I've become obsessed with watches ever since I stumbled onto the Urban Gentry channel two weeks ago. Just ended up buying the Seiko SKX0007J1! I'm starting a collection!

I bought the K version yesterday and can not stop giving it a glance.

Interesting video, TGV, thaks for doing it. if I were to put my professional Six Sigma Black Belt quality person hat on here, I would say that I am not at all surprised that there is no practical difference between the J and K versions of this watch. And knowing that they are a Japanese product, this comes as absolutely no surprise to me whatsoever. The Japanese are absolutely incredible at removing variation in their manufacturing processes and operations, to a degree that is pretty much unmatched by anyone else. The fact of the matter is, if you take a very robust and well-characterized manufacturing process, and transport it somewhere else, using the same process, parts, and materials manufactured at the same tolerances, and using operators with the same assembly proficiency, there will be no difference in the product quality. Quality is a result of HOW you do things, not WHERE you do them. Additionally, it's important to understand that there are no two parts made by anyone that are EXACTLY the same; if you had precise enough measurement systems, you would be able to measure some difference in the parts. The important thing is whether there is any PRACTICAL difference due to this variation, and this again is where the Japanese are legendary for their ability to produce products with very little variation. But, there will always be *some* variation in any manufacturing process, no matter how good it is, and this is why there are "tolerances" that are established for manufacturing to accomodate for this routine variation (also called common cause variation). From your review, I would say that any differences you detected between the J and K models are very small difference that were within the tolerance limits for the manufacturing process, and that these differences have no practical impact on performance or product quality. Also, to be fair, comparing an N of 1 of each is not a statistically valid sampling for this purpose, but it made for an interesting video anyway. With respect to your original purpose, which model to use for modding, I would use the K version as it is for all practical purposes identical to the Japanese made model, but cheaper, so you will get the same quality for a lower cost, which will lower the cost of your BOM (Bill of Materials). Cheers, Stephen

Both products are made in the same factory in Malaysia. Japan model has final assembly in Japan. Any differences you see in terms of polish, color, etc. are simply differences in batch runs.

I have 007k and 009j. The case polishing quality is the same on the both. The bezel is better on the 009j. Less play and different sounding clicks. The dial is perfect on the 007k, but 009j has quite a bit misaligned lume dots. Also the crown threads nicer on the 007k. The japan version being better is just an urban myth. The actual quality varies from watch to watch regardless where it was made. I also prefer the k version cleaner dial.

Having “made in Japan” on a Japanese watch is as important to me as having “Swiss made” on a Swiss.

I’ve got kids and life is a constant battle to earn a crust and provide: bills, holidays, cars, a house, shopping etc... when the kids move out (not for a while), I’d love to buy a few watches and maybe learn to service them, starting with the simple movements and build up; who knows. Love your video’s. Haven’t watched them for a bit but delved again and love every minute of it. Cheers mate, keep it up.

Although these days it don't matter terribly china or Korea / Malaysia made seiko or anything Japanese , there's still something special about a product leaving a Japanese factory , well at least to me as I have a close desire for Japan's best ... it could be a mindset thing!

Wow, what a great presentation. No speculation, no BS, just the facts...finally. A this-or-that comparison really, although I'm sure there are those purists who would indeed pay extra for the "Made in Japan" and "21 Jewels" in the dial. As for the project, I would simply go with the K version. You're modding it and therefore removing the "purist" attraction of the Japanese watch. Plus, the more vibrant blue of the dial leans closer to TGV's signature. Let the purists have the J; mod the K.

You do such a great job at reviewing watches. I always love it when the next video pops up. I sit and watch it with a beer. Its great to see how much passion you have for these things. Brilliant! Greetings from New Zealand.

I bought myself the Japan version for Christmas and absolutely love everything about it. My brother has the Malaysian one,and they're hard to tell apart!!

Maybe this is a silly question, but I gotta ask: Are you certain that these are all K/J differences, or could they simply be variations between different batches of watches? It's hard for me to imagine why someone would make sure that all the lighter-blue bezels get sent to Malaysia, for instance...unless maybe both factories are making their own bezels in-house? I dunno. I've long been dubious of the whole J/K thing, anyhow...I've never seen a concrete case for 'these watches are made in this factory and those watches are made in that factory'...they could very well ALL be made in Malaysia, and simply be run as different lines for export to different places...Example: it may not be legal to import a Maylay watch into the US that has 'Japan' on the dial, even if the movement is Japanese; so they just name the movement and leave the 'Japan' off. Anyway, great videos, anyway, man. You're making me really want a Squale, if nothing else..

This is the best Seiko SKX009 review on KZfaq. Point by point analysis by Urban Gentry, I will take to the bank any day! Imagine checking the rate as to fast or slow. I want a faster watch than a slower watch..PERIOD. Every Rolex I have runs seconds fast, not slow. JAPANESE all the way after watching this review. I do not care about a higher price point.

I just ordered the K version of this watch with the rubber strap. Thanks for the review!

In Canada, the J version at literally double the price. $262 vs $566. This being said the K version is a no-brainer.

Love this watch. The Kalashnikov of mechanical watches. Mine runs like a charm, spot on. Thanks for giving it the status it deserves.

Interesting video mate. I'm a big fan of the SKX007 personally. This whole diver was my very favorite as a kid. I recently got two 6309s, one black, one Pepsi. Even tho they are "only Seiko", this watch (whole familly) has something very special. Thank you for the awesome video buds.

I've ordered the K version after further research. Seiko have stated that the watches are the same internally, so all differences are external. I'm looking for a bargain high-quality watch, so an extra £50 for the J would significantly chip away at my satisfaction with the end result. Even if they were the same price I would still prefer the K's dial face, but your mileage may vary.

As a newcomer to collecting, the SKX 009J is my first diver (and my first automatic). I think people could argue the merits of each watch until we're all blue in the face. As long as it gets an SKX on someone's wrist, and gets more people into watches, I'm all for recommending either version. Next on the list for me, is a Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 in gold :D

Great video TGV! I also had some slight issues with the crown on my 007K, BUT I have a little tip for you to make it smooth as butter(this is for every screw down crown watch). Take a little piece of waxed floss wire and gently clean the threads, not only are the threads clan but also slightly lubricated. Do this every now and then and you will not only keep the threads clean from dirt and making the crown screwing in very smooth, but you also protect the threads on the tube by keeping a little bit of lubricant on the threads to prevent metal on metal grinding, keeping the threads of the crown tube in better condition for a longer time!

Is it just me, or does the black strap on the SKX009J influence how the blue on the dial is perceived? Does it look darker b/c it is right next to a black rubber strap vs a metal jubilee strap that the SKX009K model is on?

what about the options for the weekday secondary language of J vs K? as for the back sticker, could the more-metallic version be due to a higher polish on the case-back? and aren't japan movements also branded japan on the inside? also, don't the K models have the K1 (rubber strap) and K2 (jubilee) option.

I have a SKX009k. Got it a few years ago and I didn't even know there were differences between the versions. That's what I love about watch collecting, everyday is a school day! Thanks TGV

Just ordered my first SKX007J today! Excited to try it out and swap the strap with the oyster bracelet.

Very good review! Well done! In my opinion, there is really no difference, I ordered SKX007K version one ebay and cannot wait for it to arrive. Both of them are genuine Seiko watches so really you cannot go wrong with any of them. Best Regards.

just curious, why did you switch for the lume shot ? The whole video the Japanese version was on the left, in the lume shot you switched to it being on the right...

I just got my SKX007j version. I'm impressed with the accuracy. 1 to 2 sec max a day is way better than my other swiss watches that are off 5 to 10 sec a day. Can't go wrong with SEIKO. affordable great watches!

I bought the SKX009K a couple of months ago, on a rubber strap. It's a fantastic watch, and is often complimented! I absolutely love it.

Great video 👍😎👍. Now I know I want the K version as my first real watch. Thank you 💪😎👍

Just recently ordered the 007; had originally bought the 009, however I felt compelled towards the simplicity and elegance of the black dial. Feel a bit guilty as some would argue it's a whimsical purchase. Alas it seems, I've caught the horological bug.

I have had the SKX007 J for several years and the only difference from the 009 I think is the bezel colors. Its a great watch and the Jubilee band is great and very comfortable. Having seen the video I don't think J or K would be much of an issue for me now. Both seem to be of very high quality.

Watching this video takes me back to the good ol days

Great review, I do like the immediate start of actual review here

Anyone else notice that the K version has a silver screw for the hands and the J version has a black one?

I've only recently discovered The Urban Gentry and impressive reviews and comments of TGV. My very modest and low cost watch collection includes a couple of Seiko 5's, titaniums and 2 Bulovas, but TGV has really pulled me in on the whole SKX Thing. I'm in UK and i'm now scanning ebay and Amazon for SKX's. I need to decide on J or K now though. Keep up the good work TGV!

Great one TGV. I've had the 009 K version since July, and love it. Bought it on rubber for about $165, but wear it almost exclusively on a heavy black nato. It looks great. Love the Pepsi dial. For a while I was really thinking of splurging for an Omega or Rolex. But it's hard to justify the cost of those when you can have a watch this nice that you can wear everyday with no worries.

Thanks TGV, this was very helpful.

Thank you helped decide to go with the J version

Enjoyed the comparison. Finally ordered an SKX009 today on a rubber strap as I already have a solid navy blue NATO on hand. If you like blue dials the under $100 Seiko 5 SNKL07 has a beautiful dial and makes for a dressy 39mm number on a nice strap. Have a nice Thanksgiving and thanks for the 009 review.

I just recently found your channel. My plans were to buy an MVMT watch. Today i purchased the SKX009K. I can't wait to recieve it. Thank you Mr.

With watches made in such great numbers, there might be a greater difference between watches made in the same plant than between the j and k version. That said, j version might have a greater re-sell and collectors value.

Great comparison, TGV! It's easier to come by the K version so I'm probably going to end up with that one. And if this video has convinced me of anything, it's that I need to get an SKX009 - K or J version, lol.

I just bought an SKX009K because of your video, many thanks from Buenos Aires, Argentina and great show!

Hi TGV. A very thorough and in-depth review here. Nice one. If I were to pick one to be "modded" I'd go with the K version, simply because it's a little less expensive, and the extra bucks saved could possibly go towards better quality modifications. All very intriguing old chap. Thanks for your time. Best regards to you and yours.

Different batches. That's all... Even a J version can be different than another J version.

I love these reviews on affordable watches! You really are carving an audience. Some of us cant spend $5k on a timepiece. Please keep doing these on affordable brands.

Greetings from Australia! I find your enthusiasm and joy for watches absolutely infectious, so much so that I recently treated myself to new batteries in my 80s Seamaster 1432 and Seiko World Timer that I hadn't worn in decades and I now am checking out the best prices on the Seiko Diver. I hope I can stop at 3 watches....

in the middle of acquiring my skx009 now as my work watch.. im in one the nyc union construction skill fields, and using the seiko as my work watch. gonna keep it on a zulu.. plan to get it bead blasted a military sand style color. think it will give it more practicality and will X out scratching the steel case. these mods you can do with the SKX are endless. as a separate leisure SKX i plan on changing the hands of a 007 and throwing a super presidents on it and give that a try. Truly exciting! shows how seikos, squales and other brands of the same caliber are truly so much fun. its not all about hodinkee watch of the month that sold for 6 figures at christies auction lol but those are cool too ;)

Hi TGV, Many thanks for the great job, it's a pleasure to follow your Chanel development since you started the Chanel. Here is what I think about the K and J version and what I found in different watch forums. K and J watches are both made side-by-side in the same factories in Malaysia. The J watches are intended for the Japanese market and are allowed to state 'made in Japan' due to lax Japanese consumer laws. When available in the same store (eg Creation, Skywatches) the price difference is typically $20 or $30 between K and J models. It should be pretty obvious that if the J watch was really made in Japan, it would carry a much greater premium due to massively higher labor costs. Some raw parts may be made in China. The watch is made in Malaysia. J and K models are made in the same Malaysian factory. The assembly line for the J models will have a Japanese employee supervising, otherwise they are identical to the K models. The presence of the Japanese employee allows them to state 'made in Japan' in the Japanese market (according to Japanese country of origin laws). But other countries have stricter laws which is why they produce both a K and J model. If you have a J model it means it was intended for Japan market only. Seiko could not officially sell the J model in USA because the country of origin markings would violate US law. Regards from Germany Ilja

The J version crown thread might be more coarse for a reason. The pitch might greater to give better water resistance. A more coarse thread will also be better for resisting stripping and better against cross threading and thus will last longer.

Finally, someone did a side by side. really cool to see them next to each other in detail. I like the cleaner dial on the K version more (It doesn't say "21 Jewels" on it). If I had to pick one, I'd go K.

I bought a J version, had it for about a week. worn it most days and haven't had to adjust the time. only lost 2 seconds over the week. VERY pleased with that.

Great video,most likely both watches are made in a same factory in Malaysia due to a Jappanese import law requirements that can be made outside of Japan.If you want truly made in Japan watch you have to go with GS,Credor,Galante and some of the Prospex watches like MM300,MM600 Tunas exc.

Hi TGV, I'd say mod the K version, and keep the J version for it's Japanese home originality.

Great review! I think the main difference and advantage for the K version: one line less of text!

Very good comparison! I like your vids, they explore all nuances and in a professional and calm manner. I find it relaxing just watching your reviews :-) Thanks!

I agree that the bezel of the K model is prettier. Also, the K dial has a better quality finish. With that the movement is the same I must vote for the K. In fact, after watching this video, it is now on my list.

Thanks TGV, finally I got seiko skx009j... shop therapy after a break up

Have the 009 in a J version with Jubilee and the 007 in a K which I alternate with a Crafter/NATO. Great beater watches that can handle any setting the beach, boardroom, back country or pub. Love them absolutely iconic.

I purchased my SKX009J in the fall of 2017. I don’t know if the J is “better” than the K, but for just a $20 premium at the time, I got the J because I didn’t want to wonder what I might be missing with the K! Also, I’m a bit bummed that I got an example that runs 10-15sec slow per day.

The watch's origin makes a big difference for me ,especially these days as almost everything is being made in China or Malasia.I have a "J" version and this makes the watch more desireable.I can make a bet that if two Seiko SKX owners met the first question asked would be about the watch's country of origin :-)...no offense for "K" version owners.

The current price difference is $165 between the K and the J. I think I'm willing to pay more but is $365 the fair market price for the J version?

I just received the K version. I will be presenting it to my son who graduates college next Sunday. I was very concerned about the J vs K. But after seeing your video TGV my mind is at ease. Thank you.

Thank You for a very informative video and you helped me decide on which version I will buy, keep up the good work.

Japanese all the way.The finishing is far superior & i actually prefer the darker tone of the dial & bezel. I like a clean & simple look to the dial but i'd be willing to pay that little bit more for the extra text.

if the price was the same I would go for the J, the better polish means higher quality workmanship and attention to detail for me. crown not so important because how often do you need to adjust the time if it's a good watch? and I like to see "made in Japan" on thing that are meant to come from Japan.

@TheUrbanGentry, I'm a new convert to Seiko and the legendary SKX009; your vlogs are really informative and helpful!

Thanks TGV for doing this review as I am in the market for a SKX009J. I am not sure if you watched the video before posting it, however my eyes did pick up a couple of points. When you did the lume shot you mentioned that the Japanese version was on the right (@14:47) yet I could distinctly tell that the watch on the right, it's lume was not as bright (a couple of nits off) and a slightly different colour as you yourself suggested. Which got me thinking. Would SEIKO have inferior lume? I would not have thought so. So I tried to check if you had your watches mixed up 'J' on the right and 'K' on the left as that was how you explained them to be. Further into the lume section of the video I did see the jubilee bracelet on the right side of the video. So no, you had not mixed up you watches, yet you had definitely said the 'J' was on the right. Anyway, sorting all this out in my head re-affirmed that the Japanese version had the superior lume and I was happy. It is definitely brighter (more punchy and crisp) on the 'J' to my eyes than on the 'K' version. So I have to disagree with you regarding the lume on the 'K' version. Hope you don't mind me being a bit picky with you there. Also when you did the macro shot of the lume before 'lights out', I noticed that the lume on the Japanese version was smaller and more raised. So considering that I thought it's (lume - the 'J' version) was brighter then you would have to conclude that it is superior. By this time I had watched that part of the video 4 times! Love your channel. GB.

Hi TGV, I would call it a clear draw! But personally, I would prefer the Japanese version, because it's the more authentic one. The real deal. Best regards, Claus

I think the blue pops more on the K version.

I've had several 009K & 007K watches. They're were great watches. They were modified and then flipped. I missed the 009 and just bought my first J. It just felt like the "correct" 009 for me. That's me for another great video.

Just came across your channel, I find it immensely informative and helpful. Just bought a SKX009 K version based heavily on your review and advice and am in love with it. Great channel, great reviews, keep up the good work TGV!!

bought the J version even though i live in Malaysia

2:22 I bet that he kept the sticker on because he's going to sell/return the J version.

You're the only channel that I know of that goes into such detail with their reviews, TGV. Nicely done! I'm usually pretty good at noticing differences, but these two watches were a bit of a challenge for me until you pointed them out. Personally, I like the K version due to the more vibrant blue. And to be honest, I don't think the differences are that significant to warrant paying extra for the J.

Fantastic job on this comparison! Thanks for the information. TGV goes mythbuster on this Seiko. :)

Great presentation... "du pure bonheur" as we say in France !!!!

As the “most unique” member of my graduating class, I prefer the Made in Japan 🇯🇵 #Pepsi

I just bought the J version and it is stunning! Japan for the win!

Nice review, TGV. It's great to see both versions side-by-side. I didn't realize there were differences in polish, too. I prefer the SKX009J version because the blue tone is darker. In fact, that's exactly what I'm wearing today. Thank you for your work. paz, Brenda

well all the 3 models are made exactly same way using exact machines. difference is font words on dial and day on movement. no other difference.

If the Malaysian version was less than Japanese, why Seiko keep made them there ? I think the mass production are done in Malaysia to keep the price low by lowering the shipping cost or Malaysia has iron "to make stainless steel" Japan actually doesn't, they import iron it ! so it's business, Go with the K version.

One of the most useful videos on Seiko divers I have ever seen. THX for your effort !

I'm rather new to collecting; you've greatly inspired me. Someone had me looking at reps. I didn't know any better at the time, but when I saw your video about how affordable the SKX was, I went on a journey to find one that I liked. I ended up with the 009J. By far, I was well-pleased with the purchase. Though looking at the video I saw no major difference, I still feel I made the right choice. The precision on the case fits my taste. On another note, I ordered a few Orient entry models to distinguish which I want to keep. I had my attention on a red-bezeled Tudor Black Bay, but since it's so sought after, I think I'm going to rest at the much cheaper Glycine 3863-39R-TBA9. I know this is a little extra info, so I'll cut it, but I'm loving my 009J; I just need to find a strap that's more in-line with my taste~

It still hasnt been proven that J versions have more accuracy than K's.

Having the Japanese model appeals to the Geek in me, so I would pick this one over the K version all day long.

I ended up getting the skx009 k-version because of the fact that I liked the colour of the bezel more than the blue on the j's. :D

Excellent video. In some models the J version are sold to the Middle East as well so they have a different day wheel. I think it's also a marketing strategy of some retailers who sell the J version at a higher price when there is no obvious difference. I got an urchin a few months back and one retailer was selling the J version for $20 more than the K version.

Save some money and go with the K.

K version. Cleaner dial.

Hi TGV. Great job on the comparison as usual! I just got the 007K a couple weeks ago on the jubilee bracelet. Changed it out for a brown alligator grain leather strap and it adds a whole new dimension to the watch. I was worried you would find that the Japanese version would be much better, but I'm glad to hear that the differences as so minor. Thanks again!

To be fair, most of these points will vary from watch to watch no matter what factory. The polish, the accuracy, the bezel color, the lume, dial and alignment.

their made in same factories just made for diff. markets.

I go for the Japanese.👍👍👍

Hello TGV, Great video. I recently picked up a SKX 009. I was going back and forth on which one to buy, the Japanese or Malaysia. I personally didn't see enough of a difference to purchase the Japanese version. I'm very happy with mine. The only think I changed was the bracelet. I purchased a Strap Code Super Oyster which I'm very happy with. It's very well constructed. Regards, Wayne

There's a spot where the hands connect to the movement on the K version you can see the pipe-like structure unpainted while the J seems painted over black. or is that just me and the J has a serious shadow?

Got to be the J version. I would never buy a Rolex assembled in Spain..

J is the original version..

Been wondering about this and I have to say you’ve put it brilliantly. Thanks

Thanks for a great review TGV i was thinking of a new Seiko and you have helped my decision and have ordered the J version with the rubber strap !