Excellent stuff I enjoy the mod videos for guidance to prevent my own fumbles 😂 With a new crystal, case back and crown in without the movement, drop it in a glass of water for an hour to check for moisture 👍
Thank you, Dan. Just watched a couple of your Vostok vids. Being ham fisted, I limit my mods to straps and bezels. Watching a Vostok video from Teddy 2 1/2 years ago led me down the rabbit hole of watch collecting. The back story and the dials were the appeal. Have learned and been entertained so much by TH-camrs such as yourself. Best wishes for you and your channel. Mark in Neukölln, Berlin.@@watchmewithwatches
Rewarding as it may be this process of modding a watch, some people lack the skill or the will to get into it. Your video is still useful to them (me included) I added the prices (watch & modding parts) and for the sum I bought a titanium watch from their biggest competitor, a watch that has no caseback, has sapphire glass, WR300 and a solar quartz movement. Thanks!
That is an excellent mod, I'm sure it wears much better now 👍 . I was surprised you left fitting the stem until after screwing down the back, I find that the in many watches, the stem is the only thing that accurately locates the movement until the back compresses the movement holder, so it is safer to fit the stem, then the back.
Great mod. As much as I find black watch boring this mod made it look so cool. I think the original is overpriced with many QC issues and I think we shouldn't except such pour quality no matter the brand. These mods are pushing the watch into a different level. Well done.
Well done! Something you might try next time: I used to remove crystals like you until I saw a video of a Breitling tech doing a service. He just held watch upside down in his hand by the case, placed the press insert in the watch, and tapped it with a mallet. Popped right out unharmed.
Monsieur, you're video are always interesting. I learned a lot from them. I already subscribed to your channel and pressed on the little thumb up. I wanted to thank you for your good work. There is a guy in France who does modding mostly on Seiko. His site is BB France. I'm not pushing to make publicity for him but he is awesome. He might even inspire you for a project. Who knows. I've never been in touch with him. Also, one of my former patients was originally from Tokyo, Japan. He had been working for Seiko in Toronto and in Montreal. One day, he saw my watch (Seiko 5 red dial with golden hands and a silver mesh bracelet). He told me something known by the aficionados. It is called the eclipse. I'll give you the answer but first a little hint. Watch the lollipop second hand and the logo. Greetings from Montréal. Happy New Year 2024. Health & Happiness for everyone.⛩
So, when the lollipop second hand pass right over the O of SEIKO you get the eclipse. You then get one eclipse every 60 seconds. "Good deal, isn't it ? " I recall this from my former patient, who passed away about 4 years ago. He told me that trick seemed easy to achieve but It wasn't so easy. The engineering team had to make some precise measurements to make sure the eclipse would be perfect. At the beginning, the eclipse was known only by the elite. n.b. : I didn't want to put that comment to impress anyone but just to share this fact for the watch enthusiasts. Share the knowledge. Cheers Dan !🌑
It was a nice looking watch before the mods and looks way better now. When I think of a Seiko dive watch, the 62 mas bezel insert is mandatory. There are two things I would add, 1, is a new crown to match the knurling on the bezel and 2, a Straps Co. bracelet.
Much better now 👌🏻👌🏻.. idont know why mb and Seiko like a see thru case back for the nh35 🤷🏻.. it’s not nice looking and it makes the watch thicker.. Nice video too 👏🏻
Great video-thank you! I’ve had my SRPD in blue for about a year now and absolutely love it, though it’s definitely a thick boy! I just picked up all the same parts you recommended and can’t wait to get started. I’m still debating which strap to go for, but I do love the look of the Artem strap. Did you go with the 20mm or 21mm lug width? I’m assuming the spring bar and buckle are standard, correct?
Cool mod! Wonder if crystal could be 0.5mm slimmer? This way it would be "protected" by bezel. I did similar mod with my Seiko 5 but bought case back from older models from eBay, was around 15 euros for three or four caseback.
I have the same watch and am in the process of doing almost the exact same mods with the exception of the solid case back. That will probably change now after seeing the difference it makes. Question about installing the new crystal: does it sit flush against the chapter ring? Just paranoid about putting too much pressure on it.
I have the same watch, paid 180 from the high street on sale, mine is clean as a whistle, the 2 things that bother me is the clasp and the rear case cover which on a watch at this price is pointless and just following the current trend. I think yours is what's known as a quality second, means it works fine but has small defects. Why did you change the crystal? it's already lower in height than the bezel
I think I paid less for one with "defects" but that's definitely not what they say on the website. I changed the crystal as it has no chamfer to match the bezel and insert and sapphire is scratch resistant too.
It takes a true enthusiasts to spend almost as much (including the soon to arrive FKM) on a mod as one does on the watch! Ha! Don’t get me started on how I am planning to spend $150 on a SKX Mod for a $25 AE1200…
Thanks for the mod review, it's a good/great improvement to the watch head, but that strap just doesn't suit it in anyway at all, the 'colour balance/contrast' is just completely wrong in every way, I mean, even the crappy Seiko bracelet is/was better than that thing FFS, so no vote from me either way?!
Had fluff under mine as well. Had to send in to Seiko USA for repair . At least they pressure tested after. Not impressed with the chinese factory Seiko uses these days.
This is why you buy an homage of that Seiko from SteelDive, AddiesDive, Rdunea, or others. They are better in every single way (bracelet, finishing, crystal) AND feature Seiko movements, for less than half the price. Oftentimes, they are less than $100.
Not a True Before and After. You should Put back on the Bracelet to see How it Wears. All Watches (Generally Speaking) Sit Lower on the Wrist when Using a Strap VS Bracelet. The Mod However is a Good move.
Just buy a thinner watch. A lot of effort to shave less than 1mm off a fairly undesirable Seiko. For £300 you can pick up a Glycine Combat sub or a Steinhart. Why would anyone spend £300 on a budget Seiko
They are no longer 'seiko quality' I've got a Chinese homage of that and it's far far better.. Better build, better materials and movment. Half of the price.
Although partly true, it's a part of watch culture even though they have become somewhat flakey! Flawed fun is what I would say. The Alfa Romeo of watches now?
That's what got me to do because I got pissed off enough to decide that I can build my watch better than a billion dollar company. My watches I don't sell. Thanks Dan.
WOW! What an eye opener. I knew changing the case back would reduce the height, but I didn't think it was that dramatic. Awesome video.
Outstanding mods. You made it look so easy to do as well.
Damn! A good looking watch now!
Consider replacing the crown with one matching the new bezel
Excellent stuff I enjoy the mod videos for guidance to prevent my own fumbles 😂 With a new crystal, case back and crown in without the movement, drop it in a glass of water for an hour to check for moisture 👍
Outstanding mod, Dan! So much thinner on wrist. I bet you’ll be proud to wear that watch now. I would. Happy New Year!
Great video/mod. I really like the wrist to top measurement - great idea.
Thanks, it surprised me how the measurements told a different story
This is one of the best mods I've seen. It not only looks better, but the mod also serves a purpose.
Wow! Thank you!
Very nice. Good work.
Haven't seen a mod video in a while. Watching this was 20 minutes well spent. Thank you. HNY.
Thanks so much for watching ☺️
Thank you, Dan. Just watched a couple of your Vostok vids. Being ham fisted, I limit my mods to straps and bezels. Watching a Vostok video from Teddy 2 1/2 years ago led me down the rabbit hole of watch collecting. The back story and the dials were the appeal. Have learned and been entertained so much by TH-camrs such as yourself. Best wishes for you and your channel. Mark in Neukölln, Berlin.@@watchmewithwatches
Makes me wish I had the tools/skills to mod stuff. It looks so much fun. Great video and nice job on the watch 👍
Many thanks. Start off with cheap watches, take them to bits and rebuild. Bit of practice and you should be fine!
This was entertaining and educational. The watch is way better now.
Thanks! I think the changes were subtle but effective.
Very interesting. I like thinner watches., and i didnt know these modified aftermarket parts existed. Thanks!
Rewarding as it may be this process of modding a watch, some people lack the skill or the will to get into it. Your video is still useful to them (me included) I added the prices (watch & modding parts) and for the sum I bought a titanium watch from their biggest competitor, a watch that has no caseback, has sapphire glass, WR300 and a solar quartz movement. Thanks!
Great video thanks. Love the ‘new’ watch. Think I’ll try it myself!
That is an excellent mod, I'm sure it wears much better now 👍 . I was surprised you left fitting the stem until after screwing down the back, I find that the in many watches, the stem is the only thing that accurately locates the movement until the back compresses the movement holder, so it is safer to fit the stem, then the back.
You caught me out! I forgot tbh!
@@watchmewithwatches Glad you got away with it 😁. It must be really hard filming yourself doing mods, I'm amazed it goes so smoothly. Happy New Year 👍
@@dunderhay9169 it was quite stressful actually! I was rusty, but took a breather and it all went well in the end.
Great idea! Amazing video 🎉🎉
Thanks!
Nice mod, thanks for the video 👍
Estimado hermano inglés excelente trabajo, saludos desde Argentina 👍
Nice sensible mods...maybe find a crown with knurling to match the bezel??? Good stuff, Thanks!
Nice video, thank you!
Looks Good 👍
Have you done a video on replacing the crystal for a sapphire one? Thanks again and keep up the channel
100% picking up one of those casebacks
Well worth it!
Great mod. As much as I find black watch boring this mod made it look so cool. I think the original is overpriced with many QC issues and I think we shouldn't except such pour quality no matter the brand. These mods are pushing the watch into a different level. Well done.
Many thanks!
Well done! Something you might try next time: I used to remove crystals like you until I saw a video of a Breitling tech doing a service. He just held watch upside down in his hand by the case, placed the press insert in the watch, and tapped it with a mallet. Popped right out unharmed.
Great tip! Thank you 🙏
Monsieur, you're video are always interesting. I learned a lot from them. I already subscribed to your channel and pressed on the little thumb up. I wanted to thank you for your good work. There is a guy in France who does modding mostly on Seiko. His site is BB France. I'm not pushing to make publicity for him but he is awesome. He might even inspire you for a project. Who knows. I've never been in touch with him. Also, one of my former patients was originally from Tokyo, Japan. He had been working for Seiko in Toronto and in Montreal. One day, he saw my watch (Seiko 5 red dial with golden hands and a silver mesh bracelet). He told me something known by the aficionados. It is called the eclipse. I'll give you the answer but first a little hint. Watch the lollipop second hand and the logo. Greetings from Montréal. Happy New Year 2024. Health & Happiness for everyone.⛩
So, when the lollipop second hand pass right over the O of SEIKO you get the eclipse. You then get one eclipse every 60 seconds. "Good deal, isn't it ? " I recall this from my former patient, who passed away about 4 years ago. He told me that trick seemed easy to achieve but It wasn't so easy. The engineering team had to make some precise measurements to make sure the eclipse would be perfect. At the beginning, the eclipse was known only by the elite. n.b. : I didn't want to put that comment to impress anyone but just to share this fact for the watch enthusiasts. Share the knowledge. Cheers Dan !🌑
Adding a little silicone grease under the bezel prior to installing probably isn't a bad idea.
Nicely done Dan. That extra millimetre really makes a difference. Cheers mate.
That's what I tell the Mrs....
@@watchmewithwatches lol
It was a nice looking watch before the mods and looks way better now. When I think of a Seiko dive watch, the 62 mas bezel insert is mandatory.
There are two things I would add, 1, is a new crown to match the knurling on the bezel and 2, a Straps Co. bracelet.
Your crown idea is spot on, I feel another addition coming soon....
Nice video!
Thanks!
looks great. should have checked it with just a caseback change. guess you have another video to do... with a new watch... do a 38mm 5kx
Much better now 👌🏻👌🏻.. idont know why mb and Seiko like a see thru case back for the nh35 🤷🏻.. it’s not nice looking and it makes the watch thicker..
Nice video too 👏🏻
Great video-thank you! I’ve had my SRPD in blue for about a year now and absolutely love it, though it’s definitely a thick boy! I just picked up all the same parts you recommended and can’t wait to get started. I’m still debating which strap to go for, but I do love the look of the Artem strap. Did you go with the 20mm or 21mm lug width? I’m assuming the spring bar and buckle are standard, correct?
Hi, the lug width is 22mm. The spring bars as standard in the Artem are fine and fit this watch no problem.
@ thank you!
Do you manage to find which side has the AR coating?
Cool mod!
Wonder if crystal could be 0.5mm slimmer? This way it would be "protected" by bezel.
I did similar mod with my Seiko 5 but bought case back from older models from eBay, was around 15 euros for three or four caseback.
I always found the skx/srpd to chunky and was hoping they made a 40mm version. This is a great mod as imo the srpd wears big and chunky
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 nice
Beginning - where did you buy it from? Could be some reseller who was playing with it. My 5KX is flawless.
@@holikdenv I got it new from a grey market jewellers.
Good mod!!
👍👍
Do we have to replace an existing gasket to install a thin case back?
Do they make all of the parts for the SSK? You fixed everything I don't like about my SSK
They do a bezel adapter to take skx inserts. They also do sapphire crystal. I'm not sure about the case back working yet.
I wonder if they have a thinner bezel and non-see through case back for the seiko 5 gmt. I love that watch but never wear it because it’s so chunky.
Does the bezel have 120 click?
The Samurai wears like your’s after the mods with its solid caseback and thinner bezel.
Never had an issue with any of my seikos
That's good to hear.
I have the same watch and am in the process of doing almost the exact same mods with the exception of the solid case back. That will probably change now after seeing the difference it makes.
Question about installing the new crystal: does it sit flush against the chapter ring? Just paranoid about putting too much pressure on it.
It does sit flush with the chapter ring. It's what holds it all together like a sandwich.
@@watchmewithwatches thanks for the feedback. I’ll make sure to check that when I put it back together ( waiting on a new press for the crystal).
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Would the original aluminum insert fit the new bezel?
Yes indeed
@@watchmewithwatches thanks for the insight, I thought the insert was sloping instead of flat so it's good to know tbat it would still work
Looks good but i like the OEM look more.
Would these mods fit a Steeldive six?
The only watches available that would accept all these mods today are the long island islander watches from what I have researched.
I have the same watch, paid 180 from the high street on sale, mine is clean as a whistle, the 2 things that bother me is the clasp and the rear case cover which on a watch at this price is pointless and just following the current trend.
I think yours is what's known as a quality second, means it works fine but has small defects.
Why did you change the crystal? it's already lower in height than the bezel
I think I paid less for one with "defects" but that's definitely not what they say on the website. I changed the crystal as it has no chamfer to match the bezel and insert and sapphire is scratch resistant too.
لو سمحت من أين أشتري قطع الساعة التي أبدلتها
The Omega appears lower because of the thickened band.
Nice job but ...
... Doing this on a brand new watch ...
... did you just trash your two years warranty?!?
Warranty means little to me on a watch I know I am rebuilding!
It takes a true enthusiasts to spend almost as much (including the soon to arrive FKM) on a mod as one does on the watch! Ha! Don’t get me started on how I am planning to spend $150 on a SKX Mod for a $25 AE1200…
Thanks for the mod review, it's a good/great improvement to the watch head, but that strap just doesn't suit it in anyway at all, the 'colour balance/contrast' is just completely wrong in every way, I mean, even the crappy Seiko bracelet is/was better than that thing FFS, so no vote from me either way?!
Lol, my intended strap for this build is still on the way. I do love this contrast though, but that's me!
Had fluff under mine as well. Had to send in to Seiko USA for repair . At least they pressure tested after. Not impressed with the chinese factory Seiko uses these days.
This is why you buy an homage of that Seiko from SteelDive, AddiesDive, Rdunea, or others. They are better in every single way (bracelet, finishing, crystal) AND feature Seiko movements, for less than half the price. Oftentimes, they are less than $100.
I'm thinking a good video would be to buy a steel dive or addies skx homage and do a build then comparison video to the Seiko!
Not a True Before and After. You should Put back on the Bracelet to see How it Wears. All Watches (Generally Speaking) Sit Lower on the Wrist when Using a Strap VS Bracelet.
The Mod However is a Good move.
Fair point!
$218 for a watch strap is a tad steep omg
Excessive thickness is one of the biggest problems with seiko watches. Seiko height to width ratio is terrible
I agree, thankfully this really solves it!
a screw down crown would cost about an extra £1, I don't know why seiko don't have one. It's stupid.
Any way to save money!
u could jusy get a seiko skx
Have you seen their prices?!
Never got the point of a crystal to see the 4r36.
It's ok for watch newbies, then you realise over time what else you can look at in other watches!
Just buy a thinner watch. A lot of effort to shave less than 1mm off a fairly undesirable Seiko. For £300 you can pick up a Glycine Combat sub or a Steinhart. Why would anyone spend £300 on a budget Seiko
@@Caesarean736 very true! But modding is fun and creates a personal bond with the watch. Thanks for watching
1 fucking mm. Wow. Waste of time
Lol. Did you watch the whole video? Obviously not.
They are no longer 'seiko quality' I've got a Chinese homage of that and it's far far better.. Better build, better materials and movment. Half of the price.
I know what you mean, there are so many fabulous homages out there!
I have no idea why people bother with Seiko. They’re just junk straight out of the factory.
Although partly true, it's a part of watch culture even though they have become somewhat flakey! Flawed fun is what I would say. The Alfa Romeo of watches now?
@@watchmewithwatches good analogy mate! Enjoyed the video 👍
That's what got me to do because I got pissed off enough to decide that I can build my watch better than a billion dollar company.
My watches I don't sell.
Thanks Dan.
Don’t talk rubbish, there are so many great Seikos, at great prices. They have much more personality than all the
@@nintendokings your correct 👏 👌.
Questions like quality is not the same as straight. Yeah
Is that sapphire crystal thinner than original one? can I do that mod without replacing a glass?
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻