Best Japanese Automatic Watches: Top Picks in 2023
There are some well-known watch companies from Japan, as well as a few smaller ones that you probably have never heard of. Here is an article outlining what to anticipate while shopping for each of the brands, along with my overall opinions and suggestions for each. The best Japanese automatic watches are listed here.
Best Japanese Automatic Watches: Top Picks
Best G-Shock: CASIO Men’s GW-9400-1CR Master of G
CASIO Men’s GW-9400-1CR Master of G (Source: Internet)
Overview:
RANGEMAN is the newest member of the Master of G line of robust, long-lasting timepieces designed and made to survive challenging conditions. The Shock triple sensor is used in this watch. Better in terms of function and impact strength are cylindrical buttons. Additionally, there are statistics for dawn and sunset, one-touch time recording, one-touch elapsed time measuring, G-Shock hardness and durability, and many other features.
Pros:
- Tough solar, Atomic time, three sensors, and a dedicated timer button
- Water-resistant
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- It could be challenging to see negative displays.
Best everyday: Seiko SNKL45 Men’s Stainless Steel Watch
Seiko SNKL45 Men’s Stainless Steel Watch (Source: Internet)
Overview:
It sports a stunning black sunburst dial with unique light-playing characteristics. For the same price, you just won’t find these design elements in other companies. with its lively red seconds hand adding an extra splash of brightness. The combination of a 30 m water resistance and a 40 hour power reserve is unremarkable. So much so that it can very well be something you wear every day.
Pros:
- Water-resistant to 30 meters
Reasonable cost
Cons:
- It might be a little annoying to wear coats, hoods, and long sleeves.
Amazon’s choice: Casio Unisex F-108WH-1ACF
Casio Unisex F-108WH-1ACF (Source: Internet)
Overview:
The Big Square offers the majority of the same functions as the G-Shock 5600, including a stopwatch and alarm, in a straightforward and simple square shape. It falls short on a few points, such as its 50-meter water resistance rather than 100-meter water resistance. The Big Square is unassuming and often unnoticed. Overall, this Casio Big Square is an excellent way to experience the G-Shock appearance and feel while spending less money.
Pros:
- Easy to read
- Digital display featuring LED light, daily alarm
Cons:
- The belt connection is not strong.
Best GPS: G-Shock Rangeman GPR-B1000-1JR
G-Shock Rangeman GPR-B1000-1JR (Source: Internet)
Overview:
The upgraded Rangeman, the first solar GPS watch in the world, contains features that no other G-Shock watch has, including Bluetooth connectivity, triple sensor technology, and GPS navigation. The GPS is effective and may provide real-time information about your location relative to a route or a bearing to a destination. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal LCD technology is used on the GPR-B1000-low-temperature 1JR’s (-20°C, -4°F) display.
Pros:
- GPS and solar
Bluetooth and a triple sensor
Cons:
- It’s pricey.
Best Orient: Orient Men’s ‘Mako II’
Orient Men’s ‘Mako II’ (Source: Internet)
Overview
One of the most well-liked watches from Orient and one of the most well-liked inexpensive dive watches on the market is the Orient Mako II, which is available in a number of variations. The Orient Mako II is a sturdy, well-made watch that provides outstanding value. a unidirectional rotating bezel, an athletic casing, and a readable dial. The case is stainless steel and has a 41.5mm diameter.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Convenient for everyday wear
Cons:
- According to several reviews, winding the watch and setting the date, time, and day are difficult to do using the crown.
Best modern: Citizen BJ7000-52E Eco-Drive Nighthawk
Citizen BJ7000-52E Eco-Drive Nighthawk (Source: Internet)
Overview:
The Nighthawk series embodies everything wonderful about pilot watches, from its intricate dial to its entire wrist presence. This Citizen Nighthawk blends the pilot style with some of the greatest features that the company has to offer. The BJ7000-52E is a 42mm stainless steel watch featuring a date complication, dual-time display, and even a pilot’s slide rule with a crown position at 8 o’clock.
Pros:
- Water-resistant
Five-year warranty
Cons:
- Some reviews complained that it was difficult to turn the crown to change the time.
Best budget: Casio Men’s MDV106-1AV 200 M WR Black Dive Watch
Casio Men’s MDV106-1AV 200 M WR Black Dive Watch (Source: Internet)
Overview:
The Casio MDV106 Duro is renowned for its 200 meters of water resistance, which translates to 600 feet of water or 200 meters of submersion. With enough distinctive design cues to stand on its own and a far more reasonable price tag, the Rolex Submariner is a renowned diving watch with a classic design that is somewhat reminiscent of it.
Pros:
- Water-resistant to 200m
- Quite cheap
Cons:
- The Duro’s casing width of 44mm can be a little larger than some people would like.
Best cool-looking: Seiko SNKE01 Men’s Analogue Automatic Watch
Seiko SNKE01 Men’s Analogue Automatic Watch (Source: Internet)
Overview:
The Seiko SNKE01 sports a striking steel bezel with etched Arabic numerals and is a highly stylish watch. This essay is all about adaptable toughness. Although it is obviously a sports watch, you may still wear it in a boardroom. Although it won’t be able to tolerate surface swimming due to its 50 m water resistance, it is not frightened of rain or hand washing.
Pros:
- Nice looking
- Water-resistant to 50 meters
Cons:
- Won’t be able to swap it out for a strap or bracelet from a third party
Best casual: Citizen Men’s Eco-DRV AR 2.0 Stainless Steel Watch
Citizen Men’s Eco-DRV AR 2.0 Stainless Steel Watch (Source: Internet)
Overview:
When diving watches are too ostentatious and G-Shocks are too tactical, this Citizen AR 2.0 is the ideal casual everyday watch. A rough dial and a 44mm stainless steel casing are hallmarks of the AR 2.0. The date window is likewise located at the customary 3 o’clock location rather than the 4 o’clock position like previous versions we’ve seen. It is driven by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which has a month-long battery life. It has a 100m water resistant rating and a soft rubber strap.
Pros:
- 100m water resistant rating, soft rubber strap
- Long battery life
Cons:
- It’s tough to see the number.
Best minimalist: G-Shock GA-2100-1A1
G-Shock GA-2100-1A1 (Source: Internet)
Overview:
One of G-most Shock’s popular new series is the GA-2100. A circular analog-digital display replaces the original G-octagonal Shock’s bezel and band in the design. It is a member of the trend toward thinner and smaller G-Shock watches, measures 45.4 mm wide and 11.8 mm thick, and it has an interior shell strengthened with carbon fiber.
Pros:
- LCD screens have modern designs and backlighting.
Cons:
- The LCD display is rather small.
- Viewing inverted LCD versions could be challenging.
Best for driver: Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch (Source: Internet)
Overview:
In practically every forum, this watch is usually mentioned as one of the greatest diving or tool watches. The blue dial of the Promaster is uncluttered and barely branded. The 48mm Promaster diving watch has a unidirectional bezel, quartz movement, and a screw-down crown at 4 o’clock. It is ISO-certified. The timepiece, which also has Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, is perhaps the greatest Eco-Drive timepiece.
Pros:
- Durable and water-resistant
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- According to the reviews, this watch delays time and goes back in time.
Best field watch: SEIKO Men’s SNZG15 SEIKO 5
SEIKO Men’s SNZG15 SEIKO 5 (Source: Internet)
Overview:
The SNZG15 has a solid reputation among watch aficionados as a superb piece if you’re searching for something tough, with a military style, and with outstanding value. It won’t disappear on your wrist because it measures 42 mm. It strikes the ideal balance between functionality and adaptability. But the military time, stern Arabic numeral, uncomplicated design, and red tip on the second hand are what make it so beloved by so many.
Pros:
- Water resistance of 100 meters
- Straightforward design
Cons:
- Stem winding is not included in this model.
Best for running: G-Shock Men’s GBA800-1A
G-Shock Men’s GBA800-1A (Source: Internet)
Overview:
The best G-Shock watch for sports is the GBA800, which has Bluetooth connectivity and an inbuilt step counter. Thanks to its modern minimalist design, the watch has one of the finest looks among G-Shock watches. The watch’s features include a step counter, Bluetooth compatibility, a hands-free backlight, dual time displays, world time, a front EL button, a countdown timer, a stopwatch, five alarms, a calendar, and hourly time beeps.
Pros:
- Stylish, step counter
- Phone app and Bluetooth
Cons:
- No solar
Best Casio Multi- Function: Casio Men’s EF527D-1AV “Edifice”
Casio Men’s EF527D-1AV “Edifice” (Source: Internet)
Overview:
This Edifice watch is reasonably priced and has a pocket calculator bezel, a 12-hour chronograph, a screw down crown, and 100 meters of water resistance. Surprisingly attractive, especially with a black strap, is the watch. The watch has been accurate and hardly loses 10-15 seconds every month. Although the slide rule has a few small errors, it is still quite functional, and the hands are positioned correctly in relation to the dial’s markings.
Pros:
- The slide rule may be easily adjusted and the turning motion is quite smooth.
- Bracelet made of steel.
Cons:
- The subdials’ hands are not lumped.
- No lap functions exist.
Best Solar-powered: Pulsar Men’s Chronograph Quartz Watch – PX5019X1
Pulsar Men’s Chronograph Quartz Watch – PX5019X1 (Source: Internet)
Overview:
This Pulsar, well renowned for its Solar watches (as well as their kinetic variants), charges from the power of light and never needs a battery. Solar watches are quite popular for many companies, and this Pulsar model is a big seller. The watch has a 44mm diameter and 14mm thickness, as well as a date display and a 100m water resistant certification.
Pros: G
- Good looking and well finished.
- Solar-powered
- Water resistance rating of 100m
Cons:
- The date is rather small and is not so easy to see.
Best Lorus Chronograph: Lorus Chronograph Watch PVD Rose Gold Plated
Lorus Chronograph Watch PVD Rose Gold Plated (Source: Internet)
Overview:
It has a depth of 12mm and is constructed with a gorgeous 45mm PVD rose gold-plated case. The watch boasts a big display, prominent hands, and highly visible hour markings. The deep blue color of the dial and bezel complements the usage of rose-colored accents quite well. Between the 4 and 5 o’clock hour markers, there is a little date function as well. This men’s Lorus watch has a dependable quartz movement at its core.
Pros:
- Bold hour marks with good visibility.
- Quartz movement that is precise.
- Water resistance of 100 meters
Cons:
- Maybe nothing
Best dual-display: Pulsar Dual Display Digital Analogue Watch
Pulsar Dual Display Digital Analogue Watch (Source: Internet)
Overview:
It stands out because of the subtle yellow accents mixed with the blue. Several of the watch’s unique capabilities are displayed on the huge LCD screen of the 44mm watch, which also includes a dual digital and analog display display. The watch has a date display, an alarm, a stop watch with a 99-hour accuracy to 1/1000 second, split time, a global time display, and a backlight.
Pros:
- Dual-display
- Big LCD screen
- World time is displayed.
- Modern design
Cons:
- The digital portion’s lack of brightness.
Best Analog: G-Shock GG1000-1A5 Mudmaster
G-Shock GG1000-1A5 Mudmaster (Source: Internet)
Overview:
The Mudmaster has a comprehensive auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format, LED backlight, digital compass, temperature, world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, hourly time signal, low battery indication, and button operation tone on/off. The GG-1000 is one of the most alluring G-Shocks on the market because of its robust, mud-resistant construction and 56.2mm diameter shell.
Pros:
- Analog display with dual sensors
- Compass carrying capabilities and chic styling
Cons:
- The multi-band 6 and solar are absent.
Best popular Lorus: Lorus Watches Men’s Titanium RXD425L8
Lorus Watches Men’s Titanium RXD425L8 (Source: Internet)
Overview:
This simple Lorus watch features a thinner 8mm titanium case with a smaller 37mm diameter. Because it is tougher and lighter than stainless steel, titanium is a popular material for timepieces. This titanium men’s Lorus watch has a comfy green khaki cloth strap that fastens with a buckle-style clasp. Additionally, there is a time function at 3 o’clock that could be helpful.
Pros:
- Made of titanium
- Trustworthy quartz movement
- Water resistance of 100 meters
Cons:
- Zero lume
See more:
FAQs
What is the best watch brand in Japan?
Seiko is a renowned watchmaker and the most significant in Japan. It was founded in 1881. It is well renowned for creating all of its own goods and technologies, from materials and motor motions to solar-charging and GPS technology.
Does Japanese make good watches?
Japanese timepieces are of the highest caliber. Japanese movements are regarded as being highly utilitarian, placing more of a focus on accuracy and a sturdy construction than on aesthetics. These motions are produced on automated production lines, which helps manufacturers keep prices low.
What brand watches are made in Japan?
Japanese watch brands include Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Orient, Kurono, Minase, and more.
Why Japanese watches are better?
There are typically better offers, especially in the luxury brand. Seiko pioneered this, although excellent watches are also produced by Citizen and Casio. Japanese timepieces lack bragging rights. In-your-face design and flashiness are typically avoided by luxury businesses. On the contrary hand, are more concerned with practicality and provide a watch of extraordinary quality at a reduced price.
What are the big 5 watch brands?
Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, and Girard-Perregaux are the “Big 5” watch brands, and for well over a century, nonstop, every watch that has emerged from their factories has been nothing shorter than the pinnacle of luxury.
Which is the No 1 watch brand in the world?
The greatest watch brand in the world, Patek Philippe, constantly ranks first and is unmatched as a status symbol. The Swiss business, which was established in 1839, is the final independent, family-owned watchmaker in Geneva.
Conclusion
Japan is perhaps one of the most well-known watch-producing nations, producing some of the greatest timepieces in the world across almost all price points and product categories. Mid-range, luxury, and high-watchmaking watches may all be found in great supply in Japan. And after reading this article, I hope you can decide which is the best Japanese automatic watches for you.
