Q & A

I know KATABAMI is micro brand so not sure about many things. I hope this Q&A helps!

1, Delivery & Shipping

When will my order ship?

It depends whether you order from 『STOCK』 or Made-To-Order, once you place order, I try my best to ship as soon as possible but basically in 2 days for STOCK pieces, and 20-30 days for Made-To-Order piece.

Please check if you need it by a specific date, such as a birthday or celebration, before placing your order.

Where do I ship from?

KATABAMI will be shipped from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

“Japan” is in my brand name and that is because I am originally from Japan.

Does import tax included?

Import tax and any other fees are not included. Please contact me for any questions related to import tax if you have any questions especially custom clearance is strict.

What is the shipping fee?

KATABAMI offers free shipping worldwide, with my gratitude. However, DHL is additional.

What is the differences between PostNL and DHL

PostNL is the national postal service. It takes longer but KATABAMI offers a free shipping option. PostNL hands over to your country’s national postal services such as Poste Italiane in Italy, La poste in France and USPS in US.

You can get more specific imfomation via their website after entering your country.

DHL is a global logistics company offering a strong international network and faster delivery options.

What if I can’t find my country in the list?

Please contact me via DM or through our contact page. I need to check the availability and shipping instructions for countries I haven’t shipped to yet. If that happens, you’ll be the first KATABAMI owner in your country!

2, Products & Care

What is the difference between FullyAged and AgeYourself?

FullyAged – This is my specialty, featuring vintage aging on the entire watch. You’ll experience 100% of my craftsmanship, and the watch will feel comfortable fits your wrist from the first wear because the aging process softens the edges.

AgeYourself – This option applies vintage aging only to the face (dial, hands, and bezel for The Diver). It allows you to enjoy my craftsmanship while also letting you naturally age exterior such as case and bracelet with you.

Are KATABAMI watches water resistant?

Yes, it’s water resistant 10ATM. Small water is fine such as rain but personally I do not recommend showering.. swimming.. etc as watchmaker.

Warm water makes humidity, high temperature and water pressure which is not good for watches. Also swimming in the sea can cause hitting to waves and surface of water can be quite big shock for the watch.

I am sensitive for those problems so I don’t recommend to do it but if you do it, use it carefully and the crown must be tightened.

*Chronograph is 5ATM. Therefore small water is fine but do not recommend for swim.

Do you sell watches without aging effect?

I want everyone to enjoy my vintage aging effects because that is the most alive and tasty part of KATABAMI. Therefore I only make with aging effects🙏🏻 However, I understand some of you don't want it too much. In that case, you can choose AgeYourself and I make natural light aging for you.

What is the process of aging effects?

Basically repeating the process of how the vintage watch becomes vintage. There are many elements and definitions of vintage watch. Just one type of scratch can’t express vintage look, there are many type of scratches. For instance, by hitting to something, to rubbed against clothes, taking off / putting it on the table etc… those actions make variety of scratches. And other type of elements are environment such as heat by sunlight, sweat, oxidation etc…

I’m always updating and searching for new techniques to improve the whole look of the watch. Literally everyday. That’s my personality and my passion. Therefore KATABAMI is improving every single day.

How to do it in detail? That’s my top secret.. those are the treasures I cherish the most.. it is literally my “blood, sweat and tears” you can’t take someone’s effort by asking, earn by yourself and experience :)

Just one technique cannot be KATABAMI. Whole various techniques and the strong heart to seek the improvements everyday makes KATABAMI pieces.

Are all watches One of Kind?

Every piece is unique piece because they are all hand vintage aged by me one by one. Not a factory made or print like vintage-ish. Also I don't like to make mass-producing because it reduce the attachment and passion while making. Therefore, I always make it one by one.

every piece has different vintage aging. It is possible to make same level of aging as combinations but it will never be exactly the same because it's all hand made. So every piece is unique piece.

How do I do the maintenance?

Basically every watch repair shop can maintain it and of course I can take care about it too. If you want to send your Katabami for maintenance, please send me message through emailor DM on instagram.

And also, I do quality control test on every piece. The movement is regulated and they are very reliable therefore you don't need to worry too much :)

Can I take shower with watch?

Same as above. I don't recommend it and it’s going to be out of warranty if I see any signs of it.

However, if it was done by accident, if you see the fog inside, open the crown and dry it naturally for few hours (if necessary few days) in case the fog went away and move normally, good to go. In case it didn’t look good, please contact me for maintain.

3, Orders & Payment

Is my card information secure?

KATABAMI uses the Shopify platform, and I do not any have access to your credit card information. This means that even if my website were hacked, your card details would not be leaked. Additionally, I use triple-layer security for logging in to enhance safety. *However, if something happens to Shopify itself, that would be a different matter.

Is there any SALE discount?

KATABAMI don’t do any SALE. I don’t want to be unequal for every clients and it’s against my commitment. As I am also collector and consumer, simply it’s sad to see that it’s on SALE after I bought. So no SALE.

From where I can order?

Here Shopify or you can also order directly from email and DM on instagram. Instagram is faster response usually.

Can I change order details after planing order?

Basically no. Because I do everything by myself so I cannot handle changing sometimes and way more task for me.

Do you accept installment payments?

KATABAMI don’t accept installment payments. However, if you want to reserve a specific item but aren’t ready to pay yet, please contact me to check availability.

4, General

When is KATABAMI working day?

Basically I work everyday includes new year and summer holidays. Sometimes I take rest spontaneously but I always try to get back to you as soon as possible. I am known as responsible seller and I try to response maximum 24 hours so if you haven’t gotten reply from me after 24 hours, that’s unusual please contact me again or try different way. I do everything by myself includes making watches to shipping therefore there might be time I could be late, but please bear with me.

What does KATABAMI mean?

KATABAMI is the name of my family crest. It is one of the oldest historical family crest in Japan. It has the wish for a happiness for the whole family and the prosperity of descendants. I am planning to write or express in details when I’ve got a time in the future.

Do you sell parts only?

No, I am focusing on the watch and that’s how KATABAMI is complete as watch. So I don’t want to provide imperfection. However, additional bracelet or parts can be possible but it depends on the case. Feel free to ask me.

What is "Kitibako" 「桐箱」?

Kiribako is a traditional Japanese wooden box to keep presious crafts or dishes. Please check instagram post for more interesting story about Kiribako.