodonkey feature.

Thanks for sharing, looks like a great experience.

It was!

Thank you for the pictures ad the report, made me feel like I was there. Great watches

Nice report, Tokyo is awesome for finding secondhand watches in good condition. And the exchange rate (at least with the USD) is still pretty good.

What other stores would you recommend? [emoji3]

Thanks tor sharing. I've never heard of On Behalf before. Will try to check that out too!

Thanks! There are examples of the same model that are close to flawless - the lumes are still present and the dial, unoxidized, and therefore still silver. Here's the euro 15k example from Sassella - http://www.sassellaorologi.com/scheda.asp?id=50480

But I personally love the goldish patina from the oxidation. A bit off tangent, but slightly related, I love slightly oxidized wines like those from Rioja. So, I guess there's a pattern. Haha

Too bad he's out of town. So we didn't meet. All my correspondences with him was great though. And his staff were cool.