Seiko SKX NH36 Movement Upgrade for Modders

The well-coveted Japanese brand Seiko is a perennial favorite among watch modders due to its wealthy list of upgradable parts—the hands, dials, bezel inserts, bezels, cases, crystals, crowns, chapter rings, and more.

The Seiko SKX series, in particular, is among the most go-to choices for watches ever created by the reputable Japanese company. The diver styling offers plenty of potentials, though some parts are set as entry-level parts with an upscale price. Take the movement of the Seiko 7S26, for instance.

Why Swap the Movement?

Being a fan of Seiko, it’s no surprise how factory-made pieces typically come dressed in their in-house Seiko 7S26 movement. If you’re an avid watch collector, you know that the quality of the movement is on par with Seiko 5 models that only cost $80 compared to the $300 price tag that comes with your latest model.

While Seiko promises to deliver robustness and quality, the 7S26 movement lacks hacking and hand-winding features. Not to mention, it doesn’t have an impressive precision, so buyers may not feel quite as confident with the hefty amount that comes with it.

Consequently, modders discovered that swapping it for an SKX NH36 movement can make a world of difference in the overall quality as it adds key features like hand-winding, hacking, magnetic resistance, and more.

Why Go for the SKX NH36 Movement Upgrade?

Unfortunately, modders don’t have too many options when updating the movement of the SKX series due to its particular dimensions. There are only three reliable choices in the market: the NH36 NH35 & NE15.

These different movements mirror each other in every way, the only difference being in their branding. Either way, both are excellent choices, though the NH36a is a popular option for third-party watchmakers.

Upgrading the movement enhances the factor functionalities by adding the ability to hand-wind and hack. Not to mention, the NH36/4R36 are like two peas in a pod in the SKX case, meaning modders don’t need to make an effort in physical modifications. However, you will need to adjust the crown as the OEM won’t fit.

What to Consider and Expect with the SKX NH36 Movement Upgrade

1. The stem from the SKX 7S26 and NH36 are different, but the problem lies in its ability to disassemble the original SKX crown and stem. Fortunately, you can hack your way around the issue by taking the crown and stem from a SARB059 watch, which fits like a missing puzzle piece with the SKX series. You can also use our CT502 movement stem, and cut to fit into your original crown or one of our aftermarket crowns.

2. Keep in mind that the day disc and data wheel, when replaced with a new movement, will not align with the dial of the crown at 4 SKX watch. You can easily realign the dials by getting rid of the original day and date wheels and fitting them to a different movement.

The Bottom Line

Third-companies like the Crystaltimes specializes in the Seiko SKX series, allowing you to upgrade your SKX007 or SKX009 with a plethora of selection for upgrade parts. Conversely, the guide above aims to help you navigate through the process and what you can expect when hacking your favorite diver timepiece. Should you want to switch up parts on your Seiko watch, get in touch with us today for Seiko mod parts in the USA. We’re happy to help!