29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Jewellery and watches

Q&Q

Japan

Q&Q is a Japanese watch brand founded in 1976, whose name stands for Quality and Quantity. It makes affordable analogue, digital and solar watches sold in more than 120 countries.

Facts
Founded1976
NameQuality and Quantity
MarketsMore than 120 countries
Key seriesSmileSolar
Websiteqq-watch.jp
Segment
Value
Categories
Watches
Sales channels
WholesaleE-commerceMarketplaces

What is Q&Q?

Q&Q is a Japanese watch brand that began in 1976 by exporting mechanical watches. Its name stands for Quality and Quantity, reflecting the aim of producing reliable Japanese timepieces in volume for people around the world. The brand later added "Joy" to its philosophy.

History

After its mechanical beginnings, Q&Q added analogue quartz and digital watches in 1980 and 1981 and solar watches in 1995. Between 2000 and 2005 it introduced titanium, stainless steel, aluminium, radio-controlled and ten-year battery models. The SmileSolar series followed in 2013.

Products and positioning

Q&Q positions itself as an affordable, dependable brand for everyday customers, with a wide range of designs for different styles and occasions.

  • Analogue quartz watches
  • Digital watches
  • Solar watches, including SmileSolar

Since 2013 part of SmileSolar proceeds has supported the TABLE FOR TWO school meal programme in Africa and Asia, reaching 150,000 meals by 2017.

Distribution

Q&Q watches are sold in more than 120 countries through retailers and online channels.

Why it matters

Q&Q demonstrates the export-led value end of the Japanese watch industry, combining wide global distribution with accessible pricing.

Frequently asked questions

What does Q&Q stand for?

Q&Q stands for Quality and Quantity, the idea of producing reliable Japanese watches in volume.

Where are Q&Q watches from?

Q&Q is a Japanese watch brand founded in 1976.

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