Mike on a bike 0 Posted January 17, 2016 Check this link out, what say you? Anyone know the real deal on this , I always try to get the "J" ones. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyboy 5 Posted January 17, 2016 From what I have read the J models are assembled in Japan. The K models made in Malaysia Not to be confused with what is described as JDM Japanese Domestic market watches. The only real difference will be the conditions that they are put together in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WatchDog21 3,345 Posted January 17, 2016 From what I have read the J models are assembled in Japan. The K models made in Malaysia Not to be confused with what is described as JDM Japanese Domestic market watches. The only real difference will be the conditions that they are put together in. Exactly what I have always read. Usually the "K" models run a bit less dollar wise but quality is still all Seiko. "J" models will have "Made In Japan" on the dial and "K" models will not Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MetalMickey 179 Posted January 17, 2016 I think it's like buying an Audi, a Volkswagen, a SEAT or a Skoda. Basically mechanically the same but made in different conditions in different factories in different countries. FWIW I usually just buy the K ones as I refuse to pay a premium for 'made in Japan' on the dial in writing so small it can't be read without a jeweller's loupe! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daywatch 4 Posted January 17, 2016 Bought a 5 Sports SNZH57 J-model and later the SNZH55 K-model: can´t tell any difference in assembly, looks, way they work or reliability between both so next time I will go with the cheaper model. Although psychology will want to make You believe "J" is better, it´s more a mental kind of thing nowadays (I do believe maybe 10 Years ago You could tell a difference). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pharmo 33 Posted January 17, 2016 Bought a 5 Sports SNZH57 J-model and later the SNZH55 K-model: can´t tell any difference in assembly, looks, way they work or reliability between both so next time I will go with the cheaper model. Although psychology will want to make You believe "J" is better, it´s more a mental kind of thing nowadays (I do believe maybe 10 Years ago You could tell a difference). Totally agree. I have never personally noticed any difference to be honest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike on a bike 0 Posted January 17, 2016 Ok , but as we read they claim bullshit all assembled in Malaysia but Japanese over see "J" models and Japan has no law like the Swiss as to where built trade mark etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MoveAlong 23 Posted January 17, 2016 I can totally believe that they're made in the same factory. I think either the K or J can both be good or bad. I had to buy 3 SKX009J's before I got one that didn't have a misaligned or poorly printed chapter ring. My SKX009K was the same way, but a moot point as it's now a canvas for modding. But on the J, it's funny how it is psychologically important to have "21 Jewels" on the dial. I admit it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyboy 5 Posted January 17, 2016 They have been claiming Bullshit for a long time now MOAB.I have read many a thread on this topic on the forums. Some of the guys on SCWF have came up with different replies allegedly from Seiko. Somewhere in the middle lies the truth. I have owned many K and J models which only differ in cosmetics. Not experienced any quality differences. There was an interesting article calling out Seiko`s secrecy and questioned whether they have the right to advertise as "Made in Japan" and what would qualify as made.I have searched for it but can`t find the article now. Recently Sky watches were selling their SNZH J models cheaper than the K ones which would make you wonder. I believe their Malaysia and Japan factories are equipped and staffed exactly the same,the running costs for Malaysia are probably cheaper. Only thing I am sure of is Seiko won`t give you a straight answer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gazzla 23 Posted January 17, 2016 All 'J' models are manufactured in Japan. 'K' and 'P' models are manufactured in Malaysia, China or Korea. As Andy said, Seiko are a bit mysterious on the whole production gig. The GS, Prospex, SARY and SARB models are Japan made and tend to be of better quality, but the movements are widely used in non Japan made models. I've bought over 60 Seikos in my time and the difference between the Japan and non Japan models is negligible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
k4jun 251 Posted January 17, 2016 I had around 20 Seikos so far, honestly never notice any significant difference between "J" and "K", all made me equally happy... I only care about "J" dial if the additional wording suits well to a mod concept Could be wrong but only reliable source telling where good was produced is a barcode, isn't it? "Swiss made" means that most valuable part has been produced in CH and watch was assembly took place in CH area. "Made in Japan" means that assembly took place under supervisory of people with Japanese citizenship. Both watch standards are nothing more than marketing bollocks IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
halcyon 0 Posted January 18, 2016 Day wheel is different from J to K. On J model there is English and Arabish characters, while Spanish and English on K. :-) "Made in Japan" do not mean full assembling in Japan. However, when products says "Made in Japan", it must in Japan at finish stage. I want you to believe me for I'm living in the Country. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rawbaws 91 Posted January 18, 2016 I read somewhere once upon a time that J models can in fact be produced outside of japan but have Japanese employed QC staff or whatever permanently in the factories (as opposed to locally employed) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
halcyon 0 Posted January 18, 2016 Japanese law does not allow that. Some illegal product may do that but the place is important where the product is finished. Even Chinese people make a factory in Japan and produce some items, they can sell them as "Made in Japan". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike on a bike 0 Posted January 22, 2016 Well I guess that settles it LOL , maybe made in Japan maybe not and the overall quality well no body really can tell the difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
escortcosworth 0 Posted January 23, 2016 I mean, I'm sure building a $200 Seiko is a highly standardized process. I probably wouldn't pay more since my non J SKX's are exceptional for the price anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RussP 22,532 Posted January 24, 2016 As plenty of other Seiko-philes have commented................having owned models with the J and the K suffix has caused me no problem, so far. I'm happy to wear either and have no issues with whether they're Japanese, Malaysian, Korean or anywhere else assembled. I just love my Seikos........... 'nuff said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
