Can’t find a dive watch you like, or can’t afford the one you want?
Modding (watch modification) may be the answer.
For an example, redditor bonzo_montreux recently posted their perfect build.
Starting with the Seiko SKX171 as a base, they modified nearly everything:
Handset replaced with Marinemaster style hands, available from Yobokies.
A coin edge bezel, also from Yobokies.
The ‘Milsub’ bezel insert from Dagaz.
A Strapcode Super Oyster bracelet.
And finally, the ‘Bubble Boy’ highly-domed sapphire crystal from Yobokies.
The dial, case, and automatic movement were all left stock. (The SKX171 comes with some lovely applied markers on its dial).
All of this combines to form a watch that is both unique to the builder, and looks like a much more expensive piece.
By the way, did you follow some of those links above to Yobokies, but are confused as to how to actually buy these mod parts? Harold at Yobokies (Seikoboy backwards) runs things a little old school. Go through his photobucket albums (beware the ads), find what you want, and then email him at yobokies@yahoo.com.hk
Watch modding isn’t for everybody. It takes a lot of time and effort just to select the parts you’d like to change, much less the expertise needed to actually do the modifications.
Both Yobokies and Dagaz Watch will also do the assembly for you, if you don’t feel like acquiring the necessary skills and equipment.
Anyways, have fun! I plan on writing a lot more about watch modding in the future. I’ve owned my SKX007 for long enough now that I think it’s time to start messing with it.
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6 Comments
Modding a Seiko can get out of hand, but the results are always worth it. I bought a ’93 7002 model off eBay for forty bucks, then spent another $150 to make it look like a snowflake Tudor Sub…sort of. Except I gave it a blue dial and orange minute hand and chapter ring.
Nice blog you have here, too. I don’t dive, but a large chunk of my watch collection is made up of dive watches. Go figure.
I’ve been wanting to do some mods to my skx007, but haven’t gotten started yet. The crystal’s scratched, so replacing that with a domed sapphire would be a good first step.
And yeah, dive watches seem to push all the right buttons for a lot of people, diver or not. Just very useful, tough, and good looking watches.
True. I’ve already written about my mad obsession for a vintage Submariner. Only took me about 40 years, but I finally got one.
Domed sapphire replacement would work wonders. Definitely harder to scratch due to the curvature. If you can find one that has an A/R coating, even better. Makes the watch look like it doesn’t have a crystal at all.
I don’t dive I just love the heftiness and feel of a diver watch and would like to know how to mod it I have a sea foam green dial Seiko I love and it keeps stopping iwould work on that one
Hi Frank, I’m currently working on a whole series of posts about modding Seiko and Orient dive watches. Be sure to sign up to the mailing list here so you know when I put them out!
I’m searching for this bezel. Fits SKX. Have checked with Crystal times and DLL with no luck. Any ideas?? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/87706b475cfe0659284cd7051d64873f67f4183ddc5c2a299143c4329c5fce36.jpg