How to Modify Your Seiko Watch: A 7-Step Guide

For many watch collectors and enthusiasts, having a collection of watches is their pride and joy. It makes them happier even more if they can mix and match their parts, which many brands offer. The strap, case, and bezel are some of the most common features that can be modded in a watch. 

The bezel is arguably the most modded watch since it accentuates the rest of a watch’s physical features. Depending on the watch itself, the process of removing a bezel and reattaching a new one differs.

We won’t be focusing on that, though, since we’re here to teach you how to modify the bezel of your watch. To help you get started, here’s a quick guide to follow:

Step 1: Open the Back of the Watch Case

The primary tool that you’ll need is a case opener. Aside from its given purpose, it also reduces the chances of the case slipping once it’s off and prevents the scratching of watch cases. 

Since the two bits are tightened onto the notches at the back of your watch case, move them counter-clockwise to open them.

If you don’t have a case opener, an economy case opener wrench will work as well. Take note, though, that we recommend using a case opener similar to the Bergeon 5700-Z so that it will make things easier for you.

Step 2: Pull the Crown and Stem Out

Once the inner workings of your watch are exposed, remove the crown and stem. It’s best to use a toothpick for this step because you need to push down on the lever gently. Once that’s done, you can now quickly and safely remove the crown and stem.

Step 3: Remove the Movement

Most watches have their movement attached tightly. To remove it, use a small flat-head screw or a toothpick to slowly and gently pivot it out of the case. Then, gently tip the movement from off the case back onto a cushion. This is important because it may fall off, and a cushion will help with the fall.

Step 4: Remove the Crystal

Once the movement has been removed, the next step is to remove the crystal from the watch case. A crystal press will be the tool to help you in this regard, but you can go for a crystal opener like the Bergeon 6173 or an economy variant like the case opener.

To remove the crystal, invert and place the watch case on the crystal press so that the inner side of the watch case is facing upwards. Place a perfect fitting die that can sit onto the crystal of the inner watch case and gently press it. The crystal will come off quickly.

Step 5: Fit a New Sapphire Crystal

Once the crystal has been removed, a new sapphire crystal will be fitted. On top of the watch case, place a new sapphire crystal. The position should also be even. When in position, gently half-press the crystal into the watch case, release it, and rotate 90 degrees. Repeat this until one complete 360-degree turn is achieved.

Step 6: Remove Dirt and Dust

Since you’re on your way to wrapping up, cleaning before closing your watch should be done. After all, you did touch the inner workings. It’s best to use a compressed air canister to remove any dirt or dust in your watch’s interior. Aside from that, a cleaning putty or ethanol solution can be used to clean off any fingerprints in the watch’s interior.

Step 7: Finish Up

After the careful process of replacement, the only thing left to do is to reassemble your watch. When all of the mods are in place, sit the movement dial-up, align the watch case to the movement, and push it back to the movement itself.

After doing so, flip the watch case over and expose the back of the movement. Make sure that the movement is aligned correctly. If not, you can do so with a toothpick. You need to check the alignment of the crown position, as it needs to be appropriately aligned to ensure that the movement stays smooth. Once done, close the case and make sure that the back gasket is intact. 

Conclusion

Modding a Seiko watch can be a lot of work, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Aside from its classic look, you also enjoy a fresh look for your watch when the modding is done. Just make sure to follow this guide to keep every part of the watch safe and sound!

Mods for Seiko watches are very abundant, and you can have a wide range of choices. If you’re looking for Seiko mods for sale, choose Seiko Mods! We offer different selections of mods that will allow you to mix and match their parts. Contact us today to learn more!