Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum Message Archive

if you do a search, you'll be surprised at how many hours worth of typing has been spent discussing this.

Now here's my theory. Some countries import laws want the product to be marked not where it was actually manufactured, but where the company who makes it is originally based out of. In this case, the watch is a SEIKO, and Seiko is based in Japan regardless of how many plants are spread throughout the remainder of the world. (Singapore, Hong Kong etc.) I really can't think of any other legitimate reason why a watch cased in China with a mov't made in Singapore would be marked "Made in Japan". Maybe it should say "Made by a company who is originally from Japan" Notice all the models with singapore movt's don't say "Made in Singapore" they just say "Mov't Singapore" because they are being sold in countries whose import laws might not be as anal as the Arab countries where most of the "J's" are sold hence their Arabic alternate days. And as far as a difference in quality, well does it matter what plant in the US a Chevy truck is made. A Chevy ZR2 is a Chevy ZR2 whether it was made in Linden New Jersey like mine or in Detroit, MI. (just an analogy) If you like "21 Jewels" on the dial like I do, then spend the extra $50.00 and get a "J". If you are a practicalist and think it's a waste of money, then get a "K" already. And if anyone thinks any of what I said is a bunch of $h!&, then we can settle it with a good 'ol "bare-knuckle" match on a Philadelphia shipyard dock near my house. (just kiddin', those days are in the past thank God)

Bottom line, ask questions and buy the one your heart tells you!

Best Wishes,

Tom