Are Seiko Mods Good? A Guide to Safe Modding for Beginners

Modifying a watch is not a new thing in the watch community. However, watch modding shouldn’t be done carelessly. Make no mistake, most watch mods are done by skilled or professional hands.

Just like a car and a skateboard, a watch can undergo modifications or customizations in the hands of those who understand the intricate way of the mechanism. In this case, standard Seiko watches have often become the lab test for mod enthusiasts. To understand what makes a Seiko mod good, read through the following article.

What Is Seiko Modding?

Seiko modding is a term within the watch community that refers to the customization of standard Seiko watches. It’s an activity that requires watch enthusiasts to modify their choice of Seiko timepieces into more personalized items.

One enthusiast’s idea of an interesting modification may differ from another's. In the search for the best Seiko mods, watch modding fans may come across varying degrees of customization. Some changes may not seem significant, but they greatly impact the final impression. Others may apply major modifications that bring a drastic change to a watch’s appearance.

Watch enthusiasts can spot certain changes in modded Seiko watches, such as in the cases, dials, handsets, and movements. The modification aims to alter the appearance of a standard Seiko watch, ultimately making it a distinctly unique timepiece using all kinds of mod parts.

New watch enthusiasts may wonder: why Seiko? Seiko is a big brand in the watchmaking industry that produces a vast number of movements every year. Those who are into modifying movements can grab a reliable and durable Seiko movement at a considerably affordable price.

Seiko also offers a diverse range of designs in a large number. Not limited to the movement, other parts of Seiko are widely available, which makes it easy for watch modifiers to switch every component they desire whenever they like.

What Is Modding for?

Not many watch owners are into modding. Only a handful of enthusiasts dive deep into the modding world to take delicate components apart and make them anew. Generally, modding is intended to create and completely own something personalized to someone. In some cases, a high-level modification may even increase a watch’s price, making it worth more than it ever could on a standard model.

Seiko modding is an area for watch enthusiasts to explore their creativity without spending big money. Crafting a new version of a standard Seiko watch can give a sense of satisfaction and pride to the doer. It’s a showcase of a nerdy hobby in mechanical exploration, and Seiko helps give accessibility by making the parts modification required available at authorized sellers.

Which Parts to Mod?

All Seiko-modded watches have different characteristics that reflect the modifiers’ intention. However, the customized parts are mostly similar. From the dial to the movement, here are some of the general changes a Seiko watch mod brings about:

Dial

Standard Seiko dials can be swapped or modified with brand-new, customized dial designs. The modifications in this part usually include the changes in the dial colors, added or removed textures, or vintage features that resemble luxury brands.

Handset and Crown

Besides the dial, the handset and crown usually get the upgrades too. Changes in hour and minute hands are commonly made for aesthetic purposes. On the other hand, the crown replacement is meant to adjust the functionality or the style of the watch.

Bezel

The outward appearance of a watch relies on the choice of the bezel. Sometimes, a bezel customization can help give a different appeal. For instance, a change from a bold ceramic to a stainless steel insert may offer a classier look.

Crystal

Seiko watch modders usually replace the standard crystal with a scratch-resistant sapphire. It’s intended to strengthen the watch’s crystal and improve the visibility under every lighting condition.

Movement

As mentioned previously, Seiko movements vary in designs and specifications. Sometimes, a modder wishes to upgrade the movement without having to change the other things about the watch. With a more sophisticated movement in place, the watch can achieve improved accuracy and smooth winding.

Read also: How to Buy a Watch Strap that Fits Your Everyday Needs 

Which Seiko Watches You Can Modify?

Essentially, every watch can be modified according to the owner’s wishes. Beginners who like to give Seiko modification a try can pick the most affordable options so as not to overbloat their spending. For example, Seiko 5 can be considered due to its casual specs. It’s not a collection specified in dive or field activities.

Most Seiko 5 models do not consist of many parts. Watch modifiers can make adjustments to the dials, hands, movements, and crystals. One of the options to consider here is the Seiko 5 Sports “Sports Style” 38mm Orange (SBSA231). It bears the SKX’s reissue design language, which has a robust build while maintaining a classic design.

The SBSA231 has an open case back with an automatic caliber 4R36. Though it’s already a major upgrade from the 7S26, a modifier may find a way to make adjustments to the movement. Other parts, like the dial and handset, can also be the subject of customization.

Despite the difficulty level, perhaps some beginners like to give field watches a try. As a mod object, the Seiko 5 Sports “Military Style” Black can be a suitable pick. Under the Seiko 5 Japan line, the military-style watch is one of the most affordable automatic watches in today’s market.

In its standard form, the Seiko 5 Sports “Military Style” Black features a non-screw-down, push-pull crown at the 3 o’clock position, which gives it a water resistance of 100 m. The 316L stainless steel case is paired with a 20 mm nylon military strap. The grain-textured charcoal dial is covered by the Hardlex crystal. While the specs are generally considered top-notch for USD 336.00, a modification isn’t out of the question.

It’s worth noting that modifying any watch should require a steady hand and laser focus. Not to mention, there are special tools that come with the niche interest. Before making a big decision to customize any Seiko watch, understand what to do and what not to do to avoid any potential damage. For safety, consult a professional craftsman specialized in watch mods instead of modifying the watch independently.

Seiko Accessories for Modding

When it comes to changing things up, Seiko's wide range of accessories offers everything for modders. However, for beginners, picking apart the inner mechanism, including the movement, may be a daunting task to handle. As a starter, changing the outer parts like the crystal and the bracelet is enough to satisfy the curiosity.

Instead of Frankenstein-ing Seiko watches with random or unbranded parts, consider modding with Seiko official parts. Here are some Seiko accessories that the Gnomon Watches catalog offers:

1. Seiko Sapphire Crystal for Seiko Sumo

The Seiko Sumo comes with the default Hardlex mineral crystal. This isn’t the case when you make a purchase at Gnomon Watches. For new Seiko Sumo purchases, Gnomon Watches offers a soft domed Seiko Sapphire Crystal with anti-reflective coating on its inside and a waterproof certification. The crystal is suitable for the following models:

• Prospex 200M Automatic Black Sumo Ref. SBDC031.
• Prospex 200M Automatic Blue Sumo Ref. SBDC033.
• Prospex 200M Automatic Blue Coral Sumo Ref. SBDC069.
• Prospex 200M Automatic Hulk Green Sumo Ref. SZSC004.

Price: $75.00 USD

2. Seiko Sapphire Crystal for Seiko Turtle

Owners of Seiko Turtles can replace the Hardlex mineral crystal that comes with the existing models with an AR-coated flat sapphire. Similarly to the sapphire crystal for the Seiko Sumo, this customization receives the anti-reflective coating treatment on the inside and waterproof testing to ensure the water resistance. This customized crystal is only applicable for the following models:

• Prospex Turtle 200M Automatic Black Ref. SRP777J1.
• Prospex Turtle 200M Automatic Blue Ref. SRP773J1
• Prospex King Turtle 200M Automatic Black Ref. SBDY049
• Prospex Darth Turtle Blacked Out Edition Ref. SBDY041
• Prospex Turtle 200M Automatic Black/Blue Ref. SBDY013
• Prospex PADI Turtle 200M Automatic Blue/Red Ref. SBDY017
• Prospex Turtle 200M Automatic Orange - Ltd Ed 500pcs - Ref. SBDY023
• Prospex "Save The Ocean" Turtle 200M Automatic Ref. SRPC91J1
• Prospex "Save The Ocean" Turtle Black 200M Automatic Ref. SBDY027 / SRPD11J1
• Prospex Turtle 200M Automatic Gilt Ref. SRP775J1
• Prospex Turtle 200M Automatic Black/Blue Ref. SRPC25J1
• Prospex Turtle 200M Automatic Hulk Green Ref. SBDY039
• Prospex PADI Turtle 200M Automatic Blue/Red Ref. SRPA21J1

Price: $75.00 USD

Read also: How to Regulate a Watch: A Guide to Precise Timekeeping 

3. Seiko Bracelet for Alpinist - Ref. M0TZ411J0

A change in the bracelet can mean a lot to a watch. For Seiko Alpinist owners, this Seiko bracelet customization can be a fitting choice to maintain a shiny look. With the lug width of 20 mm and the length of 170 mm, this bracelet is suitable for stylish dress watches like the Prospex Alpinist Sharks Tooth SBDC087 and the Prospex Alpinist Green SBDC091.

Price: $209.00 USD

4. Seiko Bracelet for Prospex (M01X431)

This custom Seiko bracelet for Prospex suits the likes of the Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic Black “Baby MM” (SBDC061) and the Seiko Prospex PADI 200M Automatic “Baby MM” (SBDC071). The bracelet’s lug width measures in at 20 mm with a length of 190 mm.

Price: $220.00 USD

5. Seiko Bracelet for Prospex (M197213H0)

For a sleek adjustment to your Seiko Prospex, consider this 20 mm Seiko bracelet. With a length of 190 mm, this bracelet suits Seiko Prospex models like the Seiko Prospex 62MAS 200M Automatic Black (SBDC101).

Price: $290.00 USD

6. Seiko Black Rubber Strap for Prospex - 20 mm (R03E011J0)

This urethane strap is originally for Prospex models like the SBDC101, SBDC105, SBDC109, SBDC111, and SBDC123. It generally suits any Seiko Presage and Prospex models with the lug width of 20 mm. It has a length of 75/135 mm.

Price: $95.00 USD

7. Seiko Calf Leather Strap - Mocha Alligator Grained

For a leather strap enthusiast, this Seiko calf leather strap with deployant clasp can fit any Seiko Presage or Prospex model. Originally made for the Seiko Alpinist SARB017, the 20 mm mocha alligator strap has a clasp width of 18 mm and a length of 135/58 mm excluding the clasp. Modifying a Seiko bracelet with this snazzy leather strap can give a distinctive look.

Price: $100.00 USD

Conclusion

Finding the best Seiko mods is a journey worth taking for those who are eager to transform a watch’s appearance. A modification can sometimes give a new life to a watch when done correctly. However, it should be noted that Seiko-modded watches are the result of someone’s crafty hands.

Modding watches ultimately isn’t everyone’s calling. The task of modifying certain parts of a watch requires commitment and thorough preparation. When in doubt about changing a bracelet or a crystal, consult with a professional. It’s better to hear what the skilled craftsman has to say before going through the plan.

Read also: Watch Size Guide: How to Get the Right Size on Your Wrist