The History of Seiko Modding: From The Birth of the SKX007 to Today's Watch Mods

Seiko modding has completely changed the game when it comes to customizing watches, turning regular timepieces into one-of-a-kind creations. This hobby is all about tweaking Seiko watches with aftermarket or custom parts so that fans can build their perfect watch. It's become super popular among Seiko lovers because the brand is known for its quality, affordability, and the huge selection of parts that fit. Whether it’s making small changes or going for a full makeover, Seiko modding gives you endless ways to make a watch your own.

Today, it is a hobby enjoyed by many people around the world. It could be a one-time affair, an regular hobby, or even a source of income. But who came up with it and how did it all start? This article will explore the evolution of Seiko mods, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to the thriving community it is today, to how we think it will evolve further into the future.

The Birth of Seiko Modding

Source: u/DaveofKingCounty on Reddit

The Seiko modding phenomenon would have begun in the late 90s to early 2000s, with the release of the iconic Seiko SKX007 in 1996. With its solid construction, reliable movement, and accessible price point, the SKX007 quickly became the go-to model for early modding enthusiasts.

While the roots of watch modification can be traced back even earlier, it wasn’t until this span of time that Seiko modding started to gain some traction. 

Initial modifications were straightforward, typically involving bezel insert swaps, strap changes, and the occasional dial replacement between cross-compatible OEM models once the originals have worn out (today, we would call these builds "frankenwatches"). These early mods were often DIY projects, limited by the scarcity of specialized tools and aftermarket parts. Nevertheless, the Seiko community’s creativity and passion laid the groundwork for what would soon become a vibrant and expanding modding culture. 

The Internet Revolution

Source: RussMurray on TheWatchSite

As more watch enthusiasts got connected, online forums and discussion boards became hubs for watch modders to share information, techniques, and ideas. This digital revolution democratized knowledge, making Seiko modding more accessible to newcomers. It was around the 2010s when the first few intentional Seiko mods (not serviced or repaired ones) started popping up online.

Simultaneously, the emergence of the first few online aftermarket parts suppliers expanded the range of modification possibilities. DIY guides and tutorials proliferated, empowering more people to try their hand at watch modding. The internet not only facilitated the exchange of information but also fostered a sense of community among Seiko modding enthusiasts, setting the stage for rapid growth and innovation in the field.

Simple Tweaks

Source: @gonciuu on IG

Once more people got introduced to the concept of personalizing their watch, the era of custom dials was also ushered in. This development allowed modders to dramatically alter the appearance of their watches, transforming them into unique timepieces. The "Fifty Fathoms" mod became particularly popular, mimicking the look of the iconic Blancpain diver. As modders grew more adventurous, they began experimenting beyond dive watches, applying their skills to Seiko's dress watch models. This era marked a significant shift in the watch modding community, as enthusiasts moved from simple aesthetic changes to more complex modifications that required greater skill and precision, further elevating the art of watch modding.

Crystal upgrades also became a big trend, with sapphire becoming the material of choice for the original Hardlex replacement, enhancing both durability and clarity. The introduction of domed crystals added a new dimension to watch aesthetics, creating a vintage look that many enthusiasts loved. Anti-reflective coatings further improved visibility and added a touch of luxury to modded Seikos. This crystal revolution not only improved the watches' functionality but also opened up new design possibilities with subtlety. 

As modding enthusiasts became bolder and more knowledgeable with altering the appearance of the watch, they ventured next into movement upgrades, with the NH36 becoming a popular choice. This movement swap introduced hacking and hand-winding capabilities to models that originally lacked these features, significantly enhancing functionality. These movement upgrades represented a new frontier in watch modding, requiring a deeper understanding of watchmaking principles. As modders mastered these techniques, the line between modification and watchmaking began to blur, elevating Seiko modding from a hobby to a serious horological pursuit.

The Road to Hypercustom

Source: @koda_watches on IG

Seiko modding took another leap with the introduction of custom cases. CNC machining technology allowed for the creation of unique case designs, ranging from homages to beloved vintage models to entirely original creations. This development gave modders unprecedented control over the overall shape and feel of their watches. Material innovations followed, with cases crafted from titanium, bronze, and even acrylic. Different types of finishing also caught on; sandblasting, cerakoting, gold-plating, and more. These advancements in case modding pushed Seiko customization into new territory, allowing enthusiasts to create watches that were truly one-of-a-kind. 

By this time, Seiko modding has entered an artisanal age, with modders pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. Hand-painted and custom-lumed dials became sought-after modifications, turning watches into miniature canvases. Engraved rotors and display casebacks added a new dimension of personalization, allowing for hidden artistic touches. Collaborations between modders and artists or designers became a thing, resulting in limited edition pieces that blurred the line between modified watches and artistic creations. This era highlighted the potential of Seiko modding as a form of artistic expression, elevating modified watches from mere timepieces to wearable, customized art or memorabilia.

Today, Seiko modding has evolved into a thriving industry. Professional modding services have emerged, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate custom watches but lack the skills or time to create them. These mod shops offer everything from basic alterations to fully custom builds. Limited edition mod releases have become highly collectible, often selling out quickly. The line between modded Seikos and micro-brand watches has become increasingly blurred, with some modders launching their own watch brands based on their modding experience. This professionalization of watch modding has brought greater recognition to the craft while still maintaining the community-driven spirit that has always been at its core.

The Future of Modding: A Prediction

Source: Watch Guy NYC

As watch modding continues to grow, it’s likely that other luxury brands will start to see some customization too, though in a more low-key way. We’ve already seen shops like WATCHGUYNYC offering mods for Rolex watches. But these changes usually do not take away from the original design—like adding jewels or applying a black oxide coating—rather than the full-on transformations that are common with Seiko mods.

Luxury watch owners tend to be more careful about modifications, partly because they’ve invested so much money into their watches. Big changes could hurt the watch’s value, so most people stick to small, tasteful tweaks. In the future, we’ll probably see more services that offer custom touches while still keeping the original look and feel of the watch. Modding in the luxury world will likely focus on personal details, making the watch unique without losing its high-end appeal.

Or people can just do it like Marlon Brando and self-engrave their Rolexes.

Wrap Up

Seiko modding has come a long way, starting with simple strap changes and growing into full-on custom creations. This journey really shows how much watch enthusiasts love and care about their hobby. Seiko’s tough, affordable watches have been the perfect base for people to get creative. With new technologies, designs and materials popping up, there’s always something fresh to try! 

And if you’re one of the watch enthusiasts that are looking to get creative, have a look at our store and get inspired for your next watch build with our hundreds of watch modding parts! We have cases in different finishes, with different designs to suit diver builds, dress watch builds, mil-spec builds, and more. We also have dials, bezel inserts, casebacks, sapphire crystals and everything else you’d need to upgrade your watch or build one from scratch.

Happy modding!