Introduction: Seiko Mod

By
About: Canadian Craftsman

Hello makers,

Let me introduce you to the world of watch modding. The word “modding” comes from “modifying,” and watch modding is essentially the process of modifying parts of a timepiece to make it best fit your preferences. People commonly change the mod watches for aesthetic reasons, but some do change theirs mechanically as well.

Seiko modding, in particular, refers to the specific practice of transforming Seiko watches. The brand is in trend for modding, and it’s a known fact in the community that Seiko unofficially supports the activity. They often design their watches to be easily replaceable, and they sell non-branded movements separately.

In this particular mod, we will be starting with a donor watch - Seiko 5 SNK809. The plan is to swap out the dial, hands, and strap. Lets begin!

Supplies

Materials:

  • Donor Watch - Seiko 5 SNK809
  • New Hands
  • New Dial
  • New Strap

Tools:

Below is a comprehensive list of the tools I used for this specific project. These tools plus more are available in a DIY watchmaking kit that you can purchase off amazon for quite cheap.

  • Case Back Remover
  • Movement Holder
  • Tweezers
  • Spring Bar Remover
  • Hand Setters
  • Springbar Remover
  • Presto Hand Remover
  • Rodico
  • Dust Blower
  • Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Finger Cots
  • Micro Fiber Screen Cleaning Cloth
  • Toothpick
  • File
  • Snips

Step 1: Remove Watch Strap

Using a spring bar remover, insert the pronged fork end between the band and where it connects with the watch shoulders. You can press the bar in from either end. Then gently apply pressure on the tool, pushing lightly away from the watch. This should push the spring bar down and release the band.

Step 2: Remove Movement From Case

  • Adjust the case back remover chucks to the lugs on the watch.
  • Grip watch in hand and place case back remover into the lugs of the case back. Apply pressure and turn counter clockwise to loosen. Unscrew the remaining threads with your fingers.
  • Remove crown and stem. Using a toothpick press on the release lever and pull out the crown. Using a flat head screw driver, carefully pry on the movement as shown in the picture. This will release the movement from its seated position in the case. Flip over and lift off the case.

Step 3: Replacing Dial and Hands

  • Align the hands (all pointing at the same direction), and place a plastic film on top of the dial and below the hands. Finally, using a Presto Hand Remover, the hands can be removed easily and quickly without damaging the dial.
  • Using a small flat head screwdriver, insert it into the gap between the dial and plastic bracket, and twist. The dial should be lifted off the movement and can be removed easily.
  • Some dials may be different looking than others. That’s because some replacement dials usually have their own variety of movements, and they require various positions for installations. You then need to observe the movement and identify which feet need to be removed on the new dial. If the feet of the original dial aren’t exactly the same as the replacement dial, you need to make some adjustments. Remove the extra feet with snips and file smooth.
  • After removing the excess, you should now align the dial feet with the holes at the edge of the movement to install your new dial.
  • Using rodico, pick up the hours hand first and place it over the post and nudge it into the 12:00 position. Gently press the hour hand down, then repeat the process with the minute hand. Ensure hands are parallel with dial the dial and not interfering with one another.
  • Pick up the seconds hand and put it on top of the other two and place it down like a hat but with very minimal pressure. Once the seconds hand starts moving, that’s an indication that the installation was a success.

Step 4: Install Movement Into the Case

  • Blow off any dust that may have settled onto movement and dial.
  • Rest movement onto watch cushion.
  • Remove crown and stem.
  • Place case onto the movement ensuring the '12' and '6' indices are aligned with the case correctly. This may take a few tries so be patient and do not rush.
  • Once you have it lined up in the case correctly, flip the watch over and ensure movement is completely seated. Do this buy pressing on the movement around the perimeter with a toothpick.
  • Reinstall the crown and stem.
  • Screw on the case back and tighten with the case back wrench.
  • Install your new strap and there you go! Throw it on the wrist and appreciate your completed Seiko mod!

Thanks for following along!