Our Step-by-step Beginner’s Guide To Modding Seiko Watches

parts of a seiko mod

Seiko watches are go-to options for daily watch-wearers as they offer good value for their price tags. The high-quality brand prides itself on impeccable durability, ideal for timepiece beaters. However, there may still be minor design elements that don’t quite suit your tastes. The bezel in the Seiko SKX series, in particular, is a commonly interchanged element amongst watch modders as the original lacks pop and scratch resistance.

Some modders find that the display features bring disharmony to the dial’s design, while others want to swap the crystals for a sturdier and more sophisticated upgrade. Whatever your reason for modding might be, your Seiko collection can undergo a fix-me-upper as countless of companies now offer an array of modification options whether you want your watch to be more stylish or have better functionality.

If this is your first attempt at modding, the guide below should clue you in on the basic steps on how to improve your timepiece:

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

  • Case back opener
  • Hands remover
  • Hands setter
  • Springbar Tool
  • Dust blower
  • Movement holders
  • Crystal press
  • Sharp knife
  • Bezel remover
  • Pliers
  • Finger Cots
  • Grease/Lubricant for gaskets and tips of click spring fingers (if needed)
  • 3M adhesive stickers or contact cement

Step #1: Remove the Strap

Start with your watch modding efforts by gently squeezing the flangers of your stock strap and pulling it out from its frame. You can do so with the help of a case spring tool, knife, or even a thin screwdriver.

Step #2: Remove the Bezel

Moving forward, enter the sharp blade in between the case and the bezel to pop it out. Once the bezel is out, lightly remove the o-ring gasket and the click spring.

Step #3: Open Case Back

Slowly open your watch’s case back, taking care to use a case opener to ensure it remains secure. After revealing the case back, the real fun starts as the movement is finally exposed.

Step #4: Remove the Crown and Stem

Use a toothpick to push on the lever. This will help you remove the crown and stem easily, which allows you to push out the movement from the casing.

Step #5: Align and Remove the Hands

Take some time to carefully place the hands face at the 12H direction and use a hand remover to remove them in one smooth motion.

Step #6: Remove the Dial

Take your flathead screwdriver and use it to lift the stock dial from the watch’s plastic bracket.

Step #7: Replace the Dial

Fix the dial firmly back into the movement, but be sure to realign the new dial’s legs onto the holes to keep it straight.

Step #8: Replace the Hands

Hold down the hour hand with tweezers and set it to 12H before replacing the minute hand, which should also fall to 12H.

Step #9: Align the Hands

If you replace the dials correctly, the hands should fall on every hour as accurately as possible. Once you verify its exactness, you can move onto the smaller hand.

Step #10: Replace the Crystal

Carefully punch out the stock crystal using a removal tool and apply even pressure into the case to ensure the application of the crystal is level.

Step #11: Press the bezel

Put bezel click spring in to place, make sure bezel gasket is seated inside bezel to ensure it doesn’t catch when pressed on, and then in one solid downward movement press the bezel on using the crystal press.

Step #12: Apply Bezel Insert

Using contact cement or 3M adhesive stickers, align your bezel insert, and press on to bezel.

Step #13: Case and Align Your Movement

Place the crown and stem back to its proper place and firmly press the movement into the case. You can now re-connect your upgraded strap and enjoy a better version of your Seiko watch.

In Conclusion: Seiko watches are a cult favourite brand amongst modders as the simple, yet high-performing build leaves more leeway to customize the timepiece. With trusted companies that support this hobby, watch collectors can enhance the luxury and practicality of your Seiko watch collection! If you’re looking for Seiko mod parts in the USA, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

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