Is the Seiko SKX "J" really better than the "K" version?

Today I happen to have two original, May 2018 SKX's. Same year, same month, different factories. A #SKX009K2 and a #SKX007J1. With the Seiko SKX becoming more and more scarce as they are long discontinued, should you really hunt down a J version or is a K version just as good? The "J" version commands more money, but is it worth it? I will show you the differences between the two!
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[@mec2911]

Just picked up another 007J 2018 w/box/papers. I keep selling and buying them. I plan to keep this one! Such a nice watch I appreciate more as time goes on. Great video.

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you! I’ve done the same a few times! You are not alone!

[@drgeek100]

I have the K for over 10 years and it's working fantastic!

[@threehandhunter]

My nephew will inherit my J in about 12 years 😀

[@lulul]

the "made in japan" j versions are not actualy made in japan, they are made for the japanese market but not in japan.. the main /minimal requirement for a watch to have the "made in japan" written on it is for the production line supervisor to be a japanese person.. all budget J version seiko watches are made in malaysia, most likely in the same exact factories where the k versions are made.. only the higher end seikos are actually made in Japan.

[@threehandhunter]

Someone else mentioned this too. I’m sure it’s true. Kinda like the “Swiss Made” conundrum too. However, my local friend who collects SKX and Turtles specifically. Some of the J versions he has feel different, look sharper. They just do…..hard to know.

[@Marythundermug]

They are made in he same factories not in japan.

[@tailsneon556]

J is Middle Eastern market where the loophole exists where someone from Japan oversees final production and they can claim "Made in Japan" Hence the Arabic day wheel on J's

[@Canteaus]

This is a fact. Why would Seiko make the exact same watch in two different countries with vastly different labor costs? This does not make any business sense (and please dont give me the car manufacturing example, that's a compeltely different thing). Due to differences in local laws, some watches are allowed to be labeled "Made in Japan" even though only a small percentage is actually made in Japan, whereas in other countries, this small percantage doesn't meet the minimum threshold, and therefore cannot be labeled as such. That being said, the "J" is more desireable from a collector's perspective.

[@gazzcw1]

This is false , the j version was made in japan and the k version was made in korea thats the whole point in the lettering also you will see the writing at the bottom of the dial on the j version that reads made in japan , not made for japan

[@michaelriera6277]

Nice thorough comparison. I’m glad I resisted the temptation to mod my Skx 007,009

[@threehandhunter]

Great choice not modding them! Agreed!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Keep up the great work man, new sub here! The SKX is such an Icon and a beautiful watch. However the prices not are insane! I missed out on getting the J version for just $10 more than what I got mine for, but I’ve been happy with my K model.

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks for the sub! I really didn't think I would buy another SKX, but since I was looking for my nephew's birthyear watch, I fell in love all over again. At this point, I know they have to stay in the collection. Even as an inferior watch (technically) they are still so nice to wear. Classic!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@threehandhunter 💯

[@OfficialDPTheRealDeal]

What are the prices now??? I got a K for 130$ lol

[@duketogo666]

Loved the dials, never loved the handset. Thanks for the video!

[@threehandhunter]

I did NOT at first. Especially in my early Seiko collecting years. But now (to me) they are "classic Seiko" and I love them now. I feel very similar to the Citizen Promaster NY0040 hands too. Disliked them at first...now? Love them. Acquired taste? lol

[@o751106]

The sapphire crystal is a must for the SKX

[@threehandhunter]

I haven’t done that to mine (yet) but agree 👍

[@nekiralider3326]

I bought the SKX009 J version, it came with ribber strap so i change it for the jubilee, in my collection apart of my casio i use for the gym, the SKX is the most used, not even my rolex come close, specially these days that you can lose an arm for it, i just love it perfect tool watch.

[@threehandhunter]

My 007j is on my wrist as I type and I have had it on my wrist all week too! Love it!

[@WatchRob]

Great video Blake. I have a 007J from June 2006 and I bought it from the original owner in Summer 2007. Regarding the Made in Japan qualifications, I did hear a rumor that only a Japanese citizen had to be present at the factory, or something like that, for the watch to be able to be said it’s made in Japan. Not sure how much truth there is to that. I also think some SKX’s are made in China as well as I’ve seen photos of stickers on casebacks saying China. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Who actually knows. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Keep up the great work.

[@threehandhunter]

Right? Who...actually...knows! haha But thank you for the kind words. And I think the differences are so very slight, that it isn't a bid deal. But what I do know is there may be A LOT out in the wild, but the ones that have not been modded are just becoming more rare. I really love the fact it is such an easy watch to wear. Anyway, thanks, Rob! All my best!

[@tailsneon556]

No SKX models were actually manufactured in Japan. Both K and J models were actually made in the same factory in Malaysia with parts from China. The suffix letter denotes intended market. J is Middle East which is why all J models have an Arabic day wheel second language. There's a bit of a loophole where they can say "Made in Japan" in those markets while only having someone from Japan oversee final production in the Malaysian plant. This is why it's not present on other market models. The watch is otherwise identical.

[@threehandhunter]

great information, thank you!

[@wojciech5177]

are you sure it works like this? the "Made in Japan" written on the dial, i think they couldn't do that if it wasn't made in Japan? don't it have to be at least assembled in Japan?

[@everydaynormalguy9901]

@@wojciech5177depending on the country they’re exporting to. For example, the US market has more strict rules so they have to specify where the movement is made and where the watch is assembled(if different) and sometimes they have to specify where the band is made from. Resulting seiko to make a whole new reference number. Skx009 is skx175 in the US and the caseback number us 7s26-0029. Dial says mov’t singapore/malaysia

[@choond]

Awesome video!

[@threehandhunter]

Thank for watching 🤙

[@JOSEFIRMINO2007]

Thank you.🙂👍🏻

[@threehandhunter]

My pleasure, sir!

[@jroobz]

I bought 2 j versions to keep as factory too. I’m modding the 007 with an NH36 because the movement died

[@threehandhunter]

nice upgrades...bravo!

[@michaelwertz6689]

I have a SKX j1 and it's perfectly aligned and keeps excellent time. I'll never mod it beyond a different strap or bracelet. Excellent video!

[@threehandhunter]

When you find one, you have to hold onto it! They are becoming unicorns 🦄 lol Thanks for the kind words👍

[@1968jpy]

I just this week received my new old stock SKX011J1 from Creation Watches . Like you said it came on a rubber strap but I had a stock jubilee bracelet from my 009 and put that on my 011 . The SKX watch is one of Seiko’s best ever made 👍🏻

[@threehandhunter]

That's pretty awesome you found one. It really is iconic!

[@jimabraham8613]

Ha! I JUST bought no more than ten minutes ago that exact same orange dial watch and from the very same company. It's my first Seiko.

[@1968jpy]

@@jimabraham8613 congratulations 🎉🍾🎈🎊 your going to love it 😊

[@threehandhunter]

You will love it for sure! @@jimabraham8613

[@VladimirLadev]

I appreciate the less text that there is on my 007 K

[@threehandhunter]

Great point 👍

[@ajh5407]

Such a classic design. I can understand why Island Watch makes their own version.

[@threehandhunter]

I owned one of the ISL's. And even though I thought the quality was less, the fact that he does so many variations will the upgrades.... you know Marc really did the smart thing there.

[@Watchtalkin2]

Long live the SKX. These are like the modern day (old school) Submariners. A true tool watch. The j version is where it’s at.

[@threehandhunter]

Agreed! It’s a classic!

[@JohnnyJohnJon83]

I’ve had 2 Js and found my K kept time more accurately

[@Watchtalkin2]

@@JohnnyJohnJon83 that’s really interesting. At this point I’ve upgraded one k to a 4r36 and my other k the stock 7s26. I’ll need to do some time testing

[@renehernandez6905]

I love my 007J version.power reserve is my only complaint.

[@squinkygordon1322]

I was fortunate to find a Seiko Skx007P9 a few years back. It was introduced as a new model for 2019 and its manufacture date is 4/19. From what I've been able to find out, production of the Skx models ceased in Sept of 2019. The only difference between the P9 and other versions of the 007 is that mine has "Air Diver's" (like the Prospex line) instead of "Scuba Diver's" written on the caseback. Other than the caseback, it's identical to the K version. (I do have the box and hang tag for it). Funny enough, the only examples of the Skx007P9 that I've come across on watch forums, as well as for sale on ebay, have ALL had a production month of April of 2019.

[@threehandhunter]

Wow, just one month!!??!! That's pretty insane, for real! Great information here, thank you!

[@squinkygordon1322]

@@threehandhunter I'm skeptical that it was only produced during the month of April but the only examples I have seen pics of online have had "94" as the first two digits of their serial numbers. But, I do believe it was produced only from Jan - Sept of 2019, as it was introduced as a new model for that year and then production of the entire line of Skx's ceased in September to make room for the new Seiko 5s.

[@threehandhunter]

@@squinkygordon1322 That does make sense to me.

[@bobdenton1]

Last month, I picked up my SKX009K from my brother. Five weeks after I got it early last spring, a screw came out of the Strapcode (I think) jubilee bracelet. Near, but not at the case. We’re both watch enthusiasts. Some SKX’s say 21 JEWELS on the dial, and some don’t. Mine doesn’t. Could that designation be limited to the J models? Nice video. Subscribed.

[@threehandhunter]

Bob, that is a good question. I'm not sure if J or not, but sounds like year differentials to me. Maybe an expert may chime in soon?

[@dinner_workingsly]

The lack of a bracelet is the only thing that kept me from the “j” model back when I was shopping for the SKX. Not that a seiko bracelet is all that…but I like the janky “jubilee””. Cool vid man, I thought the only difference was the bracelet thing and the dial writing. 👍🏼👍🏼 I wonder if one location has more consistent quality control. I would assume Japan would be better, but that’s purely assumption

[@threehandhunter]

You know, buying the "jangly" bracelet is like $40 bucks! I LOVE IT too...feels like an old school 60's Rolex bracelet feel, doesn't it? I assume the same about QC issues too!

[@saheel1850]

My J SKX has a QC problem so idk

[@1968jpy]

This is an awesome 😎 video. I’m a Seikoholic LOL 😂 and every Seiko and Orient I own is a J version except for my SKX009 and Seiko Padi Turtle 🐢. I do want an SKX009 J model though even though I have the K model already. I just recently purchased the two most recent Save the Ocean Antarctica Monster watches , SBDY115 and SBDY105 and I got from a local Authorized dealer in Maryland but both are made in Japan 🇯🇵 watches . I’m not sure if the Japan models are better but honestly I’m very happy that they are made in Japan 🇯🇵 models 👍🏻💯

[@threehandhunter]

I am a pure, 100%, Seikoholic too! I think we have the same sickness! That is real cool about the STO models you have! Thank you for the kind words my friend!

[@1968jpy]

@@threehandhunter you’re welcome my friend and have to say that Spork is a watch I would love to have as well.

[@KRW628]

I bought a pre-owned AUG18 SKX-K last year, near mint. The chapter ring was off by 2 1/2 minutes, and the crystal (which was not fully seated in the case) had dust and a smudge on the inside. The previous owner said he hadn't had the watch opened, so I've got to wonder if it came from the factory like this. Is the QC in Malaysia really that bad? But I really do like the watch. Fab Spork! Subscribed.

[@threehandhunter]

I dunno man, that sounds pretty horrible. No way it wasn't opened and modded before. Hey, thanks for the sub!!!

[@KRW628]

The movement went to hell, so I sent it to Seiko repair in New Jersey. They fixed everything and put a new (Seiko) crystal in it. $195. It's perfect.

[@whatsthebigfndeal]

I have owned pretty much every version of the skx available over the years and there is no difference other than just the random "luck of the draw" alignment issues. I think the best one I've had is a 175 but even it has a date wheel that's a tiny bit off.

[@threehandhunter]

Luck if the draw may be it!

[@richardharris2042]

My first skx was a J4 on an Seiko Oyster. They made J1, J2, J3 and J4.

[@threehandhunter]

Not even sure what a “J4” is but sounds cool

[@gazzcw1]

The j model does do a steel bracelet option its the j2 where as the j1 is rubber strap

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you!

[@Vincent13997]

The first number in the serial number is the last number of the year. 8 could be 1998, 2008 or 2018. The second number or letter is the month. You need to open the case back to see which version of the movement you have to determine the decade. Version A would be 1998, version B would be 2008, and version C would be 2018.

[@threehandhunter]

Great information thank you!! I didn’t know this about the movement 👍

[@nigelbowler1601]

Hi Blake sure i own two SKX 007 J & K versions also a K version SKX 009 apart from the 21 Jewels written on the J version i cant see any difference all the best from the UK.

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks! Not many for sure

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

Spork sighting! Fyi I believe the spork used the same bracelet as the more common BFK.

[@threehandhunter]

Big F'in' K??

[@mr.rogers5586]

I have a Malaysia version with a yellow dial and Jubilee bracelet I bought back in 2010. I was thinking about modding it since it come from Malaysia.

[@threehandhunter]

Oh no way! I wouldn't personally, those are becoming so rare!

[@lonestardude6283]

I have a Singapore SKX009 and an Malaysia SKX009! What are your thoughts on the Singapore version?

[@threehandhunter]

Not sure I can comment since I don’t think I’ve ever had one in hand.

[@harrihilkko4238]

I Have an skx007 bought from Singapore airport on 1999 and IT says Japan on Back but Dial IS without 21 jewels text

[@threehandhunter]

Interesting 🤔

[@ricardodiaz6187]

I’m watching a 2005 SKX007 advertised as a J. The caseback only has JAPAN A without any WP marking. Anyone know if this is a legit J…?

[@threehandhunter]

I’m not 💯 sure. 🤔

[@climatecontroller4781]

I have the last year : 2019 k. All IS Per-fect. I prefer this to compare with my j.

[@threehandhunter]

Nice, me too!

[@camarocarl7130]

What does "Full Kit" mean?

[@threehandhunter]

Everything you’d get when you buy a watch originally. Box, strap, warranty card, hang tags, etx

[@Centimeter_Peter]

whats the second language of the day dial for both?

[@threehandhunter]

Mine is Spanish

[@Stefan2kValiant]

WHAT STRAP IS THE J ON? I WANT TO BUY THAT BRACELET

[@threehandhunter]

Uncle Seiko president

[@Stefan2kValiant]

@@threehandhunter thanks

[@robertchantry1981]

The "made in Japan" versions are made by samurais and ninjas. I got one from Santa 😂

[@threehandhunter]

😂

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

The rarest SKX is the 175 ( North American Market Only )

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks!

[@user-qi3yd1bv1b]

both watch is my favorite watch hope I can afford to buy this or someone give me a gift like this watch

[@jonharry6293]

Japan version is slightly better made, and a higher resale price.

[@threehandhunter]

I do feel the difference 👍

[@rw6783]

I bought an skx007J from a collector on reddit. And I love the watch. Wore it on a zulu band for a few weeks and suddenly it stopped running. The second hand runs into the minute hand and stops the movement. Need to send it in for work. That aside, I love the watch. Wear it on a zulu strap with titanium hardware. Really comfortable.

[@threehandhunter]

That’s unfortunate. It’s strange if it is a stock one the hands would be bent like that, ugh. The SKX007J is a classic and I love mine too!!

[@rw6783]

@@threehandhunter yeah it thought it was strange too. It's completely stock. I don't think it's ever been opened. Maybe I hit it on something at work that caused the issue? No idea.

[@waynebrown7671]

Hi

[@threehandhunter]

👏

[@Anirossa]

Same standard of production, same quality.

[@threehandhunter]

I don't know, one of my buddies has many (I am talking many....SKX's and all different versions, J, etc...)and the sharpness on some of the J versions really stand out to me when holding them all. Maybe it is a fluke, but when you have them all in hand at once.

[@willd4491]

I’ve owned five SKXs. 1st) SKX007J1 - usually ran about 7s slow per day. Alignment was just off on the chapter ring/bezel. Sold 2nd) SKX009K1 - usually ran about 9s fast. Bezel and chapter ring alignment perfect. Sold 3rd) SKX009J1 - usually ran about 10s fast. On initial opening the bezel and chapter ring lined up. Chapter ring was actually loose though so wouldn’t always line up. Sold 4th) SKX013K2 - lined up perfectly and kept good time (can’t remember exactly how good). Found it too small for my 8inch wrist though. Sold 5th) SKX007K1. Keeps perfect time - 2s fast per day. Everything lines up perfectly. Kept! Wish I’d kept them all now though.

[@threehandhunter]

Damn!! Sounds a lot like my journey haha

[@jonharry6293]

Resale is better on the made in Japan model, they are made in the Sekio misama prefecter factory.

[@threehandhunter]

Great information, thanks 🙏

[@jerricob]

Really … unmolested hahahaha

[@threehandhunter]

Deserves a smile! 😀

[@goodtimes9501]

JAPAN A’s matter!!! NOT WP or WR!!!

[@threehandhunter]

Okay!👌

[@nakama6371]

J version is FAKE!!!

[@threehandhunter]

Why?

[@Toddstang68]

The SKX movement sucks. If you have a SKX with the original movement that lasts longer than 10 years then consider yourself very lucky.

[@threehandhunter]

Agreed. Still a classic!

[@jonharry6293]

Have one from 1998 never missed a beat and still going strong.

[@nakama6371]

Skx009k1 2012 +8 s/day

[@Ahmad-vw5uw]

Too much unnecessary talking, my friend.

[@threehandhunter]

Thank you for the very positive criticism!

[@holikdenv]

Your thought process is chaotic. Can't follow what you want to say, there is no order at all. Cheers

[@threehandhunter]

Thanks

[@threehandhunter]

My newer videos I actually write a script. Those older ones were freestyle