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Showing 1 of 381 conversations about:
Seiko Core Diver SKX Automatic Watch
Eglicomet
33
Jan 26, 2019
Is the J code really worth the extra $40? Asking for a friend...
Rexford
121
Jan 26, 2019
EglicometThe internet is full of opinions on this topic, but since you asked here...I will give you my opinion right here:
Short version: No. They are the same...only assembled in different locations. You can see a full video here
https://youtu.be/r4dpZGhjgiI
long version: Maybe. For watch collectors and super cool dudes, having the "Made in Japan" on the dial makes the watch more betterer. I somewhat agree with that...like having a "limited edition." Similar to anything people collect, there really is no value except that of the owner and others who may want to buy it.
Also, I like Japan and want to support their workforce. They are super nice people to me. I also assume that they pay their workers in Japan better wages than what they pay the workers in Malaysia (only my assumption, I have done zero research on this). So I think my dollars are going more for a living wage if I buy a J model.
My 009 was a K version because the seiko outlet only had K. My 011 is a J and I do not think it is better than the K's but they don't have the 011 in a K (that I know of)...and I just finished modding the 011, so was it made in Japan now? Jokes on you because I am in Japan right now. Hooray! MADE IN JAPAN ALL THE WAY! EVEN THE MODS!
I also have a J batman turtle...I got that mostly hoping to get a kanji datewheel. in that case, the joke was on me because I got arabic. :(
Omega_Eric
45
Jan 26, 2019
EglicometI have two Japanese and two non-Js. I tried to put a Strapcode oyster metal band on the one of the non-Js and the casting was off at the band pins and would not go on. Never had this issue with any of the Japanese SKXs. This could just be a one off QC issue with the one I got. Otherwise everything appears identical and no other issues. I did fit a Crafter Blue on the non-Js with no issues and the rubber strap has more tolerance to adjust. The strap that comes with these watches is very hard and almost uncomfortable to wear. Buy the crafter blue strap and you will own an amazing icon diver that can take a beating.
monocline
31
Jan 26, 2019
EglicometI agree with Rexford and have owned lots of seikos from varying years and mfg plants. Sure, some may have mfg defects (misaligned chapter rings seem to be the most common QC issue but some people just convince themselves that SOMETHING has to be wrong) but the rates, movement timings, etc. do not appear to vary. If you have a personal attachment to having it mfg in Japan and it's worth $40 to you then by all means buy it an enjoy, though.
Eglicomet
33
Jan 26, 2019
EglicometThank you to everyone who responded. @Rexford @Omega_Eric @monocline
Erik1
255
Jan 26, 2019
RexfordAfter my own research down this rabbit hole, I think the claim that J models are assembled in Japan is dubious. I agree with those that claim the J models are made for different markets and the markets they are destined for have have lax rules regarding country of origin. Regardless, the watches are functionally equivalent and given that this is a budget watch, paying extra for no functional benefit is ridiculous. Anyway, buy somewhere other than massdrop, as these are without any warranty at all, and my experience with massdrop is they will not cover any defects after 30 days. I had a citizen Diver the second hand fell off after 30 days after wearing only a handful of times. Massdrop refused to address this, so beware here as well
Rexford
121
Jan 27, 2019
Erik1I have read the same claims that "Made in Japan" is not accurate, but have not seen any reliable information on that. It is all just a bunch of yahoos on the internet. The one thread talks about the legalities and import/export etc, but no evidence.
https://forums.watchuseek.com/f21/seiko-made-japan-not-203774-12.html
this last page has an e-mail from Seiko stating that "made in Japan" models are manufactured in Japan. I'd like to believe it is true. :)
I am aware that the parts can come from elsewhere, but I can see an extra $40 for assembly and a cool dude labeling. Does it increase function? Nope! If we were worried about function, we would all be wearing quartz timex or g-shocks.
johnnyjohnny
132
Jan 27, 2019
Eglicometthis has been gone into at length on some watchboards. the j code and non j code and japan movement marked models are not differentiating where the watch is made. they are made in the same factories side by side. they are for different markets with different labeling requirements. made in japan is generally made for the mideast market which you can see by the languages on the date wheel. k models have french & or spanish date wheels (tho my memory could be off). they all also have english. the movmt japan models meet certain country label requirements of watches imported by dealers for resale...for the u.s. market for instance, tho you can get any of these variations straight from overseas.
so the j or made in japan premium cost is in part a misunderstanding by watch buyers, or not as some people will pay more just to have that on the dial and case. while some of the portions of these models are...as we all know...made in malaysia they can still say japan because japan has different content requirements than the famous or infamous swiss ones we are all aware of.
knowing this it still might be worth it to me to get the j code. but as for misalignment issues it is more the luck of the draw as my own experience can attest. i have had some of the worst 6 and 12 marker alignments on made in japan skx's anf turtles.
Erik1
255
Jan 27, 2019
RexfordI guess if paying 20% more for a functionaly equivalent item makes you feel like a "cool dude" then ok. Personally I think it would make me feel like a chump which is not at all cool. As far as whether a J or K will make other people, who are unlikely to even notice you are Waring s watch, think you are a cool dude or not sporting your budget watch goes without saying. But do what floats your boat.
(Edited)
Rexford
121
Jan 27, 2019
Erik1If you change your mind and want to join the club, it is ok. We take cash and $40 is a small investment because the benefits of the cool dude club is worth much more! We will teach you the secret handshake. You just do that handshake to any club member and doors open. (note: the secret handshake makes the "Made in Japan" printing on your watch notable to those in the know) Before I got my SKX011J, I was just some jerk typing on a computer, but after I got in the club, I am pretty much the same. Later, I am going to get some chicken. I bought some hot sauce today that claims to be Japan's #1 hot sauce. Only #1 for me from here on out! That is why I am buying chicken...for to have the application of #1 hot sauce!
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B018VY2FOK?m=A1UUWRATV5A4GU&ref_=v_sp_widget_detail_page
but hey, good luck, everyone on this wacky watch world. It is a wild time full of various opinions. None of the opinions are right or wrong. Buy what makes you happy and I really do not see a benefit to the J models. My J turtle was somehow cheaper on amazon than the K by a significant amount. However, I would pay $20 more for the J....$40 is definitely pushing it.
nohrum
8
Jan 29, 2019
Erik1This shows the difference between the K and J model respectively. The Finish on the J model is better and there are differences between the bezel and the face, as well as the back of the watch. It is not necessarily for being a "cool dude"but some people prefer stiffer bezels and others do not. It is as you said, down to preference.
Erik1
255
Jan 29, 2019
nohrumThat sample size is not sufficient to support any conclusion. These differences are not indicative of other samples. I have researched theis for several years and there are counter examples to those in this video. If you search for results that show there is a difference, you will find such examples if you search for the opposite you will find the examples. Beware confirmation bias. And I am now done with this argument. People (including me) have been arguing about this for years and they will for many more years I suppose, so I am out. It is a budget watch, the difference is about $40, no one is going to know or care which you choose. It isn't worth the energy spent trying to justify either position. I think anyone spending extra for J version is silly but that is each person's choice.
(Edited)
Rexford
121
Jan 29, 2019
nohrumThis is the problem, I think people are not doing full research. You post a link to a video and then contradict the video. I also question whether or not you read all the other comments first. A link to that same video is in the first comment...I posted it.
The video says the finishing is the same. It also says the bezel action is the same. Watch starting at five minutes ten seconds to five minutes twenty seconds. He says they are identical and then checks the bezel action on both. People who state differences are not checking a large data set (from what I can see). Seiko is known to be very inconsistent on things. If you read reviews on any seiko, people will make specific complaints about bezel action, screw down crown action etc that vary. Some are smooth and others are not. I think it is the luck of the draw (akin to the chapter ring alignments). So taking one of each to compare is not enough.
However, Mark from Long Island Watch is a salesman, but I do think he is honest in his reviews and watch and learn series. My first research into this a while ago had many people talking about the coloration was different on the J models, but Mark also explained that regarding dye lots etc. It varies for all models regardless of production location. Also, I would suspect that the bezel inserts are all produced outside of Japan and only assembly (to some unknown degree) is in a Japan factory for J models. However, I have no proof of this...just my theory. The e-mail from Seiko assuring their customers that assembly is in a Japan factory is proof enough for me. (link in earlier post)
So I stick by my story. The only difference that I can find is the place of assembly (I have seen no evidence to counter this...only people talking on the internet) and some markings (Made in Japan, 21 Jewels, etc). This is why I say it why I consider it to be the "cool dude" factor or somewhat of a "special edition" (although not really a "special edition"). Something different. If you want a watch to tell time and looks nice, get the K and save some money. If you have a watch box (or kitchen drawer) with many seikos and have disposable income to waste, then get that J....or not. OR if you want the SKX011, it only comes in J (from what I can tell).
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