Sapphire and Ceramic! Perfect Seiko SKX Mods - Part 1

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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! 🤣

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@gabymusk]

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

[@---Blue]

One thing that amateur modders should always be careful of is dust entering the movement. It's generally a good idea to use a small blower to blow out any dust that may have gotten into the movement and under the crystal. Another thing is putting the crown and caseback back on. It is always recommended to regrease the case back seal with silicone grease to ensure a tighter seal and also to regrease the outside of the crown tube if it is a cabochon crown. The water resistance can never be guaranteed after opening and closing a watch which is why watchmakers will conduct a pressure test to check for any leaks at all. I would suggest taking your watch to a watchmaker to get them to seal it properly and pressure test it just to ensure the water resistance is still valid.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@M82RKY]

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!

[@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.

[@rodcosta2345]

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

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@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.

[@ryansinclair6104]

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

[@robbiecox]

Nice one. I have done quite a few of these, and I am amazed how you got lucky putting in the bezel insert before you fitted the bezel back on the watch. I always put the insert on as the very last job so you can line it up perfectly. When you have the crystal out, you can put the movement back in and line up the chapter ring if it is incorrect, then refit the crystal gasket which will hold the chapter ring in its new perfect position, THEN remove the movement again and fit the crystal, therefore doing the job Seiko should have done in the factory!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yes, I definitely got lucky!

[@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?

[@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!☃️❄️😃

[@01nwalker]

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

[@WrongTimeWatch]

7S26 is fine, I would leave it. I had the crystal replaced on my SKX009, only because I scratched it. Still have the stock bezel on it. Not planning on modding it either.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@a97b18b]

Ordered a new skx013, yobokies coin edge bezel, lcbi insert, and CT dd sapphire blue AR. Just waiting on bezel and sapphire. Can’t wait!!

[@renatograndmont6077]

Jon i know it’s been 7 months since your comment but I would appreciate your response. As you know it’s a pain to get parts for the SKX 013 but I was wondering how you contacted Yobokies, if you could find any um-lumed bezels for the 013. And if you know if the crowns from the 007 fit in the 013. Thanks in advance for your response! Renato G

[@iatrui]

@@renatograndmont6077 check out crystaltimes the make plug n play crowns for skx013

[@Buzbikebklyn1]

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

[@gaylemcgee2221]

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

[@James-lx5vk]

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

[@thegorn]

Some other tips. Never use metal inside the watch. Wooden toothpick is better for getting the crown out. Also mask off the case back to protect from scratches. Crystal gaskets are cheap. For what it’s worth it’s best not to reuse them. Also you should lube two things - the rubber o-ring on the case back, and the underside of the bezel. Silicon grease works fine for case back. Dagaz sells the special bezel grease which is a different compound I believe. Also use a brass movement holder. The plastic ones don’t have enough weight and the movement can easily topple over. When the case is clear of all parts it’s good to give it a scrub in warm water and detergent. I also do extra finishing to the case with a cape cod cloth, masking off the brushed surfaces, then give it a clean. I add the bezel insert last to get perfect alignment. Also you need even pressure when putting a bezel on or else the thing will bend and make it hard to turn.

[@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!

[@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!

[@Gandim45]

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

[@jasonwilson7674]

Hello again, just wanted to say a massive thanks for this video. I've just completed putting the sapphire low dome in my skx007 thanks to you, bought the equipment and with a little difficulty got the job done and I must say the watch with that sapphire and ceramic bezel insert really makes the skx007 look alot more expensive and for me a absolute stunner, thanks again to you, carlos and alex 👍👍👍

[@robbiecox]

Just saw the end and I have to say that once the case back has been off, and the crystal has been removed and replaced using the original gasket, unless it has been pressure tested I wouldn't take the watch out on a foggy night! All my mods I consider as cosmetic only, and I have some virgins for actual use in water. You can't replace an ISO with a home mod even though yours is a great job.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Ha! I think I will risk fog, not that I've seen much of it recently in Sydney. Agree though, once original seals are breached, ISO standard is well gone. I reckon it will cope with the odd snorkel trip but won't be pushing my luck any further. Cheers!

[@robbiecox]

Not even a snorkel trip, trust me, its not worth the risk! You have a watch that you have improved cosmetically and wear it as such. Take virgin underwater.

[@HGX1]

Yes I agree it’s a risk, the action of the screwing the case back back on warps the gasket, always safer to replace the gasket. The Vostoks have an ingenious design to get around that, if you’re ever seen the case back and how it opens. If watches had casebacks like that you could open up the caseback all day long and not damage the gasket.

[@HughR3GO]

Or just take it to a watchmaker and have him pressure test it to 200M for you. If the seals have been compromised, have it replaced. Even an untouched watch can have WR compromised over time so periodic pressure tests and seal replacements are necessary if you want to maintain peace of mind.

[@robbiecox]

Very correct, well said.

[@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

[@maddingo]

there is a relief spot on the bezel rotate bezel till that is at 4' and tape lugs use smaller blade on swiss army knife works like a charm.. bezel come off easily. also MAKE SURE !!!!! 100%!!!! sure.. to remove bezel gasket 1st (don't ask me how I know but you'll bork the gasket if you don't take it out 1st) but soak bezel in goof-off (not goo-gone because it doesn't work..some say it does but it didn't for me) for 1/2 hr or 1hr and bezel insert with just come right out and old adhesive should just peel away. you might wanna wait till bezel is installed before installing the new insert for optimal alignment. also next time maybe cover the movement with a glass to keep dust out of it while you are working.. I can push the SKX bezel back on with just my fingers ..if anyone is working with a SRP turtle..the bezel is more difficult to get back on .. can't push it on with my fingers but would have to use your technique or press.

[@sleeperawake9818]

Does the bezel even need to come off if you're just replacing the bezel insert and the crystal?

[@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 👍👍

[@derekhicks8250]

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

[@G-rig6969]

Hmm these are about 600 bucks now..! Cool vid, would like to do that kind of modding one day :)

[@ScottieG59]

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

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

Twice, when I've removed crystals, I just put the small die inside the case, on the back of the crystal, then sit the whole lot upside down on a soft comfy cushion or chair and I whack the die with a hammer, which knocks the crystal out. I guess you could miss and hit the case if you're not careful but I'm having a really bad itch for an skx with a black ceramic yachtmaster bezel insert that I am probably going to have to scratch very soon,so I might as well do the crystal, like you, at the same time (I have a preference for green AR coatings against black dials and bezels, double domed for me too), so I will probably just do it that way again. I'm seriously tempted to try and source a 62mas looking dial and flat-ended hands as well. Only thing is, I'm afraid if I had a watch like that it might be a collection ender and I might not want to wear anything else.

[@ivankerr3570]

Nice!!!! Just can’t understand why Seiko still insists on crap Hardlex Crystal anyway. At the price or a few dollars more they could and should be using sapphire. You can get sapphire and ceramic bezels on watches costing lots less.

[@SmurfPerfect]

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

[@ColonelJGHyde]

Great mod. The Seiko looks superb!

[@joshuamcdonald5850]

that croc hunter stature is amazing

[@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.

[@megaman9039]

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

[@cdsmith1990]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@StellarBlue1]

Updating the crystal and bezel on my 20+ year old SKX007 is tempting. However, the watch has never been serviced and again, works perfectly with over 20 years of regular use. You know the old saying: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", would seem to apply in my case. Also, the hardlex crystal in the watch is still in good condition. Maybe, if the hardlex gets clouded or shabby, I will do something then, perhaps...

[@dralzgamer2354]

Instant like because of the Steve Irwin figurine!

[@jeffstockton534]

Beautiful job. Makes it look easy.

[@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.

[@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!

[@siamwatchaddict9072]

Just a heads up put the chapter ring in place before pressing the new Crystal .. Good job.. Also I replaced the dodgy alloy handle on the press with a steel one . works far better..

[@tillsy23]

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

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

Went back and watch this again while Swapping out the hardLex on my 007 With a beautiful crystal times double-dome AR coated, And sapphire bezel insert for some Pop. Would much rather do this then buy the ‘hot garbage’ 5KX, ‘Dive style’, Fashion watch.

[@Leec_1972]

Wow what a great conversion looks really classy and keeps the character of the original intact. How does the lume on the bezel last? Always thought it bizarre that so many lumed bezels including the Watchco type Seamaster fades rapidly and become unreadable considering their original purpose. Great work.

[@mikev3245]

Nice job Jody! Too bad Seiko doesn't release them from the factory looking like that. I was worried the bezel wouldn't line up the way you did it but it turned out just fine. When I swap a bezel, I first snap it onto the case and then line up the insert with the 12 o'clock hour marker before attaching. I've found that's better than leaving it to chance that it will line up properly. Looking forward to the movement swap in pt 2.

[@robertbyrne5901]

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

[@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?

[@jonathanlloyd2306]

When you've done the movement it will be like Trigger's broom !

[@ocdetails]

Fear not on changing the movement. A hacking hand winding NH35 can be had for $35 and it is a direct replacement for what you have. I upgrade all my Seikos to either the NH35 or NH36 (depending on if I have a need for day and date or just the date). Super simple to do as long as you have a tool for getting the hands on and off. Everything else you did to this watch so far is seriously so much harder than doing the movement swap, so don't doubt your skills at all.

[@dmntuba]

Well done my friend!

[@canonyeo4286]

Man, everyone would want one now.

[@canonyeo4286]

Heard that some new divers coming out next month will have ceramic bezel. Hope they are like those on the new marine master. very nice.

[@established_1803]

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

[@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

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

I love how after market manufacturers are making parts for the 013 now.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yes, me too! I love the 013. I think I was one of the first to take delivery of the bezel insert, great that LCBI now cater for the 013. Cheers!

[@mrbacchus6127]

I will do this when my skx009 gets scratched up. I did the crystal change on an Orient Ray Raven 2 last year, no biggie.

[@lanzonova]

Very nice done mate. I dont know if i have the nerve too do that with my 007. I olnly put mine on a solid oyster bracelet from miltat and that looks fantastic. The only wish i still have for my beloved SKX is a flat saphire cristal. Than i have the perfect watch.👍

[@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.

[@therealalphamale4716]

I know this is an older video but... Why glue the bezel insert in before you've put the bezel on the watch? In my experience, one click off center on the bezel would annoy me to death. As u can see from the like shot at the end the bezel isn't aligned.

[@jonathanallen908]

Would appreciate you sharing your thoughts on why you opted for no AR as opposed to clear AR.

[@k30lau]

Your reviews remind me of The Gadget Show, use to be on channel 5

[@richardmyers4262]

I did exactly the same mods to my skx013! Low double dome sapphire from Crystal Times (mine has blue AR) and ceramic bezel insert from LCBI. I love the mods as they keep it looking close to stock, but just give it a bit more oomph. My only slight negative is that some of the lume has started to clip out of the insert :( I don't baby my SKX as it's my main watch, but i am a bit disappointed as it's not even been in a year yet. I might have to get on to LCBI and see if this is just a defect. All said and done though, I am still happy with the mods and love the watch. Good choices!

[@jonathanobrien1058]

Nice job and very informative, now where's part 2?

[@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!

[@mystikmeg]

That looks amazing and what a great instructional video. Thanks

[@DerpEye]

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

[@robertmarshall72]

Great job! The watch is looking fantastic now. ☺

[@mrdumpling]

That's a winner. That lume looks great

[@xxyxnxwxaxx9724]

I prefare the flat glass, but I like your videos the skx is one my favourite watches.

[@WatchAddictions]

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

[@johnkizzlr9071]

Actually, you can hack the movement. With a very slight back turn on the crown, the second hand will stop. A little trick I learned from my Vostock.

[@ksjdhg]

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

[@carpandrei7493]

You make it look so easy! Great job!

[@111111111Tiger]

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

[@CraigSheppard]

wooooooo boy I want to sapphire-ize my 009 but not sure I have the guts yet after seeing this! Well done though!