Are all current [SBDX017] MM300's JDM/made in Japan?

[the_natural]

Cross-posted on a different forum, but wanted to ask here, too:

I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on a Seiko MM300 SBDX017. My question is, are all of them made in Japan or do you have to be on the lookout for ones made elsewhere and thus (presumably) not JDM?

I'm between a couple of sellers, one of whom is in Japan and has a great reputation, and the other is in Europe (who may or may not be a Seiko dealer, waiting to hear back, though I doubt they are).

[BSears]

As far as I know, all MarineMasters are made in Japan. Whether that actually means on the island country of Japan or if "made in Japan" means something else, is anybody's guess. Have you tried contacting Seiko directly? If in doubt based on seller, I would go with a trusted Seiko seller from Japan, like Higuchi or Seiya.

[the_natural]

As far as I know, all MarineMasters are made in Japan. Whether that actually means on the island country of Japan or if "made in Japan" means something else, is anybody's guess. Have you tried contacting Seiko directly? If in doubt based on seller, I would go with a trusted Seiko seller from Japan, like Higuchi or Seiya.

Seiya is who I'm considering. There's a Chrono24 Euro seller who has good reviews (though is new to the site) who has it for a couple hundred less, so I'm trying to weigh my options and make a good decision.

[BSears]

You could also check with Chino Watch out of Japan. I think they are more of a reseller than an AD but I've bought from them before with no problem.

[the_natural]

You could also check with Chino Watch out of Japan. I think they are more of a reseller than an AD but I've bought from them before with no problem.

Thanks! I'll look them up now.

[dukerules]

They're all made in Japan.

[TSD]

Seiya is who I'm considering. There's a Chrono24 Euro seller who has good reviews (though is new to the site) who has it for a couple hundred less, so I'm trying to weigh my options and make a good decision.

If you want to buy a new MM300, go through Seiya-san. I've purchased at least four Seikos that came through Seiya without any issue or customs delay. I've even had him expertly negotiate service on one with Seiko Japan. You'll get a stamped international warranty card from an AD in Tokyo, so it's essentially like buying from a domestic AD. You buy the seller, and his reputation is as good as they come.

Chrono24 is not someplace I'd look for an MM300.

[the_natural]

Seiya is who I'm considering. There's a Chrono24 Euro seller who has good reviews (though is new to the site) who has it for a couple hundred less, so I'm trying to weigh my options and make a good decision.

If you want to buy a new MM300, go through Seiya-san. I've purchased at least four Seikos that came through Seiya without any issue or customs delay. I've even had him expertly negotiate service on one with Seiko Japan. You'll get a stamped international warranty card from an AD in Tokyo, so it's essentially like buying from a domestic AD. You buy the seller, and his reputation is as good as they come.

Chrono24 is not someplace I'd look for an MM300.

Thanks, that's good to hear.

Any thoughts on Chino Watch, as mentioned above? Their site says they're a JDM AD for Seiko (and other brands).

[TSD]

Thanks, that's good to hear.

Any thoughts on Chino Watch, as mentioned above? Their site says they're a JDM AD for Seiko (and other brands).

Seiya, Chino, and Higuchi are the "big three" for JDM Seiko, and are equally well regarded. I am not aware of any being an AD themselves, though. Thought they were all Gray. I just know Seiya buys from ADs, and you get the stamped warranty card.

[the_natural]

Thanks, that's good to hear.

Any thoughts on Chino Watch, as mentioned above? Their site says they're a JDM AD for Seiko (and other brands).

Seiya, Chino, and Higuchi are the "big three" for JDM Seiko, and are equally well regarded. I am not aware of any being an AD themselves, though. Thought they were all Gray. I just know Seiya buys from ADs, and you get the stamped warranty card.

Cool, great to hear.

I only know Chino is an AD because they say it right here:

http://www.c-watch.co.jp/ww/history.html

You've successfully steered me away from Chrono24 on this one though, so thanks for the input.

[Selym]

Seiya, Chino, and Higuchi are the "big three" for JDM Seiko, and are equally well regarded. I am not aware of any being an AD themselves, though. Thought they were all Gray. I just know Seiya buys from ADs, and you get the stamped warranty card.

Higuchi is an AD. In fact, he owns a brick-and-mortar store.

[marchone]

Chino is also a brick and mortar store.

http://c-watch.co.jp/ww/sbdx017.html

[the_natural]

Chino and Higuchi are both ADs for Seiko.
Seiya is not, he buys from ADs and ships, that's why he's usually slightly more expensive.
Seiya, on the other hand, is the most "western friendly": better site, better communication, better English, friendlier, etc.
I've bought from all three, all things considered I picked Chino because
1- he's a bit cheaper than seiya
2- I hate that Higuchi doesn't display pricing. The one time I discover d he quoted me a different price than he did to another guy on the same Watch at a couple day's difference, he was toast for me.

That would sour me, too. I don't like getting played.

Oh and don't forget: ask chino or whoever to have you pay in Yen.
If you have a "no foreign transaction fees" credit card you will save a few bucks

Great point, thanks. I did think of that and I have a couple cards that have no foreign transaction fee, but I appreciate the extra thought/input.

[the_natural]

Here's a wrinkle: just heard back from the Chrono24 seller and he says they are an AD and they get their watches from Seiko Germany.

It works out to just over $1,800 for that guy, vs $1,920 for Chino and $1,980 (on sale, ending today) with Seiya.

[andrema]

Buy the watch already...sheesh


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[JP Chestnut]

Here's a wrinkle: just heard back from the Chrono24 seller and he says they are an AD and they get their watches from Seiko Germany.

It works out to just over $1,800 for that guy, vs $1,920 for Chino and $1,980 (on sale, ending today) with Seiya.

Buy the cheaper one on CC. What's the risk?

Buy me one while you're at it.

[the_natural]

Buy the watch already...sheesh

I don't think you're fully appreciating my need to over analyze the situation first.

Buy the cheaper one on CC. What's the risk?

Buy me one while you're at it.

Agreed, especially since they're an AD (plus it's the only one with a return option, which while I hope to not to need it, is cool).

Maybe I'll buy you two while I'm at it.

[HapaHapa]

Haha. Overanalyze. I feel your pain.

[BBK357]

Too many words about someone being too picky- but here's what I know.


I've ordered from all of the big 3 in the past and no issues at all.

I also bought from Shopping Japan and I liked them best. They sent me video of a quartz Tuna to show the second hand was aligned.

[the_natural]

Too many words about someone being too picky- but here's what I know.

I'll cop to being too thorough, but not too picky.

I've ordered from all of the big 3 in the past and no issues at all.

I also bought from Shopping Japan and I liked them best. They sent me video of a quartz Tuna to show the second hand was aligned.

Thanks.

[streetracer101]

Not to muddy the water further, but i recommend a quote from Mr Kobayashi: tokeikan@shop.rakuten.co.jp
He's also brick and mortar in Japan and has consistently given me better prices then the big 3. With him, you will also get a signed international warranty card.

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[mikeylacroix]

Not to muddy the water further, but i recommend a quote from Mr Kobayashi: tokeikan@shop.rakuten.co.jp
He's also brick and mortar in Japan and has consistently given me better prices then the big 3. With him, you will also get a signed international warranty card.

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He's solid. Bunch of us got the sbdx012 from em coupla years back.

[the_natural]

Not to muddy the water further, but i recommend a quote from Mr Kobayashi: tokeikan@shop.rakuten.co.jp
He's also brick and mortar in Japan and has consistently given me better prices then the big 3. With him, you will also get a signed international warranty card.

Thanks, I'll drop him a line.

He's solid. Bunch of us got the sbdx012 from em coupla years back.

Oh man ... saw the SBDX012 and really wished I'd gotten into this back then, 'cause it's freaking gorgeous.

[BSears]

I totally forgot Shopping in Japan and Kobayashi. And it never hurts to be thorough and maybe even cautious when treading into unknown waters, e.g., buying online from foreign sellers.

[andrema]

Have you emailed Mr. Roboto? He's the best.