I'm sorry but if it's not made by Seiko from the factory, but it has Seiko on the dial, it is a fake. I think "mods" should be modifying an existing watch and not building one with all aftermarket parts from scratch. Please feel free to do "mods/replicas/homages" but remove the Seiko brand from the dial.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment-I appreciate your perspective. You're absolutely right that most parts in some modded watches are fake, and I agree that using the Seiko logo in these cases can tread into copyright infringement territory. Personally, I’ve come to value mods that add a personal touch rather than creating exact replicas, and I’ve learned that using original branding can feel uncomfortable. Mods should celebrate creativity, not imitation, and I’m leaning more toward avoiding logos in future projects for that reason.
I agree, when there’s a Seiko logo on the dial and the only actual Seiko part is the movement, it’s a fake. Same if you use a 1:1 copy of a rolex datejust or submariner case, bracelet, bezel etc. and just slap a Seiko logo on it - those are replicas
I totally understand your view and I agree. What is your opinion on some of the famous homage like Watchdives and San Martin? Considering how close they try to replicate the real thing.
Thanks for your comment! I really appreciate the history and craftsmanship that go into original watches-the years of research, innovation, and unique design choices that make each piece special. That’s why I personally prefer original watches with original features over homage brands that closely copy someone else’s design. However, I completely understand why brands like San Martin are so popular, especially with the rising prices of many watches today. They offer an affordable way to experience the look and feel of iconic designs. But for me, I’d rather save up and invest in something original-a watch that tells its own story and brings something unique to the table, or at least build my own mod so i can experience the whole process of watch making.
@@timepieceofart I don’t own any homage watches yet but I do follow their progress in reddit. Most shows how great San Martin offers for its price e.g its homage of BB58, but as you said, and this is based on my own observation as well, its literally an attempt to copy the real thing except for the movement ofc. I can understand the hype though. That being said despite my interest on homage watches, I don’t see myself getting one but if I do, that would be out of curiosity on Watchdives’ homage to Speedy. I own some Seikos, a Tissot and currently saving for Sinn 556A RS.
Great video! I've also been "creating" replicas with Seiko and AliExpress parts for a few years now and the main thing that I believe keeps these from truly being the best copies IMHO is the dial depth. If you'll notice for instance on your 62mas repro, the dial ends up sitting about a mm or so deeper in the case than a genuine Seiko case. I'm starting to think there is a reason for this, because the people that make Watchdives, San Martin, Addiesdive, etc obviously have access to CNC and CAD machines, and they have clearly measured actual genuine Seiko, Rolex, etc watches, but if you notice, there is always some measurement that is off from a genuine watch, whether its the depth of the dial, the actual dial dimensions, (28.5 or 31mm) that keeps our creations from really being "exact", so my theory is they do that to minimize lawsuits?
That is an interesting observation and you are absolutely right. Honestly i am not sure how all the sellers on AliExpress manage to avoid lawsuits, i guess it is not profitable for Seiko or nearly impossible to shut them down. I noticed that samo of them are down after some time so you can find the exact parts. The bigger mystery is how brands like San Martin manage to exist when it is obviously a copyright infringement.
I think part of the reason why seiko is looked down by casuals is because of very bad mods. Imagine being somebody with absolutely zero care about watches (imagine your in law, maybe) and then they catches a glimpse at your watch that says seiko submariner with superlative chronometer officially certified text on the dial. They would probably cringe and think it is seiko’s doing.
I totally agree-watch modding, while it does make Seiko more popular, can also harm its reputation. It’s unfortunate because Seiko’s craftsmanship really speaks for itself.
Tried my hand in 2 seiko mods so far. One, a pvd no-date 1959 "midnight alpinist" and the other a "racing turtle" which swam off with the fishes as we speak😅 There is no point in trying to make the "perfect watch" so setting down to terms with what you have is the next best thing, especially so if it's a personal one off creation. P.S. Still have the urge to try out a Vostok mod but can't justify it in any imaginable situation
That is great observation, thank you for your comment. To be honest i haven't seen Vostok mod, you are the first one i know that even thinks about it 😀
@timepieceofart They have a plethora of vintage bezels and dials. What got me excited was the fact that the bezels are bidirectional and you can find some vintage hybrid bezels with both 60min count up + 12h GMT + 15min countdown elements on them. Effectively you could make a 1960s smart watch out of it 😂
Yes, it is...at least they claim it is. I havent tested them, i have OG seiko monster that i use when i go swimming😃i wouldn't use the mods for some extensive diving to be honest
I draw the line with an eraser. Just kidding. I was like you before. Having brands on my watch builds didn't matter, but now I tend to go with the no brand, sterile dial. Unless I am commissioned to build one with branding, I will avoid dials with branding as much as I can.
It's a good call! I've also noticed a lot of people are leaning toward no brand dials these days. I especially like the vantablack dials, i think it will look really cool with a pvd black case.
Haha, fair point! The London Rolex scene is definitely wild-you almost need a decoy watch just to make it home safe! Wearing a replica might feel cheap, but it’s definitely less stressful when you're dodging watch spotters. Stay safe out there😅
I'm sorry but if it's not made by Seiko from the factory, but it has Seiko on the dial, it is a fake. I think "mods" should be modifying an existing watch and not building one with all aftermarket parts from scratch. Please feel free to do "mods/replicas/homages" but remove the Seiko brand from the dial.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment-I appreciate your perspective. You're absolutely right that most parts in some modded watches are fake, and I agree that using the Seiko logo in these cases can tread into copyright infringement territory.
Personally, I’ve come to value mods that add a personal touch rather than creating exact replicas, and I’ve learned that using original branding can feel uncomfortable. Mods should celebrate creativity, not imitation, and I’m leaning more toward avoiding logos in future projects for that reason.
I agree, when there’s a Seiko logo on the dial and the only actual Seiko part is the movement, it’s a fake. Same if you use a 1:1 copy of a rolex datejust or submariner case, bracelet, bezel etc. and just slap a Seiko logo on it - those are replicas
What if you buy OEM Seiko dial?
That cream dial .. nice
I totally understand your view and I agree. What is your opinion on some of the famous homage like Watchdives and San Martin? Considering how close they try to replicate the real thing.
Thanks for your comment! I really appreciate the history and craftsmanship that go into original watches-the years of research, innovation, and unique design choices that make each piece special. That’s why I personally prefer original watches with original features over homage brands that closely copy someone else’s design. However, I completely understand why brands like San Martin are so popular, especially with the rising prices of many watches today. They offer an affordable way to experience the look and feel of iconic designs. But for me, I’d rather save up and invest in something original-a watch that tells its own story and brings something unique to the table, or at least build my own mod so i can experience the whole process of watch making.
Btw, do you own San Martin, i always wondered what's the quality in person, it seems that lot of people are impressed by it.
@@timepieceofart I don’t own any homage watches yet but I do follow their progress in reddit. Most shows how great San Martin offers for its price e.g its homage of BB58, but as you said, and this is based on my own observation as well, its literally an attempt to copy the real thing except for the movement ofc. I can understand the hype though. That being said despite my interest on homage watches, I don’t see myself getting one but if I do, that would be out of curiosity on Watchdives’ homage to Speedy. I own some Seikos, a Tissot and currently saving for Sinn 556A RS.
Do you have a build list for your explorer homage? I really want to build one in a 39mm case like the original Explorer II
Sorry i dont have it, i got all the parts from AliExpress, i think you will manage to find them very easily.
Great video! I've also been "creating" replicas with Seiko and AliExpress parts for a few years now and the main thing that I believe keeps these from truly being the best copies IMHO is the dial depth. If you'll notice for instance on your 62mas repro, the dial ends up sitting about a mm or so deeper in the case than a genuine Seiko case. I'm starting to think there is a reason for this, because the people that make Watchdives, San Martin, Addiesdive, etc obviously have access to CNC and CAD machines, and they have clearly measured actual genuine Seiko, Rolex, etc watches, but if you notice, there is always some measurement that is off from a genuine watch, whether its the depth of the dial, the actual dial dimensions, (28.5 or 31mm) that keeps our creations from really being "exact", so my theory is they do that to minimize lawsuits?
That is an interesting observation and you are absolutely right. Honestly i am not sure how all the sellers on AliExpress manage to avoid lawsuits, i guess it is not profitable for Seiko or nearly impossible to shut them down. I noticed that samo of them are down after some time so you can find the exact parts. The bigger mystery is how brands like San Martin manage to exist when it is obviously a copyright infringement.
I think part of the reason why seiko is looked down by casuals is because of very bad mods. Imagine being somebody with absolutely zero care about watches (imagine your in law, maybe) and then they catches a glimpse at your watch that says seiko submariner with superlative chronometer officially certified text on the dial. They would probably cringe and think it is seiko’s doing.
I totally agree-watch modding, while it does make Seiko more popular, can also harm its reputation. It’s unfortunate because Seiko’s craftsmanship really speaks for itself.
Seiko/skoda ;)
Love the Hi Beat
Thank you, i still can believe how good it looks especially woth the brown leat strap
Tried my hand in 2 seiko mods so far.
One, a pvd no-date 1959 "midnight alpinist" and the other a "racing turtle" which swam off with the fishes as we speak😅
There is no point in trying to make the "perfect watch" so setting down to terms with what you have is the next best thing, especially so if it's a personal one off creation.
P.S. Still have the urge to try out a Vostok mod but can't justify it in any imaginable situation
That is great observation, thank you for your comment. To be honest i haven't seen Vostok mod, you are the first one i know that even thinks about it 😀
@timepieceofart They have a plethora of vintage bezels and dials. What got me excited was the fact that the bezels are bidirectional and you can find some vintage hybrid bezels with both 60min count up + 12h GMT + 15min countdown elements on them.
Effectively you could make a 1960s smart watch out of it 😂
great work! is it waterproof?
Yes, it is...at least they claim it is. I havent tested them, i have OG seiko monster that i use when i go swimming😃i wouldn't use the mods for some extensive diving to be honest
I draw the line with an eraser. Just kidding. I was like you before. Having brands on my watch builds didn't matter, but now I tend to go with the no brand, sterile dial. Unless I am commissioned to build one with branding, I will avoid dials with branding as much as I can.
It's a good call! I've also noticed a lot of people are leaning toward no brand dials these days. I especially like the vantablack dials, i think it will look really cool with a pvd black case.
I have a mix. Replicas and originals. Wearing the replica feels cheap but in London I’ll be happy to hand it over. Quit crying.
Haha, fair point! The London Rolex scene is definitely wild-you almost need a decoy watch just to make it home safe! Wearing a replica might feel cheap, but it’s definitely less stressful when you're dodging watch spotters. Stay safe out there😅
I’m in London today with a Sinn u50 on my wrist. Confident roadmen won’t know what it is (looks over shoulder)
The GMT has a good quality case while the 62mas shape has a very knock off type case..
The case on the 62mas looks surprisingly good in person with its brushed sides. I even prefer it in comparison to the GMT case to be honest :)