Sapphire and Ceramic! Perfect Seiko SKX Mods - Part 1

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FOR ALL YOUR SAPPHIRE NEEDS - crystaltimes.net/
AND THE LUMED BEZEL - lcbistore.com/
So, getting ambitious today by modding my beloved Seiko SKX013. If I can swap out the sapphire and the bezel insert, then, frankly anyone can. All equipment used is readily available for a few dollars from eBay. Happy Modding Y'all!

[@spalkin]

A good tip is to apply the insert AFTER you press the bezel back on the watch. This way you can line it up exactly with the 12 O'clock marker. I know the feeling of apprehension before doing this for the first time, but it always goes smoothly and all the worry was a waste of time. Another great video!

[@ALAPINO]

A hair dryer helps loosen glue or adhesive film when removing outgoing inserts. You would want to install the new bezel insert *last* as installing it after could mean you'd be between clicks on the bezel. Doing it last means you can have the bezel set against its click and you can line everything up. I used to use a fine tip permanent marker to dot the tip of the pip but I found doing it last eliminated that step. That lume shot: she is a beeaaautt!!!

[@HeartofTexasArmory]

Well done brother! Quite the undertaking. The domed sapphire looks really nice!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks Neal! Always a relief to put the thing back together again successfully! Cheers.

[@fredweiner2]

Finally ordered my first SKX last week. Also ordered an insert and a double dome sapphire AR coated chrystal . You have given me the confidence to try it myself. THX

[@BenoitStPierre]

I am probably more excited than I should be for the NH36 video. I'm most interested in getting the crown and stem to fit correctly, as well as the minor dial feet modifications that are needed to attach it to the new movement. The exact parts (and suppliers that have them -- like you linked to for the crystal and bezel here) as well as all the steps needed to have it work are extremely interesting to me. Please do the NH36 mod!

[@longbush]

You've convinced me - gonna give it a go! Well done!

[@mattcase9043]

Very well done, Jody! Great job on the tasteful mods. That LCBI is terrific, and the crystal makes it look so much more elegant. I'm looking forward to seeing how you tackle the install of the NH36 in part 2. Love the enthusiasm, my friend! I went a little overboard on my first mod, and changed out the movement, dial, hands, chapter ring, bezel and bezel insert, crystal, crown, stem, and bracelet. Created a little Rolex GMT Batman homage. Only thing that was original by the end of it was the case and case back! And somehow it all came together, which totally shocked me.

[@01nwalker]

Great job Jody! I was sweating the entire video, but the results speak for themselves. Really excited for Part 2!

[@gabymusk]

done it today ,totaly changed the look of the watch , love it , thank you for the help !

[@sdm107]

I replaced my crystal earlier today. Same watch, same domed sapphire. It went relatively smoothly. It's a great upgrade. I decided not to change the bezel insert as I like the Matt finish on the factory one. Thanks again for taking the time to make this video. Double thumbs up!

[@ryansinclair6104]

That is stunning! Those subtle mods really lift the watch over all. Very classy. 👌

[@Gandim45]

Pure bloody magic, by the way! Thanks for taking the time to show us.

[@ColonelJGHyde]

Great mod. The Seiko looks superb!

[@Buzbikebklyn1]

Bravo! A nice piece of work. That double dome and the new bezel looks great. Carry on! T.

[@jeffstockton534]

Beautiful job. Makes it look easy.

[@MrParticular]

Great video! These were my exact mods for my SKX013 as well! I look forward to Part 2 where you do change the movement.

[@1701spacecadet]

Interesting video my friend. Couple of tips tho. When the movement is out, cover it up. Just use a mixing bowl from the kitchen. Assuming the triangle on the bezel lines up precisely with the 12, put a tiny dot on the metal marking the centre of the triangle's base. Then when you put on the new insert you'll know it'll line up perfectly when on the watch. Use a Sharpie so you can then wipe it off with some alcohol. Yes, I'm a bit OCD when it comes to dive bezels not lining up! 🤣

[@williamparker2922]

Great video. Has me thinking about upgrading watchs now.

[@joekelly9369]

Buy a watch with a double dome chrystal to start with .. Iv seen so many seiko modded watches fog up or worse fill with water

[@mrdumpling]

That's a winner. That lume looks great

[@ebiedog]

Very helpful and motivating video. Entertaining as always! Great job! I'll be referring back to this video when I start my skx mod.

[@megaman9039]

That ceramic bezel looks sharp!!! Nice mod, Jody!!

[@SmurfPerfect]

Brilliant vid. Can't wait to get the tools to start doing this on my own.

[@drwindsurf]

Great job. It looks fantastic. I am waiting until I scratch mine up before I do this mod. Thank you for walking us through all the steps...nice to know it can be done with cheap equipment :)

[@bertkanne4572]

There are similarly priced dive watches available with Seiko movements that are built new with sapphire crystals and lumed ceramic bezels. Why void warranty and mod the Seiko?

[@benlittlechilds1192]

You're killing me here!!!! I've just bought a Phoibos Wavemaster, and a Vostok...now Seiko is on my radar! Getting expensive lol

[@trackpackgt877]

Love the wave master got one myself

[@WatchAddictions]

Great Video! I am still a little nervous but absolutely going to give some basic mods a try soon. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@dustins.4666]

B-E-A-UTIFUL!!!! you have great taste. cant wait to do this!

[@Assorted12]

Looks much better. Thank for the video.

[@dmntuba]

Well done my friend!

[@carpandrei7493]

You make it look so easy! Great job!

[@hickey3162]

Looks great, well Done!

[@robertmarshall72]

Great job! The watch is looking fantastic now. ☺

[@cdsmith1990]

Great video! Will definitely come in handy when I get an SKX in the near future

[@beenyroy]

This was great Jody.... really helpful. I've got a YOBOKIES 12 hour bezel insert and coin edge bezel on it's way, so I'll definitely be watching this again.

[@paulstevenson200]

As usual excellent and informative. I am really looking forward to Part 2. Good luck. Many thanks.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for your kind words! Cheers.

[@torbensvensson2093]

Well done Jody! 👌🏻 Now you really got me interested into Seiko SKX:s when you said that you can change the movement to an NH36 with handwinding!! That’s something that I miss. Today I ordered a Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude. Probably will try to mod it some bit, don’t know yet. First I must se it in person. But I ordered a Mesh directly, I saw your video and I thought it looked good on your watch. You have a good day now!!👍🏻😉 Here in the South of Sweden we have about half a meter snow and some degrees cold!☃️❄️😃

[@andrewhogg1427]

Love it! Great job!

[@the_poseidon_adventure]

Well done sir! Very impressive, and set me thinking about my own SKX007. Love the videos by the way. Very informative and fun. And inspired me to get my first Vostok Amphibia.............. and my second one!

[@mystikmeg]

That looks amazing and what a great instructional video. Thanks

[@rondj1965]

Excellent mod video. Great job.

[@jonirwin7316]

Jody, nice job. You're lucky the pip lined up with the 12 o'clock marker. ALWAYS glue insert after bezel is snapped on. Also, try dropping bezel in hot water to soften glue on OEM insert. It will come off with ease. Cheers!

[@gaylemcgee2221]

Looks crisp and clear. Nice mod. One of these days I'd like to build my own watch.

[@129thom-]

Love yer video's Jodi keep up the good work.I would like to try modding a few of my watches no got the bottle.I've bought a phoibos & Seiko SKX after waching yer channel & I love them looking forward to waching many more in the future.

[@derekhicks8250]

Nice job. Well worth the money, make a great watch a really great watch. Modding is REALLY addictive.

[@jobeayres4317]

Thanks for a great video I’ve just added a double dome sapphire and Yacht master bezel and oyster bracelet to skx this video was a big help 👍👍

[@DerpEye]

Nice! I've just ordered exactly those components to upgrade mine.

[@ashleyb66]

Well that went smoothly👍👍 Well done. I know where I'll be sending my mod projects from now on 😛😛😛😛😛

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks Ashley! I wouldn't start sending me watches quite yet though.....Ha!

[@sixtyseconds3747]

Awesome awesome video. Crystal looks so good!

[@donald2818]

Good job, you made it look easy.

[@davebridge4]

I find it’s easiest to remove the bezel insert after crystal removal. That eliminates bezel removal. Great video as usual. Sweet mods.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Good tip Mac!

[@westwoodsidestudios7551]

I find that a cheap, heavy gauge guitar plectrum works brilliantly in removing the bezel. No chance of scratching anything at all.

[@thegorn]

Steve B great tip

[@januszmickiewicz8627]

Perfect work. I'm impressed. Thanks for move.

[@111111111Tiger]

Thank for the video. Just acquired a new SKX013 ad looking to upgrade it,

[@HRM.H]

I'm doing this exact setup on my skx007j1 aswell. All OEM+ parts. Ceramic bezel insert , sapphire crystal , Nh36 swap and strapcode jubilee.

[@JohnnyParanoid]

Nice job! Looks really nice! I'm waiting on a new bezel and then I'll be replacing pretty much everything on my SKX007 except the movement. I might even wait until I get a new movement and do that. This will be my first mod, as well.

[@RajasekaranAndiappan]

Really nice! good clean job.

[@jefferyneu3915]

I don’t think I would tackle the crystal change as I have never scratched Hardlex. That bezel in AMAZING! That is likely where I would start. Thank you for a great video!

[@ajbcruz]

Wow! Great job!

[@James-lx5vk]

Great video, can you tell me why you chose sapphire without AR please? Thanks for any help.

[@timeintheuk]

Love the skx it’s so versatile

[@smr32061]

Great job! Looks great.

[@mohammadadnanamer8461]

Well done, Enjoyed the video. I am tempted to modify my skx!!

[@chukzc2379]

Great video! Keep it up.

[@22Phanatic]

Good Job Mate! Looking good

[@FernandoGarcia-ln7ed]

Fantastic mod!

[@kingjgregory]

It's always a good idea to install the bezel insert after the movement is installed to align it with the chapter ring. Yours looks like our turned out nicely. Cheers!

[@Seal550]

Very Nice Upgrade !

[@cagkan87]

That is a very nice job, nicely done. Btw there is an easy way to test or check seals without damaging the movement. Just put to watch back without the movement, tight the crown, and put inside any plastic box with warm water about 5 min.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yes mate! I should have done that, shouldn't I. Next time! I have a 7002 lined up for mods....

[@HGX1]

This is the best advice :)

[@ryancollins312]

Great working looking to do this working on my orient ray 2.

[@genemolineux6864]

Another great video!

[@robertbyrne5901]

Very nice. Would love to replace the crystal on my SKX but I don't have the stones for it.

[@erwinmanzano7596]

Best demonstration Bro.

[@strannostrannovasrr]

Am i wrong if i think you're a teacher in daily life? I love the way you present things and your enthusiasm. Btw you did a perfect mod.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for the kind words! I do various things, one of which is a Tour Guide, I guess that is where the enthusiasm and presenting comes from. Cheers!

[@DrFrankLondon]

Well done, Jody! Only thing I would have done differently is adding ar coating to the sapphire crystal.. mine has blue, but that's only a matter of preference. Great job, mate.

[@jacc88888]

Great job! Definite improvement! Shame the SKX don’t have a version with a sunburst dial - that AND a domed crystal would look great!

[@Ceaze87]

I like the fact you kept a nice clean original look. I got a flat sapphire for my skx009 but yet to swap. I'll get to it soon I guess. Lol

[@chetbakerau]

Great video that had me holding my breath a couple of times. My SKX Adorable is safe for now but I do wonder what it would look like with a Sapphire Crystal. Is there a reason you didn't go with an AR coating?

[@bnick25352535]

all you need now Strapcode bracelet seiko marinemaster clasp and a signed logo on crown and watch would top notch good mod keep up tge videoes

[@FlawedSociety]

AMAZING! Great job!

[@rodcosta2345]

Mate, you're a natural presenter. Great video.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@onthebench3606]

Great video !

[@ryan_bitzer]

LOVE THIS! But, although, considering I'm getting serious about starting my own watch collection thanks to you and TGV, I'm really hesitant to mod a watch myself in the future. Until then, I'll go to a professional watch repair shop. Great video though and gorgeous watch!! Are there any sites I can mod an SKX online before buying one?

[@huss1205]

I bought this watch 3 days ago but it is expensive here in EU countries, paid around $240 to buy it from an eBay seller in Spain, hopefully it will arrive in Sweden next week, I also bought a Strapcode bracelet for it and I plan a glass change to sapphire. Thanks for the tutorial man, my cheap ebay workshop tools are coming from eBay soon so fingers crossed I won't screw it up...

[@martynm.449]

Looks fantastic! I want one.

[@HGX1]

I like how you kept it looking fairly stock. The bezel insert looks excellent. Did you test the case in a bowl of hot water before you put the movement back in? It can happen that if the seals werent greatly fitted or if they were damaged water will come in. Showering is one thing but swimming, snorkeling is another. From what I’ve seen hot water enters the case easier than cold so if hot water can’t get in you’re probably okay.

[@Paul_Henshall]

Great video 👍

[@Michael-4]

Great job!

[@tillsy23]

woohoo nice statue of our nations hero Mr Steve Irwin! great clip on the beloved SKX

[@kyshark1]

Love the mods! I wish I could change the crystal on my 007 but I'm way too scared to crack open the watch! My mods end with strap change!

[@JulianOwens]

Nice job, looking to do the same dome on an SNK805 as an upgrade. For pressing the dome, do you need to use a different piece to press against the dome sapphire or does it matter? Nice work again!

[@ksjdhg]

Good job, you're a real natural! Looks great

[@HarryStoneDotCom]

I really enjoyed this, I thought you did a great job of both the modding and the video. To cap it all off, the crystal and bezel insert make a huge positive difference to the watch, they really do make it look far higher quality. I have a couple of beloved Seiko divers and dislike Hardlex too, it should be called Softlex! I've never really understood it, to a company with Seiko's economies of scale, putting sapphire crystals on their watches in lieu of hardlex must be a matter of pennies difference, surely? Thanks for your excellent and very interesting video, top marks all round.

[@lonewolf30531]

Looks great!

[@bengalvin71]

Great video, thank you

[@toonlad4091]

Just about to start my first mod using Ebay, Amazon, DAGAZ and DLW....... everything including the case which is an SKX clone, a NH36, port hole case back, double domed chamfered crystal and everything else needed. Wish me luck!

[@monsterous289]

When you placed on the new bezel how do you assure it was going to be perfectly aligned?

[@gpatkinson]

Great video! I did a movement swap on my skx last year ... hardest part was custom-fitting a stem for the case. If you can find someone to sell you a stem / crown pre-made, probably well worth it! Which winder(s) are those on the shelf behind you in the introduction?

[@ScottieG59]

It makes sense to test the seals before replacing the move, but remember to have the screw down crown in place.

[@evanandrews]

I love these mods. I need to do these to my 013

[@Kana0211]

I have a skx 13 with a brushed stainless steel bezel a quarter look to the edges and a double domed ar coated sapphire. The black dial and ring looks blue at certain angles.

[@13conair]

very very nice. i have a seiko 5 atlas its been on my wrist since 2001 so is pretty battered the glass is trashed and the outside bezel is so trashed its hard to see any of the numbered lettering so it could do with a good tune up/service to say the least, can the kit you bought be done on this atlas, love the watch dont want to replace it but to update something similar to yours would be great if possible.