Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
.jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg&fit=crop&w=30&h=30&dpr=1&q=70)
Showing 1 of 23 conversations about:
Seiko 5 Sports SRPB1X Automatic Watch
RayF
22218
Mar 2, 2019
Total insanity to pay the $40 "J-premium" for a watch intended to be "budget-priced" to begin with!
To illustrate, take this quick IQ test:
The United States mints (produces) coins in various locations. If you wish to purchase a Quarter minted in Denver, the price is twenty-five cents. Knowing that, how much would you pay for a Quarter minted in San Francisco?
A) twenty-five cents
B) thirty-three cents
If you answered "B, thirty-three cents"-- you may be a J-customer!
Seriously, if you believe a J-version is worth a premium, spend it on a premium Seiko. These are good-quality, inexpensive watches. Paying extra won't make them better.
(Edited)
A community member
Mar 3, 2019
RayFWell, I agree - to a certain level. To say there is no difference is not true. For starters: machines are different per location, and so are the people working there.
And this comes from owning an SKX. The K versions sometimes do differ in color application and QC... Most noticeable with stuff like the Pepsi bezel on the SKX009. The J version does have a difference in blue and the red compared to the K versions. Also the lume can be different in hue.
In other words: "Mostly the same materials" but still a different outcome...
So, to say there is "no difference" between the Denver mint and the SanFran mint, would be an error...
Which one you find "better" - and if you want to pay more for that "better" - is a matter of taste.
(Edited)
RayF
22218
Mar 3, 2019
Tangible/measurable/material?
I suppose if one had the opportunity to examine both versions side by side, the decision about coughing up the extra forty bucks would be more straight forward?
Absent that option, and even allowing for the cosmetic variations you mention (which could end up being a matter of preference), I'd still advise most folks to spend the $40 on a steak, some charcoal and a six pack of beer--now that's tangible!
A community member
Mar 3, 2019
RayFBasically I'm saying literally the same: "Which one you find "better" - and if you want to pay more for that "better" - is a matter of taste. "
My SKX007 and 009 are both K versions and I had a chance to compare 1st hand to a new 009 J version at a watch show last . Well on the Japanese version, the case polishing was noticeably better and the way the crown screwed in felt different smoother and less 'sandy' and the bezel was tighter. Does it bother me? Nah, they are both fine. Plus the fact I would never know anything about it until I actually compared them..
RayF
22218
Mar 4, 2019
Well that's the problem, we seldom get to compare the two. From now on, I think we should make MD send us both versions and let us pick the one we like best!
coolerking
164
Mar 4, 2019
RayF I do not know much about watch manufacturing, but I know about component manufacturing. For example, High end networking/Telecom optics the Japanese Excel at. When a new spec for an optic is introduced by a consortium of companies a Japanese company will design it and then take it to production locally once their process stabilizes. Eventually if the economics warrant it they will move it to Thailand, or possibly Malaysia. This allows them to lower the cost. Now, even though the Thai built optic is tested to the same specs as in Japan, it takes a hell of a lot work to get the optic customers to accept the change, I know I have had to do this work. Why?
1. Manufacturing that require fastidiously precise discipline the Japanese are one of the best at it. The US are also, thank you Craig Barret who learned from Japan.
2. You want your designers living by your manufacturing went you transition from design to high volume manufacturing.
3. You can only test your outgoing product to the standard so far, you can only set the standard so far .
4. Besides Taiwan with their semiconductor fabs, the rest of Asia quite frankly is second rate in regard to technology, other than cost. Singapore is good, but expensive.
OF COURSE the Japanese watch is better built . How much? Is it worth it? Have the the other processes been stabilized enough? I don't know, i wish a watch guy would speak up. From my experiences, I would drop the extra 40 for the J1, unless I knew more.
RayF
22218
Mar 4, 2019
coolerkingThey have. The guys who are generally pro-J-model are the guys selling them.
This is an inexpensive watch, assembled by automated equipment, that absolutely meets Seiko's specs. We're not talking Marine Masters or Grand Seikos here. How much extra would you pay for a hand-made Big Mac? Thirty percent more? All Big Macs are hand made and all "5" models are made by automation--if you've got dough to burn, buy a better Seiko. My point is, unless you can compare the two versions, side by side, you don't have a clue which one is better--at which point the spending the extra cash is what? An exercise in "just to be sure?"
I am sure--you'll never taste the difference!
A community member
Mar 4, 2019
RayFWere can I sign up for that 😉?
A community member
Mar 4, 2019
RayFWell for the SKX line the dial is different. It has the extra text on it (21 jewels). If you're big on that kind of stuff... Go ahead pay more.
All I'm saying: in your opinion it is not worth paying extra (not for me either: unless it's proven to be a huge difference), but anyone who has the money for it and feels strong about having a J version? Why not. Resale on J versions is also higher so it's not that bad of an investment. Even with the Seiko's 5 line...
It's someone's personal choice and your mileage may vary 🙄
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop