Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum Message Archive

There's a FAQ you can look at that contains lots of information:

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/190951

Here's the relevant info from the FAQ on the difference between Singapore and Japanese Seiko divers:

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=190951&messageid=1023584504

Some folks say the Japanese divers (SKX007J) have slightly better workmanship (better markers, dial, etc.) than the Singapore models (SKX007K). Others say there's not much difference.

The movements in both watches are the same 7S26, so there should be no difference in performance aside from individual variations from one watch to another.

The models marketed in N. America (SKX173 and SKX175) are all made in Singapore and have square markers. The Asian models (SKX007 and SKX009) have round markers and the 007J is made in Japan while the 007K is made in Singapore. The 011J is an orange dial diver and I believe is made in Japan. There's also a yellow dial one (SKXA35) that I think is made in Singapore.

From what I've seen, there's really no real difference between the Japan-made models and the Singapore-made ones. I have a SKX007J (Japanese model) that came with a crooked date wheel while my SKX00JK (Singapore model) is flawless. Otherwise, they look identical to me. Both have similar accuracy.

As to the price difference, well, I think it has more to do with the supposed rarity of the Japanese models than the real quality of the different divers.

That's a nutshell of what I know. Other gurus here might you a different perspective.

Bottom line is, I think the Seiko divers, wherever they're made, are all terrific watches that are built like tanks. So enjoy your watch and don't be afraid to bang it up. They're meant to be abused.

-Kevin