June 10th is "Time Memorial Day" | Experience the history of watches and the charm of mechanical watches at CONTÉVANOU
June 10th is "Time Memorial Day," a day deeply connected to watches.
Time, which we usually check without thinking. Whether it's on a wristwatch, a desk 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.
CONTÉVANOU, an authorized retailer of watches and jewelry in Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, is holding exhibitions and events to rediscover the charm of watches in conjunction with Time Memorial Day on June 10th.
What is Time Memorial Day?
"Time Memorial Day" is an anniversary established to commemorate the first timekeeping by a clock in Japan and to promote awareness of the importance of time.
Its origin lies in an anecdote recorded in the "Nihon Shoki." In 671 AD, during the reign of Emperor Tenji, a water clock called a "rokoku" was installed, and people were informed of the time by bells and drums. In honor of this event, June 10th became "Time Memorial Day."
In 1920 (Taisho 9), "Time Memorial Day" was established by the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory and the Life Improvement Alliance as part of a movement to modernize and rationalize daily life. The anniversary has been handed down to the present day to promote awareness of keeping accurate time and valuing time in daily life.
The Deep Relationship Between Watches and "Time Memorial Day"
A watch is not merely a tool for telling time.
It also marks the beginning of a day, guides us to appointments, and imprints precious moments into our memories. A wristwatch, in particular, is like a companion that accompanies its owner through life, ticking away time together every 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 to mark time. The sight of numerous precision components working in conjunction to create time within a small case reveals the structural beauty unique to mechanical watches.
Time Memorial Day is an excellent opportunity to re-examine the role of watches and the culture of valuing time.
"Time" Related Events Currently Held at CONTÉVANOU
CONTÉVANOU, an authorized retailer of watches and jewelry, is holding events in conjunction with Time Memorial Day on June 10th, where you can experience the charm of watches from various perspectives.
UNDONE × CONTÉVANOU Custom Watch Event
Period: Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Sunday, June 14, 2026
Hours: 11:00 – 19:30 (Closed Wednesdays)
We are holding an UNDONE × CONTÉVANOU custom watch event where you can experience the joy of not just "choosing" but "creating" a wristwatch.
This is an experiential event where you can combine cases, dials, straps, and more to enjoy a watch that truly reflects your style. By engaging in the watchmaking process, rather than simply choosing a finished watch, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the allure of wristwatches.
In addition to selling products, our store also offers after-sales services to ensure you can enjoy your wristwatch 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 – 19:30 (Closed Wednesdays)
A new collection exhibition of the British watch brand "DENNISON" is being held at CONTÉVANOU in Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.
DENNISON is a brand with a history of supporting the case manufacturing of prestigious brands in British watch history. Currently, under the modern reinterpretation by Swiss watch designer Emmanuel Gueit, the brand offers collections featuring natural stone dials and unique case forms.
At this exhibition, you can see GPHG award-winning models, natural stone dial models, and new dual-time models, among others. Please come to the store to experience the depth of the natural stone, the shape of the case, 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 – 19:30 (Closed Wednesdays)
From Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the special ORIENT STAR exhibition "Exhibition of the Structural Beauty of Mechanical Watches" is being held.
This exhibition introduces the journey of ORIENT STAR, from the skeleton model "Mon Bijou" announced in 1991 to its current skeleton models.
Through actual exhibits, you can see how the expression of beautifully showcasing the internal structure of mechanical watches has evolved. It's an opportunity to experience the world of mechanisms usually hidden beneath the dial, through skeleton models.
The tagline is: "The Evolution of ORIENT STAR Skeleton — 35 Years of Pursuit and Innovation."
This exhibition, befitting Time Memorial Day, allows you to thoroughly examine how mechanical watches tell time, their structural beauty, and the evolution of their technology.
About CONTÉVANOU, an authorized retailer of watches and jewelry
CONTÉVANOU, an authorized retailer of watches and jewelry, is a specialty store for watches and jewelry located in Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.
We offer a wide range of items, from unique independent brands to authorized import watches, mechanical watches, and jewelry, all available for you to view in person. We are a hidden gem of a watch store in the Nishisando area, easily accessible from Shinjuku, Hatsudai, and Sangubashi.
In addition to watch sales, we also handle battery replacement, strap adjustment, watch repair, overhaul consultations, strap replacement, and custom strap orders. Battery replacement and strap link adjustments may be done on the same day, depending on the specifics. For overhauls and more complex repairs, we will provide an estimate and then proceed with the repair.
We also put effort into strap selection, offering both ready-made straps and consultations for custom-made or uniquely shaped straps. Please feel free to consult us about maintenance to enjoy your cherished watch for a long time, or about choosing a strap to change its look.
Take time to reflect on watches on Time Memorial Day
June 10th, Time Memorial Day, is a day to re-examine the importance of time.
From the precise mechanisms of watches to their long-term maintenance and the joy of choosing a watch that truly suits you, watches possess a charm that transcends mere utility.
We invite you to visit CONTÉVANOU, an authorized retailer of watches and jewelry, on Time Memorial Day to experience the history and structural beauty of watches, as well as the unique character of each brand.
We look forward to your visit.
CONTÉVANOU, Authorized Retailer of Watches and Jewelry
4-28-7 Nishisando Terrace E1, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053
【EMAIL】
info@contevanou.com
【TEL】
03-3299-8008
【Business Hours】
11:00 – 19:30 (Closed Wednesdays)
【Access】
Approximately 4 minutes walk from Hatsudai Station East Exit (Tokyo Opera City, New National Theatre Exit)
Approximately 15 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station Exit 6
Approximately 8 minutes walk from Sangubashi Station East Exit
From Shibuya Station, take the Keio Bus towards Shinjuku Station West Exit, get off at "Yoyogi Sanchome" bus stop, then walk approximately 4 minutes. Paid parking is available nearby.