In the watch world, JDM stands for Japan Domestic Market, which is a term that many use to denote a watch made for sale in Japan, and nowhere else. 

Like many Japanese watchmakers, Seiko choses to keep some of the best models for their local customers. In other words, these pieces are only meant for the Japan Domestic Market and aren’t marketed internationally by manufacturers.

 

Source: Seiko Watches

 

Seiko Mod Watches let you take Watch spare parts, and create watches that look amazing. Seiko JDM models are unique, and offer great ideas for anyone who is into making great mod watches. 

 

What is Seiko JDM?

Seiko JDM pieces might not be the most expensive models, or limited editions, but they are highly prized for being hard to get in other countries around the world.

For anyone living outside of Japan, one of the simple ways to get a JDM watch is to have a friend or a dealer that you have a relationship with in Japan buy it for you. This also helps you to save money by navigating different currencies, taxes, and shipping costs. 

 

Source: Japan Times

 

On the other hand, you can search for information about vintage JDM references on the internet. The older a JDM piece, the more likely it is to be a little on the expensive side. Make sure to do your research, and buy exactly what you want. Hunt around for the best price you can find, and accept you will be paying a premium.

One of the most appealing features is that JDM watches will be top quality models, and you aren’t likely to see many of them outside of Japan. Seiko also uses interesting designs for the domestic market, and many of these watches look amazing. 

Here we have some great Seiko JDM releases that could be the perfect inspiration for your next mod!

 

Best Watches for Inspiration

Seiko SARB033

Source: Fifth Wrist

 

The Seiko SARB033, with a black dial and simple silver hands, looks clean and fits almost any wrist size. In addition to featuring a timeless 38mm case, the watch is also equipped with the famous automatic Caliber 6R15.

The success of the SARB models may come from the combination of clean looks, incredible finishing, and great movement, and originally it was very affordable. The iconic looks of the watch also remind us of the Grand Seiko line, with some calling it a Baby Grand Seiko. 

Unfortunately, the SARB033 has been out of production for years, and prices have risen substantially on the secondary market. 

 

Seiko SBDX012

Source: Carousell

 

The Seiko Marinemaster SBDX012 was issued in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces in 2015 to celebrate 50 years of Seiko diving watches. The timepiece combines gold hands, indices, and gold numerals on the bezel insert. It uses a 8R35 movement with a date complication, and takes its cues from the rest of the Marinemaster line. 

In terms of design, the Seiko SBDX012 boasts a classic and timeless aesthetic that is both elegant and functional. The watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel, luminous hands and markers, and a date window, all of which make it easy to read in a variety of lighting conditions.

 

Seiko SZSB006

Source: Worn and Wound

 

The SZSB006 is one of two collaboration pieces released in partnership with Japanese watch store TiCTAC in 2019 to celebrate the store’s 35th anniversary. The other special edition is the SZSB007.

The watch sports a 40mm case with a black dial and vintage-inspired lume. The case shape and hands look a lot like a Seiko Alpinist while the dial layout has a vintage Rolex Explorer vibe. Arabic numerals are painted at 12 and 6 o’clock, which make it both stylish and functional.  

The SZSB006 is a perfect JDM mod inspiration, and we have vintage-themed watch dials that let you make your own version of this exclusive JDM Seiko. 

 

Seiko SBGA421

Source: Montredo

 

The SBGA421 was made specifically for the AJHH (Japanese Association of Haute Horlogerie) by Grand Seiko. It is a limited edition of the Snowflake with a twist, and adds a reddish pink ring to the dial, as well as a red second hand. 

Spring Drive is printed at six o’clock matching the new colored accents while the applied Grand Seiko logo is yellow gold. In addition, the entire sapphire display back is tinted red, and adds a lot to the entire piece. 

As a limited edition Grand Seiko, the SBGA421 isn’t cheap. If you want to make a watch that feels a lot like this exclusive JDM, check out all the custom parts we offer.  

 

Seiko SCXP041

Source: Watches by SJX

 

The last JDM Seiko on the list was created in collaboration with Nano Universe. This timepiece was worn by Steve Jobs on the cover of Time magazine, with the Apple classic computer back in 1982.

It is a very simple design, and it uses a reliable Seiko quartz movement - no doubt both appreciated by the late Apple CEO. Many people would classify this as a tool watch, however the elegant simplicity of the watch makes work better as a dress watch or even something to wear in a professional setting.

 

Wrap up

Seiko mods let you take inspiration from some of the most interesting watches out there, including Seiko JDM models. You already know that here at namokiMODS, we offer some of the best watch mod parts in the world.  

We have loads of SKX007 Parts, but we also have loads of other OEM Seiko spare parts as well. Check out all the great parts we offer, or also the watchmaking kits that let you build a Seiko mod watch the easy way!