Seiko SKX009 J vs K - differences?

[WatchIng]

I seem to be catching the Seiko bug (SNE109 en route) and am getting tempted by the SKX009. I see the 'K' versions tend to be a bit cheaper than the 'J' versions: I presume this is 'made in Korea' vs 'made in Japan'(?). Could some of you knowledgable sorts tell me if there are any significant differences between these?

[vinstink]

One is made in another factory, thats it.

People will tell you otherwise, better quality etc on the "J" but thats personal opinion I believe

[Binsull]

Plus one has 'Made in Japan' on the dial.

[MakeColdplayHistory]

J has two pieces of extra text in the dial, '21 Jewels' and 'Made In Japan'.

As I understand it, this level of Seiko is machine built and whether the machine is in Japan or the Philippines makes little difference.

[Janesy B]

Text on the dial, as above, rest is the same.

[TikTokTrev]

Is the datewheel not different too?

[Janesy B]

Is the datewheel not different too?

Not always. My SKX009K has English/Spanish but both can come with Eng/Roman.

[barryw]

I had a J and K SKX, the J definitely had a better quality text/ print to the day date wheel, just my observation.

[WatchIng]

Thanks all for your comments - when I can no longer resist, I shall probably go for the K (miserly laugh!).

[gee-whizz]

Go for K, same watch just cheaper.

[TaketheCannoli]

I had a J and K SKX, the J definitely had a better quality text/ print to the day date wheel, just my observation.

I agree, definitely a better finish to the dial and text on the J - and I've had plenty of each to draw that conclusion.

[barryw]

I agree, definitely a better finish to the dial and text on the J - and I've had plenty of each to draw that conclusion.

Funnily enough even the rotor sounded different, J model for me.

[sean]

J has two pieces of extra text in the dial, '21 Jewels' and 'Made In Japan'.

As I understand it, this level of Seiko is machine built and whether the machine is in Japan or the Philippines makes little difference.

I read that Made In Japan is allowed to be used if the manufacture of the watch is overseen by a Japanese production manager, even if the location of the manufacturing facility in which he is doing the overseeing is in the Philippines (or where ever).

So the J & K watches can be made in the same factory (in the Philippines?) on the same equipment, using the same robots, with the only difference (apart from the extra dial text) being the oversight of a Japanese production manager vs. a Filipino production manager.

It sounds stupid and crazy enough to be true.