June 10th is "Time Memorial Day" | Experience the history of watches and the charm of mechanical watches at Comptoir
June 10th is "Time Memorial Day," a day deeply connected to clocks and watches.
Time, which we usually check without thinking. Whether it's on a wristwatch, a tabletop clock, or a smartphone display, "time" exists as a matter of course in our daily lives. However, the act of "knowing time" has a long history and a culture that strives to improve people's lives.
At Comptoir, an authorized watch and jewelry dealer in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, we are holding exhibitions and events to coincide with Time Memorial Day on June 10th, where you can rediscover the charm of timepieces.
What is Time Memorial Day?
"Time Memorial Day" is a commemorative day established to spread awareness of the importance of time, in remembrance of the first announcement of time by a clock in Japan.
Its origin lies in a story recorded in the "Nihon Shoki" (The Chronicles of Japan). In 671 AD, during the reign of Emperor Tenji, a water clock called a "rokoku" was installed, and time was announced to the people by bells and drums. In commemoration of this event, June 10th became "Time Memorial Day."
In 1920 (Taisho 9), "Time Memorial Day" was established by organizations such as the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory and the Life Improvement League, as part of a movement to modernize and rationalize daily life. It has been passed down to the present day as a commemorative day to spread awareness of the importance of keeping accurate time and valuing time in daily life.
The deep connection between watches and "Time Memorial Day"
A watch is not merely a tool for telling time.
It also signals the start of the day, guides us to appointments, and imprints cherished moments into our memories. A wristwatch, in particular, is like a companion that accompanies its owner through life, marking time together each day.
In a mechanical watch, the power of the mainspring is transmitted to the gear train, the escapement controls that power, and the balance wheel beats rhythmically, thus keeping time. The sight of numerous precision components working together in a small case to create time embodies the structural beauty unique to mechanical watches.
Time Memorial Day is a good opportunity to re-examine the role of watches and the culture of cherishing time.
Events related to "Time" currently being held at Comptoir
At Comptoir, an authorized watch and jewelry dealer, we are holding events to coincide with Time Memorial Day on June 10th, where you can experience the charm of watches from various perspectives.
UNDONE × Comptoir Custom Watch Event
Period: Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Sunday, June 14, 2026
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
We are holding a custom watch event by UNDONE × Comptoir, where you can experience the joy of "creating" a wristwatch, not just "choosing" one.
This interactive event allows you to combine cases, dials, straps, and more to create a watch that reflects your unique style. By engaging in the watchmaking process, rather than simply selecting a finished product, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the allure of wristwatches.
In addition to product sales, our store also offers after-sales services to help you enjoy your watch for a long time, including battery replacement, strap adjustment, and repair reception.
DENNISON New Collection Exhibition
Period: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – Sunday, June 21, 2026
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
We are holding an exhibition of new models from the British watch brand "DENNISON" at Comptoir in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
DENNISON is a brand with a history of supporting the case manufacturing for prestigious brands in British watch history. Currently, it offers collections featuring natural stone dials and unique case forms, reinterpreted in a contemporary way by Swiss watch designer Emmanuel Gueit.
At this exhibition, you can see GPHG award-winning models, natural stone dial models, and new dual-time models. Please come to the store and experience the depth of the natural stones, the shape of the cases, and the feel on your wrist, which cannot be fully conveyed through photographs alone.
Orient Star "Exhibition of the Structural Beauty of Mechanical Watches"
Period: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
From Tuesday, June 9, 2026, we are holding a special Orient Star exhibition, "The Structural Beauty of Mechanical Watches."
This exhibition will showcase the journey of Orient Star, from the "Mon Bijou" skeleton model released in 1991 to its current skeleton models.
Through actual product displays, you can see how the expressions that beautifully display the internal structure of mechanical watches have evolved. This exhibition allows you to experience the world of mechanisms usually hidden beneath the dial through skeleton models.
The catchphrase is: "The Journey of Orient Star Skeleton – 35 Years of Pursuit and Evolution."
Fitting for Time Memorial Day, this exhibition allows you to deeply appreciate the structural beauty and technological evolution of how mechanical watches keep time.
About Comptoir, an authorized watch and jewelry dealer
Comptoir, an authorized watch and jewelry dealer, is a specialty store for watches and jewelry located in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
We guide you through a selection of unique independent brands, authorized import watches, mechanical watches, and jewelry, all available for you to see in person at our store. We are a hidden gem of a watch store in the Nishi-Sando area, easily accessible from Shinjuku, Hatsudai, and Sangubashi.
In addition to selling watches, we also offer battery replacement, strap adjustment, watch repair, overhaul consultations, strap replacement, and custom strap consultations. Battery replacement and strap link adjustments can be done on the same day, depending on the service. For overhauls and more complex repairs, we will provide an estimate and then take in your watch for service.
We also put effort into strap selection, offering ready-made straps as well as custom-made straps for unique shapes and made-to-order straps. Please feel free to consult us for maintenance to enjoy your precious watch for a long time, or for strap selection to change its appearance.
Take time to appreciate watches on Time Memorial Day
June 10th, Time Memorial Day, is a day to reflect on the importance of time.
The mechanism of a watch that accurately tells time, the maintenance required to keep it running for a long time, and the joy of choosing a watch that is uniquely yours. Watches possess an allure that goes beyond mere tools.
We invite you to take the opportunity of Time Memorial Day to visit Comptoir, an authorized watch and jewelry dealer, and experience the history, structural beauty, and individual character of various watch brands.
We sincerely look forward to your visit.
Comptoir, Authorized Watch and Jewelry Dealer
4-28-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053 Nishi-Sando Terrace E1
【MAIL】
info@contevanou.com
【TEL】
03-3299-8008
【Opening Hours】
11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
【Access】
Approx. 4-minute walk from "Hatsudai Station" East Exit (Tokyo Opera City, New National Theatre Exit)
Approx. 15-minute walk from "Shinjuku Station" Exit 6
Approx. 8-minute walk from "Sangubashi Station" East Exit
From "Shibuya Station," take the Keio Bus towards "Shinjuku Station West Exit," alight at the "Yoyogi Sanchome" bus stop, then approx. 4-minute walk. Paid parking is available nearby.