Many of you probably already know and love Seiko watches. Some of you might enjoy the look, the performance and the quality, but one of their features that stand out is their modification option.

Timepieces are beautiful complicated products; the best ones are often too expensive and affordable varieties are not up to par in terms of the features they offer. This is precisely where watch modding (short of modification) comes into play.

Modding allows you to customise your favourite watches according to your tastes and preferences. From the type of dials, the straps and crystals to even the design of the hands that go into making your watch, the choice is yours.

Many brands offer such services but modding enthusiasts often deviate towards Seiko because these watches are very easy to work with.

Seiko Mods

Image from: https://thenomad360.com/2020/11/06/introduction-to-seiko-modification/

These particular mods have managed to carve out a great place for themselves in the watch community by combining style with affordability.

Not only that, Seiko watches have some amazing durability, meaning you can hold on to these beautiful watches for as long as you want to without worrying about the watch’s performance.

The modding option also gives the watches an incredible revamp. Your old Seiko can have a completely different and brand new look to it, all because of a few changes here and there. Modding saves you money too because the same watch can be used again and again. 

How Seiko Mods are Done

If you are looking into modifying your Seiko timepiece, there are a few things to consider. The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you need someone else to do it, or you want to do it yourself.

Although you’ll find many places to take care of it, we suggest you try for yourself because the process could not be easier.

Modding a Seiko watch may be simple but it takes a lot of practice. Those of you who have even a little experience with handling watches and their spare parts can search YouTube tutorials on Seiko modding to do it yourselves. It’s that simple.

That being said, here are a few important things to keep in mind before attempting plastic surgery on your beautiful watch. After all, we don't want to botch it. Depending on the amount of work you want to put in, you have two ways.

Complete Modding

If you want to get creative and change your timepiece as much as possible, you are looking to put in more work. You can make your Seiko watch look very close to a homage watch if you know what parts to get for modding.

The number one hurdle you will have here is to find the right parts. The rest is up to your imagination.

Partial Modding

Sometimes, a timepiece needs just the right amount of panache to make it just perfect. Maybe a different colour, different hands or even crystals can change the look completely.

You don’t need to put in too much work and you can make your watch look better. The change does not have to be very significant even.

KOMO specialises in dials that also fit Seiko timepieces. Sometimes a good dial is all that is needed to change the vibe of a watch!

Tools

For those of you new to modding, here are a few things you will need to have handy before you start the process:

• Crystal Presser: You cannot press the crystals into their slots with your bare hands.

• Gloves: You don’t want to put prints on your timepiece!

• Dust Blower: Dust can be gathered in the nooks and crannies of the watch.

• Hand Press/Removal: These tools replace the hands during work on the modding.

• Screwdrivers: A flat screwdriver is enough to do the job accurately.

• Tweezers: To deal with the pesky small bits and pieces!

• Watch Holster: It holds the watches in place to allow ease especially for dial removal.

• Case Back Remover: You need a 3-pronged case back tool for most Seiko watches.

Popular Seiko Models That Is Commonly Modded

Although there is no specific limit to the choices of watches to be modded, because ultimately it depends on you and your choice, there are certain Seiko models which have gathered appreciation for their outcome after modding. Let’s have a look at a few:

Seiko SKX Series

Image from: https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/seiko-skx007-watch-guide/

If you are a beginner, this is the watch series you need to get your hands on. The SKX007 is an ISO-rated diving watch, is affordable and very stylish to wear on the wrist. 

Unfortunately, Seiko no longer manufactures this piece, but watch lovers still sell them amongst each other for modding purposes. It is a popular piece to mod because of the availability of many spare parts in the market. 

Similarly, SKX009 and SKX011 are variations in the series. The major difference between the three watches is in their appearance. 

Seiko 5 Series

Image from: https://monochrome-watches.com/2019-seiko-5-sports-watches-collection-review-price/

Another set of beautiful watches to be perfectly and easily modded, the Seiko 5 pieces have been a hit with people. 

Image from: https://monochrome-watches.com/review-of-seiko-5-snk809-a-lot-of-a-mechanical-watch-for-less-than-usd-100/

The Seiko 5 SNK809 is an ode to the OG Seiko 5. The difference between these watches and the SKX series is that they are a bit more elegant in design. This model has 7S26 movement. 

Image from: https://watchestalk.com/seiko-5-sea-urchin-review/

The Seiko 5 SNZF15 is essentially another variant of the 5 series, the main difference being in the movement; this one has the upgraded 7S36 movement. 

In addition, the new Seiko 5 SRPD series is pretty similar to the SKX series. The only difference is where SKX is a screw-in crown. However, the rest of the parts are compatible with one another.

Conclusion

So here we are, at the end of our Seiko discussion. Hopefully, by now you are convinced of modifying your own Seiko timepieces.

Not only are they so affordable and attractive, but they also have some of the best choices for their customers. 

You can get it done by an expert but we encourage you to try it yourself. It will save you so many resources and it will get your creative juices flowing. After all, what could be a bigger joy for a watch enthusiast than to be able to put a personal touch on their very own timepiece?