Okay, so you’re thinking about snagging some Cartier bling while you’re kicking around Japan? I get it. The allure of a shiny Tank or a Love bracelet… it’s powerful stuff. I mean, who *doesn’t* love Cartier, right?
The big question, though, is: is it actually *worth* buying it there? I’ve been poking around, and honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
There used to be this glorious golden age, apparently circa 2012-2013, where Narita and Haneda airports were practically giving Cartier away. Like, people were reporting prices lower than even duty-free EU. Can you imagine?! But, alas, those days seem to be gone. Someone must’ve spilled the secret sauce, because, as one person put it, “the price hopped back in 2014, all in balance globally.” Sad trombone.
Now, you’ll find mixed opinions online. Some say Japan is generally more expensive due to taxes and duties. Which, duh, makes sense. Others suggest that you *might* be able to wrangle a discount from an authorized dealer (AD), especially in Asia. Apparently, Asian ADs are known to be a bit more… flexible… compared to their stateside counterparts. Worth a shot, I suppose! Just don’t expect a huge markdown or anything. We’re talking Cartier, not a clearance rack at Walmart.
And then there’s France. Someone mentioned getting a better deal on a Santos in France (presumably because of exchange rates at the time). But, you know, exchange rates fluctuate more than my mood on a Monday morning, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
Honestly, my take? It’s probably not going to be a *huge* savings. I’d def check the prices on the Cartier website or with your local AD, just to get a baseline.
Where to Actually Buy It, Though?
If you’re in Tokyo, apparently Haneda Airport has a Cartier boutique. Worth checking out if you’re flying through anyway. Otherwise, just Google “Cartier Tokyo” and you’ll be swimming in options.
My Unsolicited Advice:
Don’t go to Japan *solely* to buy Cartier thinking you’re going to retire on the savings. It’s more about the experience, right? Plus, Japan’s got a killer pre-owned watch market. If you’re into watches in general, hunting for a vintage or discontinued piece in Tokyo could be a *way* more exciting adventure than just buying a new Cartier. Just sayin’.
