Modded Seikos

[Ironworker]

Hey, fairly new to the watch game, own my Rolex for 30 years but recently started wearing it more often, bought a couple of other watches for every day wear. I stumbled upon modded Seiko watches and taken a liking to them, thing is I know nothing about them, my question is, is there anything I should look for and what are the pros and cons, also if possible are there any reputable sellers that someone can recommend. Basically what I’m asking, can you guys educate me on them, thanks.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Ironworker

Hey, fairly new to the watch game, own my Rolex for 30 years but recently started wearing it more often, bought a couple of other watches for every day wear. I stumbled upon modded Seiko watches and taken a liking to them, thing is I know nothing about them, my question is, is there anything I should look for and what are the pros and cons, also if possible are there any reputable sellers that someone can recommend. Basically what I’m asking, can you guys educate me on them, thanks.

Seiko mods are tricky. They've turned into an addiction for me. Which translates into lots of time [and $$] consuming fun.

Pros:
-Each can be one of a kind
-Customize them to order to get exactly what you want
-When done correctly they are just as robust and water resistant as any ISO Seiko diver
-Mods can offer more than OEM, lumed bezel inserts [sapphire/ ceramic], lumed chapter rings, domed or flat sapphire crystals, etc

Cons:
-Each is one of a kind but just cause you like it doesn't mean anyone else will
-Customize to order, but just because you think different elements will work together, that's not always true
-If not done correctly water damage could ruin the build
-End user's expectations might be different from the builders [depends on your OCD]

When I started modding I wanted stealth [no brand] dials, hour & minute marks on dial only, brushed SS chapter rings, and ANYTHING besides Seiko SKX styled handsets [hated them w/ a passion]. Over time I came to prefer branded dials, chapter rings w/ minute marks, and believe it or not, Seiko SKX handsets. Weird how that happens. Lucky for me I had the tools and spare parts available.

Since I've done my own mods I've never worked w/ a company offering such services. Probably best to do a search and you'll find many in the US as well as other countries.

In the meantime, good luck, and here are a few of my favorite mods that I consider complete.
dP

[Ironworker]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Seiko mods are tricky. They've turned into an addiction for me. Which translates into lots of time [and $$] consuming fun.

Pros:
-Each can be one of a kind
-Customize them to order to get exactly what you want
-When done correctly they are just as robust and water resistant as any ISO Seiko diver
-Mods can offer more than OEM, lumed bezel inserts [sapphire/ ceramic], lumed chapter rings, domed or flat sapphire crystals, etc

Cons:
-Each is one of a kind but just cause you like it doesn't mean anyone else will
-Customize to order, but just because you think different elements will work together, that's not always true
-If not done correctly water damage could ruin the build
-End user's expectations might be different from the builders [depends on your OCD]

When I started modding I wanted stealth [no brand] dials, hour & minute marks on dial only, brushed SS chapter rings, and ANYTHING besides Seiko SKX styled handsets [hated them w/ a passion]. Over time I came to prefer branded dials, chapter rings w/ minute marks, and believe it or not, Seiko SKX handsets. Weird how that happens. Lucky for me I had the tools and spare parts available.

Since I've done my own mods I've never worked w/ a company offering such services. Probably best to do a search and you'll find many in the US as well as other countries.

In the meantime, good luck, and here are a few of my favorite mods that I consider complete.
dP

Very nice work, thanks for the reply.

[Rebel]

Wow! Great looking Seikos!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Ironworker

Very nice work, thanks for the reply.

Originally Posted by Rebel

Wow! Great looking Seikos!

Thank you, both!
dP

[2loaded]

I believe there is a forum member here "Modfather watches" Does some great work.

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Seiko mods are tricky...
dP

Nice work, Dan! Is the one with the five-link bracelet and skeleton hands all in titanic? Looks like it might be. F’n fantastic looking mod.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

Nice work, Dan! Is the one with the five-link bracelet and skeleton hands all in titanic? Looks like it might be. F’n fantastic looking mod.

Thanks, Dave! No, that's a stainless steel case that had been sandblasted. So I did the same treatment to the bracelet. There are a few TI case options coming available from suppliers though.
dP

[Ironworker]

Well, I bought one today for $300, I’ll post some pictures when I get it.

[some.idiot]

Modding your Seiko is so much fun

[Phrank]

Got this Modded Seiko for a Christmas present....I actually quite like it.

[JTL31]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Seiko mods are tricky. They've turned into an addiction for me. Which translates into lots of time [and $$] consuming fun.

.., and here are a few of my favorite mods that I consider complete.
dP

Dan, I’ll gladly take the Padi or black/red GMT off your hands.
I bought a Seiko mod off eBay, that I’ve since given away. There was no water resistance guaranteed. Are you able to to do a water pressure test on your mods?
If so, to what depths are you able to get?

[Ironworker]

I tried buying one on Etsy, but the seller was a little suspect so I went with my instincts and cancelled, I’ll keep searching, plenty of info and sellers out there.

[JimSnyder]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Thank you, both!
dP

New Sticky......... Birth of a "Mod Nation" you know I'm right