The good old "J" vs "K" argument... I think every Seiko enthusiast has invested some mental energy in pondering and researching this ongoing enigma (including myself). I obsessed over it a few years back and did as much research as I could, reading discussions on different forums, etc. One guy even included a copy of a communication from someone at Seiko (another message retracted it afterward). I'm not going to try and retrace my steps and to find those same links again. I'm sure I bookmarked them at the time but that was a few phones ago... Anyway, I'll rely on my (admittedly) somewhat faulty memory and share what I was able to find out about the question that never seems to go away. What I learned is that the wage scale in Japan is much higher than other Asian countries such as Malaysia and that the only Seikos that are truly "Made in Japan" are the Grand Seikos, the LX models, and anything with the 8L series of movements or higher). From a logical standpoint what makes more sense? Do you think Seiko has two identical set ups; one in Japan to produce Turtles with "Made in Japan" on the dial and then another in Malaysia to make the same model with "Movement Japan" on its dial? Or that they're made in the same facility and they slap different dials on them? Picture this scenario... meanwhile, the Malaysian factories are churning out thousands of Turtles, Samurais, Monsters, etc. Now we switch to the Japan factory where an artisan is hand polishing a Grand Seiko case. A supervisor approaches and says, "Mr. Shinto, that case looks fantastic! Do you think when you're done polishing and installing the movement in that piece you could knock out a couple hundred Seiko 5s and Turtles before you go home today? Our suppliers are running low on the Made in Japan versions." "That'd be great, thanks!" Notice that the vast majority of "international models" Srpd lines meant for sale in the U.S. do not have "Made in Japan" on the dial. Sbdy models are meant for the JDM market only. Models with "Made in Japan" on the dial would be more desirable in the American market but Seiko can't sell them as such because they don't meet U.S. criteria to qualify as truly manufactured in Japan. So, they have different dials than the ones intended for other markets that don't have such strict criteria. An exception I can think of is the Spb051/053 (first 62mas reissues from 2017) did have "Made in Japan" on them. But, the newer 62mas and Williards have "Japan 6r35" on the dials and simply "Japan" on the caseback. Something I think Seiko is doing by having the lettering, "Japan 6r35" on these newer models, is making it more palatable for the U.S. market by giving the impression it is "Made in Japan". Having "Japan 6r35" on the dial is essential the same as "movt Japan", it's just slicker presentation. At the end of the day what truly matters is what people want and what they will pay for. I suspect that Seikos with "Made in Japan" on the dial and case will always be the most desirable/collectable versions to have. After all that being said... at the end of the day, would I rather my watch had "Made in Japan" on it? You betcha!!! Would I pay as much as a $150.00 ~ $200.00 premium for the same exact piece to have "Made in Japan" on it? Probably not.
I own both SKXs ( 007J and 009J ) my brother owns the same watches on K versions . We have spent time checking every single detail on them , using magnifying classes with built in fluorescent light and we concluded that they are identical . I paid the extra money due to vanity , Iam a fan of Japanese culture and I wanted mine to say " Made in Japan " on the dial . I also own the 5H26-7A10 and the 5H26-7A19 which basically are quartz versions of the SKXs and I love them to death .
Thanks for sharing your experience with your J vs K research. I agree they're the same. While a person might find some inconsistencies between one example and another I think has nothing to do with where it's made and everything to do with it being a mass produced product.
What it comes down to is the labor rate is higher with the Japanese made J models, they obviously make more profit on the K ones. I’m sure the production facilities are very much the same.
Perception IS reality! If you're willing to spend more $$ to have a particular brand name on your watch face, why wouldn't you be willing to spend a bit more to have "Made in Japan" on it? It's impressed more people - including watchmakers - than anything else on my watch dials! So here are the two major differences: 1. Prestige / "snob value"; 2. Resale value. Worth an extra 50 bucks? You bet!
Well explained and good points were made on the differences. It really comes down to personal preferences and bragging points about "I have the Made In Japan" version.
I have a snxs79j1 and it has the extra dial text on the dial as well as an added seiko 5 logo on the clasp. It just feels more complete with these small details. I ended up paying only 10 dollars more than the K
I own both, the brushing is better on the J, the casing between the 12 to 3 side is slightly wider, the lugs are different (the jubilee fits better on the K), bezel slightly stiffer. I own both 007 K &J and 009 K & J.
There's so much speculation on the difference between K and J and very little hard evidence. I've heard people insist they all come from the same factory and others insist the J is made in Japan and the K is made in Malaysia/Korea/Hong Kong/Indonesia/China etc. Ultimately, I think you're correct. Any perceivable difference comes down to fluctuations in the manufacturing process inherent in affordable, mass produced watches. I personally prefer the J model because of the "21 jewels" on the dial. It's a reminder that the watch is a traditional mechanical watch which is part of a strong lineage of Seiko divers.
Thanks for watching Kiwi. I really do believe there is nothing separating the K and J versions in terms of quality and any differences people are seeing one way or the other are nothing more than variance and fluctuations in manufacturing. Thanks again and good luck at the tables!
I've got 5 of each and i can't say the J models are any better than the k models..and i've really tried to find which is better..I've been lucky,i've had no misalignment problems..and they all run well and keep good time..so i don't think their is any quality differences between the two models..
I see a difference in the minute hands at 1:25/10:02. One has a mostly black outline around the arrow head and shaft, the other has a white (lume?) outline. I also see a difference at the end around the pin going through the hands (don't know the name) and even the pin itself, appears different.
I'm not sure, I think it's just light reflecting and shadowing the camera is picking up. This isn't the best camera, it's just a low end Sony camcorder.
I believe it’s only the reflection, that’s character of the reflective silver surface, as I assume the two watches aren’t facing the exact angle, that’s why even the blue in the dial look different too
Very good review ! I have now had a history lesson on Seiko Divers watches. I have the K version divers watch . I most likely would have payed the extra fifty dollars had I known before hand, But I am not disappointed about my investment at all...
Thanks for watching Reggie. I don't mind having to pay a few extra bucks for the J version, purely to get the extra line of text on the dial. But to be clear I do believe that's all that is different. In terms of quality of materials and fit and finish, they will tend to be the same. Sometimes someone is going to find a K version that seems a little nicer and sometimes someone will find a J version that seems a little nicer, but it's entirely luck of the draw.
Actually, many companies will use spectrophotometers to make sure that their products sport [or produce] the "same" colors. For example, there is only one sort of "Coca-Cola red" and only one sort of "Uniqlo red". Based on this video, apparently, Seiko doesn't do this for their watches :-(
Thanks for watching and for the comment. Based on my 2 examples the Red is the same, but others people on RUclips have suggested that they have slight variations in color on their watches. That said I would probably say there's a big difference between Coca-Cola red and the red on an SKX for example. Coke Red is used universally throughout the whole brand. The SKX009 is just 1 watch in a catalog of hundreds, and there's no real need for perfect uniformity as it's not a color unique to the brand as a whole.
Agreed on all of those opinions that you point out in this. Though basically in a very small different variations and what not of the same model, it really comes down to anyone's preferences and opinions. I think that all of it just within the specs, though maybe very small percentage would be either very good or very bad piece. I don't know. It doesn't bother me that much so far.
Before watching this video I would be happy to own either, currently I own the j version, but have watched a lot of videos from people who own both and have quoted that they are equal in most opinions however here in the uk 🇬🇧 proberbly up to 70 dollars difference in price ,,, the j demands a higher price thanks Shane uk 🇬🇧
Wish theres a video showing how these affordable mass produced seikos are made. They only show the production of grand seiko and I get it, its the best but we also wanna see the production of seiko 5, skx, turtle, samurai, presage.
Based on my own experiences I totally agree...I have a K 007 and a J 009...same case quality, same bezel feel, same crown action...I also would think that differences are rather due to production deviations than systematic differences.
You’re getting the same movement regardless. The J seems to have a little better quality control. If they can both be found at the same price, I would go with the J version. Although I’ve seen the J version sold for more money a lot of times. If you’re paying more for a J version it’s not worth it. Paying 20% more is extreme in my opinion. Either way you get a solid workhorse of a watch that’s become its own entry level classic to collectors.
As far as I believe most likely neither are Made in Japan. The J or K is to comply with the rules of the market where the watch will be sold in. Certain countries will require the goods that are being sold to have written down the original of the product and as Seiko is a Japanese company it will be Made in Japan. Found this on Watchuseek as this topic has been discussed alot.
Thanks for watching and sharing. Lots of people say different things, the problem is I’m not sure Seiko has said anything officially on the topic, at least that I’m aware of, tough to know what’s accurate.
my seiko5 malasia fogged up early and the date window bexel fell off, it ran erradically and i couldn't set the balance wheel properly .my j versions never had a problem.
It’s common knowledge that for Japanese brand, they keep the best for themselves and not for export, which is why people would thin k that the J version is better. Not only seiko, same goes to Sony TV, Hi-Fis, game console...etc same goes to Mizuno soccer and running shoes... so it’s completely normal for people to believe to found the MIJ are better, and I believe mostly because of the QC, and to be honest, most of the parts for both version I believe it was made in China or somewhere with cheaper labour
Tough question. I’m not sure I could pick just one. I’ll think about it and maybe discuss it in my year in review/state of the collection video coming up.
The 12 o clock chapter ring is off on the Malaysian version, 3rd person I saw in a row with that issue on the J, and supposedly the K version is produced in Hong Kong not Malaysia. J is for me😬 call me a purist
Made by Japanese assembled in Japan or Malaysia ...that the true. The true is not all the part of the watch is really made in Japan. When people will understand this...
I just don't trust anything that does not say where it was made and if Hong Kong or china get the fuck out.. I rather get the Japan version for a bit more
Reading through the comments I see people using the word "snobbery" and SKX in the same sentence. I find this laughable. I suppose it comes down to the human need to feel special. Even my entry level beater watch has to be better than your entry level beater watch.
On the Japanese version, case polishing was better, way the crown screwed in felt different, bezel was tighter, divers 200 written in red. watch ran +2 to +5 seconds per day. Made in Malaysia ran -5 seconds per day. Which was the real reason I sent the Malaysian model back. Both watches had misaligned chapter rings. So that's a D merit on both watches.
Thanks for sharing. I don’t doubt your account of the differences but if I was to guess I think that those things would be common variances you’d find in either version and not necessarily specific to where it was made. In other words it’s luck of the draw. A viewer that has loaned me several watches said his experience was more a less the opposite and he found his K versions to be slightly better than his J version. In my case there’s really not a noticeable difference in either.
Great video! I have not noticed any difference between the two versions aside from the aforementioned lines of text. I've seen dials and bezels fade fairly quickly when exposed to constant strong light so I can see that as adding a perceived difference when comparing two individual watches. All manufacturing steps have variations within a tolerance and comparing individual watches is taking a sample size of one from each version. Finding one K and one J version with differences in manufacturing tolerances does not prove a line-wide difference. However, finding one of each version that share the same attributes of would disprove the claim that there is a line-wide difference in that attribute between versions.
What do you think of the claim that they J version has a better regulated and more accurate movement? I don’t have any inside knowledge but I really don’t believe any factory would go out of their way to better regulate one over the other. But some people insist it is true.
I don't think any one person has a big enough sample size to extrapolate the observation of one watch (or even a hundred watches) into a general claim. Unless a Seiko rep from the factory or corporate office says so or if it is in official sales, marketing and press materials, the claim of better precision and accuracy in J models is unfounded. Besides, anyone who is familiar with the 7S26 movement knows how much its performance varies. A lot of folks say the SKX is "robust" but a drop or hard knock could affect it enough to require regulation and/or readjustment. Also, if the dials are indeed marked "Made in Japan" just to meet import requirements then it can't be true.
I think you’re absolutely right. To be honest, it’s probably gonna be a very unpopular thing to say, but I am losing a lot of respect for these lower end Seiko movements. I’ve been loaned and have purchased upwards of 20 Seiko watches over the past year and I’ve seen such an outrageous range of performance that I’m finding it hard to believe all of the platitudes about how much of a durable, reliable and robust movement these are. It’s not that impressive at all once you start to see dozens of them.
The good old "J" vs "K" argument...
I think every Seiko enthusiast has invested some mental energy in pondering and researching this ongoing enigma (including myself).
I obsessed over it a few years back and did as much research as I could, reading discussions on different forums, etc. One guy even included a copy of a communication from someone at Seiko (another message retracted it afterward).
I'm not going to try and retrace my steps and to find those same links again. I'm sure I bookmarked them at the time but that was a few phones ago...
Anyway, I'll rely on my (admittedly) somewhat faulty memory and share what I was able to find out about the question that never seems to go away.
What I learned is that the wage scale in Japan is much higher than other Asian countries such as Malaysia and that the only Seikos that are truly "Made in Japan" are the Grand Seikos, the LX models, and anything with the 8L series of movements or higher).
From a logical standpoint what makes more sense? Do you think Seiko has two identical set ups; one in Japan to produce Turtles with "Made in Japan" on the dial and then another in Malaysia to make the same model with "Movement Japan" on its dial?
Or that they're made in the same facility and they slap different dials on them?
Picture this scenario... meanwhile, the Malaysian factories are churning out thousands of Turtles, Samurais, Monsters, etc.
Now we switch to the Japan factory where an artisan is hand polishing a Grand Seiko case. A supervisor approaches and says,
"Mr. Shinto, that case looks fantastic!
Do you think when you're done polishing and installing the movement in that piece you could knock out a couple hundred Seiko 5s and Turtles before you go home today? Our suppliers are running low on the Made in Japan versions."
"That'd be great, thanks!"
Notice that the vast majority of "international models" Srpd lines meant for sale in the U.S. do not have "Made in Japan" on the dial. Sbdy models are meant for the JDM market only.
Models with "Made in Japan" on the dial would be more desirable in the American market but Seiko can't sell them as such because they don't meet U.S. criteria to qualify as truly manufactured in Japan. So, they have different dials than the ones intended for other markets that don't have such strict criteria.
An exception I can think of is the Spb051/053 (first 62mas reissues from 2017) did have "Made in Japan" on them.
But, the newer 62mas and Williards have "Japan 6r35" on the dials and simply "Japan" on the caseback.
Something I think Seiko is doing by having the lettering, "Japan 6r35" on these newer models, is making it more palatable for the U.S. market by giving the impression it is "Made in Japan".
Having "Japan 6r35" on the dial is essential the same as "movt Japan", it's just slicker presentation.
At the end of the day what truly matters is what people want and what they will pay for. I suspect that Seikos with "Made in Japan" on the dial and case will always be the most desirable/collectable versions to have.
After all that being said... at the end of the day, would I rather my watch had "Made in Japan" on it?
You betcha!!!
Would I pay as much as a $150.00 ~ $200.00 premium for the same exact piece to have "Made in Japan" on it?
Probably not.
I own both SKXs ( 007J and 009J ) my brother owns the same watches on K versions . We have spent time checking every single detail on them , using magnifying classes with built in fluorescent light and we concluded that they are identical . I paid the extra money due to vanity , Iam a fan of Japanese culture and I wanted mine to say " Made in Japan " on the dial . I also own the 5H26-7A10 and the 5H26-7A19 which basically are quartz versions of the SKXs and I love them to death .
Thanks for sharing your experience with your J vs K research. I agree they're the same. While a person might find some inconsistencies between one example and another I think has nothing to do with where it's made and everything to do with it being a mass produced product.
An authorized Seiko salesman told me that the K version is made in Hong Kong. I prefer the Japanese version as well. It looks more complete.
Ya I’ve heard a few different suggestions on where it’s actually assembled, unfortunately no confirmation directly from Seiko that I’m aware of.
You might get a made in China version.
What it comes down to is the labor rate is higher with the Japanese made J models, they obviously make more profit on the
K ones. I’m sure the production facilities are very much the same.
Good points Inthink you’re absolutely right. Thanks for watching Chris.
Perception IS reality! If you're willing to spend more $$ to have a particular brand name on your watch face, why wouldn't you be willing to spend a bit more to have "Made in Japan" on it? It's impressed more people - including watchmakers - than anything else on my watch dials!
So here are the two major differences: 1. Prestige / "snob value"; 2. Resale value. Worth an extra 50 bucks? You bet!
Thanks for watching and good points, there is a perception difference for sure.
Well explained and good points were made on the differences. It really comes down to personal preferences and bragging points about "I have the Made In Japan" version.
I have a snxs79j1 and it has the extra dial text on the dial as well as an added seiko 5 logo on the clasp. It just feels more complete with these small details. I ended up paying only 10 dollars more than the K
I own both, the brushing is better on the J, the casing between the 12 to 3 side is slightly wider, the lugs are different (the jubilee fits better on the K), bezel slightly stiffer. I own both 007 K &J and 009 K & J.
Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing your experience.
The j version has a darker dial also the bezel colour is a darker red
Thanks for watching I appreciate it.
There's so much speculation on the difference between K and J and very little hard evidence. I've heard people insist they all come from the same factory and others insist the J is made in Japan and the K is made in Malaysia/Korea/Hong Kong/Indonesia/China etc.
Ultimately, I think you're correct. Any perceivable difference comes down to fluctuations in the manufacturing process inherent in affordable, mass produced watches. I personally prefer the J model because of the "21 jewels" on the dial. It's a reminder that the watch is a traditional mechanical watch which is part of a strong lineage of Seiko divers.
Thanks for watching Kiwi. I really do believe there is nothing separating the K and J versions in terms of quality and any differences people are seeing one way or the other are nothing more than variance and fluctuations in manufacturing. Thanks again and good luck at the tables!
I've got 5 of each and i can't say the J models are any better than the k models..and i've really tried to find which is better..I've been lucky,i've had no misalignment problems..and they all run well and keep good time..so i don't think their is any quality differences between the two models..
Thanks for sharing your experience with them. I appreciate it.
Try to drop test it tells u what 21 jewels are for
My Seiko kinetic diver had a Made in China sticker on the back upon receipt from Creation Watches. The fit, finish and performance is perfect.
Which model was that watch, do you know off hand? I didn’t know they had China production.
SKA371P1
Cool, nice looking watch. Thanks for sharing.
I see a difference in the minute hands at 1:25/10:02. One has a mostly black outline around the arrow head and shaft, the other has a white (lume?) outline. I also see a difference at the end around the pin going through the hands (don't know the name) and even the pin itself, appears different.
I'm not sure, I think it's just light reflecting and shadowing the camera is picking up. This isn't the best camera, it's just a low end Sony camcorder.
I believe it’s only the reflection, that’s character of the reflective silver surface, as I assume the two watches aren’t facing the exact angle, that’s why even the blue in the dial look different too
Very good review ! I have now had a history lesson on Seiko Divers watches. I have the K version divers watch . I most likely would have payed the extra fifty dollars had I known before hand, But I am not disappointed about my investment at all...
Thanks for watching Reggie. I don't mind having to pay a few extra bucks for the J version, purely to get the extra line of text on the dial. But to be clear I do believe that's all that is different. In terms of quality of materials and fit and finish, they will tend to be the same. Sometimes someone is going to find a K version that seems a little nicer and sometimes someone will find a J version that seems a little nicer, but it's entirely luck of the draw.
Actually, many companies will use spectrophotometers to make sure that their products sport [or produce] the "same" colors. For example, there is only one sort of "Coca-Cola red" and only one sort of "Uniqlo red". Based on this video, apparently, Seiko doesn't do this for their watches :-(
Thanks for watching and for the comment. Based on my 2 examples the Red is the same, but others people on RUclips have suggested that they have slight variations in color on their watches. That said I would probably say there's a big difference between Coca-Cola red and the red on an SKX for example. Coke Red is used universally throughout the whole brand. The SKX009 is just 1 watch in a catalog of hundreds, and there's no real need for perfect uniformity as it's not a color unique to the brand as a whole.
Great video on this topic. I’m strongly considering buying an skx 175 another option other than the j or k model .
Agreed on all of those opinions that you point out in this. Though basically in a very small different variations and what not of the same model, it really comes down to anyone's preferences and opinions. I think that all of it just within the specs, though maybe very small percentage would be either very good or very bad piece. I don't know. It doesn't bother me that much so far.
Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it.
Before watching this video I would be happy to own either, currently I own the j version, but have watched a lot of videos from people who own both and have quoted that they are equal in most opinions however here in the uk 🇬🇧 proberbly up to 70 dollars difference in price ,,, the j demands a higher price thanks Shane uk 🇬🇧
Thanks for watching
Wish theres a video showing how these affordable mass produced seikos are made. They only show the production of grand seiko and I get it, its the best but we also wanna see the production of seiko 5, skx, turtle, samurai, presage.
It doesn’t matter which is better, I mean for example would you rather get a Rolex made in Swiss or made in Korea?! Do you see the difference now?!!
Very good review - thorough!
Thanks Manny, appreciate the feedback.
Based on my own experiences I totally agree...I have a K 007 and a J 009...same case quality, same bezel feel, same crown action...I also would think that differences are rather due to production deviations than systematic differences.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience Ron, I appreciate it.
Strange thing is the Japan model is now worth more used!
You’re getting the same movement regardless. The J seems to have a little better quality control. If they can both be found at the same price, I would go with the J version. Although I’ve seen the J version sold for more money a lot of times. If you’re paying more for a J version it’s not worth it. Paying 20% more is extreme in my opinion. Either way you get a solid workhorse of a watch that’s become its own entry level classic to collectors.
Thanks for watching and sharing your perspective. I always appreciate it.
As far as I believe most likely neither are Made in Japan. The J or K is to comply with the rules of the market where the watch will be sold in. Certain countries will require the goods that are being sold to have written down the original of the product and as Seiko is a Japanese company it will be Made in Japan. Found this on Watchuseek as this topic has been discussed alot.
Thanks for watching and sharing. Lots of people say different things, the problem is I’m not sure Seiko has said anything officially on the topic, at least that I’m aware of, tough to know what’s accurate.
I’ve got both versions and all I can say is the lume lasts longer on the k versions besides that I can’t find a difference
Excellent points
Thanks for watching John, I appreciate it.
Yes, I paid the extra money for the J.
But who fucking cares?
my seiko5 malasia fogged up early and the date window bexel fell off, it ran erradically and i couldn't set the balance wheel properly .my j versions never had a problem.
It’s common knowledge that for Japanese brand, they keep the best for themselves and not for export, which is why people would thin k that the J version is better. Not only seiko, same goes to Sony TV, Hi-Fis, game console...etc same goes to Mizuno soccer and running shoes... so it’s completely normal for people to believe to found the MIJ are better, and I believe mostly because of the QC, and to be honest, most of the parts for both version I believe it was made in China or somewhere with cheaper labour
Okay you get the K version and I get the J version and we’ll both be happy 😂
K versions might be coming out of Singapore.
Thanks for the info and for watching. I appreciate it.
What is your favorite watch of all time
Tough question. I’m not sure I could pick just one. I’ll think about it and maybe discuss it in my year in review/state of the collection video coming up.
The 12 o clock chapter ring is off on the Malaysian version, 3rd person I saw in a row with that issue on the J, and supposedly the K version is produced in Hong Kong not Malaysia. J is for me😬 call me a purist
Thanks for watching I appreciate it.
Exactly
Made by Japanese assembled in Japan or Malaysia ...that the true. The true is not all the part of the watch is really made in Japan. When people will understand this...
I just don't trust anything that does not say where it was made and if Hong Kong or china get the fuck out.. I rather get the Japan version for a bit more
when expert do talking..awesome
The printing looks better on the K version - especially the 2.
I didn’t notice much difference in the print on the dial. I’ll have to look again.
JustBlueFish Watch Reviews Maybe not to the naked eye, but certainly on the video.
Watch your own video a little closer. There are other differences.
You're missing the point, but thanks for watching I do appreciate it.
Reading through the comments I see people using the word "snobbery" and SKX in the same sentence. I find this laughable. I suppose it comes down to the human need to feel special. Even my entry level beater watch has to be better than your entry level beater watch.
Thanks for watching Patrick, I appreciate it.
No brother. There are definite differences. I bought both, and returned the made in Malaysia watch.
Thanks for watching. What difference did you observe in yours?
On the Japanese version, case polishing was better, way the crown screwed in felt different, bezel was tighter, divers 200 written in red. watch ran +2 to +5 seconds per day. Made in Malaysia ran -5 seconds per day. Which was the real reason I sent the Malaysian model back. Both watches had misaligned chapter rings. So that's a D merit on both watches.
Thanks for sharing. I don’t doubt your account of the differences but if I was to guess I think that those things would be common variances you’d find in either version and not necessarily specific to where it was made. In other words it’s luck of the draw. A viewer that has loaned me several watches said his experience was more a less the opposite and he found his K versions to be slightly better than his J version. In my case there’s really not a noticeable difference in either.
Sorry guys but K looks incomplete.
J all the way!
Great video! I have not noticed any difference between the two versions aside from the aforementioned lines of text. I've seen dials and bezels fade fairly quickly when exposed to constant strong light so I can see that as adding a perceived difference when comparing two individual watches. All manufacturing steps have variations within a tolerance and comparing individual watches is taking a sample size of one from each version. Finding one K and one J version with differences in manufacturing tolerances does not prove a line-wide difference. However, finding one of each version that share the same attributes of would disprove the claim that there is a line-wide difference in that attribute between versions.
What do you think of the claim that they J version has a better regulated and more accurate movement? I don’t have any inside knowledge but I really don’t believe any factory would go out of their way to better regulate one over the other. But some people insist it is true.
I don't think any one person has a big enough sample size to extrapolate the observation of one watch (or even a hundred watches) into a general claim. Unless a Seiko rep from the factory or corporate office says so or if it is in official sales, marketing and press materials, the claim of better precision and accuracy in J models is unfounded. Besides, anyone who is familiar with the 7S26 movement knows how much its performance varies. A lot of folks say the SKX is "robust" but a drop or hard knock could affect it enough to require regulation and/or readjustment. Also, if the dials are indeed marked "Made in Japan" just to meet import requirements then it can't be true.
I think you’re absolutely right. To be honest, it’s probably gonna be a very unpopular thing to say, but I am losing a lot of respect for these lower end Seiko movements. I’ve been loaned and have purchased upwards of 20 Seiko watches over the past year and I’ve seen such an outrageous range of performance that I’m finding it hard to believe all of the platitudes about how much of a durable, reliable and robust movement these are. It’s not that impressive at all once you start to see dozens of them.