My Seiko 5 Actus (same like yours) is 40 years old and i serviced it for the 1st time 1 year ago. The man who serviced it did a great job. It looks like new again. Accuracy around +10 seconds/day and it is a beauty to watch its sweeping second hand moving. what a great video
I have a collection of vintage Seiko 5's adn the ones that have been serviced keep great time. I stopped collecting them becasue I was buying like new 40-year-old watches I was too scared to wear as I knew I would scratch them to bits.
As a 16600 Sea-Dweller owner, I can tell you the SD after 12 years or so of daily use won't be accurate and will need (expensive) service and maintenance. To be honest Im not inclined to spend so much to maintain a Rolex. A Seiko 5 is a good value proposition the same way a Camry is more bang for buck than a premium German car. But you might want to fit better suspension, soundproofing, etc. It's all about what you want and need. I enjoyed this video and especially how the watch got "hotrodded". I want one too!
And a brand new Seiko-5 movement at only $30 is far cheaper than a Rolex service. Of course, that doesn't include labor to install and calibrate though.
@@Pspet You don't even get sapphire with a $300+ Prospex. I just ordered a SNXS73 from Jomashop, but I don't plan on doing any mods to it. I have told myself I would never waste my money on an overpriced, under-spec'd Seiko (especially the new 5s that cost $180+). I can overlook the lack of handwinding and hacking on an original $110 Seiko 5 with 7s26.
@@OpheliaNL plenty of other Seiko 5 models have normal casebacks that don't bulge out like this. It wouldn't have cost them any more to outfit this watch with a thinner caseback that offered a nicer wearing experience.
The removal of the heinous glass case back and replacing it with a OEM SEIKO steel caseback is Genius. I did the same with all my SEIKO 5 - SEA URCHIN and SNKL23. Bro I love your channel and your creativity is amazing
Bought one on ebay a few years back brand new £30. Never thought of it as a Rolex alternative but its a nice watch. Don't doubt the mods were worth doing especially the Sapphire as I've changed the hardlex once already, unable to find a suitable sapphire but I'll be looking again. Great video
Hey! The Rolex gives you status. You don't buy a Rolex because you want a good watch. You buy it for status. Seiko produces great watches that look great too. But it's for people who are confident. 😊
No one put it the way that you did and no one shows the work on the bench and comparissons as you do man! You are amazing and I am glad that I found your channel... Thank you and looking forward for more awesome work!
@sensaznal I got a seiko quartz perpetual calendar with a sapphire crystal for 225. It's not a new release from seiko and I'm not sure if it's discontinued (thus the price).
This a great spin on the snxs videos. Love your additional mods. It’s a very good point to making a true value rolex alternative. I have the white dial and dark grey and I love them! I just put them on nice leather straps. I’d love to do the Crystal/movement upgrade but not sure I have the skills. Don’t want to break them! 😅. Maybe I’ll do the case back. But the height doesn’t bother me too much.
I thought that would be one of if not the biggest issues with this model and from the looks it's is definitely one of them it's really unfortunate but they have soo many different case shapes with the same and different dials so I believe one of the more curved lugged models with this or a couple other dial options at the price it is still good I just wouldn't opt for the ufo style case and would be nice idea to upgrade the bracelet if possible and ya got a nice little watch. Seiko 5 is still a solid offer and holds its own in this category as the options are quite endless just takes some time to find the one that suits one exact preference IMHO.
It'd be nice if they made the correct changes and offered it at a realistic price but it does work nice as a mod base as well too. My preference is that exact dial and the other similar one housed in a proper oyster case and proper bracelet and sapphire be icing on the cake. Your review is very valuable and appreciate the video. All the best brother.
It's my first automatic watch and I love it. Sure, the bracelet feels like the og casio bracelet and its really small and thick, but for a 120€ beater automatic you cant complain.
well, I am not sure about "Rolex Alternative" but you successfully turned a layman into a "watch guy." Thanks bud for a quality, technical, professional, and above all, a moral analysis of "TH-cam University's" claim.
I considered some of those mods to my snxs77 as it was my first watch. In the end I resigned as I couldn't find the matching bracelet as the ones offered earlier by rolamy would not fit perfectly and required to have gaps or use original end link. Then this case back that I had no idea I could replace so easily. And the sapphire that I could not find with my limited knowledge on how to measure this stuff etc. I didn't change a thing...and there comes you with this awesome video like 2 year later when I already gave up. I'm gonna do all those mods and get some required tools as I was considering trying out the watchmaking hobby and this might be an awesome start and deciding if I enjoy this before I try something more serious. Video of the year for me! :) Thanks!
'Hat Tip' to you Sir! I'd not seen one of your videos before and had just watched the videos you cite at the beginning. I was watching your intro thinking 'I think you're being overly critical' I DID NOT see your modifications coming! Very impressed and now subscribed.
Mmm dunno. Bracelet it a quick change. Based on my experience you are going to have to change the crystal out it’s going to scratch. Case back and movement are bonuses.
Very helpful! You did all the upgrades I want to do on mine. Wasn't sure if the NH36 movement would fit with the slimmer case back as it is 0,5mm thicker. Thanks for good content!
I have the exact same watch (the original one I mean) and I really love it. It looks incredibly good, and while it's my cheapest watch it is the one I wear when a need a dress watch. While I could obviously not improve it the way you did (congratulations!) I simply replaced the crappy bracelet with a black leather strap and voila! It looks even better. BTW the watch is unfortunately not available anymore. New Seiko 5 are now way more expensive than that and I don't think they have a model that looks that good.
G'day. Yeah I did this a couple of years ago to my Seiko 5 SNX805K field with the Grey/Blue dial. I also replaced the hands with Cathedrals & a lume tipped Red second sweep. I brushed the case as I had worn it as my beater (& swam with it) for about ten? years & it was badly scarred. The other difference is that I reduced the thickness of the Sapphire from 1.5ml to 1ml so that the bezel would act as a "hood" & offer even more scratch protection to the crystal. Of course, I renewed all gaskets as well. Dimensions are: 42.5mm x 37mm x10.5mm & 19mm lug to lug. If it had 100m WR instead of 30m, it would outclass many...even most, in the under $500.00 range . I love it to bits & it stands up to anything I put it through. The Superluminova is still fabulous even after all this time. Just love what you do...thank you of the content.
Hey, thanks so much for the video! I did all the mods except for the hacking movement upgrade, which was too advanced for me. I also didn't want to drop a lot of cash on nice tools, so I just got a $20 press kit on Amazon, which came with caseback remover tools as well as protective film. The kit was definitely not the same quality as the tools in the video, but for a one-time use, it was great. I just needed to ensure that I was intentional and slow with all of my movements and that even pressure was being applied at all times - nothing forced. It was my first time modding, and it was so much fun - waiting for all of the individual parts to come and seeing the watch transform made me feel like a kid waiting for Christmas presents. For me, the biggest impacts in order were 1. bracelet, 2. caseback, and 3. sapphire glass upgrade. I would do all of them, though: the bracelet is a game-changer in terms of look and feel. Though, I could almost argue that the caseback change was more impactful than the bracelet (almost;)). At least in terms of comfort. I had to wait 3 weeks for it to come in from Spain, and it was the last piece, so I wore the watch with the original one for that time. I was genuinely surprised by how much more comfortable it became and obviously looked better too. I know that in the video, you tried to give several angles, and you can tell the difference, but you feel it so much more after wearing the original for 3 weeks and then switching it. The see-through glass back would also annoyingly stick to my skin throughout the day. I couldn't find a 7S26-3040 caseback, but after some Reddit research and messaging individual vintage caseback sellers on eBay, I learned that the 7009 caseback works just as well. For those of you who are stuck looking for casebacks, I got this 7009-3040 on eBay - www.ebay.ca/itm/134694078939. I used the original gasket, which fit snug and can still hear the automatic movement having plenty of room to wind. Looks like the seller still has a few. Based on a few chats with vintage watch parts sellers, 7S26-3040, 7S26-3160, 7S26-8760, 7009-3040, 7009-3160, and 7009-8760 should all work. Again, I can only confirm that for the 7009-3040. And finally, even though the glass upgrade is in number 3 for me, you can tell that it's on, and it elevates the watch with extra clarity and shine. Thanks again for making this video! Changing everything myself made the watch way more special to me.
Fantastic information and very helpful, thanks for taking the time to write all this up. I've just purchased a 7S26-3160 case back. Which bracelet did you choose and are you still happy with it?
@@elchapo4485 Not as a rule, but there's a good possibility that amateurs opening up a watch won't seal it up again with the same consistency as the factory does, and the fact it's not then been pressure tested. In this case the watch has a low water resistance rating and the replacements (older vintage casebacks and the new sterile ones from places like Monster Watches) are as strong as the factory one so that in otself doesn't make a difference. When you replace a dive rated watch's caseback with a thinner one (like people do with the SPB151 variants) the metal structure itself has less structural integrity. Anyway usually it's the act of moving the seal, not replacing it if needed or not regreasing, possibly pinching it or not torquing it up to spec, andnnot pressure testing it that means the water resistance can no longer be given the same trust as the factory rating.
I love what you did to this Seiko. It looks amazing. I wore a Seiko 5 for over 15 years bought it in the late 90s and I loved it. I think the watch is perfect as is. Especially if you are on a budget. always set it five minutes ahead and the watch still keeps good time. Nowadays I use my cell phone to tell time.
I have this watch and am in absolute love with it. I have a very small wrist yet the watch still looks pretty normal to me on my wrist. I definitely think the adjustment you made to the case back makes it look better, but I personally wouldn't take the time and effort to switch it. I replaced the original bracelet with a jubilee bracelet and the watch is perfect. I do want to change out the hardlex with a sapphire crystal at some point tho
@Escapement & Watch Love your content and appreciate all the efforts you make in communicating with your viewers. Look forward for the future content to come!
I just added this jubilee bracelet to my Seiko SNXS77 and it looks incredible. I wasn't wearing this watch much for the last year and now I think I'm gonna wear it every day.
Saw this watch today, and I honestly believed the bracelet is low quality also the back. Glad to see you improved it, looks amazing. Unfortunately I am not able to do those improvements here in my country.
Great swap with the caseback. To answer: YES. You can clearly tell the after sits much more flush and more naturally on your wrist. Edit: great vid, thanks for uploading. 👍 + -new sub- (I was already subbed 🤷🏼) Edit 2: FIRST mod to any Seiko: scrap their afterthought, hollow endlinks, pressed clasp weak ass brac. Nice swap, clean mod. 👑
Banging movement the NH35/6/8 etc, cheap and capable of excellent performance as long as you don't mind the thickness. I've got a few and most run incredibly well given the price. More of a diver guy but after your subtle tickle , the wrist presence was improved significantly, not to mention that excellent time keeping.
There’s a huge difference with the thinner case back. None of the Seiko 5’s have tempted me, so far. An NH36 is better, but the slower sweep of the seconds hand still won’t look anything like a Rolex.
Amazing watch. It has remarkable precision. I've been using it daily for over 10 years. As it is cheaper than a ROLEx, the risk of using it is lower and with quality. I only took it for cleaning once. I make internal adjustments myself.
I changed the crystal and bracelet and it does make a huge difference the dial really pops now, I really like it but its no Rolex rival. Nobody is likely to rob me in the street for my Seiko.
I love that SNXSs and have a rare SNXS81. Put the same bracelet on it. Such great watches. Can not understand why Seiko is not releasing the new versions of this. Imagine 1000 dial colors :) still a Tiffany dial would be the winner next to a Safron, Red, Emerald or Lightblue. I am a dreamer.
If I had access to the same tools you did, I would die a happy man. I use to botch my seiko 5s with a bunch of DIY projects. Had so much fun replacing dials and hands. It always took forever to get my little parts tho. Shout out to yobokies for getting me into modding my own stuff. Love your channel.
I bought a Seiko snk601 just for the dial. I removed the hands and dial and placed them in a srpe51. Perfect fit. Did an upgrade with a sapphire crystal.
The real fun is if Seiko can provide a $150 Rolex alternative with sapphire crystal, Rolex type bracelet, and great movement. INSTEAD of providing another watch named Grand Seiko with $20000 price tag.
I have just brought this watch. Would you consider make the changes to it if I shipped it too you? Or do you sell the 'upgraded' versions yourself? Many thanks ( P.S. I only just found your channel and I love it )
I have a Seiko 5 bumper automatic from the 70ties in my collection. Best watch ever! Accurate, after all these years of service. I think every watch collector should have one in their collection.
The one I had was old enough that it came with the solid caseback. I probably should have put a new movement in it instead of selling it when I didn't think it was worth what a watchmaker would've charged to repair it, and I had no idea you could get a hacking Seiko movement for just $30. I will probably buy another before they disappear completely. I'm glad to read in the pinned comment that Seiko will be releasing some 36mm "5" Automatics soon, as this is a good size for my rather slender wrist. They should consider bringing back the solid steel caseback, at least as an option, as well as the old metallic "5" badge, as the display caseback and the new, printed "5" logo are both pretty hideous. Besides, these workhorse movements aren't complicated or decorated enough to justify showing them off through Hardlex glass.
I love what you did with it :) Once my hardlex gets scratched up Ill definitely look into adding a sapphire crystal since I didnt realize they could be had so cheaply lol
I would add the cost for the case back remover and the tool too. That's another 160 there so you're already at 160+206=366, plus 100 dollars for labor, which brings to 466 dollars.
At 4:54. Am I about to see this body style get a new movement? I have been asking for years of this style could get that movement. I will continue to watch. I am so excited now.
Thank you for this Video i've got the older Version of this watch, which isn't running great anymore, i was always wondering if i can swap the movement over.
Sorry I do not do builds for customers anymore. I stopped doing that years ago. I'm just to busy with my day job and this channel. But most watches that come on the channel go up for sale on reddit eventually. But tbh I doubt I'd ever sell these 2.
I have a stock Seiko 5 for my workplace. It is very good for what it is. But to call it a „Rolex-Killer“ is far off. But you made a very decent looking unique watch.
I have this watch. It's my daily wear watch. First thing I did was change the bracelet for a soft lamb leather strap. Perhaps I was lucky but mine is accurate to plus 7 seconds per day, I usually set it every Sunday at 12 noon 😅. Its a really good watch, I paid £87.00 inc delivery ☺️
I bought this watch with display back. Believe me, this is a very very good watch for the money. Rolex is just for status. But trust me, for 100 bucks, this is a crazy good watch. And it's more like over 150 bucks now anyway. 😅
i recently bought 2. one black and one blue and def in love with the look and feel of the watch. sure the bracelet rattles and feels cheap but what else do you expect.
Ill be honest, i had a few of these seiko 5s (newer generation and the older ones snk etc) they do resemble sort of to a point, rolex, however after wearing them a bit and the novelty of a 100 dollar rolex homage wore off, they got boring real quick. Sold them or just dont wear them anymore collecting dust.
I wear mine as my beater watch so very frequently and I love it. There's an all new generation just announced and it will release next month can't wait to check it out.
I love Seiko, great history, great movements and fantastic range from Seiko 5 to prospex, presage, GS, but they sooo need to deal with QC issues 😢, absolutely great video subscribed
they have seko king and a 1920 seikosha imitation, but i did buy na old orient banbino ...couldnt resit to have some mods.blueish old 1910 style hands, on the pearl dial is just out of this world
I recently switched to an OYSTER Bracelet: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCejZNv
Does the case back have to be specifically for 7S26-3040. If not, how can I find out which other reference numbers would fit?
@escapementwatch: pls suggest case size for this Seiko snxs...pls give us link to buy new case. My case is damaged and want to replace it.
The thing is… I’ve never wanted a Rolex.
this
I got both.. Rolex still better and quality much more comfort. But love Seiko and got me the white dial for work.
My Seiko 5 Actus (same like yours) is 40 years old and i serviced it for the 1st time 1 year ago. The man who serviced it did a great job. It looks like new again. Accuracy around +10 seconds/day and it is a beauty to watch its sweeping second hand moving. what a great video
I have a collection of vintage Seiko 5's adn the ones that have been serviced keep great time. I stopped collecting them becasue I was buying like new 40-year-old watches I was too scared to wear as I knew I would scratch them to bits.
I’m afraid of getting addicted tho the older Seiko 5’s ahah they’re just pure class and quality pieces. Absolutely love my snkl41
As a 16600 Sea-Dweller owner, I can tell you the SD after 12 years or so of daily use won't be accurate and will need (expensive) service and maintenance. To be honest Im not inclined to spend so much to maintain a Rolex. A Seiko 5 is a good value proposition the same way a Camry is more bang for buck than a premium German car. But you might want to fit better suspension, soundproofing, etc. It's all about what you want and need. I enjoyed this video and especially how the watch got "hotrodded". I want one too!
And a brand new Seiko-5 movement at only $30 is far cheaper than a Rolex service. Of course, that doesn't include labor to install and calibrate though.
@@brnmcc01 💯💯💯
That caseback made a HUGE difference.
Seiko could easily make these changes and charge $300 for the watch. It would be a good replacement for SARB033.
No way they would charge less than 450
@@Pspet You don't even get sapphire with a $300+ Prospex. I just ordered a SNXS73 from Jomashop, but I don't plan on doing any mods to it. I have told myself I would never waste my money on an overpriced, under-spec'd Seiko (especially the new 5s that cost $180+). I can overlook the lack of handwinding and hacking on an original $110 Seiko 5 with 7s26.
thye could change production ...
The watch world is full of scammers and scumbags.
Rolex is the biggest scammer of them all. A $700 made watch for a few hundred thousand.
I heard they’re doing it now with new Seiko5 releases, increasing prices
I can’t believe Seiko didn’t think to do this on their own lol. For some reason this brand loves excessively thick casebacks, even on their GS models.
An yet there as popular as ever. It's a Seiko thing nothing wrong with that in my book . Good you have other options.. Huh
What do you expect from a watch of this price.
@@OpheliaNL plenty of other Seiko 5 models have normal casebacks that don't bulge out like this. It wouldn't have cost them any more to outfit this watch with a thinner caseback that offered a nicer wearing experience.
@@SunsetSheen probably it's just their marketing so their watches are bought at any price points..
they don't even have pretty movements back there!
The removal of the heinous glass case back and replacing it with a OEM SEIKO steel caseback is Genius. I did the same with all my SEIKO 5 - SEA URCHIN and SNKL23.
Bro I love your channel and your creativity is amazing
Very nice! Glad you enjoy!
Agreed those case backs are terrible.
@@EscapementWatch
Greetings from USA 🇺🇸 brother.
God Bless.
Bought one on ebay a few years back brand new £30. Never thought of it as a Rolex alternative but its a nice watch. Don't doubt the mods were worth doing especially the Sapphire as I've changed the hardlex once already, unable to find a suitable sapphire but I'll be looking again. Great video
sapphire is from monsterwatches. check link in description. He has flat or dome with blue ar or clear ar coatings.
The seiko 5 are great watches at their price point. However, calling them Rolex killers is just crazy. They’re not even in the same realm.
Toyota Corolla - MERECEDES KILLER
They are obviously better than Rolex.
My eldest son, would wholeheartedly agree!
Bro i hawe seiko 5
55years old and it is not 1 second latening men that is miracle for that money
If seiko watches costed the same as Rolex then everyone will agree that seiko watches are better. Seiko has low self esteem probably
Hey! The Rolex gives you status. You don't buy a Rolex because you want a good watch. You buy it for status. Seiko produces great watches that look great too. But it's for people who are confident. 😊
No one put it the way that you did and no one shows the work on the bench and comparissons as you do man! You are amazing and I am glad that I found your channel... Thank you and looking forward for more awesome work!
Never seen any of your videos, but boy did you get my attention! You are truly on another level.
Subscribed!
Wow, thanks!
I'd buy this version for $300 if Seiko offered it
If seiko made this today I think they would charge $499 now a days
Moon swatch reverse lol
Any sapphire crystal automatic from Seiko would be $500+
@@sensaznaleven alot of the prospex line at that price still have hardlex
Seiko is really awful as of late
@sensaznal I got a seiko quartz perpetual calendar with a sapphire crystal for 225. It's not a new release from seiko and I'm not sure if it's discontinued (thus the price).
This a great spin on the snxs videos. Love your additional mods. It’s a very good point to making a true value rolex alternative. I have the white dial and dark grey and I love them! I just put them on nice leather straps. I’d love to do the Crystal/movement upgrade but not sure I have the skills. Don’t want to break them! 😅. Maybe I’ll do the case back. But the height doesn’t bother me too much.
Bought one a while back and ended up selling soon after purely because of how high it sat on my wrist due to the case back. Felt and looked like a ufo
Just buy a slim case back, that’s the beauty of Seiko 5’s
It’s a killer of a watch! For the price it’s hard pass!! Just get slim case as noted. I prefer slightly high profile as it is not to much for me.
I thought that would be one of if not the biggest issues with this model and from the looks it's is definitely one of them it's really unfortunate but they have soo many different case shapes with the same and different dials so I believe one of the more curved lugged models with this or a couple other dial options at the price it is still good I just wouldn't opt for the ufo style case and would be nice idea to upgrade the bracelet if possible and ya got a nice little watch. Seiko 5 is still a solid offer and holds its own in this category as the options are quite endless just takes some time to find the one that suits one exact preference IMHO.
It'd be nice if they made the correct changes and offered it at a realistic price but it does work nice as a mod base as well too. My preference is that exact dial and the other similar one housed in a proper oyster case and proper bracelet and sapphire be icing on the cake. Your review is very valuable and appreciate the video. All the best brother.
It's my first automatic watch and I love it. Sure, the bracelet feels like the og casio bracelet and its really small and thick, but for a 120€ beater automatic you cant complain.
Agree .. i have had mine for a year now and bought it as a beater but sometimes i just look at it and am afraid of scratching it XD
Well done. I contemplated this one for a long time. Until now, mods always replaced the case, even though only swapping the caseback is needed.
well, I am not sure about "Rolex Alternative" but you successfully turned a layman into a "watch guy." Thanks bud for a quality, technical, professional, and above all, a moral analysis of "TH-cam University's" claim.
I considered some of those mods to my snxs77 as it was my first watch. In the end I resigned as I couldn't find the matching bracelet as the ones offered earlier by rolamy would not fit perfectly and required to have gaps or use original end link. Then this case back that I had no idea I could replace so easily. And the sapphire that I could not find with my limited knowledge on how to measure this stuff etc. I didn't change a thing...and there comes you with this awesome video like 2 year later when I already gave up. I'm gonna do all those mods and get some required tools as I was considering trying out the watchmaking hobby and this might be an awesome start and deciding if I enjoy this before I try something more serious. Video of the year for me! :) Thanks!
any jewl shop can do that.
'Hat Tip' to you Sir! I'd not seen one of your videos before and had just watched the videos you cite at the beginning. I was watching your intro thinking 'I think you're being overly critical' I DID NOT see your modifications coming! Very impressed and now subscribed.
OMG too much hassle dude!!!! I admire your patience undertaking extensive surgery on this watch.....
Mmm dunno. Bracelet it a quick change. Based on my experience you are going to have to change the crystal out it’s going to scratch. Case back and movement are bonuses.
What an awesome video! Your attention to detail is truly incredible. Really enjoyed watching this. Congrats on a great job!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very helpful! You did all the upgrades I want to do on mine. Wasn't sure if the NH36 movement would fit with the slimmer case back as it is 0,5mm thicker. Thanks for good content!
yes the double dome sapphire makes it possible.
Is it not possible with the flat sapphire?@@EscapementWatch
Done! I can confirm that my SNXS77 is very much improved!
That was terrific! Awesome improvement! So happy I found your channel! Thank you for this inspiring video!
You are so welcome!
the case back and changes did make a difference! Thanks.
I have the exact same watch (the original one I mean) and I really love it. It looks incredibly good, and while it's my cheapest watch it is the one I wear when a need a dress watch. While I could obviously not improve it the way you did (congratulations!) I simply replaced the crappy bracelet with a black leather strap and voila! It looks even better.
BTW the watch is unfortunately not available anymore. New Seiko 5 are now way more expensive than that and I don't think they have a model that looks that good.
G'day. Yeah I did this a couple of years ago to my Seiko 5 SNX805K field with the Grey/Blue dial. I also replaced the hands with Cathedrals & a lume tipped Red second sweep. I brushed the case as I had worn it as my beater (& swam with it) for about ten? years & it was badly scarred. The other difference is that I reduced the thickness of the Sapphire from 1.5ml to 1ml so that the bezel would act as a "hood" & offer even more scratch protection to the crystal. Of course, I renewed all gaskets as well.
Dimensions are: 42.5mm x 37mm x10.5mm & 19mm lug to lug. If it had 100m WR instead of 30m, it would outclass many...even most, in the under $500.00 range . I love it to bits & it stands up to anything I put it through. The Superluminova is still fabulous even after all this time.
Just love what you do...thank you of the content.
Hey, thanks so much for the video! I did all the mods except for the hacking movement upgrade, which was too advanced for me. I also didn't want to drop a lot of cash on nice tools, so I just got a $20 press kit on Amazon, which came with caseback remover tools as well as protective film. The kit was definitely not the same quality as the tools in the video, but for a one-time use, it was great. I just needed to ensure that I was intentional and slow with all of my movements and that even pressure was being applied at all times - nothing forced. It was my first time modding, and it was so much fun - waiting for all of the individual parts to come and seeing the watch transform made me feel like a kid waiting for Christmas presents.
For me, the biggest impacts in order were 1. bracelet, 2. caseback, and 3. sapphire glass upgrade. I would do all of them, though: the bracelet is a game-changer in terms of look and feel. Though, I could almost argue that the caseback change was more impactful than the bracelet (almost;)). At least in terms of comfort. I had to wait 3 weeks for it to come in from Spain, and it was the last piece, so I wore the watch with the original one for that time. I was genuinely surprised by how much more comfortable it became and obviously looked better too. I know that in the video, you tried to give several angles, and you can tell the difference, but you feel it so much more after wearing the original for 3 weeks and then switching it. The see-through glass back would also annoyingly stick to my skin throughout the day.
I couldn't find a 7S26-3040 caseback, but after some Reddit research and messaging individual vintage caseback sellers on eBay, I learned that the 7009 caseback works just as well. For those of you who are stuck looking for casebacks, I got this 7009-3040 on eBay - www.ebay.ca/itm/134694078939. I used the original gasket, which fit snug and can still hear the automatic movement having plenty of room to wind. Looks like the seller still has a few. Based on a few chats with vintage watch parts sellers, 7S26-3040, 7S26-3160, 7S26-8760, 7009-3040, 7009-3160, and 7009-8760 should all work. Again, I can only confirm that for the 7009-3040.
And finally, even though the glass upgrade is in number 3 for me, you can tell that it's on, and it elevates the watch with extra clarity and shine.
Thanks again for making this video! Changing everything myself made the watch way more special to me.
Fantastic information and very helpful, thanks for taking the time to write all this up. I've just purchased a 7S26-3160 case back.
Which bracelet did you choose and are you still happy with it?
i heard if you changed the caseback the water resistance will be reduced. is that true?
@@elchapo4485 Not as a rule, but there's a good possibility that amateurs opening up a watch won't seal it up again with the same consistency as the factory does, and the fact it's not then been pressure tested. In this case the watch has a low water resistance rating and the replacements (older vintage casebacks and the new sterile ones from places like Monster Watches) are as strong as the factory one so that in otself doesn't make a difference. When you replace a dive rated watch's caseback with a thinner one (like people do with the SPB151 variants) the metal structure itself has less structural integrity.
Anyway usually it's the act of moving the seal, not replacing it if needed or not regreasing, possibly pinching it or not torquing it up to spec, andnnot pressure testing it that means the water resistance can no longer be given the same trust as the factory rating.
Now i know, Seiko can be upgraded. TH-cam algo brought me here. Thank you for the great content!
I have this watch and after seeing this video, I am motivated to work on mine. Thanks and great video!
I love what you did to this Seiko. It looks amazing. I wore a Seiko 5 for over 15 years bought it in the late 90s and I loved it. I think the watch is perfect as is. Especially if you are on a budget. always set it five minutes ahead and the watch still keeps good time. Nowadays I use my cell phone to tell time.
I have this watch and am in absolute love with it. I have a very small wrist yet the watch still looks pretty normal to me on my wrist. I definitely think the adjustment you made to the case back makes it look better, but I personally wouldn't take the time and effort to switch it. I replaced the original bracelet with a jubilee bracelet and the watch is perfect. I do want to change out the hardlex with a sapphire crystal at some point tho
Great to hear!
@Escapement & Watch Love your content and appreciate all the efforts you make in communicating with your viewers. Look forward for the future content to come!
where did you buy the jubilee? i am looking for one
@valentinmeyer check the link in the description
@@EscapementWatch Where did you buy the caseback?
I own both. In North America, you get way more comments and questions about the Seiko. People generally know what it is and are not intimidated by it.
I just added this jubilee bracelet to my Seiko SNXS77 and it looks incredible. I wasn't wearing this watch much for the last year and now I think I'm gonna wear it every day.
Saw this watch today, and I honestly believed the bracelet is low quality also the back. Glad to see you improved it, looks amazing. Unfortunately I am not able to do those improvements here in my country.
Great swap with the caseback. To answer: YES. You can clearly tell the after sits much more flush and more naturally on your wrist.
Edit: great vid, thanks for uploading.
👍 + -new sub- (I was already subbed 🤷🏼) Edit 2: FIRST mod to any Seiko: scrap their afterthought, hollow endlinks, pressed clasp weak ass brac. Nice swap, clean mod. 👑
Banging movement the NH35/6/8 etc, cheap and capable of excellent performance as long as you don't mind the thickness. I've got a few and most run incredibly well given the price. More of a diver guy but after your subtle tickle , the wrist presence was improved significantly, not to mention that excellent time keeping.
Il movimento non è un NH35,ma il 7s26
There’s a huge difference with the thinner case back. None of the Seiko 5’s have tempted me, so far. An NH36 is better, but the slower sweep of the seconds hand still won’t look anything like a Rolex.
Il Seiko snxs77 non ha NH36,ma il 7s26
Amazing watch. It has remarkable precision.
I've been using it daily for over 10 years. As it is cheaper than a ROLEx, the risk of using it is lower and with quality.
I only took it for cleaning once. I make internal adjustments myself.
Damn, you are a true watch enthusiast. Love your seiko 5 watch improvement content. Can't wait to see another similar videos.
I changed the crystal and bracelet and it does make a huge difference the dial really pops now, I really like it but its no Rolex rival. Nobody is likely to rob me in the street for my Seiko.
I did the same upgrades movement and crystal upgrades to my Seiko SNZG 11. Worth every penny.
I love that SNXSs and have a rare SNXS81. Put the same bracelet on it. Such great watches. Can not understand why Seiko is not releasing the new versions of this. Imagine 1000 dial colors :) still a Tiffany dial would be the winner next to a Safron, Red, Emerald or Lightblue. I am a dreamer.
WOOOW! What a transformation!! Damn, I want that watch now (your version, in blue :D)
If I had access to the same tools you did, I would die a happy man. I use to botch my seiko 5s with a bunch of DIY projects. Had so much fun replacing dials and hands. It always took forever to get my little parts tho. Shout out to yobokies for getting me into modding my own stuff. Love your channel.
I bought a Seiko snk601 just for the dial. I removed the hands and dial and placed them in a srpe51. Perfect fit. Did an upgrade with a sapphire crystal.
Did you manage to match the chapter ring?
@@EscapementWatch I purchased the crystal and a brushed chapter ring from namokiMODS.
I did exactly every single mod you listed here down to the teeth. Took it to my watch smith to do but very satisfied
The real fun is if Seiko can provide a $150 Rolex alternative with sapphire crystal, Rolex type bracelet, and great movement. INSTEAD of providing another watch named Grand Seiko with $20000 price tag.
I have just brought this watch. Would you consider make the changes to it if I shipped it too you? Or do you sell the 'upgraded' versions yourself? Many thanks ( P.S. I only just found your channel and I love it )
Great mod, I love my stock snxs79 as it is, but these changes would definitely make me love it more.
Totally agree
@@EscapementWatch where can i buy the case back?
My thoughts: very nice upgrades and final watch. Nicely done!
Where did you get the caseback?
YOU SIR ARE AN INNOVATOR!!!
Quartz or Automatic for Seiko 5 snx?
I have a Seiko 5 bumper automatic from the 70ties in my collection. Best watch ever! Accurate, after all these years of service. I think every watch collector should have one in their collection.
The one I had was old enough that it came with the solid caseback. I probably should have put a new movement in it instead of selling it when I didn't think it was worth what a watchmaker would've charged to repair it, and I had no idea you could get a hacking Seiko movement for just $30. I will probably buy another before they disappear completely. I'm glad to read in the pinned comment that Seiko will be releasing some 36mm "5" Automatics soon, as this is a good size for my rather slender wrist. They should consider bringing back the solid steel caseback, at least as an option, as well as the old metallic "5" badge, as the display caseback and the new, printed "5" logo are both pretty hideous. Besides, these workhorse movements aren't complicated or decorated enough to justify showing them off through Hardlex glass.
Respect, well played mate. You upped the game on the "Rolex killer." Cheers 👍
I love what you did with it :) Once my hardlex gets scratched up Ill definitely look into adding a sapphire crystal since I didnt realize they could be had so cheaply lol
I would add the cost for the case back remover and the tool too. That's another 160 there so you're already at 160+206=366, plus 100 dollars for labor, which brings to 466 dollars.
Very informative and nice upgrade of the Seiko 5 to an affordable Rolex performance piece.
At 4:54. Am I about to see this body style get a new movement? I have been asking for years of this style could get that movement. I will continue to watch. I am so excited now.
Fantastic tutorial. My hats off to you, Sir....
Glad you liked it
This upgrade is a real art and I love it ❤ Btw what case model can be used to do the upgrade?
I like see trough casebacks ,i would of changed it to but with another see trough caseback !!
Very interesting approach you have. Enjoyed it even though I have zero intention of owning such a watch :)
Do people sell the moded version of these online? Seems like paying for the additional materials, installation, and shipping would be worth it.
I'm selling the silver version in this video. Email for details.
Thank you for this Video i've got the older Version of this watch, which isn't running great anymore, i was always wondering if i can swap the movement over.
Please make me an SNXS79 and I'll buy it! This transformation looks amazing.
Sorry I do not do builds for customers anymore. I stopped doing that years ago. I'm just to busy with my day job and this channel. But most watches that come on the channel go up for sale on reddit eventually. But tbh I doubt I'd ever sell these 2.
I would buy that watch from you in a heartbeat; it looks so good.
TH-camrs figured out that putting Rolex in the title tickles the algorithm in just the right way.
Impressive. No more Seiko Shuffle. Great video! Subscribed.
Glad you enjoyed the upgrades and welcome!
I have a seiko 5 and it manages to keep to with the 6-4 accuracy of a Rolex. That being said, it does not rival the build quality of a Rolex.
I have a stock Seiko 5 for my workplace. It is very good for what it is. But to call it a „Rolex-Killer“ is far off.
But you made a very decent looking unique watch.
Hi, Great video. Can you help me decide? In your opinion, which crystal suits the watch better: flat or double domed? Thanks.
Thanks 🙏 I'd go domed!
Thanks 🙏 I'd go domed!
Its very cool upgrades man. Congrats for the channel.
Thanks, and glad you like the upgrades!
They 💀 wrong! The rolex killer is the Sarbs 033,035! ☝️
I have this watch. It's my daily wear watch. First thing I did was change the bracelet for a soft lamb leather strap. Perhaps I was lucky but mine is accurate to plus 7 seconds per day, I usually set it every Sunday at 12 noon 😅. Its a really good watch, I paid £87.00 inc delivery ☺️
Thanks for sharing! I'm wear mine for work as well.
I bought this watch with display back. Believe me, this is a very very good watch for the money. Rolex is just for status. But trust me, for 100 bucks, this is a crazy good watch. And it's more like over 150 bucks now anyway. 😅
i recently bought 2. one black and one blue and def in love with the look and feel of the watch. sure the bracelet rattles and feels cheap but what else do you expect.
Not what I expected, gotta be honest. But super cool content! Love that you even exchanged the movement, thats dedication :)
I’m amazed that you tune it to +/- 3 seconds, I wonder how long it stays that way ?
Great video. I'm gonna upgade mine right away! Thank you. The watch looks more than twice as good. Almost a Rolex;)
Thanks! You will love it!
Good work and worthwhile upgrades!
It sure is!
I LIKE how Real you were, absolutely what i want done on mine
Is it possible to change the case back to a shallower display case back?
I live in North Carolina . Any idea where I could send my watch to someone who’d modify it the way you did? Very striking modification
what size was the vintage case back I'd like to allow this to sit better on my wrist as well. was it 32mm?
I’m quite happy with this in factory condition.I wear it every day
Wow. Great video, good points. This is a fine timepiece.
It sure is!
There is a term called VALUE
Bdw: Initially when I saw your thumbnail I was like wtf.. now I am like "woah bro.." AMAZING
Nice! Only thing I would have done differently is throw on a better president bracelet instead of the nice jubilee style one you went with. 👌🏻
Nice upgrades!
Hi! Can I ask where did you get the solid caseback? Thanks in advance 🤩
Ebay. But after this video when viral they have become harder to find. But I haven't checked recently.
Ill be honest, i had a few of these seiko 5s (newer generation and the older ones snk etc) they do resemble sort of to a point, rolex, however after wearing them a bit and the novelty of a 100 dollar rolex homage wore off, they got boring real quick. Sold them or just dont wear them anymore collecting dust.
I wear mine as my beater watch so very frequently and I love it. There's an all new generation just announced and it will release next month can't wait to check it out.
I love Seiko, great history, great movements and fantastic range from Seiko 5 to prospex, presage, GS, but they sooo need to deal with QC issues 😢, absolutely great video subscribed
they have seko king and a 1920 seikosha imitation, but i did buy na old orient banbino ...couldnt resit to have some mods.blueish old 1910 style hands, on the pearl dial is just out of this world
Great video. Makes total sense and nothing too crazy to do. The thinkers watch channel this one methinks.
Thanks for doing and showing it! How long did it take you to make all the changes? Would I be able to pay you for making this changes to the Seiko?
where I can find the case back?
Actually you are right about Oris not cleaning the underside of the crystal, I had this issue with my Oris Aquis