Step 1: Serial Number All modern Seiko watches have the date of manufacture contained in the 6 digit Serial number. Exceptions are pre-1970 models when the numbers were 7 digits long, and limited edition models may have a number reflecting it's piece number e.g. 90/200 meaning its the 90th of only 200 pieces. The Seiko serial and movement number decoder. The Seiko serial and movement number decoder. This page is moving, please use this Seiko manufacture date decoder instead. It is the same database but on better hosting. Please update your links. Link to pics of some of my Seiko collection.
All modern Seiko watches have the date of manufacture contained in the 6 digit serial number. Exceptions are pre-1970 models when the numbers were 7 digits long.
The Seiko movement and model number can be found on the caseback in two sets of 4 digits joined by a dash. The first 4 are the movement calibre number, the second 4 are the case/model number.
Seiko watches feature the movement calibre and dial code printed at the bottom of the dial near the 6 o'clock position.
Every Seiko watch will feature the Seiko logo on the watch face (dial). Check the size and shape of the letters extremely carefully for any slight variation.
If the seller photographed the instruction booklet check that any movement numbers match those found on the watch itself. Also check that the copy is aligned and evenly spaced.
New Seiko watches are accompanied by a guarantee certificate. The style and details may vary according to watch model and country. But check that all copy is aligned and evenly spaced.
- 7
- 8
Good day fellow enthusiasts! Recently I've seen an increase in the number of posts regarding J's and K's in certain Seiko model numbers as well as some confusion as to what all those letters and numbers mean. So since I'm 'super' bored at work and because my job could be done by a trained monkey to the same effect (just shows you how dumb my temporary job is) I thought I'd write this little faq really quickly and post it.
To start let us look at a typical model number: Seiko 5 model SNKL23J1. The first part of the model SNKL23 is the specific watch model number first indicating the collection SNKL and then the model within that collection 23. The J means that at least 51% of the watch was manufactured/assembled within Japan proper as per Japanese government stipulations. Finally the 1 indicates the model has other band options available.
To summarize: SNKL23J1
SNKL - Collection
23 - Model number in said collection
J - manufactured/assembled in Japan
1 - Different watch bands exist for this model
Another thing I want to point out is the model can either have a J or a K in the model number. The J as stated before means 51% assembled/manufactured in Japan. The K, and I can't stress this enough, does NOT stand for Korea. The K simply means it was manufactured outside of Japan. That being said, Seiko has incredible quality control and whether it's a J or K the watch will be excellent. The only time the J or K come into consideration is with resale and it only really seems to matter to the Japanese resale market in Japan. The Japanese prefer J models to K models but I've not seen that play a big picture in resale markets outside of Japan.
I hope this helps with anyone's confusion in the future.
TL/DR: Go back and read these few paragraphs you lazy bum! :-)
Seiko Customer Service Phone Number
Edit: I almost forgot to add this but thanks for the reminder u/MangyCanine. The J models generally have English/Arabic writing when it comes to days of the week complications while the K models are in English/Spanish. My apologies for forgetting this.
Value My Seiko Watch
