Seiko JDM Watches

[Flyinbowtie]

I am a long time fan of Seiko watches, when I was a kid my parents got me a Seiko as a 9th grade graduation gift. My cousin worked at Seiko in SoCal and parents connected with her to build me a very nice watch. I wore it for many years, it is tucked away in the safe, it needs to be serviced. It is the self winding movement. 23 jewel in a 17 jewel case I was told. It has never been opened.
I wore Seiko my whole career.
I am looking to buy a JDM Seiko, I want a legit Japanese watch, many Seiko's today have a Japan sourced movement but are built in non Japanese factories.
I've found several places to buy JDM Seiko, just wondering if RDP has a preferred place to get these pieces.
I have narrowed it down to a handful of models that are around $500....cause I still haven't hit the lottery LOL.

 

[PDQH2O]

Swill watches, up until mid 80s were well made. After that they took a huge quality plunge. last Seiko I’ll ever buy and a few before it would last only a couple of years.

 

[Yoshiro]

I've got a 2004 Seiko monster diver that I still wear today. I finally had to get it completely rebuilt last year. Cost as much as the watch is worth but it has meaning to me as it's been with me every day over the years.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Interesting timeline for this. I was just looking the other day for a new watch as mine is getting a bit worn and would like something a little bigger. A google search sent me down a rabbit hole that I barely made it out of. I have an addiction to horsepower, guns and boobs which leaves little leftover for a watch, thus a Rolex is out of the question.

So, for a guy with a $500 budget, what brands/sites are the go-to?

 

[RadMan]

I’ve bought some good priced items here, always as advertised, name brand stuff, I routinely get Oakleys here, but they sell watches, purses, jewelry, shoes and some really high end stuff

Jomashop.com: Online Shopping for Watches, Handbags, Sunglasses, Apparel, Beauty, Shoes, Pens & More

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www.jomashop.com

 

[BHC Vic]

Interesting timeline for this. I was just looking the other day for a new watch as mine is getting a bit worn and would like something a little bigger. A google search sent me down a rabbit hole that I barely made it out of. I have an addiction to horsepower, guns and boobs which leaves little leftover for a watch, thus a Rolex is out of the question.

So, for a guy with a $500 budget, what brands/sites are the go-to?

Apple I’m just kidding I don’t ever wear mine I’d much rather have a regular watch for occasions

 

[Flyinbowtie]

Interesting timeline for this. I was just looking the other day for a new watch as mine is getting a bit worn and would like something a little bigger. A google search sent me down a rabbit hole that I barely made it out of. I have an addiction to horsepower, guns and boobs which leaves little leftover for a watch, thus a Rolex is out of the question.

So, for a guy with a $500 budget, what brands/sites are the go-to?

I have been looking here, these are Seiko's offerings for the Japanese domestic market, which, from what I can tell, are assembled in Japan with Japanese components.
If you look closely at the info on the watch face "JAPAN MVMNT" means the movement is Japanese, but the watch was built elsewhere...if the labeling is simply "JAPAN" then the watch was built in Japan.
lots of fakes out there, was hoping we had a guru on here.
Lots of watches in the $500 range as well

Look at this website, not just the watch in the link.

I am just starting this search. I don't wanna get taken.

Seiko Brightz Solar Tachymeter SAGA171

www.shoppinginjapan.net

 

[TimeBandit]

So this thread made me pull my 31 year old Seiko out, "Japan" on the face, but not moving.

So I ordered a battery, I bought the case tool years ago, much easier than taking it in.

I almost never wear a watch, the Seiko, Citizen and Omega stay in the drawer... I wore the Fitbit today to track my walk.

 

[C-2]

I really like my Prospex PADI solar, it's my fav.

FBT, I never knew about the Japan vs the Japan MVMT markings, thanks. My Prospex that I bought from Macy's is marked MVMT Japan with a movement number. What about Seiko direct? Crazy story about shipping from Japan...I bought a turntable on a Monday and it was delivered the same Friday via DHL.

I also own a couple of Citizen automatic dive watches, but I really enjoy the Seiko and just throwing it on the wrist.

n2otoofast4u - a solid, respectable $500 watch i is the Hamilton Khaki field mechanical watch, https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-us/collection/khaki-field.html. But you need to wind it up every day, I think even high end collectors have at least one of them in their collection.

 

[Bajastu]

I have my dad’s old late 70’s - early 80’s Seiko automatic watch. I use to wear it but as I promoted within my career, I bought a Rolex and have been wearing that one for 17 years. The old Seiko still works and it’s a cool old watch. I dig them.

 

[boatpi]

When I was in Japan, about two months ago, a lot of places were selling these psychos some pretty good designs, but they tended to be a little thicker along heavier of a watch that I like to wear and they were about $500

 

[renodaytona]

I had a Seiko Kinetic that was stolen when I lived in Vegas. I loved that watch, it was the perfect size and weight, haven't found another I liked since. I have a Fitbit and a Garmin but those are collecting dust.

 

[clarence]

Dress, dive, sport?

The Best Watches You Can Buy Under $500 | Gear Patrol

You don't have to drop a ton of money in order to get a great watch. These brands make affordable watches that can last a lifetime.

www.gearpatrol.com

2024's Best Watches Under $500 | Our Hands-Down Favorite Picks

With $500 to spend on a new watch, you have many options. But among those, which are the best watches under $500? Here are our top choices.

twobrokewatchsnobs.com

The 48 Best Automatic Watches Under $500

Let’s be honest: not everyone can spend thousands of dollars on every new watch purchase, especially someone who might just be getting into the watch collecting hobby or perhaps looking to spend $1,000 or so to assemble his or her first three-watch collection. Fortunately, there are a plethora...

teddybaldassarre.com

The Best Watches Under $500, According to the Watch Illuminati

From vintage eBay finds to modern microbrand heat.

www.gq.com

It's time to explore the best Seiko JDM models | Chrono24 Magazine

Seiko Japan Domestic Market models are made for the Japanese market. Time to explore the best Seiko JDM models.

www.chrono24.com

Are "JDM" Seikos really that much better than normal Seiko watches?

Most Seiko lovers would prefer to own a Japanese-made Seiko to an international version. But is this preference well-founded?

timeandtidewatches.com

Finding The Best Seiko Japan Domestic Market (JDM) Watches Out There

✓ Seiko's Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) releases are renowned amongst collectors ✓ Time to find the best JDM-releases of the last 25 years ✓

www.fratellowatches.com

 

[C-2]

Dress, dive, sport?

The Best Watches You Can Buy Under $500 | Gear Patrol

You don't have to drop a ton of money in order to get a great watch. These brands make affordable watches that can last a lifetime.

www.gearpatrol.com

2024's Best Watches Under $500 | Our Hands-Down Favorite Picks

With $500 to spend on a new watch, you have many options. But among those, which are the best watches under $500? Here are our top choices.

twobrokewatchsnobs.com

The 48 Best Automatic Watches Under $500

Let’s be honest: not everyone can spend thousands of dollars on every new watch purchase, especially someone who might just be getting into the watch collecting hobby or perhaps looking to spend $1,000 or so to assemble his or her first three-watch collection. Fortunately, there are a plethora...

teddybaldassarre.com

The Best Watches Under $500, According to the Watch Illuminati

From vintage eBay finds to modern microbrand heat.

www.gq.com

It's time to explore the best Seiko JDM models | Chrono24 Magazine

Seiko Japan Domestic Market models are made for the Japanese market. Time to explore the best Seiko JDM models.

www.chrono24.com

Are "JDM" Seikos really that much better than normal Seiko watches?

Most Seiko lovers would prefer to own a Japanese-made Seiko to an international version. But is this preference well-founded?

timeandtidewatches.com

Finding The Best Seiko Japan Domestic Market (JDM) Watches Out There

✓ Seiko's Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) releases are renowned amongst collectors ✓ Time to find the best JDM-releases of the last 25 years ✓

www.fratellowatches.com

Awesome!

 

[Sharky]

Always been a Seiko fan since my parents got me my first one.

One of these days, would love to get a Grand Seiko. Hand made perfection.

 

[ChevelleSB406]

I know what you are talking about with JDM, as in, you are only interested in watches that are sold in Japan, and are not sold in the US or other markets. There are certain editions I like that are only JDM. There are companies that are set up as forwarders for JDM watches, and some have really good coupons for your first purchase. Jody at "Just One More Watch" youtube channel uses these companies to get stuff in Australia, where he is. Is there a particular model you are looking for? I love my "cocktail time", its manufactured in Japan, but is available in the US market. For those available in US market, there is no place better for price or service than www.longislandwatch.com and Marc who runs that place. Let me know on model and I will see what I can find for a forwarding service.

 

[clarence]