What World Commerce Corporation does

World Commerce Corporation (ワールド通商株式会社), founded in March 1970 by Yosuke Saito in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, is a privately held Japanese trading company that imports, exports, and distributes luxury Swiss mechanical watches and fine jewelry under exclusive authorized agency agreements. Since 1998, it has served as the sole authorized Japan importer and distributor for the FRANCK MULLER Watchland Group and its family of brands, including Franck Muller (the flagship), Backes & Strauss (London, founded 1789), CVSTOS, Pierre Kunz, European Company Watch, Martin Braun, Pierre Michel Golay, Rodolphe, and Barthelay. The company employs 122 people (as of April 1, 2025), operates from registered ¥45 million in capital, and is headquartered in Chuo-ku, Ginza, Tokyo under Representative Director Toshiya Kawai, with founder Yosuke Saito serving as Chairman. Geographic operations are concentrated in Japan, with the Myanmar branch opened in 2015 having been closed in 2021.

The company's commercial footprint comprises four directly-operated retail boutiques — FRANCK MULLER WATCHLAND Tokyo (POSCO Tokyo Building, Ginza), Ginza Six, and Osaka, plus the Watchland Gallery for certified pre-owned watches — supplemented by an authorized dealer network of over 50 nationwide partners including Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, Seibu, and Daimaru. Its technical/service offering centers on a world-class maintenance workshop that performs mechanical overhauls (precision adjustment within ±20 seconds/day across 5 positions, ~4–5 week turnaround), battery replacement and quartz servicing (~4 weeks), and certified pre-owned authentication via serial-number and product-code verification under the Watchland Gallery program (launched 2010). Revenue streams combine new luxury watch and jewelry retail, after-sales service fees, certified pre-owned sales, and accessory sales; pricing is quoted on a per-transaction basis for service or in-store consultation for new pieces, with no public price disclosure and no online e-commerce catalog.

The go-to-market is multi-channel: direct-to-consumer flagship retail, authorized department-store and specialty retailer wholesale, and event-driven marketing through motorsports sponsorships (CVSTOS series sponsorship of SUPER GT, ~400,000 spectators), professional golf and athletics ambassadorships under the Athlete Support Plan, and cultural/CSR engagement (Kabukiza Theatre support, African Elephant conservation, COVID-19 research funding). The company holds Privacy Mark certification (JIPDEC, since 2011) covering import, wholesale, sales, and repair operations, and is supported by Japanese-language social channels for FRANCK MULLER, CVSTOS, and Backes & Strauss on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.

Name

World Commerce Corporation

Legal name

ワールド通商株式会社

Website

https://wccweb.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

World Commerce Corporation is a privately held Japanese trading company founded in 1970 that serves as the exclusive authorized Japan importer and distributor for the FRANCK MULLER Watchland Group and its 10 family luxury watch brands, operating four flagship boutiques in Tokyo and Osaka and supporting over 50 authorized dealers with nationwide maintenance and certified pre-owned services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Watch Retail and Distribution

NAICS

Jewelry, Watch, Precious Stone, and Precious Metal Merchant Wholesalers (42394), Jewelry Retailers (458310)

SIC

Wholesale-Jewelry, Watches, Precious Stones & Metals (5094)

akta.pro primary industry

Watch Retail (Authorized Dealers, Boutiques, Omnichannel) (CRAKADAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Pre-owned Watch Dealers & Exchanges (CRAKAKAB)

Keywords

• Luxury watch retail
• Luxury watch distribution
• Watch maintenance services
• Certified pre-owned watches
• Luxury jewelry import

Headquarters

HQ city

Chuo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Luxury Watch and Jewelry Retail: New luxury Swiss mechanical watches and jewelry sold through company-operated flagship boutiques and authorized dealer network. Primary revenue stream from FRANCK MULLER and family brand watches including Franck Muller, Franck Muller Future Form, Franck Muller Wedding, Backes & Strauss, CVSTOS, Pierre Kunz, European Company Watch, Martin Braun, Pierre Michel Golay, Rodolphe, and Barthelay.
2. Maintenance and Repair Services: After-sales maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for mechanical watches. Services include battery replacement for quartz watches (~4 weeks turnaround), full overhaul for mechanical watches (~4-5 weeks), magnetic demagnetization, and waterproof testing. Services provided at authorized service centers.
3. Certified Pre-Owned Watch Sales: Sales of authenticated pre-owned luxury watches through Watchland Gallery. Watches verified through serial numbers and product codes with official warranty provided.
4. Watch Straps and Accessories: Leather straps, metal bands, and accessories sold at authorized retail stores. Straps available in various sizes, materials, and colors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

World Commerce Corporation is the exclusive Japan importer and authorized distributor for the FRANCK MULLER Watchland Group and its family of Swiss luxury mechanical watch brands (Backes & Strauss, CVSTOS, Pierre Kunz, European Company Watch, Martin Braun, Pierre Michel Golay, Rodolphe, Barthelay), along with related luxury jewelry. The company sells these brands directly through company-operated flagship boutiques in Tokyo and Osaka and indirectly through a nationwide authorized dealer network, and provides authorized after-sales maintenance, overhaul, and repair services, as well as certified pre-owned watch sales through its Watchland Gallery.

Product overview

World Commerce Corporation operates as a luxury watch import and distribution company, serving as the Japan import agent for the Franck Muller Watchland Group and its family brands. The company manages a portfolio of Swiss luxury watch brands including Franck Muller (core brand), Franck Muller Future Form, Franck Muller Wedding, Backes & Strauss, CVSTOS, Pierre Kunz, European Company Watch, Martin Braun, Pierre Michel Golay, Rodolphe, and Barthelay. Beyond wholesale distribution to authorized dealers, the company operates directly-managed retail boutiques (Franck Muller Watchland Tokyo, Watchland Osaka, Watchland Gallery) and provides comprehensive after-sales services including maintenance, repair, overhaul, and certified pre-owned watch sales. The business model centers on import distribution, retail operations, and technical service delivery for the luxury watch portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FRANCK MULLER: Swiss luxury mechanical watch brand - flagship brand imported and distributed by World Commerce Corporation in Japan.
• FRANCK MULLER FUTURE FORM
• Backes & Strauss
• CVSTOS
• Pierre Kunz
• European Company Watch (ECW)
• Martin Braun
• Pierre Michel Golay
• Rodolphe
• Barthelay
• Franck Muller Wedding
• FRANCK MULLER GENEVE
• Watchland Gallery

Products and services

• FRANCK MULLER luxury mechanical watches FRANCK MULLER is the flagship Swiss luxury mechanical watch brand distributed by World Commerce Corporation in Japan, featuring complex complications and distinctive case designs, sold through flagship boutiques and authorized dealers with official international warranty.
• Backes & Strauss watches British luxury watch and diamond jewelry maison founded in 1789 and now part of the FRANCK MULLER group, distributed in Japan by World Commerce Corporation with full authorized warranty.
• CVSTOS watches Swiss luxury watch brand within the FRANCK MULLER group, distinguished by bold sporty designs and serving as the official series sponsor of Japan's AUTOBACS SUPER GT motorsport championship.
• FRANCK MULLER FUTURE FORM lifestyle products Total lifestyle sub-brand under the FRANCK MULLER umbrella launched in 2017, extending the brand beyond traditional watches into lifestyle products and collaborations.
• FRANCK MULLER Wedding watches and accessories Wedding-themed brand offering luxury timepieces and accessories for wedding occasions, sold through dedicated channels in Japan.
• FRANCK MULLER Jewelry

Quantifiable outcome

• Customer protection from counterfeit products through official warranty only available at authorized dealers
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• FRANCK MULLER WATCHLAND GroupcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 1998Exclusive Japan importer and authorized distributor for FRANCK MULLER luxury mechanical watches since 1998. World Commerce Corporation serves as the sole authorized import agent for the Swiss brand in Japan, handling distribution, retail operations, and after-sales service for the primary brand.
• FRANCK MULLER Family Brands (Backes & Strauss, CVSTOS, Pierre Kunz, European Company Watch, Martin Braun, Pierre Michel Golay, Rodolphe, Barthelay)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 1998Authorized Japan importer and distributor for all luxury watch brands within the FRANCK MULLER group. Following 2007 group integration, World Commerce Corporation holds import agency contracts for all family brands including Backes & Strauss, CVSTOS, Pierre Kunz, European Company Watch, Martin Braun, Pierre Michel Golay, Rodolphe, and Barthelay.
• Lotte (Lottee Co., Ltd.)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship partnership for Pink Ribbon Charity Golf events (2024, 2025). FRANCK MULLER provides hole-in-one prizes and other awards for breast cancer awareness charity golf events organized by Lotte.
• Tokyo MX TelevisionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsorship of Lotte presents TOKYO MX 30th Anniversary Pink Ribbon Charity Golf 2025. Brand visibility through television event coverage.
• AUTOBACS SUPER GT / ARTA RacingflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCVSTOS brand serves as official series sponsor for AUTOBACS SUPER GT, Japan's top motorsport series attracting approximately 400,000 annual spectators. Also sponsors the ARTA racing team competing in GT500 and GT300 classes.
• Kabukiza TheatreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBackes & Strauss serves as official supporter of Kabukiza Theatre, supporting traditional Japanese performing arts since 2014. Part of cultural engagement strategy.
• Student Organization ActryminorOthersSponsorship of Actry, a student organization working on animal welfare and human-animal coexistence. FRANCK MULLER supports their activities including animal photo contests and educational events.
• African Elephant Tears Picture Book Project (特定非営利活動法人アフリカゾウの涙)minorOthersSponsorship of NPO project delivering picture books about African elephants to elementary schools nationwide. Distributed 5,000 books to educate children about wildlife conservation.
• University of Tokyo COVID-19 Response FundminorOthersDonated portion of sales to University of Tokyo's COVID-19 emergency research fund supporting drug/vaccine development, infection prevention, and medical system enhancement.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves17 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Watchfinder & Co. UK-based specialist in certified pre-owned luxury watches, now part of Richemont. Directly comparable to WCC's Watchland Gallery business model of authentication, warranty provision, and retail of certified pre-owned luxury timepieces.
• The Hour Glass: Singapore-headquartered multi-brand luxury watch retailer operating boutiques across Asia-Pacific. Highly comparable to WCC as a multi-brand authorized dealer group combining flagship retail, authorized distribution, and after-sales service for premium Swiss watch brands.
• Sincere Watch: Hong Kong-based luxury watch retailer with multi-brand boutiques across Asia. Closely mirrors WCC's model of representing multiple premium Swiss watch brands through both directly-operated stores and authorized dealer networks in Asia.

Emerging players

• Crown & Caliber: US online retailer specializing in authenticated pre-owned luxury watches with trade-in services. Overlaps with WCC's Watchland Gallery pre-owned business model, though operating in a different geography.
• Chronext: European online luxury watch retailer offering both new and pre-owned timepieces from multiple premium brands. Comparable to WCC's multi-brand luxury watch retail model but distributed primarily through e-commerce rather than physical boutiques.
• Hodinkee: US-based premium watch media and retail platform (acquired by LVMH in 2024) that combines editorial content with authorized and pre-owned watch sales. Comparable to WCC's combination of brand-building content (via social media and brand sites) and curated retail.
• Bob's Watches: US-based online marketplace for authenticated pre-owned luxury watches, with transparent pricing and buy-sell-trade operations. Comparable to WCC's Watchland Gallery certified pre-owned watch program, though primarily transactional/e-commerce rather than boutique-driven.

Broad incumbents

• Compagnie Financière Richemont: Swiss luxury goods group owning Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, and other premium watch brands. Operates extensive global retail and after-sales networks that overlap with WCC's distribution and service functions but as a brand owner rather than importer.
• LVMH Watches & Jewelry division: Owns TAG Heuer, Hublot, Zenith, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co. watches, with extensive global retail and service operations. Functions as a brand owner competing for the same authorized distributor relationships WCC depends on.

Regional players

• Origina Watch Company: Thailand-based multi-brand luxury watch retailer with boutiques in Bangkok and Southeast Asia. Operates a similar multi-brand authorized luxury watch model to WCC but in a different geography with a different brand mix.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/FRANCKMULLER_JP
• Facebookfacebook.com/FranckMullerJapan
• Instagraminstagram.com/franckmuller_japan
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/world-commerce-corporation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about World Commerce Corporation