6 Tools Needed To Install External Seiko Mod Parts

There are plenty of Seiko mod parts available on the market, giving anyone a unique watch that strays away from the usual suspects found on people’s wrists. Seiko’s products are renowned in the market with the potential to create a whole new timepiece and even build one from the ground up. If other luxury brands are known for their premium appeal, the Japanese horological manufacturer has found its foothold in the modding community.

While Seiko mods are beautiful and easy to access, installing them isn’t a job for everyone. Conducting modifications on timepieces is reserved for those with the do-it-yourself experience. Working with tiny and fragile components is not for the usual craftsperson, and there are things to know before diving into the deep world of Seiko mod parts.

Know What Watch Modding Entails

A seemingly quick modification job can quickly turn into a disaster if anything goes wrong or gets forced in the wrong direction. It is essential to know the limitations of a watch and how fragile their internals are. Taking apart something small requires plenty of patience and memory work. You have to remember which piece or screw goes where and how to put it back together to ensure correct functionality.

Any wrong moves or rushing into something can be costly, especially when it involves components like the movement. With a complicated moving parts mechanism, you’ll need a steady hand and a clear mind to install these correctly. Taking apart a timepiece is a labor of love, and modding is something learned through experience.

Fortunately, many online resources exist to give new modders a look into the complexities of the hobby. It also helps that Seiko’s construction is very intuitive and can be done by practically anyone, unlike some luxury brands that require a costly set of tools.

Find the Right Tools

You’ll need a whole set of the right tools, as using your hands just won’t cut it. Additionally, using the wrong tools for the job can damage the seals and the construction, which may ruin the watch’s aesthetics. Here is a list of some tools that you’ll need to get started:

1. Spring Bar Tool

Spring bars are the first step to opening up any Seiko timepiece. These bars hold the strap or bracelet in place, and being able to remove these by yourself will save a costly removal by shops each time.

2. Case Back Removal Tool

There are various tools available to help remove the case back, and the right one depends on how the case back is secured to the case. If you have a screw-in case back, this will have a different tool than a case back that pops off. This tool allows access to the movement and other parts that are attached to the case.

3. Bezel Removal Tool

One component that almost everyone replaces whenever possible is the bezel and the bezel inserts. These require a thin and blunt knife to remove the bezel from a specific position on the watch. Doing so slowly and carefully will prevent excessive damage and scratches on the case, so be careful with sharp and strong pushes.

4. Watch Holder

Holding the watch with your hands is not a great way to install Seiko mods. The instabilities and the lack of proper grip can damage the watch or even cause it to fly off your desk. Getting an adequate watch holder will allow you to bunker down the piece and do surgery on it with two hands instead of just one.

5. Crystal Fitting Tool

When replacing the retrofitted crystal with a sapphire one, you’ll need a crystal press that ensures the right seal from water and dust. The adhesives will need to be evenly distributed, so applying extra force onto the watch crystal will ensure proper installation.

6. Tweezers

Working with small parts means that fingers are not going to do the job well. Using tweezers to install smaller components and even take others out will ensure that nothing is damaged in the process.

Conclusion

Conducting Seiko mods is a fun hobby to learn and master, as the craftsmanship is a great skill to have. However, ensure that you are well equipped in terms of knowledge and tools by investing in reading the right guides and buying the proper equipment to do things successfully.

If you’re looking for the best Seiko mod parts, Crystaltimes USA is the premier distributor in America you need to make your next watch unique. We boast an incredibly diverse collection, and there will always be significant mod parts available to personalize and custom build your dream timepiece. Visit our catalog to discover more about the never-ending shelves of Seiko mods.