Kuoe - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Kuoe, founded in 2020, is a Kyoto-based Japanese brand created by Kenji Uchimura; it targets enthusiasts of reinterpreted classics with compact proportions, Japanese assembly, and a proudly neo-vintage spirit.

Vintage proportions with a Kyoto backbone

The brand embraces a language drawn from 1940s–1960s watches: compact cases (34–38 mm), domed crystals and restrained graphics, all geared for unisex, everyday wear. This loyalty to historical sizes sets Kuoe apart on the wrist, bringing elegant style without modern oversizing.

Old Smith & Royal Smith: families and key cues

The range revolves around two complementary pillars: “Old Smith,” revisiting British-style field pieces and small civilian sixties watches, and “Royal Smith,” a premium line with sharper details and a cushion case. Start by picking the architecture (field, civilian, cushion), then choose size and finish.

• Kuoe Old Smith 90-001 — Compact 35 mm civilian watch (domed crystal), 1960s vibe, clean readability (quartz versions).
• Kuoe Old Smith 90-002 — Field-watch take on 1940s–1970s designs: bold Arabic numerals, matte dial, offered in 35 mm and 38 mm (automatic).
• Kuoe Old Smith 90-007 — Dress-leaning interpretation within the Old Smith family (kept to compact diameters).
• Kuoe Royal Smith 90-008 — Premium series (~34 mm) with cushion case and applied Breguet numerals; domed sapphire and crisp detailing.

Materials, movements and Kyoto assembly

Common ground includes 316L steel cases, domed sapphire (on select models) and in-house assembly in Kyoto; for powertrains Kuoe opts for proven Japanese calibres: TMI VD78A quartz for the Kuoe Old Smith 90-001, no-date automatics for the Kuoe Old Smith 90-002, and Miyota 9039 for the Kuoe Royal Smith 90-008. The recipe prioritizes robustness, easy servicing and a clean, readable display.

Positioning, pricing and channels

Kuoe sits in the “accessibly high-end” bracket: quartz entry pieces around 35 mm, compact automatics, and a more refined premium line, sold primarily D2C with a handful of partners. Pricing remains measured for Made-in-Japan watches, making authentic vintage proportions easy to adopt.

Conclusion

Kuoe suits enthusiasts seeking the elegance of historical sizes without sacrificing modern reliability. Old Smith covers versatile daily wear (city/everyday), while Royal Smith appeals to cushion-case fans who want elevated detailing. Decide by use case (field vs. dress), preferred size (34–38 mm) and movement (quartz vs. automatic). To anchor your decision in real ownership, rely on Dialicious customer reviews before purchasing.

(Updated August 2025)