This is from a 2013 Watchuseek thread, cannot confirm if it is (was) true or not: " Where Seiko Watches Are Really Made - A Juicy Mistake? About a year ago I became interested in purchasing my first really high end diving watch and began researching many of the better known brands. That lead me to look into the construction of the Spring Drive movement a few months later, and I sent some detailed questions to Seiko, not really expecting to hear back. But, low and behold, a few days later, a female engineer who works for Seiko named Keiko Matsumoto sent me some replies and we kind of struck up a correspondence. (we are both university trained engineers and we both spent some of our education at Tokyo University) In the past seven months or so, I have occasionally received valuable insight from her about not only Seiko products but also watchmaking and their industrial manufacture in general. Because of a thread asking about the SKX007 J and K versions a few days back, I decided to email her to get the low down. She said she could not comment but directed me to a Seiko executive who she said might be helpful. I emailed the guy and this is what he sent back (although, he asked not to be named): ".....due to the nature of customs and labor laws in Japan, products are generally allowed to be stamped with Made in Japan if they are produced outside the national boundaries as long as they are manufactured in a wholly owned Japanese firm where the work is overseen by Japanese nationals. Generally speaking, watches priced below about 90000 yen (currently $838 US dollars) do not contain enough profit margin to be made in Japan. This is not just for Seiko, but for all major Japanese manufacturers. Watches priced roughly from 90000 to 250000 yen (currently $838 to 2328 US dollars) are often finished or with final assembly done in Japan and higher end watches above this point are often fully assembled in Japan. ....." He then went on to talk about a few other sales points, but then he included a 2013 list for me of where well known Seiko divers are made. Here is the list by price range: (RP - Raw Parts, MIM= Made in Malaysia, MIC = Made in China, MIJ = Made in Japan, RA = Robot Assembly, HA = Hybrid Assembly (robot and human), HuA - Human Assembly) Generally Seiko divers and many other models less than about $175 dollars are made of raw parts from China, with assembly done by robots in Malaysia and are overseen by Malaysian technicians. SKX007 K = Raw Parts made mainly in China, MIM, RA, Oversight from Malaysian Technicians SKX007 J = Raw Parts made mainly in China, MIM, RA, Oversight from Japanese Technicians (which allows the J version to be labeled as Made in Japan) SBDC001 (Sumo) -almost all Sumo versions - Raw Parts made mainly in China, MIM, RA, Oversight from Japanese Technicians on assembly line SNM031, 033, etc... (Samurai) - Raw Parts mainly from China, MIM, RA, Oversight from Japanese Technicians SBDC007 (Shogun) - Raw Parts from mainly China, Titanium case machined and finished in Malaysia, MIM, HA, with final oversight done in Japan by human hands MarineMaster SBDX001 (MarineMaster 300m) - Raw Parts mainly from Japan and Malaysia, MIM, RA with final oversight by Japanese technicians in Japan (bet this will surprise many as the 8L35 in this watch is robot assembled) SBDB001 (MarineMaster 600m Titanium) - Spring Drive made in Japan, MIJ, HuA with all assembly overseen by Japanese technicians in Japan MarineMaster Tuna SBBN017 - Quartz movement made in Malaysia, MIM, HA with final inspection by Japanese technicians SBBN015 - Same as SBBN017 SBBN013 - Quartz movement made in Malaysia, MIJ, HuA with all assembly done by Japanese technicians in Japan (The list also mentions a few other quartz 1000m resistant models. These models all seem to be fully made in Japan by human hands) SBDX011 - Raw Parts from Japan and Malaysia, MIM, HA with final oversight by Japanese technicians in Japan SBDB009 - Raw Parts from Japan and Malaysia, Spring Drive made in Japan, MIJ, HuA with all assembly overseen by Japanese technicians in Japan Grand Seiko Almost all the Grand Seikos are made from Japanese or Malaysia parts, although some of the quartz movements are made in Malaysia. They are all assembled in Japan by Japanese technicians. Most are hand assembled. The models which receive the most attention are the Hi-Beat models and next are the Spring Drive models. And the funny thing was, after I received this juicy tidbit, I got another email a few hours later, saying "The previous listing is from production records in the past and does not reflect current Seiko manufacturing standards". The executive even apologized for sending me incorrect information and when I asked him for updated info, he said that he probably could not comment. And I have not heard back since then. Maybe his accidental release of "old records" will help solve a few WUS Seiko questions. You decide."
Long story short, if the above thread was not just a hoax, then basically all SKX were made - at least in the past decade - out of Japan, but the J version was overseen by Japanese people, while the K version was overseen by Malaysian people. So the difference is in the quality control only, which is a bit disappointing, considering the fact, that non SKX from past decade touched Japan, not even the raw materials or the parts of the watch.
A J-model SKX isn’t JDM. It’s Dubai/Middle East. They are both made in the same factories. I generally collect J, just because I like the ‘Made in Japan’ on the dial, however this is pure wank on my part.
Noone is saying the J model is JDM. Did you actually listen to the video? The guy said when people RELATE the jdm market to the skx it's no wonder the J model gets more of a premium. He didn't say the J model is JDM. Marc at Long Island Watch said the J version is made in Japan as well as the movement. He said the K model is made in various places such as Malaysia and more recently Hong Kong. He said he knows this because the watches are labelled as such when he gets them. I would think he knows what hes talking about. So to say they all come out of the same factory is wrong.
@@Barnaby_bo Actually The Whorologist is Right, the only reason why those SKXs say that they are made in Japan is because the middle east market requires BY LAW that articles sold in that market say where are they come from, I have something interesting for you to read, and also yes Marc at Long Island is wrong on this topic, the SKXs are the bottom of the line from Seiko, hence no longer made in japan, only their best models are made there. Cheers watch enthusiasts thewatchface.com/seiko-made-in-japan-really-made-in-japan/
@@cuestion-de-tiempo "Server not found" Not a surprise given that your story sounds like total bullshit. We need PROOF to believe that the "MADE IN JAPAN" printed on the watch face doesn't mean it was MADE IN JAPAN. You sound like a kid with a "K" watch who is trying to make himself feel better.
They are made in Malaysia. The only difference is a Japanese person oversees the build so that they can say Made in Japan for the Middle East (second language on the day is Arabic). The watch is made by robots anyway...
@@Xanduur hi can I ask you a question, I want to get the skx009 but want the one with the Arabic day. So is that going to be the J version, the one that will say 'made in Japan' thanks.
I recently purchased the K. Ive had a long discussion with a friend of mine regarding the differences of J and K. He is obsessed about watches and he purchased the J. The differences are minimal. I think it is how big enthusiast of watches you are. For collectors I believe its better to get the J, for everyday folks like me its the K
They are BOTH made in a factory in Malaysia. They are just made for different markets... which have different requirements for what you can put "Made in X" on. That is why the K doesn't have Made in Japan... because that region has more restrictions on how you label where something is made.
There is a third version, which is the SKX173 and 175. They are made exclusively for the American market, and they feature MALAYSIA on the dial and case back. Apparently the hue of blue on the bezel is darker than the K versions, and closer to the tone of the J versions. I just discovered that I purchased a 175 and all this time I thought it was a 009.
I think people buy the J model mostly because they want the authenticity of it overall. Markings of "Made in Japan" on the dial and case back might not seem as much to most, but it sorta implies that this Japanese brand watch comes and manufactured directly from Japan. Sort of like wanting that "Swiss Made" certification. But quality wise, the subtle difference is very much unnoticeable. People might say the J feels better than the K because they think good Japanese quality of workmanship, but it could all just be a placebo effect. Heck, even other Seiko J models still have that misalignment problems...
Curiously, the J's chapter ring in the video has poorer alignment than the K version. It is particularly noticeable around the twelve o'clock index. Both of the SKXes (K models) that I have owned in the past have been similarly afflicted by misaligned chapter rings. Even a brand-new SBDC051 I have is also plagued by this. Seiko continues to try our patience... Rumors are strong that the SKX has finally been retired after a twenty-three year production run, so the watch community is eagerly awaiting Seiko's next move. Will there be a direct replacement, or will they let the newly-announced Seiko 5 models that look like the SKX take over with the Turtle series becoming their entry-level ISO rated 200 meter diver?
Here's something interesting. A guy did a review on the seiko manta ray and the caseback said made in Japan, however the tag reflected it was not the Japan version. His theory was that both watches are made in same exact factory but the wrong tag was put on to be sent to different geographical markets... and I tend to agree with this theory
I have had both k and j models and after wearing the j for a year, i prefer the k model, here's why. The lume dots on the k are fuller to the edge of the printed white dial and the J model is more conservative with the lume allowing more printed white borders around the lume. I value the lume and the K model delivered more lume for night viewing.
One big difference you may have forgot to mention is that of the day wheel and their different scripts depending on which model you get. J versions get Arabic-Kanji/English day indices while the K versions get Spanish-Roman/English indices. French is another language used. My J version has Arabic. Not sure if other languages have been used.
I have the 009K and the 007J. The K has better QC than the J. Better alignment, lume application and accuracy. The only area where the J beats the K is in the polish. The lines between the brushed and polished surfaces are crisper. I guess it's all down to luck of the draw really.
I have both a 007k and 009j. Love them both and there is no real difference between them but my 007 gets all the wrist time. Iconic watch shame it was discontinued. I have an srpd but that doesn’t really get much attention. Still a nice watch though
They're from the same factory, but JDM versions of any SEIKO automatic always guarantees tighter/finer regulation out of the box, I have one Seiko "5" JDM that's stunningly good daily summing, same goes for my Jade Monster and SKX009J1 etc. I buy the BOR bracelet if it only had SEIKO stamped on the clasp.
I get that you’d want the watch manufactured where it’s designed, but I prefer the cleaner look of the K version. Seems like the consensus is personal choice!
It's not really a mystery, they're made in Malaysia. My 175, along with the discontinued 173, actually have it on the dial to comply with America's "country of origin" requirement for imported goods. There is no difference in any of them other than some slight difference in text on the dial and case back.
I have both J and K models, its can be very hard to distinguish between them in some ways, but I do prefer the J model, I personally think they are slightly better all round, I like the finish on them and also seeing MADE IN JAPAN. But then again I love Seiko as a brand.
I owned a SNKE57J1 and SKX013K1, with the former being a JDM model. Timekeeping wise, they're the same IMO (both have 7s26 which goes a few minutes faster if I wear them continuously for a week). I'm not sure if the chapter ring misalignment issue of the SKX is only limited to the K version, but mine is indeed misaligned slightly.
Actually neither of this watches is Made in Japan anymore, they just labeled them "made in Japan" because the middle east market where this watch is intended to be sold requires by Law that each article needs to specify where is coming from, since Seiko is Japanese it will say Made in Japan; also Japanese law allows for items to be produced outside of the island labeled "Made in Japan" as long as a Japanese national is overlooking at the manufacturing process. Read below thewatchface.com/seiko-made-in-japan-really-made-in-japan/
The difference will be most notable in the price in 10-15 years, especially since they've been discontinued. I'm putting my 007J back in the box while it's still perfect and getting a Sharkey to wear around.
Not only that but the J isn't "Japan-only," "JDM," or even sold in Japan. It's an export model made in the same factory as all the others, but intended for a different market. Why would they make a JDM watch with Arabic-English day wheel rather than Kanji?
@@TheShotenZenjin Nope sorry not even close. None of the so called made in Japan are made there. Only high end Seiko like grand Seiko are truly Japan made.
Watch Crazy This is from a Seiko advertisement in Japan (actually for a Seiko 5): ムーブメントだけではなく、組み立てまで日本でおこなった確かな品質の日本製 . In English, this translates as: Not only the movement but also the assembly is performed in Japan, assuring Made in Japan quality.
Nowadays where everything is made in China you have to appreciate the products made in the country of origin. Getting the best price can not be the most important thing. All seikos in my collection are made in japan.
The movement of the SKX is so old and honestly not the most accurate. The lack of hacking and hand-wind makes the movement utterly obsolete. The asking price of $175-$250 is ridiculous but if one really dig the look and iconic reputation, go for it. The Orient Ray II with hacking and hand-winding movement is a better overall watch IMHO. I have the SKXJ version btw and still love it. I've had it regulated a few times and every time I wear it it's hard to get it off my wrist. Cool looking watch and it is officially discontinued.
I had J and K, and the bezel on the K was much smoother, and the hands on the J version were scratched. Movement also more accurate on the K. But definitely this is just pure luck, it could have easily been the other way around. That’s why I think there’s no actual difference between them. And I prefer the K version because there’s one less line of text on the dial so it looks better, cleaner to my eyes. I also very much doubt the J are made in Japan, there’s no evidence of any Seiko mechanical watch production in Japan except for Grand Seiko.
Then the other argument is , you wouldn’t put leather on something meant for water , I had the j , for a couple of months got fed up with none winding and hacking , my new 5 sports fills that gap , not bothered about the 200 mtrs I s o certificated, I’m a sofa diver like most who moan about it , cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
The K is better look for me ,cleaner face dial .The quality should be the same even if they didn’t do in the same factory.The machines in the factory is the same so quality should be too ,but we know some of them are tiny bit better then the other but this can happen ,depending of your luck.Some K models could be better than the J models or opposite.Unfortunately the quality control is not the best in Seiko that is why all depends on luck :)).But both watches are amazing my opinion
Funny thing is they both use the same materials and movements. And basically the same watch.. So if you spent more money on a j version then that's really silly! It's the same watch! It's like buying a VW in The UK or a VW in Germany.. It will still be the same car!
i’ve got the J version, bought from dubai, it is legit japan made, business dealings between japan and the uae is important, uae wanted it’s product pure from them, they have high respect to each other. But the quality J and K version are all the same. coz the standardization and machinery of the company are the same.
Sigh. The J vs K debate was almost dead after about 10 years, and finally people were becoming more informed about the fact that 'J' DOES NOT mean it's made in Japan, or superior to the K. This video just spreads more misinformation. I suggest you dislike the video if you agree, maybe they'll do more research next time.
