Seiko Mod Idea: The Black x Orange Mod
The snazzy and perky Seiko mod
Many have asked us for some inspirations on modding a Seiko watch with our components, so here comes the Black x Orange SKX007 Seiko mod. Black watches, which go with literally everything, have its massive legion of fans. The overall black appearance offers the timepiece a virile and modern look, while the orange second hand echoes the WR rating on the dial.
Now let's go through how to upgrade your Seiko watch to this look.
What’s on the mod
Watch Hand: In this mod, we kept the original Seiko hour and minute hands, yet, we changed its second hand into our DWC Diver orange second hand. Its color does not only coincidentally echoes with the water resistance rating on the dial, it also appears to be very eye-catching under this all-black mod, giving the watch a vital spark.
It appears to be very eye-catching under this all-black mod, giving the watch a vital spark.
Bezel and Bezel Insert: We've replaced the SKX007 original bezel into DWC knurled thin profile PVD black bezel, paired with our type D black stainless steel diver bezel insert. The matt black bezel and insert perfectly fuse into a metallic and stylish piece.
The glossy minute markings protrude from the insert, and make a marked contrast with the matt gritty background, thus they stand out from the all black insert.
A matte black yachtmaster type bezel insert gives this mod a variety in texture
PVD (which stands for Physical Vapour Deposition) is used in the manufacture of this bezel. By its physical process, it creates a layer above the metal of the watch, making the bezel extremely hard, scratch proof and fade-proof, thus more durable.
A black PVD bezel completes the stealth look
Strap: To couple it with the bezel and insert, we have swapped the strap into a DWC black parachute strap. The streak of the parachute strap gives the watch a military look and on that account, this mod exudes activeness and adventurousness after replacing the strap.
The texture of the parachute strap gives the watch a military look.
Tools Needed
Case back opener
Watch hand installation tool
Watch hand removal tools and dial protecting sheet
Springbar removal tool
Step 1: Open the case back
There are different types of case back opener. You may choose a suitable opener based on the type of your watch case and open it with the opener. For the Seiko SKX series, you'll need an opener that opens a screw in case back. Both 3 pins and the 2 pins versions work well for this purpose.
Remove the stem and crown, then you can extract the movement assembly from the case.
Step 2: Remove watch hands
Even if we replace only the second hand, we have to remove all watch hands first. Attempting to remove the second hand itself may risk bending the post for second hand or other delicate components.
Adjust the watch hands so that they are almost parallel. After that, place the dial protecting sheet underneath all the watch hands to protect the dial from scratching. Then, you may place the hand removal tools under the hour hand, and try to keep both tools balanced while you are prying the hands off.
Step 3: Install the second hand
You may now place the new second hand on the dial, using the hand installation tool to press the hand onto its post.
Step 4: Close the case back
After installing the new watch hand, you may install the assembly into the case and close the case back. Remember to clean the parts and movement assembly with Rodico and hand pump before closing it.
Step 5: Replace the bezel and bezel insert
With the case closed, you can now replace the bezel and bezel insert.
In short, pry the bezel off with a watch case knife by inserting the blade into the gap between the case and the bezel. Push it firmly all the way in and the bezel will come off. Then remove the old bezel insert with a screwdriver. Apply adhesive on the new insert, and align it to the new bezel. Press firmly onto the bezel to secure the installation.
Step 6: Change the strap
To take off the original strap, you may remove the fat springbar by inserting a springbar removal tool into the gap between the strap and the watch lug. Then, you may place the parachute strap onto the case back, and install the springbars back.
Video guide
All of the steps detailed above are explained in detail in each of the videos in this playlist. Make sure you check them out before you do this mod!
That’s it!
With a few components and simple steps, your Seiko watch has changed into a unique piece. The color palette of black, silver and orange gives this watch good contrast and vibrancy. It’ll surely grab some eyeballs on your wrist!
If you wish to do other modifications, you may check out our guide Mod Parts Compatibility for Seiko Mod to see which components are also compatible with the Seiko watches. Now have fun with your watch mod!
Blued hands and screws are ubiquitous existences in the history of watchmaking. Behind that frequent appearance though is a history and science that go beyond the aesthetic value of flame bluing.