Value of Japanese versions?

[Godan]

Why is a Japanese version of a watch twice the cost of the "international (?)" version? Thanks to responses to a question here, I understand that the GWX-5600 is the only solar atomic square with current time shown in stopwatch mode. Looking on Amazon and Ebay, I see the black Japanese version, GWX-5600-1JF, is around $200. The red GWX-5600C-4 and white C-7 versions are well under $100. Is there a substantive difference in quality or functionality, or is some other factor at play? $100 more seems a lot for a few cents worth of dye poured into a batch of resin. Thanks.

[kung-fusion]

There are many factors at play here.

1.) Some JDM versions are more expensive due to exchange rates and the fact you need to import them
2.) Some JDM versions have different features (atomic or carbon fiber, for example, that the export versions may not have depending on the model)
3.) Some ebay and amazon sellers jack up the prices to obscene levels for no apparent reason (maybe just looking for buyers too lazy to research the real price of things)
4.) Some colors are more desirable to buyers than others, or more limited in production run, and thus can be valued more to some people.

[yankeexpress]

Desirability of the positive display and it looks awesome Black and previous idiot customers like me who are willing to pay what it takes to get what they want. Sorry.

I do shop around for a good price, but sometimes one has to pay the man (or in this case woman) to get exactly the right item.

After hunting awhile for a new with tags GWX-5600-1 black square, the cheapest price from Japan to USA I was able to find was Amazon $185US total including shipping.
Getting the positive screen is worth the price difference, as is BLACK.
It is a unique square and an amazing G-Shock.


Seller was World Z King, thru Amazon US. Included the Japanese KitKat bar as a gift. For what it's worth, the packaging and care shown in shipping were superior.

[Godan]

Gentlemen: Thank you both - albeit for saying what I feared was true. I came to G-Shocks directly from Rolexes, so I am pre-brutalized about prices. Soon, I'll decide whether to pay an extra $100 for a few cents' worth of dye, a candy bar and a nice box. Probably some (many?) here can understand the nature of that dilemma.

[kung-fusion]

Gentlemen: Thank you both - albeit for saying what I feared was true. I came to G-Shocks directly from Rolexes, so I am pre-brutalized about prices. Soon, I'll decide whether to pay an extra $100 for a few cents' worth of dye, a candy bar and a nice box. Probably some (many?) here can understand the nature of that dilemma.

Just wait until you get into the limited editions and are debating whether to spend $1000 more for something with slightly different materials and colors.

[Rocat]

Desirability of the positive display and it looks awesome Black and previous idiot customers like me who are willing to pay what it takes to get what they want. Sorry.

I do shop around for a good price, but sometimes one has to pay the man (or in this case woman) to get exactly the right item.

After hunting awhile for a new with tags GWX-5600-1 black square, the cheapest price from Japan to USA I was able to find was Amazon $185US total including shipping.
Getting the positive screen is worth the price difference, as is BLACK.
It is a unique square and an amazing G-Shock.


Seller was World Z King, thru Amazon US. Included the Japanese KitKat bar as a gift. For what it's worth, the packaging and care shown in shipping were superior.

That had to be the most expensive Kit Kat bar ever! At least you got the watch you wanted with it. LOL

The positive version of this watch is MUCH better. It is actually usable now. Good choice!

[yankeexpress]

Don't discount the value of the positive display, though I agree that costs Casio nothing extra, they don't offer it in any other GWX square that I know of, so there is no other way to get it.

Enjoy your new watch. It's a doozie.

[berryman]

As an alternative, you might want to consider the GRX5600A-4. True you won't get the atomic feature and you'll probably have to change out the raspberry resins that come with the -4, but you'll still get solar charging along with the cool tide and phases of the moon features and most important - you'll get a POSITIVE DISPLAY.

[yankeexpress]

The GRX shows current time in STW and CDT modes.

And there is a positive GLX-5600 lacking both solar & atomic for $85US on eBay.
The GLX graphs for moon & tide are different, and
Not sure if the GLX shows current time in STW mode, but it might.

https://forums.watchuseek.com/f17/wha...-a-626831.html

http://www.casio-intl.com/asia-mea/e...il/GLX-5600-1/

[yankeexpress]

Just viewed a Youtube video of the GLX and saw it does NOT have current time in STW mode.