What Are Seiko Mods? Explore What Makes Them Fascinating

Among watch enthusiasts, the term ‘modding’ has a specific relation to a timepiece’s customization. Within the watch community, a mod watch means a showcase of creativity, vision, and skills. So, what kind of watch has been consistently modded?. 

Watch collectors often modify Seiko watches because of the variety of the components and the affordability. These aspects make Seiko one of the most sought-after brands for watch modding purposes. To understand anything worth noting about Seiko mods, read through the following article.

What Are Seiko Mods?

Seiko mods is the term in the watch community that refers to customized Seiko watches. Creating Seiko mods requires a comprehensive understanding of what each component means to a specific watch model. In other words, modding is not something that anyone just wakes up and does.

Watch modders tend to have a deep passion for horology. Besides the skills, modding is not a cheap hobby. As a starter, most watch modders lean towards inexpensive models. In this case, Seiko is one of the chosen ones due to its affordability and accessibility.

Modified Seiko watches take the components from the original models apart and replace them with the ones the modders prefer. Some modders use brand-new Seiko parts to upgrade their watches; others choose radical paths by opting for unauthorized or unbranded components.

One of the most famous examples of Seiko mods is the Seiko Nautilus. It’s a customized Seiko that takes inspiration from Patek Philippe’s luxury watch. At a glance, the modded watch looks eerily like the Patek Philippe Nautilus. However, it features the combination of original Seiko parts and off-the-shelf parts, which come together to create the smartly deceiving piece.

What Is Modding for?

As mentioned before, modding requires a particular set of skills and a passion for horology. Every watch modder especially has a distinctive vision for what their customized watch looks like. This desire to own something completely unique is the main drive behind modding. 

For watch enthusiasts who are not big spenders, modding may help solve their desire to own something rare that doesn’t drain their wallets. Considering how affordable and accessible most Seiko components are, purchasing the required parts will not be a daunting task. Seiko official stores and authorized sellers like Gnomon Watches have separate accessories for modding or upgrading Seiko watches.

Modding can take place once all the parts required to modify the watch are ready. At this stage, the passion for mechanical tinkering and the application of the skills determine the success of the modifying process. To perform this task, watch modders must possess certain equipment, such as tweezers, a crystal press, a movement holder, a caseback remover, and a spring bar remover.

Is Seiko Modding Legal?

The question regarding the legality of Seiko mods hinges on the fact that these watches are no longer considered the original versions. Rather, Seiko mods undergo a series of adjustments in a precise manner, which sometimes can affect their overall appearance.

Whether drastic or not, these changes may create confusion for new watch buyers. Unlike the trained and experienced eyes of watch enthusiasts, most people who are not into horology will treat a Seiko mod like it’s nothing different from the original version. 

While modding is generally considered legal, the process of selling it is not. Modified Seiko watches should have ‘custom’ or ‘modded’ labels when being sold. Selling a Seiko mod is also allowed legally as long as sellers provide truthful information about the product. It’s best to call a Seiko mod what it is instead of referring to it as a vintage or a limited edition.

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

The Rules to Modded Seiko Watches

Modifying Seiko watches cannot be done carelessly. Even though personal preferences ultimately play an important part, there’s a general guideline to creating modded Seiko watches. Here are several rules for modifying Seiko watches:

1. Part Accessibility

To realize a specific vision of a Seiko mod, watch modders need to seek the parts they need first. Thankfully, Seiko’s accessories and parts to modify are widely available. Seiko offers a wide range of options for certain parts, including crystals, dials, hands, and movements. To avoid a counterfeit, check the availability of these parts in authorized sellers, like Gnomon Watches.

2. Skills

Ensuring a safe modifying process is the crucial point in securing the quality of the end result. Every watch modder must possess a high level of skills to perform customization independently. While many tutorials and online courses are available, the hands-on procedure may leave beginners a bit stunned.

An alternative for those without the skills of a watch master is delivering the watch intended for modification to the professionals. Instead of doing the job independently, professional watch modders will help show the way around the watch and how to personify it to realize someone’s vision accurately.

3. Personalization

A personal motive is the main drive behind a desire to modify a watch. Someone who owns a Seiko watch may want to change the outer appearance or upgrade the movement with the latest Seiko parts. In this case, Seiko offers ease in the way of customizing parts.

Seiko is modifiable due to its modular approach. The Japanese watch brand allows smooth part replacement due to its design. Therefore, Seiko watch owners find it easy to swap out parts that need upgrades or replacements because of wear and tear. This aspect also helps incite watch enthusiasts who have a creative vision for a certain Seiko model.

It’s also worth noting that Seiko’s modular design makes it easy for watch owners to replace parts without specialized tools or professional skills. For this reason, many beginners in watch modding pick Seiko watches as their first experiment.

4. Boundless Creativity

A combination of part accessibility and easy personalization helps the creation of Seiko mods from various models. Every individual can create their dream Seiko modded watch using components like crystals and movements without any hassle in the purchasing stage. Seiko’s parts are available everywhere at affordable prices. This accessibility allows watch owners everywhere to get creative with their vision.

5. Cost Effective

Seiko mod watches can be made with affordable parts. This option suits those who wish to upgrade their watch but don’t have enough budget to purchase a new one. Replacing certain parts of the existing Seiko watch prevents unnecessary spending on new timepieces when the current one is still in good condition.

6. Warranty

Replacing original parts through modding can void the warranty on the Seiko watch. It’s because the alteration in the parts can impact a watch’s performance based on the brand’s official guidelines. It's recommended to check the warranty first to understand how it affects the legality of a claim in case you find a fault in the watch.

Is It Safe to Modify Seiko Watches?

For beginners, modifying a watch can be a challenging task. However, professional watch modders may think of it as a casual occurrence in their lives. The difference in attitude between the two groups shows how the watch modding depends greatly on skills.

Skill sets aside, modifying or customizing a Seiko watch is perfectly legal for personal use. Selling a modded Seiko watch is an entirely different issue. During the transaction, the seller should lay out all the information about a watch transparently to avoid any potential distrust from buyers.

Additionally, it’s recommended for a Seiko mod watch to feature compatible parts from Seiko to ensure reliability. It's possible that some Seiko-modded watches may have parts from unauthorized brands. If this is the case, the Seiko-modded watch can be considered inauthentic, although clearly a Seiko custom.

Read also: Where Are Seiko Watches Made? A Guide to the Production Code 

How to Change Seiko Watch Appearance

Even without a drastic modification, a Seiko watch can still undergo a significant change through a certain part replacement. For instance, upgrading a sapphire crystal to a soft-domed sapphire crystal on an old Seiko Sumo model offers improved readability.

Besides the crystal, Gnomon Watches lists several other Seiko accessories to choose from for your mod project. Here are the examples:

Crystal

A crystal protects a stunning dial from interacting directly with the air and the other external forces in nature. For those who still own an old watch with a Hardlex crystal, it's time for an upgrade with the following options:

1. Sapphire Crystal Customization For Seiko Sumo

Seiko Sumo watches, which feature a Hardlex or sapphire crystal, can be upgraded to a soft-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside. This customized crystal is specified for several Seiko Sumo models, such as SBDC069, SBDC031, and SBDC033. It will undergo a waterproof test and receive a certification as an exhibit of the factory's water resistance ratings.

Price: $75.00 USD

2. Sapphire Crystal Customization For Seiko Turtle

Like the Seiko Sumo, the replacement for the Seiko Turtle’s crystal is a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inside. Changing the old crystal with the new one helps improve readability. With a water test certification, the crystal will have solid proof of certification as well.

Price: $75.00 USD

Bracelet

A well-performed watch should be paired with a stunning bracelet. In case the old one has run out of style, consider some of the Seiko bracelets below:

1. Seiko Bracelet for "Captain Willard" (M197113H0)

Originally, the Seiko bracelet M197113H0 is for Captain Willard models like the Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic "Captain Willard" Black and the Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic "Captain Willard" Green. This bracelet has a width of 20 mm with a length of 190 mm.

Price: $290.00 USD

2. Seiko Bracelet for "Tuxedo" (M0TW121J0)

The Seiko bracelet M0TW121J0 is originally paired with Tuxedo models like the Seiko Presage Automatic Blue "Tuxedo" (SARX045) and the Seiko Presage Automatic Green "Tuxedo" (SARX047). It’s a sleek fit for a dress watch with a lug width of 20 mm and a length of 170 mm.

Price: $209.00 USD

3. Seiko Bracelet for Alpinist (M0TZ411J0)

A strong and sleek Alpinist bracelet with a lug width of 20 mm and a length of 170 mm can be seen in several models like the Seiko Prospex Alpinist Shark’s Tooth Black and the Seiko Prospex Alpinist Green. For those who’d like a change from a leather strap on their Alpinist watch, this bracelet may work just as well.

Price: $209.00 USD

Read also: How to Replace a Seiko Watch Battery with the Right Tools 

4. Seiko Bracelet for Presage

Some Seiko Presage watches feature this original bracelet with a lug width of 20 mm and a length of 170 mm. This bracelet is usually found in the Seiko Presage Enamel (SARW035). Other models can also benefit from the added sleekness of this bracelet. For a change in aesthetic, a leather strap swap for a sleek bracelet is worth a try.

Price: $209.00 USD

5. Seiko Bracelet for Prospex (M0MR337H0)

Looking for a Seiko bracelet longer than 170 mm? This model for Seiko Prospex Tuna SBBN043 and SBBN045 may be something to look forward to for a modding procedure. It has a lug width of 22 mm with a length of 185 mm. The bracelet, which pairs with a stunning Prospex design, emphasizes a formal, modern look that suits business meetings or casual events alike.

Price: $330.00 USD

Strap

Other than bracelets, Seiko modders can take advantage of the rubber and leather straps to give a new appearance to their watch. Here are several options to consider:

1. Seiko Black Rubber Strap for Prospex (R03E011J0)

A rubber strap with a lug width of 20 mm and a length of 135 mm suits any Seiko Presage or Prospex model nicely. The rubber strap features a stainless steel strap keeper and a buckle to safely wrap around the wrist.

Price: $95.00 USD

2. Seiko Calf Leather Strap - Mocha Alligator Grained (20mm)

Any Seiko Prospex and Presage model can be paired with this Seiko calf leather strap. The mocha alligator texture adds to the aesthetic of the leather strap with a lug width of 20 mm and a length of 135 mm, including the deployant clasp.

Price: $100.00 USD

3. Seiko Calf Leather Strap - Dark Brown (20mm)

Made from genuine cow leather, the Seiko dark brown leather strap with brown stitching not only offers comfort but also durability. It features a silver three-fold clasp and a push-button release. The 20 mm lug width and 135 mm length can suit any type of Seiko watch.

Price: $100.00 USD

4. Seiko Leather Strap - Brown (19mm)

This original brown leather strap with white stitching from Seiko offers comfort and reliability. Slightly smaller than the previous options, this brown leather strap measures 19 mm in lug width and 135 mm in length. For secure wear, the strap comes with a three-fold clasp with a push-button release.

Price: $100.00 USD

Conclusion

Seiko mods are the existing proof of how versatile Seiko craftsmanship is. From the accessibility of the original parts to the modular design that helps watch enthusiasts get creative with their modifications, Seiko effortlessly helps increase the level of creativity in the watchmaking world.

There’s no imitation without creation. At this stage, the name Seiko is synonymous with a vast array of parts that make up a formidable timepiece at affordable prices. Keeping this in mind, Seiko mods can be a niche space for Seiko watch enthusiasts to share and showcase their stunning customizations.

Read also: 4 High-Quality but Affordable Watch Brands for Men