I was wrapping up some of my players when I came across these two. Sporting two different model numbers and a different front door, these units are otherwise identical. I didn't know Sony did that but it doesn't surprise me. While entry level these later units were made in Japan.
very interesting finding. I think Sony also made some walkman units in WM-BF series identical with different front panels
Either; A) They felt the need to produce a new model every six months B) There was a commercial need for two different models. I have seen Canon cameras in Currys with model numbers exclusive to them. It allows Currys to sell them at a discount without messing up John Lewis's "Never Knowingly Undersold" policy. What is the diffference. This one has red trim and a different model number. On a similar note back in the 1980s we found that a Casio calculator had extra functions like rectangular to Polar that weren't marked on the front. What is the difference from the next model up? £5 and some extra printing on the front. It allows them to cover both price points.
From other budget Walkmans I've bought you often do see stuff like this, models that are either identical in terms of their internals/functionality and/or appearance but are different models. The biggest thing is the market they release in, the WM-22 if I recall has a different name for the Canadian market and likely another for the NA market, Japan etc. Very interesting find, thanks for sharing!
