Paying for Seiko mods can be a good idea

Maybe paying to have it done by a professional is wise, modding is for everyone. Whether you do the mod or have it done, I say try it and see.

[bonzerrrrr]

We had sapphire crystal & Ceramic Bezel 007 & 009 mods done at Long Island Watch. Excellent job for a reasonable price

[LumeShot]

Exactly why I offer modification services. I started off customization because at the time two years ago, no one was offering this service and I wanted my own watches spec'd out. Later on, I started uploading videos on the mods I made but started to get requests from others to mod their watches. I even made tutorials to help people know how to do the work on their own, but like you said, not everyone is willing to invest in the tools and time to build when they're only going to need one or two mods. There's also the risk factor, damaging the parts / movement while attempting the build for the first time. This will end up making the build cost more than it should have since parts may have to be replaced. Having someone do the work for you will lower that risk factor, plus, you will be covered by the maker's warranty ( that's what I do at least ) in case any mistakes are made.

[paldo]

Had a guy at the swapmeet change the crystal for $10 for my SKX013..

[williamj]

$280 + $40 + $40 + $50 = $410, not $370, so the labor is only $40 at $450 total cost.

[joemamaisfat]

I wanted an SKX009J with a super angus jubeliee, cermaic (but oem looking) bezel, sapphire crystal and the NH35 movement swap and got an offer from my local watchmaker for around $650. It's quite a lot for an SKX but it's exactly the way I want it so I'll get it done with him. He also tests it for the OEM WR level wich is a must for me.

[jdelaney]

Installing watch hands is my nemesis. Seconds hands are pure evil.

[dirkwerning]

This is EXACTLY why I’m having you build my watches. I don’t want to invest the ‘learning curve’ so for me it’s worth the money. Thanks for everything my friend.

[blasdelagarza]

I just ordered a modded SKX007k1 from Marc at Long Island Watch tonight...

[desirefrogman]

I agree Rob. I tooled up and changed and resized all kinds of bracelets, changed a total of 10 crystals and crowns. Replaced and adjusted chapter rings and removed and replaced bezels. It was therapeutic for me and i really enjoyed it. I’m a technician by trade, so doing it myself was inevitable. Having said all of that, getting one built is just as fun. I own the other Great White Shark build that Rob completed and its an awesome piece. I would still do the work, but there has to be something said for getting a build done for you. Just make sure the builder knows what he’s doing before forking over your hard earned!

[MrPINKFLYD]

Mark has chapter rings and more stuff on the way. The demise is not going to affect the modding he does

[johnh]

Totally agree. I just completely mangled a set of Monster hands. So you have to ready for a learning curve and if you just want to get one watch modded it might not make sense to buy all the tools etc that are needed. the Minit Watch channel has some nice vids on modding. Also my one tip-- buy a head mounted magnifier. Amazon has them for $20 or less and it makes seeing what you are doing so much easier!

[Todd_Whitehouse]

I feel if you want one, two modded watches, probably best to have someone else do it.
However, if you're going to get into modding multiple watches, might be better to invest in the tools and learn as you go.
Smart to put it out there, Rob, great video!
(Also, might get people to look for watch repair shops locally that might do the modding!)

[saleendriver]

For me its mostly the investment in tools. Presses and hand remover/installer, etc. Not cheap. And honestly I don't feel the urge to do it myself at this time. Down the road, who knows?

[DeusNyx]

Wise advice. If I may add; Doing a bezel and bezel insert yourself, straight forward enough. Skx007 bezel pops off easily. But a sapphire crystal...? Find a good watch maker.

[JohnProdi]

My only modded watch is my Seiko Sumo. It was the first decent mechanical wristwatch i bought 4 years ago. I swapped the bezel inlay for exact the same black ceramic you show on this video.
I swapped the crystal for a extreme double domed sapphire with blue AR treatment but it didnt passed the WR test. I have a really nice jeweler who's also an AD for Rolex, Tudor and Patek and he offered me that i bring him a new crystal gasket and press the crystal in for me and test it. For the whole affair i paid only 20€. Also i installed a Strapcode endmill bracelet. Its way too big but i love it.
I often thought about swapping my Sumo for a black MM200 but i can't ;)
Nice video Rob

[HonoluluBlue]

Northeast Watch Works did my 009 and did a great job. 4R movement and double dome sapphire. Very reasonable and 1 week turnaround.

[peterpflugi]

by many hobbies you pay learn- money, important is to try it if you want to mod.

[partybees]

Thanks for the insight. I have an SKX that fogged up after light swimming so I have been debating changing the crystal and bezel insert so I can check/replace the gaskets. I kinda want to do it myself for the fun of it. Luckily the watch crystal presses are very cheap.

[fastlx]

Giving a co. out of New Zealand a shot called madmodworld. Wish me luck only paid 245$ and includes new movement with hacking, and hand winding 40 power reserve. No Sapphire crystal, but has changed the dial, chapter ring, hands and bezel insert. I'm crossing my fingers

[xXxMSTERxXx]

I needed to see this video Rob im sure you've seen me go back and forth on whether or not i should mod it. Now i know! ill go through the pro install route! Finally you've given me a direct answer hahah