About a week ago I purchased a blue dial version that I had decided to return to Amazon. While I continued to procrastinate instead of reboxing and sending it back, I watched this video. Inspired, I grabbed a Cape Cod polishing cloth...about 30 minutes later I was in love! What was matte and meh, was transformed into satin and glowing. Wow!! The satin finish gives the watch a beautiful high quality look, very much like the finish on the inside of the bezel. Just ordered a Barton gingerbread leather strap w/ linen white stitch from the affiliate link.
I’m a big guy and I wear this. Sure it feels a lot smaller than my SKX, but it also doesn’t get in my way at all while I work. Watching this video because I’m thinking of polishing the case and fitting a sapphire crystal.
I have to say, I'm having a lot of trouble getting similar results with my own SNK809. I have a Dremel 3000 with a polishing wheel. I'm using Brasso polish (it says it works for aluminum, steel, etc). At first I started at low RPM's 5000-10,000. After seeing no results, I tried higher and higher speeds on the Dremel tool. Even at the highest speed (35,000 rpm) and 20 minutes of work in the same spot on the watch case I see almost no difference at all. I don't know what I'm doing wrong... UPDATE: I picked up some Mother's at the auto parts store today and the effectiveness is night and day! I polished up my whole watch case in about an hour or so! Have specifically Mother's was essential for this job.
Just purchased a seiko SNGZ15. Same watch and finish but with a larger face. Really want to polish it, and after watching your video I am for sure going to go thru with the polish job. Great job and excellent video, thanks!!!
@@Kekmit Honestly yes, it completely depends on what you're wearing with it, it may look better polished when you're wearing a full suit but, if you're wearing a suit you wouldn't be wearing this watch.
I have got an 809 k2 arriving tomorrow. I have been looking forward to its arrival. I have the same Dremmel as you and now I have the overwhelming urge to polish it as you have. I would never have thought to do it. Brilliant video and a great strap to compliment the Seiko. I have subscribed on the strength of this tutorial Good result.
Really improves the watch. White diamond polishing compound is so much easier to work with though. It's semi solid and doesn't fly all over the place. I used it on my citizen lefty (just like yours) and it came out great. Maybe 30 mins. work? It also helps if you put the dremel fixed in a vise and manipulate the watch instead. Love your videos!
+Ian Masterton I can't afford one of those nifty vises right now. I thought about that too. Hmmm I'll go find some of that White Diamond compound! Anything to make my life easier! Thanks!
Thanks for the polishing info. For people who think it's too small there is a 40mm version that's very similar. The only difference is the hour and 24 hour markers are reversed
John Shifflett what is the model name for the 40mm? Definitely interested in buying that. The only I haven’t bought this one is bc it’s too small. Thanks.
I've just done the polishing and I'd reeally recommend going slow. It can be done in an hour max depending on your polishing paste, I used Meguiars All Metal Polisher NXT. Dab just a little of paste per time and spread over the wheel to avoid spillage. Now here's the tip, if you polish just enough you'll get this bare metal finish instead of a chromed one. Don't over polish a single spot or it'll "chrome" the surface. This finish looks much more refined than chromed.
I think the trend toward big lollipop watches is a sort of blending of genders. I think the perfect watch size for a man is 36mm. Thank you, Seiko, for making such a famous watch the right size!
Military watches shouldn't be shiny as they can attract attention during a mission or in the field representing a potential issue, but since we are not going into military missions (same as desk divers) the polishing looks really good! I would however just polish the Bezel for improvement looks and leave the case matte so theres a nice contrast, thanks for sharing.
Fascinating tutorial - but how do you consider the watch "small" if the lugs barely seem fit on your slender wrist? The SNK809 is clearly a vintage field watch style, typically 36mm maximum. Its Luftwaffe B-Uhr Type B dial (those were huge) doesn't change that. I am wearing a tiny 35mm field watch style Seiko on a 7" wrist and it looks just right.
thanks for showing how to polish the case... you just make this watch look waaay more expensive that it realy is.... congrats man... keep the videos coming
I always say it. 37mm is not small. Not too long ago, pretty much all gentlemens watches were 34 to 38 mm. I have a 7" wrist and a 37mm watch looks just fine as far as I can tell. We can't all wear G-shocks and GMT type watches all the time. Try a 37mm watch. It's a great size.
I have worked on another watch with the exact same paste by Mothers. I didn't pay special attention to protect the crystal and the polishing wheel did run over the crystal. I didn't see any scratches left on the surface.
Hi, this kind of polishing is comparable to the factory polishing? I mean, can I do the same in an already factory polished watch to hide some scratches? Thanks
I bought one of those suction-type vises that goes on a kitchen counter for less than €15 here in Ireland. Not heavy duty but perfect for this job. I'm sure it's even cheaper in the states (everything is!).
Ive got a seiko snk393. If youve seen this case, its mostly polished but has a few brushed parts which id like to polish. Would i, having never polished before, be able to polish it so that it all blends in as one polish.
I most certainly WOULD take out the movement because of the heat generated. I have just done a Citizen Promaster as you did and it got HOT! I had already removed the movement because I was changing the crystal as well. Too much heat can dry out the oils in the jewel bearings, so please beware.
I think the only motive to Seiko don't make a version like this is that it would 'cannibalize' the more pricey stuff. To my eyes as a 'all day' watch it look far better, congratulations
The watch just needs a nice vinatge stitch leather strap. I got one on sale from watchgecko for 12 usd. It then started to split so i emialed then and they sent me the newer modle for free! Thats a 60usd strap for free! I then glued the old strap back together and its better now.
Dude, your seiko 5 mods have pulled me into the rabbit hole of watch modding. Got myself the hadley roma 3346 and a barton blue alligator band (for my snkl43) on the way. Will def polish my 809 like this, but have you tried to turn a case black? I rly like your airwolf mod but the case donor is so hard to come by. Plus I quite like the stock case. Rn I've got my snkl43 on my stock 809 strap as I don't own any aftermarket yet. Next month I'll mod the crystals, I'm thinking domed for the 43 and flat for the 809. Thoughts appreciated!
+dee7976 It didn't ruin mine. I polished the shit out of the crystal haha! Hardlex is the business. It'll be okay. But do be careful, though. If your watch starts to get hot, stop. Let it cool. You don't want the heat to transfer to the movement. Doing it in front of a fan helps.
Great vid and one which has inspired me to buy my first mechnical watch, as I've only ever owned quartz watches all my life. I have a question regarding the polishing; do you recommend that the front and rear glass be masked off beforehand? Or is it a non-issue?
+Dennis Kwok I find that the hardlex crystal is so...hard that nothing happens to it when I do a polish. Optimally, one would take out the movement before doing any sort of polishing to prevent heat damage that may occur. The case gets hot! I don't let it get too hot, though. I let it cool then start again. I hope you like your first mechanical!
Thanks for taking the time to reply mate. I've now had my SNK809 for about a week and I love it! There is just something about having a fully mechanical movement on your wrist that feels...nice, so consider me a mechanical convert. In fact, I'm awaiting delivery this morning of a Seiko SNK615K1 as I type this. Thanks again mate!
+MaraxasLoL Nope. It just wobbles and moves around too much. Sucks. I'm still in search of that perfect strap. I'll find one. Oh yes. I will! In the mean time, and because of YOU (shakes fist!), I'm going to search for a 16mm buckle with Seiko on it :p
Two comments: First, can we finally be done with this “Seiko 5s are too small” bit? 37mm width/42mm lug-to-lug is just “normal”. I wear an SNK809 on my 8” wrist every day, and it looks fine. Second, what is the deal with polishing a military field watch? It’s supposed to be dull, so your enemy doesn’t see the glint from a shiny watch! If you like the case style but want some finish, why not buy an SNK789/793/795 Seiko 5?
I think it's completely bead blasted because it's an aviator style watch and that is done on aviator watches to reduce glare. That being said, it's not an aviator watch and looks much better polished.
+Bacchus Leto Right. Even the Orient flight isn't true to the style. When I decide to get a true TypeA/TypeB, it's going to be legit. Blasted, sterile, no day/date, flame treated hands, etc. :)
It does look good polished. But that's not to say it looked bad bead blasted. Strictly speaking a field watch should be less reflective and less revealing of scratches.
You can however, know that it will take a long time. I did my first one by hand and it took about 8 hours of hand polishing to get all the areas into a smooth, shiny luster. I took my time and did it all over the course of a week.
I hand polished the watch for about an hour with Cape cod and hot a nice semi-polished shine. I could have spent longer polishing it to a mirror finish but I thought it looked good as it was after I polished it for an hour.
Have you ever thought of doing a bezel polishing video? I'd like to customize my bezel a little bit, I heard you can patina it but I was wondering about other options..
did you ever watch the plumes of hazard on youtube a vape channel from way way back like 8 ish years ago your theme tune in this video is the same as what they used to use
+Andy Cheng I just have a standard spring bar removal tool. Removing a bracelet is always a bit more difficult. Just keep trying. It might take some finesse, swearing, pacing back and forth, more swearing and maybe an adult fizzy :p
It's a military watch! how can people think this looks girly!
Great looking now that it's polished!
+Bazzington James Some people think it's just too small. Thanks!
Exactly, military watches were traditionally 32-37mm. This is the perfect size for a tool watch
About a week ago I purchased a blue dial version that I had decided to return to Amazon. While I continued to procrastinate instead of reboxing and sending it back, I watched this video. Inspired, I grabbed a Cape Cod polishing cloth...about 30 minutes later I was in love! What was matte and meh, was transformed into satin and glowing. Wow!! The satin finish gives the watch a beautiful high quality look, very much like the finish on the inside of the bezel. Just ordered a Barton gingerbread leather strap w/ linen white stitch from the affiliate link.
Damn, sir! I would have never thought of doing that to my ‘809. Now, it’s going to happen. ...and that strap! Nailed it.
You’re damn right it’s small. Someone explain to me why that’s bad. I love the 809 it’s my daily wear.
James McNary I love this freaking watch lol
I guess the fear of smaller watches was bigger in 2016
I’m a big guy and I wear this. Sure it feels a lot smaller than my SKX, but it also doesn’t get in my way at all while I work. Watching this video because I’m thinking of polishing the case and fitting a sapphire crystal.
I guess it's kinda randomly asking but does anyone know of a good site to watch new movies online?
@Benjamin Marley I watch on flixzone. You can find it on google :)
Excellent. Polishing the case really changes the presence of this watch. Perfect strap choice as well.
+Adam J. Perlaki I'm still in the search. For now this strap will do :) Thanks for watching!
I have to say, I'm having a lot of trouble getting similar results with my own SNK809. I have a Dremel 3000 with a polishing wheel. I'm using Brasso polish (it says it works for aluminum, steel, etc). At first I started at low RPM's 5000-10,000. After seeing no results, I tried higher and higher speeds on the Dremel tool. Even at the highest speed (35,000 rpm) and 20 minutes of work in the same spot on the watch case I see almost no difference at all. I don't know what I'm doing wrong...
UPDATE: I picked up some Mother's at the auto parts store today and the effectiveness is night and day! I polished up my whole watch case in about an hour or so! Have specifically Mother's was essential for this job.
Mother knows best
you have a weird name.
glad you got the desired effect on the watch tho.
@@ma1ist i think its a reference to the movie lol
I personally like the matte/ sandblasted look.
Just purchased a seiko SNGZ15. Same watch and finish but with a larger face. Really want to polish it, and after watching your video I am for sure going to go thru with the polish job. Great job and excellent video, thanks!!!
Wow, what a find! I just polished mine. Looks fantastic. Now I have to polish the buckle and get a sapphire glass. Thanks for the video!
Sand blasted looks way better than polished, especially when the polish gets scratched, while the sand blast hides the scrathes very well.
@@Kekmit Honestly yes, it completely depends on what you're wearing with it, it may look better polished when you're wearing a full suit but, if you're wearing a suit you wouldn't be wearing this watch.
I have got an 809 k2 arriving tomorrow. I have been looking forward to its arrival. I have the same Dremmel as you and now I have the overwhelming urge to polish it as you have. I would never have thought to do it. Brilliant video and a great strap to compliment the Seiko. I have subscribed on the strength of this tutorial Good result.
I have an 803 coming in Monday, I am excited.
Man the black strap you put is absolutely gorgeous! It gives the watch a very robust 'badassy' vibe. Good idea!
Really improves the watch. White diamond polishing compound is so much easier to work with though. It's semi solid and doesn't fly all over the place. I used it on my citizen lefty (just like yours) and it came out great. Maybe 30 mins. work? It also helps if you put the dremel fixed in a vise and manipulate the watch instead. Love your videos!
+Ian Masterton I can't afford one of those nifty vises right now. I thought about that too. Hmmm I'll go find some of that White Diamond compound! Anything to make my life easier! Thanks!
Fantastic video. I like where your headed with your channel. Looking forward to the adventure video!
+Anthony Dimaano Thank you :)
Cool sound effects bro)This video really radiates your positivity and how you feel about this watch. Helps to understand whether to buy it or not.
Thanks for the polishing info.
For people who think it's too small there is a 40mm version that's very similar. The only difference is the hour and 24 hour markers are reversed
John Shifflett what is the model name for the 40mm? Definitely interested in buying that. The only I haven’t bought this one is bc it’s too small. Thanks.
SNZG15
I've just done the polishing and I'd reeally recommend going slow. It can be done in an hour max depending on your polishing paste, I used Meguiars All Metal Polisher NXT. Dab just a little of paste per time and spread over the wheel to avoid spillage. Now here's the tip, if you polish just enough you'll get this bare metal finish instead of a chromed one. Don't over polish a single spot or it'll "chrome" the surface. This finish looks much more refined than chromed.
I think the trend toward big lollipop watches is a sort of blending of genders. I think the perfect watch size for a man is 36mm. Thank you, Seiko, for making such a famous watch the right size!
I disagree, 36 is a bit to small. 38 is a good size
36 is right for my small wrist lol
The most beautiful watch modification I have ever seen, you definitely turned this watch to a first-class appearance.
Spot on with that strap! Looks great! The polishing really makes this thing pop. Thanks for the great video.
This episode is amazing. I have both Seiko Field Watches SNK809 and SNZG15. Will try to do DIY based on your instructions to do polishing.
Military watches shouldn't be shiny as they can attract attention during a mission or in the field representing a potential issue, but since we are not going into military missions (same as desk divers) the polishing looks really good! I would however just polish the Bezel for improvement looks and leave the case matte so theres a nice contrast, thanks for sharing.
8 hours?
Fascinating tutorial - but how do you consider the watch "small" if the lugs barely seem fit on your slender wrist? The SNK809 is clearly a vintage field watch style, typically 36mm maximum. Its Luftwaffe B-Uhr Type B dial (those were huge) doesn't change that. I am wearing a tiny 35mm field watch style Seiko on a 7" wrist and it looks just right.
thanks for showing how to polish the case... you just make this watch look waaay more expensive that it realy is.... congrats man... keep the videos coming
+Camilo Duarte Thank you! Glad to do it!
You said 8 hours to polish? First few seconds looks great so what do you do for several hours of polishing?
Maybe he meant minutes?
Maybe just sit around....lol
Beautifully done.👍
Great video, just polished mine by hand and brought out the shine with the waxer buffer. Looks perfect now.
I always say it. 37mm is not small. Not too long ago, pretty much all gentlemens watches were 34 to 38 mm.
I have a 7" wrist and a 37mm watch looks just fine as far as I can tell. We can't all wear G-shocks and GMT type watches all the time.
Try a 37mm watch. It's a great size.
Crazy Seiko never made this watch. It looks so much better.
This watch is amazing, it looks waay better in real life.
Wow, great work. Finished watch + strap looks amazing.
Great video! You shoul make more videos like this, teaching stuff. Super nice watch!!!
+João Viana I think I will. Thanks!
I have mine on a NATo-strap. Looks awesome!
New look with all overall high polished.👌🏼
Man that strap is gnarly!
Damn, I was skeptical because I actually like how the watch looks to begin with. But it really ended up looking amazing!
Supertomiman wot you said!
Super like! I want to do this too! Thank you for sharing.
I thought you would have had to take out the movement and crystal to do this, I’m tempted to do this myself now.
The polish really does make all the difference. I love the dial but the finish looks cheap. Great solution. Can't wait to pick one up.
Now this is sick man. I wish I had that machine you had !
Wow, looks way nicer. I wouldn't mind wearing that.
+hariz87 I am wearing it right now :)
Nice. And if you get a scratch you can polish it off. Good job
polishing,... bang,. seiko become hamilton khaki..
Dude that looks freakin GREAT!!! Really nicely done!
can the polishing scratch the crystal?
I have worked on another watch with the exact same paste by Mothers. I didn't pay special attention to protect the crystal and the polishing wheel did run over the crystal. I didn't see any scratches left on the surface.
Hi, this kind of polishing is comparable to the factory polishing? I mean, can I do the same in an already factory polished watch to hide some scratches? Thanks
love your videos man. Btw...where can I find this wider style watch band? would greatly appreciate it.
Looks great. Now I really want that watch
How did you manage not to scratch Hardlex without covering it? Wow.
wow, looks amazing
I bought one of those suction-type vises that goes on a kitchen counter for less than €15 here in Ireland. Not heavy duty but perfect for this job. I'm sure it's even cheaper in the states (everything is!).
+Ian Masterton I found a few that I'm going to look into! Thanks for the tip!
Ive got a seiko snk393. If youve seen this case, its mostly polished but has a few brushed parts which id like to polish. Would i, having never polished before, be able to polish it so that it all blends in as one polish.
nice video! looks way better polished! and the strap suits it. and come on Seiko... make this watch!
+Blair Masschelein Thanks! And yes, #SEIKO #LOOK :p
I most certainly WOULD take out the movement because of the heat generated. I have just done a Citizen Promaster as you did and it got HOT!
I had already removed the movement because I was changing the crystal as well.
Too much heat can dry out the oils in the jewel bearings, so please beware.
+robbiecox That is a good point!
I think the only motive to Seiko don't make a version like this is that it would 'cannibalize' the more pricey stuff. To my eyes as a 'all day' watch it look far better, congratulations
The watch just needs a nice vinatge stitch leather strap. I got one on sale from watchgecko for 12 usd. It then started to split so i emialed then and they sent me the newer modle for free! Thats a 60usd strap for free! I then glued the old strap back together and its better now.
I had a Lorus with bead blasted case and gave it away. I HATE bead blasted cases.I didn't know you could do this.
Dude, your seiko 5 mods have pulled me into the rabbit hole of watch modding. Got myself the hadley roma 3346 and a barton blue alligator band (for my snkl43) on the way. Will def polish my 809 like this, but have you tried to turn a case black? I rly like your airwolf mod but the case donor is so hard to come by. Plus I quite like the stock case. Rn I've got my snkl43 on my stock 809 strap as I don't own any aftermarket yet.
Next month I'll mod the crystals, I'm thinking domed for the 43 and flat for the 809. Thoughts appreciated!
Wow, beautifully done 👍
Hey! What's your strategy to polish in between the lugs?
hey there. great video. I just bought a snk809 and wondered if polishing would ruin the glass if I go over it accidentally.
+dee7976 It didn't ruin mine. I polished the shit out of the crystal haha! Hardlex is the business. It'll be okay. But do be careful, though. If your watch starts to get hot, stop. Let it cool. You don't want the heat to transfer to the movement. Doing it in front of a fan helps.
Looking forward to the trip video!
+ajtronic I just got back. I'm looking forward to making it!
Bro! This is wicked awesome.
How did you get the remaining polish out of the crevices and crown?
Great vid and one which has inspired me to buy my first mechnical watch, as I've only ever owned quartz watches all my life. I have a question regarding the polishing; do you recommend that the front and rear glass be masked off beforehand? Or is it a non-issue?
+Dennis Kwok I find that the hardlex crystal is so...hard that nothing happens to it when I do a polish. Optimally, one would take out the movement before doing any sort of polishing to prevent heat damage that may occur. The case gets hot! I don't let it get too hot, though. I let it cool then start again. I hope you like your first mechanical!
Thanks for taking the time to reply mate. I've now had my SNK809 for about a week and I love it! There is just something about having a fully mechanical movement on your wrist that feels...nice, so consider me a mechanical convert. In fact, I'm awaiting delivery this morning of a Seiko SNK615K1 as I type this. Thanks again mate!
It only has a serial number, but no case number. The booklet says the case number is on the back. Where can you find the case number?
Beautiful
Interesting video, although I stick with the sandblasted case look 🤷🏻♂️
VERY GOOD POLISCH, FICOU MUITO BOM, BRASIL OK
This military watch last forever! So durable.
Can this technique removes small scratches? And can i use the same method for glass ?
Did you consider polishing the Seiko branded clasp and adding it? Or does the taper to 16mm prove too small?
+MaraxasLoL That's a great idea. BRB.
+minitwatch I foresee my 809 getting shiny in the near future.
-Shane
+MaraxasLoL Nope. It just wobbles and moves around too much. Sucks. I'm still in search of that perfect strap. I'll find one. Oh yes. I will! In the mean time, and because of YOU (shakes fist!), I'm going to search for a 16mm buckle with Seiko on it :p
+MaraxasLoL Go for it! You can always get another one if it gets messed up :p
+minitwatch mission accomplished!
Awesome idea. Please edit more.
Two comments:
First, can we finally be done with this “Seiko 5s are too small” bit? 37mm width/42mm lug-to-lug is just “normal”. I wear an SNK809 on my 8” wrist every day, and it looks fine.
Second, what is the deal with polishing a military field watch? It’s supposed to be dull, so your enemy doesn’t see the glint from a shiny watch!
If you like the case style but want some finish, why not buy an SNK789/793/795 Seiko 5?
Amazing
I think it's completely bead blasted because it's an aviator style watch and that is done on aviator watches to reduce glare. That being said, it's not an aviator watch and looks much better polished.
+Bacchus Leto Right. Even the Orient flight isn't true to the style. When I decide to get a true TypeA/TypeB, it's going to be legit. Blasted, sterile, no day/date, flame treated hands, etc. :)
More of a military field watch style, I think. Like the Hamilton Khaki. Only with the notable omission of seconds hacking.
Just the right size for a wrist!
Dude it's so fucking cool now
Will it get more scratchy after polished?
Do you think a dremel with a 4.8v would work?
Very good video :)
+yehezkiel hadirahardja Thanks :)
can you polish this by hand,if you dont have a polishing tool.
thank u for the video. that was really good :-)
+SHB You're welcome :)
Wait, seventh grade? What happened in seventh grade?! Cant find the belly whole! What!?
You missed one specification :+) :
- Trolls the Swiss with pleasure
+Kalax03 | FIFA 16 Entertainment! I did? Which one??
- Trolls the Swiss with pleasure
+Kalax03 | FIFA 16 Entertainment! Okay gotcha :)
It does look good polished. But that's not to say it looked bad bead blasted. Strictly speaking a field watch should be less reflective and less revealing of scratches.
No tape or anything for the crystal?
I'm looking to polish my SNK809 but don't have a dremel. I have cape cod polish though so could I hand polish my watch?
You can however, know that it will take a long time. I did my first one by hand and it took about 8 hours of hand polishing to get all the areas into a smooth, shiny luster. I took my time and did it all over the course of a week.
ok I think I will do it bit by bit over time thanks for the advice
minitwatch what sorta Polish would you need
Elliot G how did it go
I hand polished the watch for about an hour with Cape cod and hot a nice semi-polished shine. I could have spent longer polishing it to a mirror finish but I thought it looked good as it was after I polished it for an hour.
Damn this thing looks huge on your wrist compared to mine haha. Anyways, I'm wearing it daily!
Polish super titanium cityzen watch ???
Can I achieve the same finish by hand polishing?
Will this method scratch the hardlex crystal?
would you have to use a dremel? i don't own one
Have you ever thought of doing a bezel polishing video? I'd like to customize my bezel a little bit, I heard you can patina it but I was wondering about other options..
wow,so cool
did you ever watch the plumes of hazard on youtube a vape channel from way way back like 8 ish years ago your theme tune in this video is the same as what they used to use
what is your watch tool? Ive bought two and i cant remove the stupid metal link strap from this......
+Andy Cheng I just have a standard spring bar removal tool. Removing a bracelet is always a bit more difficult. Just keep trying. It might take some finesse, swearing, pacing back and forth, more swearing and maybe an adult fizzy :p
Why is the date on the watch aligned incorrectly? i can read that it says "23", but it feels bad that I can only see like 3/4 of the numbers...
It's because the watch is starting the date change, it's at around 10:45pm. This movement takes like 6 hours to change the day and date.