The popular watch models of Seiko which are known tohave their Japanese Domestic Market versions are similar to their internationalversions in visual and mechanical terms. However, as a Japanese watch marker,the quality of watches that Seiko launches in Japan tend to be better than theinternational siblings. This difference mainly occurs due to the differences inthe quality and construction of dial, back case, and day wheel as observed inthe diver series of Seiko. Constructed by keeping strict regulations andstandards of Japan in mind, the domestic models maintain an elevated level ofquality, accuracy, and reliability.
In the JDM version, the "Made in Japan'' textis typically printed or engraved on the front dial and on the back. On thecontrary, the international version only displays “JAPAN MOVEMENT'' at the backand at the front, as the model is assembled in other countries like China orMalaysia. For instance, inSeiko SBSA001, there is asmall print at the 6 o’clock position that says “Made in Japan”. This uniquecharacteristic of the domestic version of Seiko’s 5 Sports series provides themwith a more nuanced cosmetic look. Nonetheless, the day function of thesewatches has both English and Japanese options, making them more admirable.Unlike the international versions, the packaging of Japan models involves whitecardboard box and the manual book which only has Japanese and English language.
SeikoProspex SBDC131perfectly exemplifies how the domestic models of Seiko stand in contrast to theinternational versions. As the domestic model, Seiko Prospex SBDC131possesses a better bezel alignment and index line up compared to theinternational version SPB191.Seiko Prospex King Samurai SBDY081 also possesses a major difference from its internationalversions. This domestic model is designed with the scratch-resistant sapphireglass which perfectly shields the dial while some of the international versionsmay be built with hardlex glass instead of sapphire.
The Day Wheel isone significant distinction that is instantly obvious. The internationalversion's day wheel features English, Spanish, and other languages, whereas theJDM version has English and Japanese Kanji. For reference, check the Seiko Prospex Antarctica Save theOcean Frost Dials. The packaging for the domesticSeiko model sold in Japan also differs from that for the model soldabroad.
Tosum up, the specifications, performance, and general design of the JDM and theinternational Seiko models may be similar but the JDM versions are better interms of quality. In the past, JDM watches were considered distinctsince they were frequently unavailable elsewhere in the world. Today, almostallJDM Seiko watches are accessible globally. One key difference is how thedays of the week are represented. The JDM version of watches with a day-datefeature will have Kanji characters on the day wheel.
