What is a JDM watch?
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market. A JDM watch is one made for sale in Japan rather than for export.
Japanese brands like Seiko and Casio often release models, colourways or limited editions only in Japan. Some later reach other markets under a different reference. Others never leave Japan at all. That's what makes JDM pieces interesting to collectors.
JDM, made in Japan and sourced from Japan aren't the same thing
These three terms get mixed up, so here's how we use them:
- JDM - made for the Japanese market.
- Made in Japan - manufactured in Japan, wherever it's sold.
- Sourced from Japan - bought in Japan by us, then shipped to the UK.
A watch can be one, two or all three. At ABA, every Seiko and Casio is sourced from Japan, and we only call a watch JDM when it genuinely is.
Why buy JDM?
You get references and details you won't usually find in UK shops. If you want something a little different on your wrist, it's the place to look.