The Ultimate Mod for the Seiko Willard SPB151 SBDC109

Measured! From 13.2mm down to 12.8mm (Same as the Rolex Sub date (2020) and boy has it changed for the better!
Namoki Mods Slim caseback is a game changer for the Willard! It not only drops the watch on the wrist, it also feels lighter and wears much more comfortable than the original.
Sure you'll loose the depth rating but honestly, I used to be a diver and never went below 95 feet and now I don't go below 45 feet... and Namoki has rated this caseback to 10 bar!
To me, this is the best Dive watch for under 1200 dollars... tough, reliable, and a History to boot!
This mod has now made my Willard the only watch I have worn since I change the caseback!
I just can't get enough of this watch!
Like and subscribe if you like what you see and hear...
Buy the slim caseback here:
www.namokimods...
Buy the tropic strap here:
unclestraps.co...

[@Mr-Merchant.]

Please don't! I just sold mines this week, I have a 300m (latest gen) that I said will be my only diver but it's not really a "tool watch" and seeing the Willard on the beach oof, it is in its natural environment. Looks amazing!

[@marioboglione]

I just followed your advice and changed the case back on my Willard (spb237) and wow… you were right. It just sits much better. Will have it tested for water proof for sake of mind but very happy with the result

[@michaelscarn2660]

Me too. Let me know how that water test goes.

[@rjipoaejfdieaj]

Oh, it looks comfortable. I'm thinking of buying spb151 and if I buy this, I'll change the case back like yours. Thank you.

[@ivancaji40]

From Spain 🇪🇸 very good vídeo

[@ianhand5006]

I’ve got an Omega SMP 300 and a Speedmaster. I wear my Seiko “Willard” a great deal more.

[@drews4685]

I agree with you on case back choice 👍

[@valentind134]

Finally you don’t wear it on the Z199 bracelet anymore ? Can you tell us why ? I love yours videos about the willard, please do more ! It’s also my favorite watch 😀

[@RobertBlanchard]

Hey, thanks for the praise. I took it off the bracelet because I wanted to test the new caseback on rubber strap. Next I’ll be testing it on the bracelet. Well, that and I enjoy wearing the rubber strap when frolicking on the beach. So far the new thinner case back makes this watch such a comfortable wear that I’ll never go back to the original case back.

[@RobertBlanchard]

Well, Ill be honest (as I always try to be) I like it better on the rubber strap now. I have been wearing it on the Z199 now about a week and I am not feeling it like I was earlier. I think it has to come down to the way it wears on the rubber strap... as in that it feels more more like the original willard now with the thin case back. I'm gonna give it another 2 weeks on the bracelet and see how I feel then... but right now, I want to put it back on the rubber.

[@valentind134]

@@RobertBlanchard Well thanks for your answer. I do prefer it also on the tropic. It just fell like this watch is mean to be on it. I love it. Even without the mod caseback

[@valentind134]

It think the spirit of this watch is not a bracelet, no matter witch one

[@valentind134]

As soon as you will put it on tropic I think you will say the same. And I try 2 uncle seiko bracelets on it (Z199 and President). But tropic is the way to me

[@justmeeagainn]

Seeing is believing, but they told me via email it wouldn’t fit. I ordered it anyhow based on this. I guess we’ll see when it shows up.

[@RobertBlanchard]

I think they are just protecting themselves… it fit perfectly on my Willard…

[@Snouty2010]

Does the slim case fit properly? I have read that it will rub the rotor. Does it screw down to its full?

[@RobertBlanchard]

No issues with rubbing and it’s sealed tight.

[@mttqll8623]

Mmm I dont know, once you open the watch even washing your hands can make water get inside. Water resistance is tricky like that. If you plan to get your watch in water dont open it. If you open it, make it presure tested if you dont want to gamble. I learned it the hard way, my srp777 got flooded in a pool, it survived tho.

[@RobertBlanchard]

All pressure testing is done with the movement outside of the case… once it passes you put the movement back inside. So it all has to do with proper technique in closing the case. You need a new O-ring and lubricant. A rubber ball to properly seat the threads and then the proper tool to add enough pressure to properly seal the case. Once done you can take all the showers you want without worry ; p I’ve done this hundreds of times so I’m pretty sure I got it… that said, even the first time I got it. Key is that slow and steady wins the race.

[@mttqll8623]

@@RobertBlanchardall pressure testing is not done with the movement outside. I have a pressure tester and if it show bubbles you just take it out and no water get inside, the movement is not at risk. Great channel by the way, I am not trying to invalidate you or anything, just sharing my experience and paranoia.

[@RobertBlanchard]

@@mttqll8623 no worries, let me clarify, all pressure testing I have seen😁😉

[@WildCountryLeather]

Hello! Watchmaker here, where are you getting this information?

[@RobertBlanchard]

@@WildCountryLeather which information?

[@roadgent7921]

Could you fit a VH31 movement in this case? 👍

[@RobertBlanchard]

Honestly… why? If you want quartz there are plenty of other less expensive watches… or if you want the ‘look’ there are a lot of manufacturers that reproduce this case (you can go to Namoki mods and buy one, will the VH31 fit in those? I have no clue. Mine runs (it’s been almost 2 years now about +5 last time I checked it about 4 months ago) so that’s very good. That said, I have heard some having issues with the movement and being +15.

[@roadgent7921]

@RobertBlanchard What I'm getting at is whether it's practical foe Turtle case. I realise it's prob not a good idea to experiment with an SPB at >$1000. Thing with the VH31 is it's a sweeper but keeps 2 or 3 secs per month. I've a few and they are good accurate movements. Just thought it would go well in a Turtle case. I had a go with a spare mvt and a defunct SRP case but the trouble is the spacer ring! Tried packing the sides with Rodico which worked for a while. Maybe possible with a bit more work. 🙂

[@RobertBlanchard]

@@roadgent7921okay, but as I said... give the Namoki company a call... I'm sure if anyone knows they will.