The Hottest 20 Modded Seiko Watches Under $500 & Best Places To Buy

With Seiko prices increasing every year, and aftermarket parts available more than ever before, there’s never been a better time to own the perfect Seiko under $500.
No matter the watch you desire-homage, Rolex Submariner 5513, Mil-Sub, Explorer, Seiko 62MAS, Patek Nautilus, Omega Seamaster, Captain Willard 6105, Grand Seiko, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, or any other iconic luxury timepiece-you can create a Seiko version of it for a fraction of the price!
Today I share the best places to find pre-made, bargain Seiko modded watches, and suggestions for where to go if you want one created from scratch to your exact specifications. Whether you’re looking to slightly tweak or upgrade an existing Seiko, or create an entirely new watch from your own imagination, this is the video for you!
A special thank you to all the watchmakers and watch modders included in this video.
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[@willblake72]

I'm not past the intro yet, but I have the distinct tingling that tells me this video is about to cost me somewhere between $350 and $500...

[@Mrjnascar11]

Snaps, same here.......

[@TripleDDDD]

That‘s the only drawback when getting into watches: so many nice watches, yet a limited budget :-)

[@chriszivoder2650]

I can relate :)

[@tristandauod]

😂

[@SeikoModder]

Funny comment!

[@Sov92]

Seiko Modding has changed my whole approach to building my collection. I’ve got some nice pieces but none of them invoke as much pride and passion as my modded Seiko. It’s taken my interest away from a lot of stuff I’d have spent a lot of money on and got less enjoyment from. I’ve got a more intimate connection with the watches I’ve modded than I think I could get from any higher end thing. Hard to describe with words but I love it.

[@woodwardjr]

Waiting on my first modded Seiko, and I'm already more pumped than any other watch I've owned.

[@willw212]

Where did you buy your modded seiko from? Or did you build it yourself?

[@Sov92]

@@willw212 I build mine myself.

[@willw212]

@@Sov92 thank you for the response!

[@mahadfarah6045]

I am highly interested in modifying watches and would like to learn more about it. Do you have any tips on where to purchase materials and how to get started? I am relatively new to watch modification and would appreciate any guidance you can provide.

[@chriscon8463]

I’ve never been absolutely glued to an intro before...well done, TGV!

[@henkvandebeek7921]

The “wtf” moment with the smart watch in the intro! Brilliant

[@craigdgriffiths6206]

I greatly admire and appreciate the hard work and creativity that goes into your videos. Stay healthy TGV.

[@danielmarshallpeters]

“Houston, we have an Islander sighting, over.”

[@islandwatch]

I can confirm! Great vid!!!

[@elijahinky]

@@islandwatch Marc I was hoping he was going to mention me reaching out to you to help me with a build haha. Thank you sir for the recommendation/pointing me in the right direction btw... Islander def. a future purchase also. Wonderful watches you've designed. The value is incredible.

[@chrisbrock9423]

Best intro ever... Always loved your site. Keep up the great show 👍

[@heysmitty1231]

Coin Edge bezel,fully Loomed Batman insert. both from Long Island watch.com Marc's videos were instrumental in doing it myself...

[@lowersaxon]

Houston: Ignore them, they cant manage to misalign everything perfectly!

[@TheoJay615]

Besides buying mods, I think more people should try their hand at it! My skx broke a few months back while I was doing some manual labor. I took it as a chance to mod it! New movement, new bezel new ceramic insert, new crystal! But most important of all, I aligned the chapter ring myself!

[@gregentwistle5105]

That intro kicked ass!

[@noahmcguire8195]

Best intro in awhile lmao

[@sellsidedream8766]

Could be best intro ever

[@Mrjnascar11]

Mike Drop!

[@draftierinfern0831]

Great video TGV! I love my Seiko mods and was excited to see you talking about it!

[@michaelsaia54]

Right when I sat down with all my work finished for the day! Happy speedy Tuesday!

[@matthewwinters1297]

Love, Love, Love this one! Thank you so much TGV!

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

I have to say I'm fast becoming more interested in this side of watch collecting. Luxury watches are nice but I see way for fun and personal involvement with modded watches. Great content :)

[@theurbangentry]

I am so glad you said that as I am going very much the same way. Thank you my stoic friend. Best regards, TGV

[@tw3akedd0wn13]

I am SO happy for this video!

[@Concert_Obscura]

Always Outstanding!

[@sathvik_1]

Hi TGV hope your doing great, thanks for covering this side of watch market , learnt a lot about watches from you , Thank you and take care❤️

[@SeeThroughScreen]

You continuously impress and inspire me with your mini/intro takes on different genres. Genuinely fun to watch - sets you apart from the rest!

[@andresguerrero2989]

Incredible work

[@klauswhitedreamer]

Nice and beautiful new combinations !

[@rockymountaindt8410]

Nicely done!

[@fabp7234]

Another great video TGV. Great intro, great images, I love it! I’ll watch it now.

[@clydewakefield7349]

A few years ago I never thought I'd wear a MOD but now my Casioak and Full Metal Gold G-Shock are 2 of my most worn pieces. Great video as always 😃

[@chazfromtheburg]

TGV taking it up a notch with that intro! BOOM! Amazing episode of TUG, well done, my friend!

[@grischa5157]

Thanks TGV, thats pure art!

[@dasstarr]

What a fantastic video, the intro sequence was amazing. Definitely one of the best you tube videos I have seen, great job.

[@johannguasch754]

Best intro! haha perfect!!! also appreciate the change of format, feels fresh.

[@Harrisama]

Brilliant work sir! From beginning to end a well deserved bravo is in order! And a big thank you for covering this topic in such an informative, humorous and and interesting way!

[@mantyisbad]

Great video!! Thank you

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Fantastic show! Didn’t realise just how big the modding scene was till I got on Instagram!!!! I do love that 62 MAS mod!!!!!! I’m Lovin my Nintendo game and watch right now!! Almost completed Mario 1 again!;) all the best!

[@ic7784]

Love the nightmare sequence. Very informative about Seiko mods. Thanks very much.

[@adamgriffiths96]

Absolutely adore the work Paul from Tempus watch mods did to my SKX007. Cannot wait to see what you are both working on!

[@ottingervr6]

Awesome Video! The intro was amazing

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Great video as always Tristano

[@funland108]

Just bought 2 modded Yachtmasters - a blue face and a gold / black ceramic with rubber strap. I love them! Especially knowing I’m getting 80+% of the look of the real thing for 2% of the price. One thing that no-one mentions is that it’s a great way to find out if I want to own the real thing without spending tens of thousands: does it fit my lifestyle, is it too heavy, do people notice (no), would I be safe wearing the real thing? I’ll probably buy half a dozen of my favourite Rolex mods and see which one I like best. Will have a lot of fun deciding!

[@offizielle_twytch6862]

Exactly, well said. I have Seiko Samurai SRPE33 & a Seiko Speedmaster Professional mod. Currently looking at Seiko Daytona Tiffany or Rainbow. Knowing that I can't buy these expensive pieces in my lifetime, it nice to buy a modded piece to see what works with the collection/lifestyle without paying out 1000s on the real thing. Also adds a talking point to why you don't have a Rolex etc.

[@boydmasonlake1995]

The introduction. Sublime!

[@1Raphael]

Nice ... job this vid was AWESOME..!

[@joeshaves2020]

Great Video, many thanks. I’m saving up now. 👍

[@MrDominicharrison]

Often wondered about modding a seiko watch, seems the best quality and most accessible way to start modding, u inspired me! Great video

[@Daniel-qs6te]

Outstanding video...yet again.

[@MichaelG1986]

Very interesting and enjoyable video, as always. I've never had any watches modded, but have gotten curious about it. Perfect overview video. I was especially intrigued by the Rolex-inspired ones.

[@bassalovitch]

Genuinely terrifying grinning face, clearly rivalling the one in Psycho’s ending. Great intro!

[@ThePursuitofHappiness1988]

Agreed, I thought Norman Bates’ grin was disconcerting…

[@Gary-ib8dz]

A link to each of those sellers would be nice.

[@drexlr613]

right? i hate taking notes during youtube videos

[@tunay2k]

I got my first automatic watch today a orient bambino V2 and I'm so glad to be part of this channel's community!

[@lliameasterbrook6634]

Brilliant!

[@rudykot132]

This intro was so so good, respect TGV. Love it.

[@petergriffin3127]

Great video

[@josephandrews8168]

This beginning is amazing

[@josephstuart4440]

I have to say - I’m loving these new Seiko dedicated vids! My favourite brand!

[@gentlemanloser9338]

Very informative video, as usual. Also, I must say, in step with the times. Surfing the internet for mods, I'm still surprised by the lack of mods involving the crazy seiko 5 snxs dials (sunburst), especially because the case they're in out of factory is not the best seiko 5 case. Putting those dials into 01v0 case (series snkl for example), upgrading the movement, changing the crystal into a sapphire and installing an aftermarket solid bracelet (01v0 case has some nice compatibility with other bracelets in terms of endlinks) would make a dream watch at about 200$!!! 🔥 Probably the whole work is DIYable, with surplus of enjoyment. Greetings from Italy

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Best video 2021! Awesome TGV!

[@john.e.1984]

KILLER intro! Great vid.

[@edhammond6911]

Awesome watches and video. Epic intro. Thanks TGV! SEIKO IS KING !!!

[@robertdingus9433]

I think your videos really gave me the push to start collecting watches I’ve always love looking at them and said yeah I could maybe get one or maybe two but you opened my eyes how fastening cool they are and now I have a wish list of watches that I am thinking of purchasing in the future my first real purchase for myself was citizens golden limited edition Iron Man watch it’s an eco drive for power which I didn’t even know was a thing until I read about it and that was just so fascinating to read how they made this work not to mention the look I absolutely love the watch now that I got it I would love to know your personal thoughts on it or some of their other eco drives either way thanks for the uploads and advice can’t get enough of them!

[@gusreyes5447]

Very nice presentation!

[@richardtwyning]

Excellent sir 👍🏻 That was the most enjoyable video for a while. You make me fall back in love with Seiko again. I only own two at the moment, and none automatic. Also good to spot a glimpse of an Islander 😉

[@goodtogo5098]

A great INFORMATIVE video and thank you for your effort in creating & presenting this to us all. I'm impressed and inspired so well done!

[@grundybasa240]

One of your best intro's TGV. That was very funny, keep it up. Thanks

[@1cookgs]

This video is very informative and opens up a whole new World of watch styles to explore. Thank You very much.

[@matthiasvangysel938]

sick vertigo shot!

[@dilshansohi5774]

pure class! just started modding my own seikos too (literally wearing one as i speak), so this video has come at a perfect time.

[@dilshansohi5774]

wish i could comment with a picture, but my mods are on my instagram @dilshantime if you’d ever like to take a look :)

[@youngkinghedwig]

Bahahahaha Silvio in the intro!! Class!

[@adrianlovett3483]

Great 👍 video really want to find a unique watch now !!

[@dejannesic7807]

Excellent introduction. Well done.

[@nicktsakiris8257]

That must have been one of the best intros of the show so far. Great work TGV!!

[@marktuyet]

Crazy man , crazy !

[@hamzamohammed4796]

The quality of these intros are WOWZA!!

[@JJherne]

I love my Prospex that I acquired last year and the thought of an additional modded Seiko (I couldn't bring myself to touch my little darling) to compliment it is certainly intriguing. The quality of these mods seems to be forever increasing.

[@stevenbennett3922]

Thanks for this. Off to have a look at all these crafts people.

[@andresparedes653]

That Seiko Hulk Sub absolutely wowed me

[@TripleDDDD]

Some really beautiful pieces there.

[@THX-C]

Great intro and nice way to spotlight the modders. You could do a whole series of vids. That Panther Cub kicks butt, too!

[@wingi7722]

I just had to have my subtly modded SKX in front of me whilst thoroughly delighting in this fabulous video. The intro is Pure Class!

[@bbehzadi413]

Great video sorry to say I’m coming after an unintentional break. Tristano even though I am a subscriber and have notifications turned on KZbin isn’t showing me notifications for your channel. Glad to be back!

[@Jonathanfmartin]

man i love your videos. you are so cool. i just finished a gmt ii seiko mod and i love it.

[@MartinParsley]

What a intro! You did it again!! Amazing 😂✌️

[@grad6394]

i felt that intro. too connected all the time. going back to classic modded time pieces. thanks for the information.

[@sizzleanburn7439]

Love your signet ring.

[@DonnyPhamtom]

Intro was amazing. Liked and subbed

[@reggiedunlop2222]

Another awesome intro TGV 👌🏻 I always appreciate your efforts and of course the main attraction...Hugo🦖😂

[@charlesflint9048]

Love the intro!. Thanks for this Information on Seiko mods I had no idea the mods could be so good. BTW I am awaiting delivery of a brand new bronze cased watch from Russia ( Buyalov), and am also looking forward to the patination of the case.

[@JC-xk6gv]

As I'm new to collecting Seiko's I found this video very interesting and a real eye opener. Great job 👏

[@puskarivan]

You re a legend!

[@bobmctague3713]

One of your most informative videos ever, and I watch all your videos.

[@john-perrybentley2649]

The intro. 🤣 Great work!

[@aurellio3366]

Some ace mods there, I had a 4R36 put in my 809 now its the perfect mini pilot/field watch!

[@watchmebuildit]

Drinking LOVED this intro man!

[@IlluminatingWatches]

What an imaginative and informative video. Love it. I saw Adam swords getting some flack for his modded Rolex - I thought it looked great personally.

[@goldtoothjacko]

T, absolutely effing amazing intro. Absolutely loved it! Great video. Best as always. Matthew

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Matthew :D Best regards, TGV

[@vladdorobantu5557]

Lovely content as always! Modding clearly is a good option if you are looking to personalize your favorite Seiko. TGV, would really like to see your opinion on Edox watches, and other related Swiss watchmakers in that class. Shout out from Bucharest, Romania! Vlad D.

[@christianjforbes]

The music background is perfect. Clear, unobtrusive, and delicately placed to support the presentation. Felt like having a conversation in a real shared space with the music. Quality production all around.

[@sautante]

Modded seikos are awesome, I absolutely love mine!

[@s_buba]

That intro🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@corybrown9933]

Just found your channel the other day. Best intro ever. EVER.

[@johnsav9559]

My favourite KZbinr , love this video !

[@richardb22]

Excellent. Enjoyed this . Richard Bartram

[@jontygordon8596]

Finally you talked about this topic and gotta love the intro ❤️ Quite a few of the big modders left out though, the big players in the community are based in Singapore (namokies), Vietnam (6012), Finland( self winder) Hongkong and not so much North American But otherwise great vid 👌🏻

[@derangedchild]

DLW watches is in Singapore too. Just bought some stuff off him

[@detroitpyro2859]

You sir are wonderful ❤. I absolutely 💯 enjoyed you video. Lovely!

[@michaelriera6277]

Your intros are incredibly creative. Nothing better than relaxing and catching the latest Urban Gentry.

[@chrisc6428]

What an into 👏👏

[@johnkirkpatrick8386]

What an intro! Lol awesome