Seiko Mods - A waste of money?

Modding Seiko has a huge scene! I've never done more than dip my toes in the process. What do you guys think? Totally worth it, or would you be better off buying a higher priced stock watch in the first place? Its an interesting topic

[@jeanlefranc3817]

The enjoyment of modding does not come from making something sensible, but making something yourself.

[@golddragon8672]

Hervé Chretien preach brother!

[@fredpinczuk7352]

You nailed it, if i can use the analogy of a Harley Davidson. The biles aren't worth the the money being asked by the dealer to begin with. And yet some people will spend and add on, thousands of dollars of upgrades. But what is it worth to you? You now have a watch custom made by a friend, and he skipped on the labor sot. And it looks great. it is no different enough to warrant the cost?

[@cuckoowasp2009]

Fred Pinczuk łl

[@rousseau327]

Tell that to people making "mods" that basically copies Rolex lol

[@kennethsee6262]

And nothing no one else has my superman mod is one of a kind which I was offered many more dollars i had in it cuz no one can get it and if they could build one stills not like my chrome on gray superman insignia topped off with silver hands and black bezel embossed with white numbers

[@excellentlistner5925]

People over build houses and cars all the time. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thanks for a good review today, always good!!

[@TennesseeMike]

I purchased a moded SKX007 from Island Watch. Around $450 total. DD Saphire, Lumed Bezel Insert, Strapcode Braclet plus got all original parts back. To me it was worth every penny and I intend to keep it my collection forever.

[@willardhooton920]

SKX: $200. 1 of a kind custom modded SKX: PRICELESS....

[@NoMoneyHubby]

Crazy... 2024 skx is like $600

[@garyk8285]

SKX is a winner. Doesn't need modding imo. It has awesome proportions.

[@Jorj57]

but price wise? nope, recent SKXs price are skyrocketed untill the point where you better go off with a Prospex lol

[@cy4624]

@@Jorj57 skx is sought out for history and iconic status that specs on paper crowd never seem to get.. just like a Rolex milsub can be beat out by a $500 steinhart homage in specs but no one will ever choose the steinhart over the milsub.

[@Jorj57]

@@cy4624 fair enough

[@CocoKoi321]

@@cy4624 or dumbness

[@jonathane37]

I bought a Heimdallr SKX with a sapphire crystal, milled clasp, ceramic bezel, and NH36 movement for $140. I spent another $50 on a dial and hands that I liked better and ended up with a better watch than an SKX for cheaper than an SKX. I think going that route is sensible, but some of the prices are insane.

[@DMBVR4]

I did mods to my SKX to decidedly look 100% stock, but just higher grade. So lumed ceramic insert in the fully calibrated black/white font just like stock, Angus Jubilee, and a tighter-knurled stainless bezel. So in total, including the watch itself, I have $395 total into my dream SKX. And I make it a point to never do anything that can't be undone.

[@nwest6451]

Watch modding is great fun the opportunity to be creative in something that was only possible to craftsmen and manufacturers a few years ago. The transparency of the modding community in sharing knowledge through providing so many tutorials is brilliant.

[@RandomRobReviews]

How much do I have into this? Yikes what was I thinking? Guess I will go build a few more. Lol I love building them and creating them.

[@elarson312]

Rob you do a great job and I’m very thankful that you worked on my SKX and created an amazing watch.

[@stefwilianto5102]

good job rob.. u have some taste

[@stefwilianto5102]

keep working rob.. im doin the same like u.. my ig oceantuna1 ... im from indonesia ... wa 081236955995 lets talk about modding.. its great rob

[@lighturpl3]

I wouldn't do custom builds, but I certainly watched your vids of your customs. So it makes more sense for one of us to do it.

[@stefwilianto5102]

@@lighturpl3 we didnt ask u mate

[@lonestardude6283]

I fell in love with Seiko watches, but being a mechanic and introducing a Hardlex crystal into my career choice just did not mix! Natural wear and tear on the bezel is fine, hell, it gives the watch character, but a scratched up crystal, Thank the lord for Crystal Times and their sapphire crystals! Just do what you like and have fun doing it! I once hacked an old Luminox watch with an Invicta Pro Diver, put the Luminox blue dial on the Invicta! Now it's something I like, and it's in my rotation! Fine discussion and video, props to Random Rob on the mod! (say that fast 10 times)

[@commentjedi]

I love modding, but stay under $250. I love the light bulb moment , when a concept pops into mind,. I enjoy the search, trying to remember where I saw the various parts. Great topic, Bruce

[@lukeandliz]

The search! Spending several days online finally finding exactly what your mind was telling you, its something else

[@TedCornish]

A one off personalised watch for $800 yes, your own specs yes if your gonna keep it then YES it's a true your own designed seiko that's better than what the company makes. And best of all no one will have the same watch 👍👍

[@andrewkristanto3517]

From a Plato-nic point of view, we are all driven by the idea of a perfect SKX, the highest good and beauty, that keeps us searching and modding the earthly ones... 🤔

[@rpman4787]

If resale is a thing, then run away. It's the love of personalization that drives the modder. For me, it's 100% worth it. But I'm the guy that has 25k in a car that I couldn't sell for 5k! But I love that car!

[@ericfelger]

All in what you value. I myself, I love the mod scene. It's like any obsession, it makes no sense to anyone but the obsessed.

[@SeikoModder]

You can never go too far in a modded piece, especially if it is a keeper watch.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I like that I can have a watch exactly how I want it and it's one of a kind. Best part is: I can change it later if I want to. Yeah, I've bought a lot of parts and some I no longer use. You also need to get some special tools, but that's part of the enjoyment. Modding isn't for everyone, so you just do what you want and can afford if it makes you happy.

[@wick-trimmer1980]

Great Video. Love Rob's work. I think personally a 1000 dollar SKX is a little over the top for my budget and as mentioned I lean towards buying a little higher end Seiko. Though I do appreciate the passion some people put into there Hobbie and or craft. Rob is a perfect example. Great topic.

[@reefsurfer4356]

I love my mod, customized for my personal taste, and I really enjoy the hunt for every timeless piece of engineering...

[@keepit100kg]

I personally wouldn't do more than a bezel insert, coin edge bezel, and new glass. Costs $100 for all of that and I could get it the exact way I want it to look.

[@DJChrisArgueta]

When a mod is performed tastefully and as subtly as this, it is totally worth it to have a one of a kind artistic masterpiece.

[@WazamPlaysMC]

I have a modded skx that I ended up paying a lot more than I should of. I love it and don’t regret it. It’s your own. That being said the resale on modded watches is really not there. It’s hard to sell an originally $200 watch for $800 even with all of the parts added. Modding is for people that LOVE the model. The sbdc series and others around that price give you more watch and resale. If you want a watch that’s one of a kind and really like the skx, I say go for it, but be prepared to pay for it.

[@PT111111]

For me, the cost wouldn't matter IF it doesn't lose the 200m water resistance. I use cheap dive watch for actual diving so if I can Frankenstein an SKX or Ray II, I would, but only if I can still take it diving.

[@ElijsDima]

Excellent point. Those crystal-swap is often the core of many mods; however that also makes WR extremely questionable...

[@bondpit8750]

You can have the watch pressure tested after any service by a qualified watchmaker. It’s the overall design of the SKX that makes it a ISO ‘Diver’. As long as you don’t stray too far from the original and make sure new gaskets are installed and properly fitted WR should not be affected.

[@Sox148]

Well spotted Bruce! Modding few parts makes sense but this is too much... With total price I will rather buy a 62 Mas reedition, maybe the green sea one! Said that, Rob has done a terrific job, bravo!

[@1leesuperka]

I heavily modded my first SKX and love it, but then found myself longing for a stock SKX....so i just abought another one to keep stock. thats the beauty of the inexpensive SKX.

[@cy4624]

Nothing beats an original...its sealed in history and has historical/collectible value. Modded Seiko/any collectible icon will be worthless in The future.

[@TheShotenZenjin]

Seiko SKX 009 is an iconic watch as it is. If you mod it, it is no longer an iconic classic. If you want more updated similar watches, Seiko have plenty available.

[@BushCampingTools]

Hi, sorry i couldn't wait until the end but does your mate also guarantee the 200 m waterproofness for diving because, it's one thing to end up with this nice custom time piece but another thing to end up with a watch which is no longer waterproof? Ok if it isn't a dive watch and maybe ok if one just wears the dive watch for show and not for diving. Many have 100m tanks, not everyone has a 200m tank. What guarantee do they give for a brand new modded watch, which obviously had a guarantee to begin with.

[@jeremeymiller3406]

It’s more about enjoying the process it’s a hobby more than anything I don’t see a problem with it especially if you want to recreate a vintage model you don’t want to pay 5k for or totally restore and original and still having to source parts that’s what got me into it I made a 62mas clone for about $5-600 with high quality components ive sourced or taken from watches i already own and a fraction of the price of a sla017 I have a sbdc051 but I still wanted a closer interpretation

[@drwindsurf]

I love modding and personalizing my watches. I think it is worth the money...but I haven't added more than $300 to he original cost of a stock watch . Rob does amazing work :)

[@elarson312]

It is worth it if that’s what you want (just like anything else). Rob modded my SKX and is featured on his channel as the Blue Lagoon SKX as it now has the blue lagoon dial. I love the watch. It’s unique, it’s built better than Seiko would do and is exactly what I was looking for in a watch. With modding you get a watch where nothing is sacrificed (I.e., the dial, hands, bezel and bracelet are all what I wanted). Also it was great to work with Rob and understand all the hard work he put into it. I’ve never met him yet he worked on my watch like it was his own. I’ll never get rid of my modded SKX.

[@Biblicalgiants]

Are most Seiko mods done with non-authentic seiko dials? Is there way to distinguish between a real Seiko mod dial and a non Seiko manufactured dial? And does it even matter? Thanks

[@stephenhugo-seinader317]

Not a cost-rationalised hobby. Just about pure joy!!

[@lenpowell6647]

If it's a hobby it is what it is. Nothing wrong with a hobby whatever it is. Hobbies cost money but keep a bloke content. Cheers.

[@hyojoonus]

The custom looks really good. Quality of the individual parts shines through. Everything about it has more definition, sharper. But it still retains that classic look. If it's been regulated and runs like a thousand dollar watch I don't see why it shouldn't be one. Everything about the look passes. If it has a solid movement and regulated to better spec than watches at the price range, I'd give it a real hard look. Personally I prefer solar quartz for daily use. So, if there were a franken SKX with those looks and a solar movement, I'd probably pee in my pants. I keep writing, but I'm surprised how far the mod market has come. The quality is definitely there. And the fact that it can be built by a non-manufacture is very promising. Love it.

[@chawenhalo0089]

So glad you bought this up Bruce. Here's my 2 pence worth. It still looks like an SKX. Its a bit like tuning a car (been there). There are those who get the right performance car, then tune the suspension and brakes for doing track days. Then those who just bling up some shitbox. Sometimes they look real cool...but its still a shitbox. Lastly given the sheer amount of variations of models from Seiko I don't understand people not being able to find the "right" watch for them. Rubber strap is good though! Lol.

[@bengalvin71]

You raise a valid question, I suspect it depends on your goal. Some people view modding as an achievable form of self expression Some view it as a means of gradually acquiring a “posh” or semi luxury item I’m not sure if anyone has viewed it as a means of profiting, quite possibly some do. Some want something different from most watches available. Your belief in spending more on a stock watch may address only some these but not all. Nevertheless your question is one we should all ask ourselves at least once.

[@joeverywhere6927]

Love moded watches, it makes the watch unique to your style

[@SunsetSheen]

That modded one looks incredible. If Seiko were smart they would just release these watches themselves. They cut so many corners it’s embarrassing. It’s turned me off from the brand to the point I have only 1 Seiko now where I used to have 6.. Just give your customers a well built watch with proper specs and charge them a little more. People would line up for these things. Instead they wanna overcharge for mediocre watches with hardlex, hollow end links, and misaligned chapter rings.

[@christopherpellerito5883]

I agree with the sentiment about the cost-effectiveness of modding, but the price list that appears around the 2:20 mark has a lot of redundancy. The only parts you're keeping from the "SRPD11 donor" are movement, dial and hands - your parts list includes everything else - so it would be much more sensible to buy those three items than to cannibalize a donor watch for them. Also, pretty much every aftermarket case you can buy comes with gaskets and click spring included in the price of the case, so that's a bit of double-counting as well. Really enjoying the content on this channel - subscribed and big thumbs up!

[@omax1023]

I don't think it adds any more value other than what you have added to the watch, truly a unique watch for the individual buyers, I think its cool that these watches are one of a kind! a variety of options of modifications with aftermarket JDM's! Modded watches are a real thing...... Kudos to the modders doing them!!! That's a Killer Seiko BTW! Nice work..

[@diogeneskoolaid8437]

my brother gave me a Noah Fuller custom built Tsunami (Turtle if Seiko). 1 of 100. 6R15 movement, stock hands, custom dial with Lumibrite applied markers, custom case (same size, recessed 4 o'clock screw down crown), Seiko double coin edge 120 click unidirectional bezel with ceramic insert, milled oyster bracelet. LOVE it.

[@gregorypaulbox3035]

I think Seiko modding is pretty cool. It's a lot of watch built to your specification for a modest sum of money.

[@212Hasse]

Having one Modify SKX that fit into individual budget and personal preference is pretty good investment to own, especially if that person only need 2 or 3 types of Dive watch. BTW, that SKX Mod looks solid compare to regular SKX JDM. Perhaps, you can do comparison on your next segment.

[@KRW628]

Modding an SKX is like putting a Porsche engine in a Volkswagon. The 914 was a Porsche with a VW motor. Didn't sell that many of them.

[@geemeff]

Great video bud. I'm on the fence, got a heavily modded watch, got quite a few that aren't. Love em all........ and one day I'll have a GS spring drive.

[@islandterror5198]

I think Rob's builds are awesome ! Anyone who sets Seiko's on 🔥 fire can't go to far in my Book . Lol 😁

[@RandomRobReviews]

Island Terror Yeah the fire mod is not advised

[@makon2012]

@@RandomRobReviews Now that is funny! Anyone want a candy bar? Lol

[@anotherwatch]

That is a very nice mod. Mods and custom builds are great because you in whatever you want. It is about sentiments and getting it tailored to your taste rather than resale value. I own a few custom builds/mods as well as higher end Seikos and Grand Seikos. I enjoy my custom builds just as much. I tend to keep the builds below the 600 USD mark but the build quality is very much on par with stock models costing around 1k. Great video. Thanks.

[@johnheinemann2748]

It’s worth it because it’s fun, and it’s uniquely mine. But agree it’s not frugal or even cost effective, but then again, with cell phones, who needs even a $100 G Shock, which is objectively the most watch you’d ever need

[@oliverh7809]

No its not a waste of money! For example you can get a Ceramic Bezel for the SKX to make it look different and feel more expensive due to the bezel. You can upgrade the movement and so on.

[@GunGlutton]

NO! Not a waste! Who sells a cheap watch in the first place?

[@AussieCreeker]

To me it’s like the Tuner scene for watches. Are they going to retain their value? Or are there just going to be some real 1 of a kinds.

[@vgama]

I understand the question and I too have the same question. I modded my SRPD73 to a look a like Tudor Black Bay 58 and now I have a 600€ Seiko 5....Is there many like mine, I don't think so. Could I buy something better from the store? For that money not really...The closest ones start at 1000€ and go up to 3000€

[@nectormamon3868]

One question I ask for you also. Why do you think some people spent millions of dollars just for collection and some of it they do not use or seldom used? Do you get the point?

[@mrpipton]

I really like the custom watches. I have been wanting a watch for a long-time and did not want to make the large investment at this stage of my life. Was looking for something that I can wear daily and beat up. Found customs watches and was able to build to my taste for 200 CAD.

[@melchizedekpsj]

Money can be used for whatever reason that person wants. For me personally, I would prefer keeping the money for something else. Thanks for the video.

[@pwr1990]

Hey guys. I live in the UK and looking to Mod my Seiko SNXJ89. Any recommendations where to go online to do so?

[@fawkesandhound]

They’re great buys on the secondary. Modders can’t stop themselves, so often will sell a build way cheaper than the sum of its parts to fund their next project. Win-win!

[@GarryJakes-gl9sw]

My most expensive mod was less than £100 total , this was my captain Willard homage. Dial and hands were the same price as the total cost of the case and movement, I can use it as a beater watch without fear of scratches, cracked crystal or shocked movement after all its only £100 Cheapest watch build/ mod was less than £50 including the donor watch case , movement and stainless steel bracelet and the replacement parts . My builds are not for sale or trade they are for me to enjoy the build and the knowledge that they are unique and not from a mass producing factory . I'm sure there are moders out there who buy the very best components for there builds and the finished watches are treasured and loved .

[@rayfitz6771]

About to mod my third watch (second SKX) this weekend and I love it. Already have my fourth one planned.

[@4oclockcrown882]

An SKX can be upgraded with an NH movement, crown, SRP Turtle dial, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel insert, and a strapcode bracelet for 500$. I’m not aware of much that can compare that is not an homage or a micro brand.

[@marks184]

I bought a strapcode / miltat for my 009 ( Oyster ) and my PADI Turtle ( Jubilee ). Worth every penny. I respect the modding community. I think it's very cool.

[@ColossalTriangle6425]

I modded my SKX and had a lot of fun doing it. I think its worth it for the enjoyment and the feeling that you have something unique. The SKX divers are inexpensive mass produced watches that will never retain their value so putting unoriginal parts in them is not a big deal.

[@bondpit8750]

Retain their value? Have you checked prices lately on the SKX now that it’s been discontinued?

[@jeffreybowden9835]

Great topic. My money goes to one of those others you mentioned. Better resale and overall quality.

[@jamesfuller7903]

It is what it is. Don't try to make it something it isn't. Add a decent bracelet and call it a day.

[@bananaslappy]

is a seiko santos mod worth buying?

[@AlanHearnshaw]

I’m sure people don’t do mods with an eye to increasing the value. If I modify a watch, I’m assuming I’m lowering the resale value. However, that’s not the point. I have an snk809 into which I have put a dial and hand set from the SKX. I have a nh36 movement on the way, which will mean that the only original part in the watch will be the case. I imagine I would never sell it. It’s mine. Very distinctive, quite unique, and I have a real relationship with it. It doesn’t get any better than that for me. It’s one of my favourite pieces.

[@artieshell9205]

Ticking your own boxes when Seiko doesn’t know your boxes …. Priceless.

[@romeo6048]

I tend to respect and appreciate the Seiko SKX in its stock offering for what it was intended to be. I trust Seiko, full stop.

[@cy4624]

It's an icon and sealed in history but people spend $$ to kill its historical value/collectibility.. Also, modding it personalize tontaste but keeping its DNA is one thing, but often many mod it to become homages to Rolex, Tudor, Blancpain and make it a worthless homage when Seiko is an icon of design in itself. I can never understand that concept.

[@triples4good]

No Doubt, Rob does great work. If you are getting up around 1000.00, personally I would have to ask myself if I wouldn't rather have another watch. Really at the end of the day though, it's what you want and a lot can be said for having a one off custom.

[@OfficialLove143]

Are they only mod kit or Watch with mod?

[@rogerpenfold117]

I am looking at a modded Seiko from Provenance Watches here in the UK. Not normally my thing, but the “Blood Moon Custom Samurai” with an NH36 movement looks amazing in a handmade case and bracelet and dial from a 7S26-03HO. £460. With something like this you can’t worry about resale value - this is a very personal watch that you buy because you like the look of it and it’s almost unique. If I want originality I can wear my Kakume or Seikomatic Weekdater.

[@daymondtalley9500]

SKX as is. It’s a classic in its original form.

[@noelmurphy3450]

Thanks for the video Bruce, this is an interesting debate. My own view is if you are moding an SKX as Rob has (great job Rob!) and you are looking to get some value back, then perhaps the investment isn't worth it. However, if you are moding for pleasure then I say 'go for it'. The basic SKX is a great looking watch, but the mod provided by Rob for your video is a 'one off' and in my view looks outstanding. Cheers Noel

[@faisalingalong]

That’s the point, how much of a price do you put on the individuality because for sure, that’s a lot of money that I’d put into something else. At the end of the day, when so much has been done to it, can you really consider it just an SKX?!

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Excellent topic I’m torn between changing a somewhat iconic watch as I think k it takes away from its originality BUT mods look so damn good! I would not go any further than changing crystal,bezel and bezel insert

[@MNeuenswander]

Definitely an improvement over the original and probably a great talking point with Seiko fans.

[@valjean3141]

I think Rob’s mod is gorgeous- it’s the Seiko I personally would want, rather than a Tuna. I’ve flirted with the idea of getting something like that from Long Island Watch, but they only pressure test to 30m, which just doesn’t feel right for me.

[@galaga8834]

I possibly would not have changed the case and case back but nonetheless this is the best SKX mod I’ve seen.

[@LumePip]

I've got a Seiko Sea Urchin that I've modded with a new crystal and bezel insert. In total it was around £350/$450. For what I've seen that's out there with Swiss ETA movements, sapphire crystal etc. I'd say save the money and get a different piece.

[@timmanning5357]

Some people like would love to purchase a high end watch but are happy to buy a "lesser" watch with great design and movement and customise it to be equal or better than the high value big name brand watch.

[@cyclepath78]

I love the way that one looks but I'd stick with the original. It's hard to become a classic when it's been modded.

[@42Hertzer]

Just put a blue AR sapphire double dome crystal on my SRPD21, best mod ever! I wish it came like that from the factory because for me it's a huge difference, it really elevated, IMHO, the whole watch to another level! So for me it's was a way to get the watch I can't buy from the get go!

[@Trex100]

I’d say a 1000 dollar skx is an awesome investment of time and money. I don’t mod, but I respect the hobby.

[@DavekayBSC]

As someone whose SKX is now in the middle of its third mod project, it's not about the money, it's about having fun with the watch and making it your own. That's the point of wearing a mechanical watch, isn't it? We wear them because of the enjoyment we get from it. Otherwise we'd all just be wearing smart watches like the normies. I will be the first to admit that my $500 Aevig Huldra is a better watch than my SKX which has cost me more than that in every objective way. I love the design of the Huldra, and Chip Yuen is a great designer, but it's his design, and I'm just wearing it. My SKX is *MY* design. There are 100 or so blue Huldras out in the wild, so its not exactly a common watch. I may have the only one in the state of Oregon. However, my SKX is a 1 of 1. Also, there's something that may not be an issue for you Bruce, but it is for me: nearly *all* of Seiko's high-end divers are *MASSIVE* watches. I can't wear a Sumo, or an SBDC061, or a Shogun, and I certainly can't pull off a Transocean which is something ridiculous like 54mm L2L. Seiko's 44mm wrist whales on my 6" wrist is simply not an option. Part of the reason why I love the SKX is that it actually fits me. And for whatever it's worth, the 7S26 in mine runs at a consistent +3s/d.

[@markfoley3402]

I rarely see a modded SKX that looks better than the stock version, it's like putting a spoiler & fancy rims on a smart car.

[@livedeliciously]

There's enough aftermarket parts where you can literally build a watch from scratch. That's what I'm gonna do. It's actually cheaper than modding an existing watch and ripping out parts. A SKX007 BB58 themed build with a titanium case is less than $500 in parts. Also, there's something about building and picking your own parts that justifies a higher price vs. a stock model.

[@LifestyleoftheAmbitious]

I just picked up the SKX007 and ordered a batman dive bezel insert(not GMT style) and a coin edge bezel from DLW watches. Ended up costing $220 for the watch plus $115 for parts and shipping. $335 total. Pretty fun to do the mods and I have been enjoying the watch but it does add up quick! Ended up changing back to original insert while keeping the Coin Edge bezel ( didnt like the blue bezel insert and the orange/red "Divers 200m" together). Once you start it leads you down another watch rabbit whole lol

[@JohnKExp]

Bruce, can you make separate playlists for your videos so it’s easier to find specific videos ? Like separate playlists for different watch companies.

[@PJLara]

An SKX mod is the Theseus’ ship of watches.

[@yoannwaucheul6912]

when you put them side by side, you see it instantly. it is 3x the price, but it is another level ! and if you are wealthy enough to do it and if it makes you happy, then why not!

[@matthewreagan2384]

Id like to know kevin o'leary opinion on this. Personally all watches are bad financial decisions, even in the rare flip that makes money. But until seiko makes a stock save the ocean, skx with a sapphire crystal, what are you suppose to do.

[@jussipseppala]

There are multiple microbrands that have SKX clones with sapphire crystal, NH36, ceramic bezel insert and jubilee bracelets around $100. That's already a better combo than the original SKX. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a great, unique SKX today.

[@jeboccuzzi10]

Lipstick on a pig? The bracelet is a definite must.

[@mja1691]

not a waste of money, to have an original one off Seiko. I've had a yobokies hunterpro skx007 for a year or so now and its one of my favourite watches.. cost me about £400 in total. happy days.

[@jarrodgriffin3346]

You can get a nice “blue hole” for that much! Highly superior watch.

[@tomu-s2075]

If someone gets enjoyment from modding their watches then they should do it. Personally, it doesn't tickle my pickle.

[@davidbaird1898]

Spending money for a unique piece of mechanical art is acceptable to me. I’d sooner have my own creation on my wrist than something everybody else has.

[@okihaveaname]

imho its not a skx without the 7s26 movement. Other movements = other watches. My modding limit is $300 (crystal, ceramic, bracelet, caseback, etc shouldn't cost more).

[@TeaJayRabbit]

It's not about saving money, value for money or resale...its about making something you will enjoy. Granted some people make money selling modded watches and on the other side of that coin are people who buy ready modded Seikos. But at the end of the day if you're buying stuff as an investment or to show off... you know what to buy. A Seiko mod is obviously not that! Doing it yourself, and getting the look and feel you are after is where the money is going.

[@bjmarchives]

A better quality bracelet and sapphire crystal is nearly mandatory to me. That's where I stop. I think when the watch looses its original identity, it has possibly gone too far. However, if that modded design is the perfect Seiko to the owners eyes.. then it's all worth it. Even doing the work yourself, sourcing the parts independently adds up and the end cost starts to become questionable. I see the addiction. It's like upgrading a car, which I lost interest when I was a teenager. I just think there is something appealing about keeping a stock design and aesthetic consistent. Rob's watch seems like an overall upgrade to the stock SKX.. but isn't it a Seiko SKX frakenwatch?