Eventually every watch person will either think about modding their watch or actually do it. Seiko is one of the most popular options for watch modding, including the SKX series and the Seiko 5 line. There are an insane amount of watch mods parts including dials, crystals, hands and movements. The beauty of modding Seikos is the fact that so many of the parts are interchangeable. You will often find that dials from other Seikos will fit the case you want to use. The movements are also fairly interchangeable, giving the modder plenty of options.
Why mod a watch?
I don’t believe people mods these watches because they feel Seiko didn’t do a good job making the watch. People mod their watches because it is an extension of themselves and a relatively easy thing to do to showcase their personality. The more you investigate modding a watch, you will realize the possibilities are endless. Between handset combinations, dial configurations and bezel inserts there are billions of possible looks you can achieve. There are a few modders out there who will also get their parts from broken watches, giving them access to OEM dials, handsets etc. This allows them to create a unique piece that still looks like it came from the factory.
This Seiko SNK809 was purchased specifically to mod. I didn’t even wear it before I started my mods. I wanted to try my hand at watch modding without getting into the complex areas of changing movements and hands. Watch modding can get expensive the deeper into the weeds you go. I wanted a way to experiment with what I could do without a large investment.
Try Not to Break Anything
The first thing I did was polish the case using my Dremel and some Mother’s aluminum automotive polish. As soon as I started, I realized I was at the point of no return. This process was easy to do, only took about 15 minutes and immediately changed the whole look of the watch. My first thought after having the bezel polished was that it resembled a Hamilton Khaki Field. Changing the Seiko Hardlex crystal to sapphire was more complicated but still not that difficult with the right tools. Some patience and a crystal press made quick work of the new crystal.
After the mods I wanted to do were complete, I felt that I had my own watch that not a lot of other people had. The changes are subtle, but different enough to separate it from the thousands of other Seiko 5s out in the wild. If you want a custom watch without breaking the bank, I highly recommend starting with something simple like a Seiko 5 and a little bit of research.
I Didn’t Break Anything
After completing the mods and wearing the “new” watch for some time, it always brings me joy. There is something to be said for doing something yourself that was a challenge. I don’t wear this watch as often as some of my others, but every time I do wear it I am reminded of the work I put into it. I successfully took apart a watch, replaced parts and changed the look of metal without destroying it. Watch modding is something I can check off my bucket list, but I don’t think this will be the last watch I mod.
More images of the Seiko SNK809
Check out the Seiko USA website
Other Seiko reviews from The Watch Clicker
Can you share the make of the brown leather watch strap? Love the look
It’s from cheapestnatostraps.com – Cheers
Awesome, thanks for the quick response. In doing my own research it seems like there are a lot of different specs out there for sapphire crystal and some people have had trouble fitting them in the SNK case. Do you recall and the specs of this crystal since it seems to fit just right?
I ordered mine from Crystaltimes.net – great place to deal with for Seiko mod parts. I purchased the CT063 from them. You can pick different AR coatings and domes, but as long as you match the specs on that item you should be good to go. Good luck!
What was the model name of the strap? There’s a couple that looks like the one in the picture 🙂
The black one is from Barton Bands and the brown ones are from cheapestnatostraps.com
can you post a link to the crystal you purchased and the AR coating you chose? Great taste and imagination by the way. Thing is a beauty. I’m trying to replicate it with a different dial.
It is from Crystal Times. The part number is CT063 and I went with the blue AR coating. Thanks!
Man I just gotta thank you for making this post. I had this same watch and after seeing this, I decided to do the same. I polished it with my Dremel and threw on the same sapphire crystal that you used along with a black leather strap and it looks like a totally different watch. Looks very high end now. I also found the process to be a lot fun. Gonna try a Fifty-Five Fathoms mod next. Thanks again!
Man I just gotta thank you for making this post. I had this same watch and after seeing this, I decided to do the same. I polished it with my Dremel and threw on the same sapphire crystal that you used along with a black leather strap and it looks like a totally different watch. Looks very classy. I also found the process to be a lot fun. Gonna try a Fifty-Five Fathoms mod next. Thanks again!
Hi Rene, Well done on your mod, can you please give a link and part number for the crystal and dials, Best wishes Philip
The crystal is from crystal Times. If you search for SNK809 you will have a few choices (dome and AR color). The dial is the stock dial that came with the watch
Is it easy to replace the crown? where can I find a larger crown as in your photo, also where did you find the metal bracelet?
It’s actually the stock crown! I found the bracelet on ebay. If you search for SNK bracelet you should be able to find one
Hi, great looking watch! Did you upgrade to an NH36 movement, or is the original 7S26 movement in there? If you did the movement swap, did you have swap the day/date dials with the originals? Thanks!
I kept the 7S in this one
Do you recommend blue anti-reflective coating or no?
I like the look of no AR but it is definitely a personal choice
They have a sapphire crystal back that will work, more commonly used on the SKX. Have you thought about doing that?
Whenever my SKX needs a service I will probably put one in
Looks beautiful! Congrats!
Are all these photos from your watch? It looks from some of them like the case and lugs and even the bracelet have more of a brushed look rather than sand blasted. Did you also sanded these parts to give it that look? It looks beautiful!
Yes, these are all mine. I polished and brushed the case – the sand blasting wasn’t for me.
Hello Will, mind if I use 1 photo in a video I’m making for youtube review. Will credit in the video.
Of course, thank you for asking
I have this watch and a Citizen EcoDrive BM818003E, Both are the same size, field type watches and I really like what you have done to the watch. I’m not doing anything other than changing straps because I know I will ruin them. I just have these two watches and that’s it…….I know people go nuts with watches so I’m not going there. Beautiful photos, thanks very much for your effort.