SKX007 Mod - is it cool or verboten?

[Lol-x]

I saw a YouTube video of a guy modifying his SKX007 so as to install a hacking and hand winding movement.

Is this kind of thing frowned upon by Seiko enthusiasts?

I think the guy changed the movement to a NH36 movement. There are also mods like ceramic bezel inserts and domed sapphire crystal substitutes.

I know this would be seriously frowned upon by Rolex enthusiasts with a Rolex watch (and there isn't really a point anyway) but what is the feeling about this kind of thing with Seiko enthusiasts?

[Old Expat Beast]

Cool. Seiko modding is wholeheartedly supported, and a whole industry. Dan Pierce will hopefully be along soon with some examples. It's another fun aspect of Seiko collecting!

[PLNYC]

I wouldn’t do any modding on my Rolex but I do want to have the NH36 movement in my skx009J

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by PLNYC

I wouldn’t do any modding on my Rolex but I do want to have the NH36 movement in my skx009J

This guy does a great video display of how to change to an NH36 movement. These movements are about $35 on ebay.

I don't have the skill, ability, knowledge or tools to attempt this modification, but if I had the watch and parts, I expect I could get a watchmaker to do the modification for a reasonable price.

[mailman]

There's a whole nother world to modding a Seiko. There's some cool parts out there from Yobokies and Dgaz just to name a few.

Here's a Monster I bought a dial, hands, date/date and domed sapphire crystal for a few years ago. I didn't do the work myself.

[milov]

There really are some great looking modded seikos out there. And I bought a second hand modified automatic diver. But I don't know if it has been correctly sealed. So I am not inclined to get in the water with it.

[Frogman]

Seiko modding is huge, especially with the SKX, its totally accepted in the seiko community and a big part of the reason many love the brand.

Youll find that its the lower end seiko divers that are modded though, youll see a few Sumos modded but thats generally the cut off point for seiko modding from my experience.

You can even get domed crystals with little lazer cut turtles under the crystals for the turtles, the modding parts for seiko is amazingly broad and can be a real fun part of the hobby.

Its not hard either, easy to do at home with some basic tools.

[SearChart]

I like the look of some but it's not for me.

[Rebel]

Go for it!

[Dan Pierce]

Steve,

Do not, I repeat, do not even think about modding. Cause once you learn how easy it is to remove the stem/ crown and then the movement, you'll be hooked.

Replacing a movement with an upgraded version is a pretty easy task. Changing dials, hands, crystals, etc is still relatively easy but does take a bit more practice.

I've modded many SKX and SRP Seikos. The SKX have the most modding options w/ the turtle being a close second. It's a blast to let your imagination go wild. Also nice to create a watch that's not readily available on the market but serves you better than OEM, with additional features such as a second time zone [via a 12 hour bezel insert].

Also, as long as you are due diligent about the proper seating of gaskets the WR should remain intact. I've taken my mods SCUBA diving many times without issues.

It only takes sourcing some tools [Dagaz has a nice mod kit], some practice, and a willingness to give it a go!
dP

[karmatp]

I think it is pretty interesting what people come up with. Some mods are pretty cool IMHO. Domed sapphire is my favorite mod. Some of the new models are great but I dislike the hands, it is nice to know I can swap them out for cheap.

I don't think I will ever do it, but it is nice to know there are lots of resources for me if I chose to.

[Dr. Robert]

As the house curmudgeon......and sorry compadre Dan, I say no, nein, non, nyet! Don’t bleep with the watch, you wouldn’t do it with a Rolex, Omega or Patek! Respect

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

As the house curmudgeon......and sorry compadre Dan, I say no, nein, non, nyet! Don’t bleep with the watch, you wouldn’t do it with a Rolex, Omega or Patek! Respect

No worries, pal! We all need to follow the beat of our own drummer.
dP

[Rags]

Perhaps Dan could post a video on how to do a mod a SKX Seiko. I'd love to learn & do one myself.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Rags

Perhaps Dan could post a video on how to do a mod a SKX Seiko. I'd love to learn & do one myself.

That would be one long video when you see how many attempts it takes me to secure the second hand properly.
dP

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

As the house curmudgeon......and sorry compadre Dan, I say no, nein, non, nyet! Don’t bleep with the watch, you wouldn’t do it with a Rolex, Omega or Patek! Respect

I mainly wouldn't do it with a Rolex because I can't afford to. A $200 to $300 Seiko and a world of quality mod parts is quite another matter, though, if I can 'design' a watch to my liking, aesthetically and practically

[PLNYC]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

This guy does a great video display of how to change to an NH36 movement. These movements are about $35 on ebay.

I don't have the skill, ability, knowledge or tools to attempt this modification, but if I had the watch and parts, I expect I could get a watchmaker to do the modification for a reasonable price.

I don’t have the cajones to do it myself, but I have inquired about someone experienced doing it for me and it’s relatively affordable

[hdrazor251]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Steve,

Do not, I repeat, do not even think about modding. Cause once you learn how easy it is to remove the stem/ crown and then the movement, you'll be hooked.

Replacing a movement with an upgraded version is a pretty easy task. Changing dials, hands, crystals, etc is still relatively easy but does take a bit more practice.

I've modded many SKX and SRP Seikos. The SKX have the most modding options w/ the turtle being a close second. It's a blast to let your imagination go wild. Also nice to create a watch that's not readily available on the market but serves you better than OEM, with additional features such as a second time zone [via a 12 hour bezel insert].

Also, as long as you are due diligent about the proper seating of gaskets the WR should remain intact. I've taken my mods SCUBA diving many times without issues.

It only takes sourcing some tools [Dagaz has a nice mod kit], some practice, and a willingness to give it a go!
dP

I really wish I hadn't read this.

[Syed117]

Thanks for the info guys.

I’ve often wondered about the seiko mod community.

Would definitely give it a try just for fun.

[Lol-x]

I guess its a matter where everyone will be different on this and that is part of the fun. Some will not do any mods at all while others will go totally radical.

I think for myself having zero watchmaking skills and tools, I would prefer to buy the parts I want swapped out and leave it to a professional to do the physical work.

A domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a luminous ceramic bezel might be an easy way for me to start off.

[Gharddog03]

Would be nice to find a contact to do the mod for a reasonable price...

[cajunron]

I have been contemplating getting into the Seiko mod game. And I need another hobby to throw money at like I need a hole in my head!

[Bt122]

It’s pretty fun to mod the skx. Relatively easy. It just scary the first time you pop out the crystal bevel and the movement. But generally it’s easy. Lots of YouTube videos

If you scratch the case, it polished out.


You guys can get the watch press and watch tool kit at harbor freight for like $20 all in

If you don’t want to do it yourself. Just get Harold Ng (seikoboy) to do it for you
Yobokies is seikoboy backwards. He has a photobucket link that has all his parts