[Jagatvir]

I couldn't find a dedicated thread showcasing the modifications done by TBHPians on their watches.
I had picked up a Seiko SKX007 back in 2014. For those who are unfamiliar with the watch, here's a picture for reference.





The watch became my daily driver and I thoroughly enjoyed wearing it for a few years. The watch had suffered a fair share of rough use and proudly adorned a few scuff marks on its crystal. Since Seiko uses a form of Hardened Crystal called 'Hardlex' and not sapphire which is more durable, it was easier the scratch the crystal. With time, new additions were added to the watch collection and the Seiko didn't get much of wrist time. The design of the watch started to look boring over time and was just one of the other watches lying in the closet.

The movement was in need of a service. I decided to breathe some new life into my trusty Seiko SKX007. While researching, I discovered that there is an immense potential for aftermarket mods on this watch.
I decided to purchase the parts from Namokimods.com which is based out of Singapore and specialises in making aftermarket parts for various Seiko models.

Here's a list of the parts ordered:


1. Double Domed Sapphire Crystal with Blue AR (Anti Reflective Coating)



2. SKX 007 Sub Bezel (Polished Design)



3. SKX007 Lumed Ceramic Bezel Insert: Sub style Black/White



4. Watch Hands: Mercedes Polished Finish



5. Fullmosa Leather strap

The end result:










New vs. Old


Prefer the design of the new Bezel and helps it look less chunky.


The way the blue AR coating plays with light is just beautiful.


Parting lume shot

I may have diminished the value of the watch by replacing the original parts but I love the way the watch has turned out. At the end of the day what matters is that the watch should give you joy while wearing it and I absolutely love wearing this everyday.

Looking forward to hear if anyone else has modified their watch as well.

[railfanwithk750]

Great results, the SKX has awesome mod potential! I'm a G-Shock guy and have modified numerous G-Shocks, starting from the humble 5600 to the GX56. Here's one of my favorites, on a Rangeman:

[somspaple]

Nice to see fellow watch enthusiasts! I've not yet ventured into modding as such apart from changing straps [metal bracelets, leather/nylon NATOs etc]. Keep them pics coming!

[arindambasu13]

Nice mods on the SKX. The SKX is the Honda Civic equivalent of the watch world, tons of mod potential and there are modders like Watchmakers 4 and others who make it look like anything but like an SKX with insanely extensive mods.

Where did you do installation of the mod parts? Did you do it yourself? Very challenging to get a competent watch modder in India.

[Jagatvir]

Originally Posted by arindambasu13

Nice mods on the SKX. The SKX is the Honda Civic equivalent of the watch world, tons of mod potential and there are modders like Watchmakers 4 and others who make it look like anything but like an SKX with insanely extensive mods.

Where did you do installation of the mod parts? Did you do it yourself? Very challenging to get a competent watch modder in India.

You're right, the possibilities are endless.

Here's a picture of Seiko with a green bezel with an Oyster strap, inspired by the Rolex Submariner Kermit/Starbucks.



I got the parts installed and the service done from shop in Chandigarh by the name of 'Rajan Watch Co.' They have an experienced staff and are certified to work on some Swiss brands such as Omega, Tissot etc. (Note: I have no personal interest involved in the above mentioned shop.)

[AZT]

Fantastic Mod. My friend has the SKX173 on Oyster and it looks amazing. The SKX series were great value watches and now selling for a premium post being discontinued. I'm looking for one myself. As they say, Wear it in good health.

[roadrunner_nv]

Fantastic! I've been on the lookout for someone who would have done that. Just one question, how does the water resistance work once you replace the crystal? Does it stay as right as it is supposed to be or is there a trade off?

[jsrakkar]

Originally Posted by Jagatvir

Here's a picture of Seiko with a green bezel with an Oyster strap, inspired by the Rolex Submariner Kermit/Starbucks.

Attachment 2110343

I got the parts installed and the service done from shop in Chandigarh by the name of 'Rajan Watch Co.'

That Seiko with green bezel looks smoking hot! Even I have 2 almost similar Seiko automatics (but lower variants) which I would to mod someday.

Seeing that you too are from Chandigarh, might trouble you some day to get more information and advice.

Regards,
Jaspreet Singh

[Tassem]

Super excited to bump into someone who shares this passion. Love how you've made that 007 your own. I personally prefer the Jubilee over the strap, but I have to say, this does look good. Do try ceramic bezel inserts next time.

I'm a huge watch nut and have been so for as long as I can remember. Each watch has a story and was bought for some milestone or event. A couple of them are 20 plus years old. It's important for me that the watches are unique and hence all of them (except a couple of the Gs) either sport a custom band/bracelet or modified dials/bezels etc.

Here's my daily rotation as it stands right now. I have a set of premium watches that are reserved for special occasions and are not part of the rotation. Most of them live in a watch winder. G shocks have a special place in my heart (like with a lot of watch lovers) and hence have their own box G shock is the only affordable watch that can hold its own with the big boys. The deserve their own box.



And my latest addition to the group: The classic 5600 in full stainless steel:



The bracelet: Heavy with solid endlinks and quick release lugs.



Would love to hear more about mods done by fellow bhpians. I usually prefer DIY, hence some take ages for me to get around to. Also, any NATO/Zulu fans here?

P.S. Yes, my wife thinks I'm mental. But my son thinks I'm cool.

[railfanwithk750]

Originally Posted by Tassem

And my latest addition to the group: The classic 5600 in full stainless steel:

Droolworthy! I have been lusting after the one since the day it was announced, unfortunately the prices are way over what I am willing to pay for a 'basic' G.

I gave been considering a Diver style watch and am currently looking at the Invicta Prodiver Automatic. I know Invicta doesn;t enjoy much repute, but at this stage I am unwilling to spend higher on a style which I am not sure I will enjoy wearing.

Also, I am currently on the lookout for a DW-6600. I had a '94 stock, the initial release without the 'G' in the backlight. It was my favorite watch until I lost it in an accident. Went to the extent of scouring ebay and other watch forums, but never found one in pristine condition and within an acceptable price range.

Here's mine (with re-colored bezel text)

[arindambasu13]

Originally Posted by railfanwithk750

Also, I gave been considering a Diver style watch and am currently looking at the Invicta Prodiver Automatic. I know Invicta doesn;t enjoy much repute, but at this stage I am unwilling to spend higher on a style which I am not sure I will enjoy wearing.

Stretch your budget a wee bit more and pick up an Orient Mako II or the newer Orient Kamasu. Trust me, this is one investment you are not likely to regret. I picked up the Mako II in 2017 and it is one of my most worn watches. Solid in house movement, great build quality, ability to be a daily beater and lot of colour options. It is pretty accurate too, for a watch at this price point. On all counts, it is better than an Invicta.

[AZT]

Originally Posted by arindambasu13

Stretch your budget a wee bit more and pick up an Orient Mako II or the newer Orient Kamasu.

Agree with this. Would also add the Orient Ray II here. Incase you are into Pepsi bezels, citizen also has a good priced automatic diver - https://www.citizenwatches.co.in/ny0088-11e

[Tassem]

Originally Posted by railfanwithk750

I gave been considering a Diver style watch and am currently looking at the Invicta Prodiver Automatic.

Skip on the invicta. They're not worth the trouble at all. I've handled quite a few and they just don't feel right. The movements are not exactly quality controlled like one would expect either. I'd urge you to take a look at the divers from Seiko, Orient, Timex etc. They have affordable, reliable divers. The ISO rated ones will be slightly pricier but do have a look.

Also, I am currently on the lookout for a DW-6600.

I have one of these. An old JDM only version that came with an orange backlight button. It didn't have the G insignia in the EL panel either. Quite tricky to find in India. Ebay US should be your friend. Even if you can find one in poor cosmetic shape, it's very easy to restore this model using original spares because 1: It's a very very popular model 2: It shares a lot of parts with the 5900. If you want NIB ones, japanese g forums are very helpful. But will be pricey.

[railfanwithk750]

Originally Posted by Tassem

Quite tricky to find in India. Ebay US should be your friend. Even if you can find one in poor cosmetic shape, it's very easy to restore this model using original spares because 1: It's a very very popular model 2: It shares a lot of parts with the 5900. If you want NIB ones, japanese g forums are very helpful. But will be pricey.

I used to import a lot in the past (2016-17), and from many locations. I have purchased JDMs from Rakuten Japan and few rare ones from US as well. These days it's just not worth it. Shipping costs, ebay/paypal fees and import duties have increased manifold, something purchased at a listed price of $100 ends up costing north of 15-16k INR.

[skx007]

Great thread idea Jagatvir!!

As you can see I really love my watch as it's literally my TBHP handle. The best part of the SKX series, as you have clearly shown, is the vast number of mods you can do with it without breaking the bank. Too bad this series have been discontinued by Seiko (replaced by the Seiko 5 Sports series) as it was an exceptionally affordable true-diver (ISO 6425) mechanical watch. There are still many available on the market for anybody looking to get one, though they will be vastly overpriced. For anybody wanting to know more about this beauty, here's a link below for a crash course on the SKX

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/th...7-divers-watch

I have an SKX007J1 which is supposedly the 'japanese/middle-east' version, though I honestly don't think there is any difference mechanically with the international version (SKX007K) which is actually the more clean looking version with no '21 jewels' lettering on the watch face. I haven't had time to do any mods on mine except change the original rubber strap (which I hated) to a Chevron Nato strap. Looking to do some mods as soon as I get some free time. There are a ton of unbelievable mods on Instagram and actual watch forums that are dedicated to this very thing. Cheers and hopefully we get to see many great watch mods on this very thread.