Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Seiko Mod Parts

From inspiration to creation: Picking the right parts to express your own style.

What is Seiko Mod?

Seiko Mod (short for “Seiko Modification”) is a growing trend among watch enthusiasts. It’s the art of customizing a Seiko watch by replacing its components—like the dial, hands, bezel, case, or even the movement—to create a one-of-a-kind timepiece that reflects your identity.

More than just wearing a watch, modding is about building something that feels like yours, blending mechanical craftsmanship with personal expression.

For newcomers, the modding world can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this straightforward Seiko mod parts guide, designed to help you take your first steps with confidence.

Why Seiko is Perfect for Modding

Seiko has long been trusted for its durable movements, diverse case styles, and iconic designs. But what makes it perfect for modding is its modular structure—many of its models are easy to disassemble and highly compatible with aftermarket parts.

Popular base models like the Seiko NH35, NH36, SKX007, and SRPD (5KX) are widely used in the modding community. They offer great value, a huge parts ecosystem, and strong performance—making Seiko the ideal foundation for building your custom timepiece.

Seiko Mod Parts Guide – 7 Essential Components You Should Know

1. Movement (The Heart of the Watch)

This is the engine that powers your watch. For beginners, the NH35 and NH36 automatic movements are the most common:

NH35: with date only
NH36: includes both day and date
Pros: reliable, affordable, and widely supported in the modding world

At TGM Watches, we exclusively use genuine Seiko movements, quality-tested and guaranteed for performance.

2. Case (The Body)

The case defines your build’s overall look and feel. Choose a style that suits your wrist and your personality:

Case types: Submariner, Explorer, Pilot, Tonneau
Materials: 316L stainless steel, PVD black, gold-tone
Common sizes: 39mm–42mm

3. Dial (The Face of Your Watch)

The dial is where your personality really shines.

Options: sunburst, matte, textured, skeleton, or hand-painted
Indexes: applied markers, printed numbers, or custom lume

TGM Watches offers a unique line of hand-painted dials crafted by local artisans—each piece tells a story and sets your mod apart

4. Hands (The Accents)

Your choice of hands can completely change the vibe of the build:

Styles: Mercedes, Sword, Dauphine, Pilot
Colors: silver, black, gold, or lumed
Tip: Make sure the hands are the correct length and fit your movement precisely.

5. Bezel & Bezel Insert

Especially relevant for diver-style builds:

Bezel insert: aluminum, ceramic, or steel
Styles: 60-minute dive bezel, GMT, sterile/minimalist
Play with colors for bold contrasts or cohesive looks

6. Crystal (Watch Glass)

Your crystal not only protects the dial—it sets the tone for the whole aesthetic.

Common options:
- Hardlex (Seiko’s proprietary hardened glass)
- Sapphire (scratch-resistant, higher-end)
Shapes: domed, flat, boxed

At TGM Watches, we recommend sapphire for maximum clarity and durability—especially for daily wear.

7. Straps & Bracelets

This is the easiest part to switch, but it makes a big visual impact.

Metal bracelets: classic and robust
Rubber straps: sporty and diver-friendly
Leather or NATO straps: vintage or casual flair

🔁 Pro tip: Own at least two strap options for easy day-to-day styling.

Tips for First-Time Modders

✅ Always check compatibility between movement, case, dial, and hands
✅ Choose one clear style direction: diver, pilot, dress, skeleton, etc.
✅ Don’t follow trends blindly—build something that reflects you
✅ Invest in core components like movement and crystal first
✅ Not confident in DIY? Work with a reputable builder like TGM Watches

Why Mod with TGM Watches?

At TGM Watches, we don’t just build Seiko Mods—we help you bring your vision to life. Every watch is:

Hand-assembled by experienced modders
Powered by authentic Seiko movements
Quality-checked before shipping
Custom-built to your style, with optional hand-painted dials
Backed by design consultations to help you create your ideal watch

Whether it’s your first mod or your next grail, TGM is here to support your modding journey with skill, creativity, and precision.

Final Thoughts

Modding a Seiko is more than just building a watch. It’s about designing a statement, crafting an object that resonates with who you are.

We hope this Seiko mod parts guide has helped simplify your entry into the world of custom watches. Start with the right parts, and let your creativity take over.

👉 Explore handcrafted Seiko Mods at TGM Watches
📩 Reach out to our team for personalized build consultations