Best JDM watches?
I’ve been on the quest for an affordable chronograph around the 38-42mm sizes, and whilst the Seagull 1963 to me is a really good option, Solar quartz chronos have been catching my eye recently.
At first I thought the Seiko Speedtimer couldn’t be beat, but now I’ve jumped deep into the rabbit hole that is JDM watches. It’s crazy to me that they can make such impressive timepieces at such a low price! Because of this, now JDM Citizen, Orient and even Casio are all in the running, and I’m rapidly getting analysis paralysis.
I wanted to open up this question to you guys as well, however - what is the best JDM watch you’ve ever seen/worn/bought? Bonus points if it is crazy affordable, even more bonus points if it’s a solar chronograph!
I am not Gerald Genta. I like to draw watch ideas. They usually suck. #defsnotgenta for more.
Here is the Seiko SSC017P1. It’s a solar chronograph. I owned one for a couple years and it was a beast. Passed it along to one of my brothers.
Love the Orient chronograph... I've been avidly researching JDM HAQ (wow... that's six letters) and here are my two favourites (excepting my real favourite, which I'll only tell anybody about once I've grabbed a used one for cheap).
Seiko Dolce (SACM71) - Seiko put its last-generation 8J41 10s/yr quartz movement into a sapphire-crystal watch that costs... $370 new? Is this price a mistake?? Were they just clearing out the warehouse??? I haven't bought one because I'm almost suspicious about it.
Grand Seiko Milgauss (SBGX341) - GS claims that its superior polishing obviates the need to lume anything. I guess this green-and-blue-glowing monstrosity is the exception that proves the rule? I love the less conservative aesthetic of this thing, but it's just too weird to consider making it my first watch at this price point.
Love my Oceanus. Never thought I would pay that much for a Casio (and as Jody at JOMW says one with the word “an-s” printed on the dial) but have not been disappointed. Don’t really understand why some of these models are reserved for the JDM but at least they can still be sourced. As you note it’s a nice rabbit hole for enthusiasts to discover.
That Orient Neo-70's Panda is one of the best looking Japanese chronos IMHO. I own a Seiko SSB031 which is also cool (but maybe not quite as sexy as the Orient) ... nice watch though! 😎
The blue 38mm paper dial whatever Citizen than came out last year 👌
I own this one, I was looking for a panda dial quartz chronograph.
Let's play pros and cons :
+ beautiful dial finishing for a ~400 € piece
+ well balanced dimensions, it wears like a 40 mm
+ light weight
+ smooth sweeping chrono hand, it feels like a Spring Drive !
+ solar powered, it never stopped
- awful and illegible date window
- meh bracelet
I do not wear it often, sadly.
I own this one, I was looking for a panda dial quartz chronograph.
Let's play pros and cons :
+ beautiful dial finishing for a ~400 € piece
+ well balanced dimensions, it wears like a 40 mm
+ light weight
+ smooth sweeping chrono hand, it feels like a Spring Drive !
+ solar powered, it never stopped
- awful and illegible date window
- meh bracelet
I do not wear it often, sadly.
I plan to switch out the bracelet for fabric or leather anyways so it’s not that big of a deal for me 😂
The mineral crystal is my only hesitation imo. I was thinking of this Citizen CA0450-57A but I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
I plan to switch out the bracelet for fabric or leather anyways so it’s not that big of a deal for me 😂
The mineral crystal is my only hesitation imo. I was thinking of this Citizen CA0450-57A but I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Fun fact : the only crystal I ever scratched was a sapphire one with anti-coating on the exterior face. 😁
I will be buying an Orient this year - great value
I love my SBDC097, but I would say one of the Brightz models, like an Ananta or a Nano Universe.
Nanohttps://www.sakurawatches.com/seiko-spirit-nano-universe-limited-collection-scve046