BUYING WATCHES FROM JAPAN — WHAT THE MARKINGS MEAN
Japan is one of the world's largest watch markets, and Japanese sellers offer everything from affordable Seiko divers to rare JDM-exclusive models. Understanding the markings on watches sold from Japan — including kanji inscriptions, domestic model codes, and regulatory stamps — helps buyers make informed decisions and verify authenticity.
JDM vs Export Models
JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) watches are models produced specifically for sale within Japan. These typically carry a "Made in Japan" case back stamp rather than the "Japan Movt" marking found on export versions. They may also feature kanji day wheels and domestic warranty cards. JDM versions sometimes offer higher-quality finishing or exclusive dial variants — the Seiko SARB and SBDC lines are well-known examples of series with Japan-exclusive references sought after by international collectors.
Understanding Japanese Text on Your Watch
Japanese text on watches commonly appears in kanji (complex characters), katakana (angular script often used for brand names), or hiragana (rounded characters). On case backs, you may encounter kanji indicating movement type or regulatory compliance. Common examples include 自動巻 (automatic winding) and 防水 (water resistant). Day wheels on JDM watches often display kanji abbreviations for weekdays — 月 (Monday), 火 (Tuesday), 水 (Wednesday), and so on.
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"Made in Japan" vs "Movt Japan"
"Made in Japan" typically means the watch was both assembled and had its movement manufactured in Japan. "Japan Movt" indicates the movement was made in Japan but final assembly may have occurred elsewhere — often in China, Thailand, or Malaysia. Both are legitimate markings, but collectors frequently prefer "Made in Japan," which can command a modest premium on the secondary market.
Verifying Authenticity on Grey Market Purchases
Watches from Japanese grey market sellers on platforms like Rakuten or Yahoo Auctions Japan are typically genuine but may lack international warranty coverage. To verify authenticity, check that the serial number format matches known patterns, the model reference corresponds to a documented variant, and the movement caliber is correct. The PSC diamond safety mark — a Japanese regulatory symbol — is commonly found on JDM watches and can serve as an additional authenticity indicator.
Japanese-Only Model References
JDM reference numbers often follow brand-specific formats differing from international references. Seiko domestic models commonly use codes like SBDC061, while the export equivalent may be SPB077. Citizen JDM references frequently begin with region-specific prefixes, and Orient domestic models may carry references absent from international catalogs. Japanese watch forums and databases are often the most reliable sources for researching JDM-specific references.
Related Markings
A case back marking indicating the watch uses a movement manufactured in Japan. This is commonly seen as "JAPAN MOVT" or
Japan Movt MarkingA case back marking indicating the watch uses a Japanese-manufactured movement. This is one of the most common markings
Made in Japan StampA marking indicating the watch was fully assembled in Japan, not just the movement. This designation is particularly val
Kanji Case Back InscriptionJapanese characters (kanji or katakana) engraved or printed on the case back of watches sold in Japan. These inscription
JDM Model Reference CodeA model reference number specific to the Japanese domestic market that differs from the international version. JDM codes
PSC Diamond Safety MarkA small diamond-shaped symbol required on consumer products sold in Japan under the Product Safety of Consumer Products
Domestic Market Dial TextJapanese text printed on watch dials indicating features or specifications in the domestic language. Common examples inc
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Frequently asked questions
What does JDM mean for watches?
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market. It refers to watch models produced specifically for sale within Japan. These models often feature differences from export versions, such as 'Made in Japan' case back stamps, kanji day wheels, and sometimes exclusive dial variants or movements not available internationally.
Are watches bought from Japan on the grey market authentic?
Watches from reputable Japanese grey market sellers are typically genuine. Japan has a large and active domestic watch market, and most sellers on platforms like Rakuten or Yahoo Auctions Japan deal in authentic timepieces. However, they commonly lack international warranty coverage, so verifying the seller's reputation and checking markings for consistency is advisable.
Why do some Seiko watches say 'Made in Japan' while others say 'Japan Movt'?
Seiko manufactures watches in multiple countries. Models assembled entirely in Japan carry the 'Made in Japan' marking and are often JDM-exclusive or produced for markets that value this designation. Models assembled outside Japan but using Japanese movements carry the 'Japan Movt' marking. Both are legitimate Seiko products.
What is the PSC diamond mark on Japanese watches?
The PSC (Product Safety of Consumer) diamond mark is a Japanese regulatory compliance symbol indicating the product meets Japan's consumer safety standards. Its presence on a watch typically confirms the piece was originally manufactured for or sold in the Japanese domestic market.
How do I read the kanji on a Japanese watch case back?
Common kanji on watch case backs include 自動巻 (automatic winding), 防水 (waterproof or water resistant), and day-of-week abbreviations like 月 (Monday) through 日 (Sunday). Brand names may also appear in katakana script. Online kanji dictionaries and watch-specific forums can help decode unfamiliar characters.
Do JDM watches have different model numbers than export versions?
Often yes. Many Japanese brands use separate reference numbering systems for domestic and export models. For example, a Seiko diver sold in Japan as SBDC061 may be marketed internationally as SPB077. The watches may be identical or differ in subtle ways like the case back markings or day wheel language.
Is a 'Made in Japan' watch better quality than a 'Japan Movt' watch?
Not necessarily. The marking reflects where assembly occurred, not an inherent quality difference. Many 'Japan Movt' watches use the same movements and meet the same quality standards as their 'Made in Japan' counterparts. However, some JDM models do feature enhanced finishing or exclusive components, which can contribute to a perception of higher quality.
Can I get warranty service outside Japan for a JDM watch?
It depends on the brand and their warranty policy. Some manufacturers like Seiko and Citizen offer international warranty coverage regardless of where the watch was purchased, while others limit warranty service to the country of original sale. Grey market purchases commonly lack international warranty cards, so checking the brand's specific policy before buying is recommended.
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