My Seiko 5 Actus (same like yours) is 40 years old and i serviced it for the 1st time 1 year ago. The man who serviced it did a great job. It looks like new again. Accuracy around +10 seconds/day and it is a beauty to watch its sweeping second hand moving. what a great video
I have a collection of vintage Seiko 5's adn the ones that have been serviced keep great time. I stopped collecting them becasue I was buying like new 40-year-old watches I was too scared to wear as I knew I would scratch them to bits.
As a 16600 Sea-Dweller owner, I can tell you the SD after 12 years or so of daily use won't be accurate and will need (expensive) service and maintenance. To be honest Im not inclined to spend so much to maintain a Rolex. A Seiko 5 is a good value proposition the same way a Camry is more bang for buck than a premium German car. But you might want to fit better suspension, soundproofing, etc. It's all about what you want and need. I enjoyed this video and especially how the watch got "hotrodded". I want one too!
And a brand new Seiko-5 movement at only $30 is far cheaper than a Rolex service. Of course, that doesn't include labor to install and calibrate though.
The removal of the heinous glass case back and replacing it with a OEM SEIKO steel caseback is Genius. I did the same with all my SEIKO 5 - SEA URCHIN and SNKL23. Bro I love your channel and your creativity is amazing
Bought one on ebay a few years back brand new £30. Never thought of it as a Rolex alternative but its a nice watch. Don't doubt the mods were worth doing especially the Sapphire as I've changed the hardlex once already, unable to find a suitable sapphire but I'll be looking again. Great video
@@Pspet You don't even get sapphire with a $300+ Prospex. I just ordered a SNXS73 from Jomashop, but I don't plan on doing any mods to it. I have told myself I would never waste my money on an overpriced, under-spec'd Seiko (especially the new 5s that cost $180+). I can overlook the lack of handwinding and hacking on an original $110 Seiko 5 with 7s26.
No one put it the way that you did and no one shows the work on the bench and comparissons as you do man! You are amazing and I am glad that I found your channel... Thank you and looking forward for more awesome work!
@@OpheliaNL plenty of other Seiko 5 models have normal casebacks that don't bulge out like this. It wouldn't have cost them any more to outfit this watch with a thinner caseback that offered a nicer wearing experience.
It's my first automatic watch and I love it. Sure, the bracelet feels like the og casio bracelet and its really small and thick, but for a 120€ beater automatic you cant complain.
Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!
I considered some of those mods to my snxs77 as it was my first watch. In the end I resigned as I couldn't find the matching bracelet as the ones offered earlier by rolamy would not fit perfectly and required to have gaps or use original end link. Then this case back that I had no idea I could replace so easily. And the sapphire that I could not find with my limited knowledge on how to measure this stuff etc. I didn't change a thing...and there comes you with this awesome video like 2 year later when I already gave up. I'm gonna do all those mods and get some required tools as I was considering trying out the watchmaking hobby and this might be an awesome start and deciding if I enjoy this before I try something more serious. Video of the year for me! :) Thanks!
'Hat Tip' to you Sir! I'd not seen one of your videos before and had just watched the videos you cite at the beginning. I was watching your intro thinking 'I think you're being overly critical' I DID NOT see your modifications coming! Very impressed and now subscribed.
Very helpful! You did all the upgrades I want to do on mine. Wasn't sure if the NH36 movement would fit with the slimmer case back as it is 0,5mm thicker. Thanks for good content!
@sensaznal I got a seiko quartz perpetual calendar with a sapphire crystal for 225. It's not a new release from seiko and I'm not sure if it's discontinued (thus the price).
This a great spin on the snxs videos. Love your additional mods. It’s a very good point to making a true value rolex alternative. I have the white dial and dark grey and I love them! I just put them on nice leather straps. I’d love to do the Crystal/movement upgrade but not sure I have the skills. Don’t want to break them! 😅. Maybe I’ll do the case back. But the height doesn’t bother me too much.
I love what you did to this Seiko. It looks amazing. I wore a Seiko 5 for over 15 years bought it in the late 90s and I loved it. I think the watch is perfect as is. Especially if you are on a budget. always set it five minutes ahead and the watch still keeps good time. Nowadays I use my cell phone to tell time.
I thought that would be one of if not the biggest issues with this model and from the looks it's is definitely one of them it's really unfortunate but they have soo many different case shapes with the same and different dials so I believe one of the more curved lugged models with this or a couple other dial options at the price it is still good I just wouldn't opt for the ufo style case and would be nice idea to upgrade the bracelet if possible and ya got a nice little watch. Seiko 5 is still a solid offer and holds its own in this category as the options are quite endless just takes some time to find the one that suits one exact preference IMHO.
It'd be nice if they made the correct changes and offered it at a realistic price but it does work nice as a mod base as well too. My preference is that exact dial and the other similar one housed in a proper oyster case and proper bracelet and sapphire be icing on the cake. Your review is very valuable and appreciate the video. All the best brother.
G'day. Yeah I did this a couple of years ago to my Seiko 5 SNX805K field with the Grey/Blue dial. I also replaced the hands with Cathedrals & a lume tipped Red second sweep. I brushed the case as I had worn it as my beater (& swam with it) for about ten? years & it was badly scarred. The other difference is that I reduced the thickness of the Sapphire from 1.5ml to 1ml so that the bezel would act as a "hood" & offer even more scratch protection to the crystal. Of course, I renewed all gaskets as well. Dimensions are: 42.5mm x 37mm x10.5mm & 19mm lug to lug. If it had 100m WR instead of 30m, it would outclass many...even most, in the under $500.00 range . I love it to bits & it stands up to anything I put it through. The Superluminova is still fabulous even after all this time. Just love what you do...thank you of the content.
well, I am not sure about "Rolex Alternative" but you successfully turned a layman into a "watch guy." Thanks bud for a quality, technical, professional, and above all, a moral analysis of "UA-cam University's" claim.
I bought a Seiko snk601 just for the dial. I removed the hands and dial and placed them in a srpe51. Perfect fit. Did an upgrade with a sapphire crystal.
Saw this watch today, and I honestly believed the bracelet is low quality also the back. Glad to see you improved it, looks amazing. Unfortunately I am not able to do those improvements here in my country.
I have this watch and am in absolute love with it. I have a very small wrist yet the watch still looks pretty normal to me on my wrist. I definitely think the adjustment you made to the case back makes it look better, but I personally wouldn't take the time and effort to switch it. I replaced the original bracelet with a jubilee bracelet and the watch is perfect. I do want to change out the hardlex with a sapphire crystal at some point tho
@Escapement & Watch Love your content and appreciate all the efforts you make in communicating with your viewers. Look forward for the future content to come!
Banging movement the NH35/6/8 etc, cheap and capable of excellent performance as long as you don't mind the thickness. I've got a few and most run incredibly well given the price. More of a diver guy but after your subtle tickle , the wrist presence was improved significantly, not to mention that excellent time keeping.
I have the exact same watch (the original one I mean) and I really love it. It looks incredibly good, and while it's my cheapest watch it is the one I wear when a need a dress watch. While I could obviously not improve it the way you did (congratulations!) I simply replaced the crappy bracelet with a black leather strap and voila! It looks even better. BTW the watch is unfortunately not available anymore. New Seiko 5 are now way more expensive than that and I don't think they have a model that looks that good.
Hey, thanks so much for the video! I did all the mods except for the hacking movement upgrade, which was too advanced for me. I also didn't want to drop a lot of cash on nice tools, so I just got a $20 press kit on Amazon, which came with caseback remover tools as well as protective film. The kit was definitely not the same quality as the tools in the video, but for a one-time use, it was great. I just needed to ensure that I was intentional and slow with all of my movements and that even pressure was being applied at all times - nothing forced. It was my first time modding, and it was so much fun - waiting for all of the individual parts to come and seeing the watch transform made me feel like a kid waiting for Christmas presents. For me, the biggest impacts in order were 1. bracelet, 2. caseback, and 3. sapphire glass upgrade. I would do all of them, though: the bracelet is a game-changer in terms of look and feel. Though, I could almost argue that the caseback change was more impactful than the bracelet (almost;)). At least in terms of comfort. I had to wait 3 weeks for it to come in from Spain, and it was the last piece, so I wore the watch with the original one for that time. I was genuinely surprised by how much more comfortable it became and obviously looked better too. I know that in the video, you tried to give several angles, and you can tell the difference, but you feel it so much more after wearing the original for 3 weeks and then switching it. The see-through glass back would also annoyingly stick to my skin throughout the day. I couldn't find a 7S26-3040 caseback, but after some Reddit research and messaging individual vintage caseback sellers on eBay, I learned that the 7009 caseback works just as well. For those of you who are stuck looking for casebacks, I got this 7009-3040 on eBay - www.ebay.ca/itm/134694078939. I used the original gasket, which fit snug and can still hear the automatic movement having plenty of room to wind. Looks like the seller still has a few. Based on a few chats with vintage watch parts sellers, 7S26-3040, 7S26-3160, 7S26-8760, 7009-3040, 7009-3160, and 7009-8760 should all work. Again, I can only confirm that for the 7009-3040. And finally, even though the glass upgrade is in number 3 for me, you can tell that it's on, and it elevates the watch with extra clarity and shine. Thanks again for making this video! Changing everything myself made the watch way more special to me.
Fantastic information and very helpful, thanks for taking the time to write all this up. I've just purchased a 7S26-3160 case back. Which bracelet did you choose and are you still happy with it?
@@elchapo4485 Not as a rule, but there's a good possibility that amateurs opening up a watch won't seal it up again with the same consistency as the factory does, and the fact it's not then been pressure tested. In this case the watch has a low water resistance rating and the replacements (older vintage casebacks and the new sterile ones from places like Monster Watches) are as strong as the factory one so that in otself doesn't make a difference. When you replace a dive rated watch's caseback with a thinner one (like people do with the SPB151 variants) the metal structure itself has less structural integrity. Anyway usually it's the act of moving the seal, not replacing it if needed or not regreasing, possibly pinching it or not torquing it up to spec, andnnot pressure testing it that means the water resistance can no longer be given the same trust as the factory rating.
I just added this jubilee bracelet to my Seiko SNXS77 and it looks incredible. I wasn't wearing this watch much for the last year and now I think I'm gonna wear it every day.
If I had access to the same tools you did, I would die a happy man. I use to botch my seiko 5s with a bunch of DIY projects. Had so much fun replacing dials and hands. It always took forever to get my little parts tho. Shout out to yobokies for getting me into modding my own stuff. Love your channel.
I changed the crystal and bracelet and it does make a huge difference the dial really pops now, I really like it but its no Rolex rival. Nobody is likely to rob me in the street for my Seiko.
I have just brought this watch. Would you consider make the changes to it if I shipped it too you? Or do you sell the 'upgraded' versions yourself? Many thanks ( P.S. I only just found your channel and I love it )
Amazing watch. It has remarkable precision. I've been using it daily for over 10 years. As it is cheaper than a ROLEx, the risk of using it is lower and with quality. I only took it for cleaning once. I make internal adjustments myself.
Mmm dunno. Bracelet it a quick change. Based on my experience you are going to have to change the crystal out it’s going to scratch. Case back and movement are bonuses.
At 4:54. Am I about to see this body style get a new movement? I have been asking for years of this style could get that movement. I will continue to watch. I am so excited now.
Ill be honest, i had a few of these seiko 5s (newer generation and the older ones snk etc) they do resemble sort of to a point, rolex, however after wearing them a bit and the novelty of a 100 dollar rolex homage wore off, they got boring real quick. Sold them or just dont wear them anymore collecting dust.
I wear mine as my beater watch so very frequently and I love it. There's an all new generation just announced and it will release next month can't wait to check it out.
Thank you for this Video i've got the older Version of this watch, which isn't running great anymore, i was always wondering if i can swap the movement over.
Hey! The Rolex gives you status. You don't buy a Rolex because you want a good watch. You buy it for status. Seiko produces great watches that look great too. But it's for people who are confident. 😊
No this case back was used on this exact watch in the 1990's with same movement. pic of the vintage blue watch was shown in this video. Everything was calculated before video was made. There is an extra 2mm on the display caseback.
I love that SNXSs and have a rare SNXS81. Put the same bracelet on it. Such great watches. Can not understand why Seiko is not releasing the new versions of this. Imagine 1000 dial colors :) still a Tiffany dial would be the winner next to a Safron, Red, Emerald or Lightblue. I am a dreamer.
There’s a huge difference with the thinner case back. None of the Seiko 5’s have tempted me, so far. An NH36 is better, but the slower sweep of the seconds hand still won’t look anything like a Rolex.
I put an Uncle Seiko bracelet on mine and love it. Would love to swap the crystal for sapphire at some point, but figured I'd do that AFTER the hardlex has some scratches to justify replacing. Does anyone know if somone makes signed crowns that fit this watch? I know they do for the SKX, but couldn't find any for this one and I'd love that!
The thumbnails of those (Seiko 5 BEATS ROLEX vids) shown at the start of this video have a ton of views, some in the MILLIONS! It is just the name of the game: Rolex name in the title gets more views.
@@EscapementWatch So ridiculous. I dig your high end Seiko vids and trust you enough that this was a different sort of vid, which it was. 👍👍 I'm considering that amazon caseback opener. Reviews are a bit mixed but most seem to like it.
Yea, overall I think if you mod it is worth it. No more scratches, well mostly. You have to be careful and get the hang of it. In this video for example I had to raise the watch up. So I put a table shaped dye (from the crystal press) upside down to lift the watch up as the mechanism wouldn't reach with the watch sitting on the base. I've had watches slip out of the holder because I over tightened it etc. I'm sure the real one is much better but $$$
well , i have a vintagge seiko from 1981 and replaced its back with a glass back to look modern ! ( new one doesnt look good ) can i put that nh38 in it ? ( its a 6309 )
The real fun is if Seiko can provide a $150 Rolex alternative with sapphire crystal, Rolex type bracelet, and great movement. INSTEAD of providing another watch named Grand Seiko with $20000 price tag.
Great video, loved it! M watch and bracelet are already on the way. Do you have any suggestions for caseback replacements? I don't see a link for a one.
I bought a sapphire crystal to upgrade the hardlex and bought a nice 19mm leather strap to go with it. Are you able to provide the link to where you bought the case back please? I just loved your video as my SNXS79 is one of my fave watches😊
I have a Seiko 5 bumper automatic from the 70ties in my collection. Best watch ever! Accurate, after all these years of service. I think every watch collector should have one in their collection.
I love what you did with it :) Once my hardlex gets scratched up Ill definitely look into adding a sapphire crystal since I didnt realize they could be had so cheaply lol
I have this watch. It's my daily wear watch. First thing I did was change the bracelet for a soft lamb leather strap. Perhaps I was lucky but mine is accurate to plus 7 seconds per day, I usually set it every Sunday at 12 noon 😅. Its a really good watch, I paid £87.00 inc delivery ☺️
I recently switched to an OYSTER Bracelet: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCejZNv
Does the case back have to be specifically for 7S26-3040. If not, how can I find out which other reference numbers would fit?
@escapementwatch: pls suggest case size for this Seiko snxs...pls give us link to buy new case. My case is damaged and want to replace it.
The thing is… I’ve never wanted a Rolex.
this
I got both.. Rolex still better and quality much more comfort. But love Seiko and got me the white dial for work.
My Seiko 5 Actus (same like yours) is 40 years old and i serviced it for the 1st time 1 year ago. The man who serviced it did a great job. It looks like new again. Accuracy around +10 seconds/day and it is a beauty to watch its sweeping second hand moving. what a great video
I have a collection of vintage Seiko 5's adn the ones that have been serviced keep great time. I stopped collecting them becasue I was buying like new 40-year-old watches I was too scared to wear as I knew I would scratch them to bits.
I’m afraid of getting addicted tho the older Seiko 5’s ahah they’re just pure class and quality pieces. Absolutely love my snkl41
Parabéns por conserva-lo. É um relogio se bem cuidado para a próxima geração. Bom gosto.
As a 16600 Sea-Dweller owner, I can tell you the SD after 12 years or so of daily use won't be accurate and will need (expensive) service and maintenance. To be honest Im not inclined to spend so much to maintain a Rolex. A Seiko 5 is a good value proposition the same way a Camry is more bang for buck than a premium German car. But you might want to fit better suspension, soundproofing, etc. It's all about what you want and need. I enjoyed this video and especially how the watch got "hotrodded". I want one too!
And a brand new Seiko-5 movement at only $30 is far cheaper than a Rolex service. Of course, that doesn't include labor to install and calibrate though.
@@brnmcc01 💯💯💯
That caseback made a HUGE difference.
The removal of the heinous glass case back and replacing it with a OEM SEIKO steel caseback is Genius. I did the same with all my SEIKO 5 - SEA URCHIN and SNKL23.
Bro I love your channel and your creativity is amazing
Very nice! Glad you enjoy!
Agreed those case backs are terrible.
@@EscapementWatch
Greetings from USA 🇺🇸 brother.
God Bless.
Bought one on ebay a few years back brand new £30. Never thought of it as a Rolex alternative but its a nice watch. Don't doubt the mods were worth doing especially the Sapphire as I've changed the hardlex once already, unable to find a suitable sapphire but I'll be looking again. Great video
sapphire is from monsterwatches. check link in description. He has flat or dome with blue ar or clear ar coatings.
Seiko could easily make these changes and charge $300 for the watch. It would be a good replacement for SARB033.
No way they would charge less than 450
@@Pspet You don't even get sapphire with a $300+ Prospex. I just ordered a SNXS73 from Jomashop, but I don't plan on doing any mods to it. I have told myself I would never waste my money on an overpriced, under-spec'd Seiko (especially the new 5s that cost $180+). I can overlook the lack of handwinding and hacking on an original $110 Seiko 5 with 7s26.
thye could change production ...
The watch world is full of scammers and scumbags.
Rolex is the biggest scammer of them all. A $700 made watch for a few hundred thousand.
I heard they’re doing it now with new Seiko5 releases, increasing prices
No one put it the way that you did and no one shows the work on the bench and comparissons as you do man! You are amazing and I am glad that I found your channel... Thank you and looking forward for more awesome work!
I can’t believe Seiko didn’t think to do this on their own lol. For some reason this brand loves excessively thick casebacks, even on their GS models.
An yet there as popular as ever. It's a Seiko thing nothing wrong with that in my book . Good you have other options.. Huh
What do you expect from a watch of this price.
@@OpheliaNL plenty of other Seiko 5 models have normal casebacks that don't bulge out like this. It wouldn't have cost them any more to outfit this watch with a thinner caseback that offered a nicer wearing experience.
@@SunsetSheen probably it's just their marketing so their watches are bought at any price points..
they don't even have pretty movements back there!
Thank you!
The seiko 5 are great watches at their price point. However, calling them Rolex killers is just crazy. They’re not even in the same realm.
Toyota Corolla - MERECEDES KILLER
They are obviously better than Rolex.
My eldest son, would wholeheartedly agree!
Bro i hawe seiko 5
55years old and it is not 1 second latening men that is miracle for that money
If seiko watches costed the same as Rolex then everyone will agree that seiko watches are better. Seiko has low self esteem probably
Never seen any of your videos, but boy did you get my attention! You are truly on another level.
Subscribed!
Wow, thanks!
It's my first automatic watch and I love it. Sure, the bracelet feels like the og casio bracelet and its really small and thick, but for a 120€ beater automatic you cant complain.
Agree .. i have had mine for a year now and bought it as a beater but sometimes i just look at it and am afraid of scratching it XD
Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!
I considered some of those mods to my snxs77 as it was my first watch. In the end I resigned as I couldn't find the matching bracelet as the ones offered earlier by rolamy would not fit perfectly and required to have gaps or use original end link. Then this case back that I had no idea I could replace so easily. And the sapphire that I could not find with my limited knowledge on how to measure this stuff etc. I didn't change a thing...and there comes you with this awesome video like 2 year later when I already gave up. I'm gonna do all those mods and get some required tools as I was considering trying out the watchmaking hobby and this might be an awesome start and deciding if I enjoy this before I try something more serious. Video of the year for me! :) Thanks!
any jewl shop can do that.
What an awesome video! Your attention to detail is truly incredible. Really enjoyed watching this. Congrats on a great job!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Well done. I contemplated this one for a long time. Until now, mods always replaced the case, even though only swapping the caseback is needed.
'Hat Tip' to you Sir! I'd not seen one of your videos before and had just watched the videos you cite at the beginning. I was watching your intro thinking 'I think you're being overly critical' I DID NOT see your modifications coming! Very impressed and now subscribed.
Very helpful! You did all the upgrades I want to do on mine. Wasn't sure if the NH36 movement would fit with the slimmer case back as it is 0,5mm thicker. Thanks for good content!
yes the double dome sapphire makes it possible.
Is it not possible with the flat sapphire?@@EscapementWatch
I'd buy this version for $300 if Seiko offered it
If seiko made this today I think they would charge $499 now a days
Moon swatch reverse lol
Any sapphire crystal automatic from Seiko would be $500+
@@sensaznaleven alot of the prospex line at that price still have hardlex
Seiko is really awful as of late
@sensaznal I got a seiko quartz perpetual calendar with a sapphire crystal for 225. It's not a new release from seiko and I'm not sure if it's discontinued (thus the price).
This a great spin on the snxs videos. Love your additional mods. It’s a very good point to making a true value rolex alternative. I have the white dial and dark grey and I love them! I just put them on nice leather straps. I’d love to do the Crystal/movement upgrade but not sure I have the skills. Don’t want to break them! 😅. Maybe I’ll do the case back. But the height doesn’t bother me too much.
I love what you did to this Seiko. It looks amazing. I wore a Seiko 5 for over 15 years bought it in the late 90s and I loved it. I think the watch is perfect as is. Especially if you are on a budget. always set it five minutes ahead and the watch still keeps good time. Nowadays I use my cell phone to tell time.
Bought one a while back and ended up selling soon after purely because of how high it sat on my wrist due to the case back. Felt and looked like a ufo
Just buy a slim case back, that’s the beauty of Seiko 5’s
It’s a killer of a watch! For the price it’s hard pass!! Just get slim case as noted. I prefer slightly high profile as it is not to much for me.
I thought that would be one of if not the biggest issues with this model and from the looks it's is definitely one of them it's really unfortunate but they have soo many different case shapes with the same and different dials so I believe one of the more curved lugged models with this or a couple other dial options at the price it is still good I just wouldn't opt for the ufo style case and would be nice idea to upgrade the bracelet if possible and ya got a nice little watch. Seiko 5 is still a solid offer and holds its own in this category as the options are quite endless just takes some time to find the one that suits one exact preference IMHO.
It'd be nice if they made the correct changes and offered it at a realistic price but it does work nice as a mod base as well too. My preference is that exact dial and the other similar one housed in a proper oyster case and proper bracelet and sapphire be icing on the cake. Your review is very valuable and appreciate the video. All the best brother.
G'day. Yeah I did this a couple of years ago to my Seiko 5 SNX805K field with the Grey/Blue dial. I also replaced the hands with Cathedrals & a lume tipped Red second sweep. I brushed the case as I had worn it as my beater (& swam with it) for about ten? years & it was badly scarred. The other difference is that I reduced the thickness of the Sapphire from 1.5ml to 1ml so that the bezel would act as a "hood" & offer even more scratch protection to the crystal. Of course, I renewed all gaskets as well.
Dimensions are: 42.5mm x 37mm x10.5mm & 19mm lug to lug. If it had 100m WR instead of 30m, it would outclass many...even most, in the under $500.00 range . I love it to bits & it stands up to anything I put it through. The Superluminova is still fabulous even after all this time.
Just love what you do...thank you of the content.
Where did you get the caseback?
That was terrific! Awesome improvement! So happy I found your channel! Thank you for this inspiring video!
You are so welcome!
well, I am not sure about "Rolex Alternative" but you successfully turned a layman into a "watch guy." Thanks bud for a quality, technical, professional, and above all, a moral analysis of "UA-cam University's" claim.
Done! I can confirm that my SNXS77 is very much improved!
I have this watch and after seeing this video, I am motivated to work on mine. Thanks and great video!
the case back and changes did make a difference! Thanks.
I bought a Seiko snk601 just for the dial. I removed the hands and dial and placed them in a srpe51. Perfect fit. Did an upgrade with a sapphire crystal.
Did you manage to match the chapter ring?
@@EscapementWatch I purchased the crystal and a brushed chapter ring from namokiMODS.
Saw this watch today, and I honestly believed the bracelet is low quality also the back. Glad to see you improved it, looks amazing. Unfortunately I am not able to do those improvements here in my country.
I have this watch and am in absolute love with it. I have a very small wrist yet the watch still looks pretty normal to me on my wrist. I definitely think the adjustment you made to the case back makes it look better, but I personally wouldn't take the time and effort to switch it. I replaced the original bracelet with a jubilee bracelet and the watch is perfect. I do want to change out the hardlex with a sapphire crystal at some point tho
Great to hear!
@Escapement & Watch Love your content and appreciate all the efforts you make in communicating with your viewers. Look forward for the future content to come!
where did you buy the jubilee? i am looking for one
@valentinmeyer check the link in the description
@@EscapementWatch Where did you buy the caseback?
Now i know, Seiko can be upgraded. UA-cam algo brought me here. Thank you for the great content!
Banging movement the NH35/6/8 etc, cheap and capable of excellent performance as long as you don't mind the thickness. I've got a few and most run incredibly well given the price. More of a diver guy but after your subtle tickle , the wrist presence was improved significantly, not to mention that excellent time keeping.
Il movimento non è un NH35,ma il 7s26
I have the exact same watch (the original one I mean) and I really love it. It looks incredibly good, and while it's my cheapest watch it is the one I wear when a need a dress watch. While I could obviously not improve it the way you did (congratulations!) I simply replaced the crappy bracelet with a black leather strap and voila! It looks even better.
BTW the watch is unfortunately not available anymore. New Seiko 5 are now way more expensive than that and I don't think they have a model that looks that good.
Do people sell the moded version of these online? Seems like paying for the additional materials, installation, and shipping would be worth it.
I'm selling the silver version in this video. Email for details.
Hey, thanks so much for the video! I did all the mods except for the hacking movement upgrade, which was too advanced for me. I also didn't want to drop a lot of cash on nice tools, so I just got a $20 press kit on Amazon, which came with caseback remover tools as well as protective film. The kit was definitely not the same quality as the tools in the video, but for a one-time use, it was great. I just needed to ensure that I was intentional and slow with all of my movements and that even pressure was being applied at all times - nothing forced. It was my first time modding, and it was so much fun - waiting for all of the individual parts to come and seeing the watch transform made me feel like a kid waiting for Christmas presents.
For me, the biggest impacts in order were 1. bracelet, 2. caseback, and 3. sapphire glass upgrade. I would do all of them, though: the bracelet is a game-changer in terms of look and feel. Though, I could almost argue that the caseback change was more impactful than the bracelet (almost;)). At least in terms of comfort. I had to wait 3 weeks for it to come in from Spain, and it was the last piece, so I wore the watch with the original one for that time. I was genuinely surprised by how much more comfortable it became and obviously looked better too. I know that in the video, you tried to give several angles, and you can tell the difference, but you feel it so much more after wearing the original for 3 weeks and then switching it. The see-through glass back would also annoyingly stick to my skin throughout the day.
I couldn't find a 7S26-3040 caseback, but after some Reddit research and messaging individual vintage caseback sellers on eBay, I learned that the 7009 caseback works just as well. For those of you who are stuck looking for casebacks, I got this 7009-3040 on eBay - www.ebay.ca/itm/134694078939. I used the original gasket, which fit snug and can still hear the automatic movement having plenty of room to wind. Looks like the seller still has a few. Based on a few chats with vintage watch parts sellers, 7S26-3040, 7S26-3160, 7S26-8760, 7009-3040, 7009-3160, and 7009-8760 should all work. Again, I can only confirm that for the 7009-3040.
And finally, even though the glass upgrade is in number 3 for me, you can tell that it's on, and it elevates the watch with extra clarity and shine.
Thanks again for making this video! Changing everything myself made the watch way more special to me.
Fantastic information and very helpful, thanks for taking the time to write all this up. I've just purchased a 7S26-3160 case back.
Which bracelet did you choose and are you still happy with it?
i heard if you changed the caseback the water resistance will be reduced. is that true?
@@elchapo4485 Not as a rule, but there's a good possibility that amateurs opening up a watch won't seal it up again with the same consistency as the factory does, and the fact it's not then been pressure tested. In this case the watch has a low water resistance rating and the replacements (older vintage casebacks and the new sterile ones from places like Monster Watches) are as strong as the factory one so that in otself doesn't make a difference. When you replace a dive rated watch's caseback with a thinner one (like people do with the SPB151 variants) the metal structure itself has less structural integrity.
Anyway usually it's the act of moving the seal, not replacing it if needed or not regreasing, possibly pinching it or not torquing it up to spec, andnnot pressure testing it that means the water resistance can no longer be given the same trust as the factory rating.
I just added this jubilee bracelet to my Seiko SNXS77 and it looks incredible. I wasn't wearing this watch much for the last year and now I think I'm gonna wear it every day.
If I had access to the same tools you did, I would die a happy man. I use to botch my seiko 5s with a bunch of DIY projects. Had so much fun replacing dials and hands. It always took forever to get my little parts tho. Shout out to yobokies for getting me into modding my own stuff. Love your channel.
WOOOW! What a transformation!! Damn, I want that watch now (your version, in blue :D)
I changed the crystal and bracelet and it does make a huge difference the dial really pops now, I really like it but its no Rolex rival. Nobody is likely to rob me in the street for my Seiko.
I did the same upgrades movement and crystal upgrades to my Seiko SNZG 11. Worth every penny.
I have this one.
blue one looks the best.
I replaced the bracelet with a jubilee.
it is a great looking watch for 100 bucks.
I have just brought this watch. Would you consider make the changes to it if I shipped it too you? Or do you sell the 'upgraded' versions yourself? Many thanks ( P.S. I only just found your channel and I love it )
I own both. In North America, you get way more comments and questions about the Seiko. People generally know what it is and are not intimidated by it.
Amazing watch. It has remarkable precision.
I've been using it daily for over 10 years. As it is cheaper than a ROLEx, the risk of using it is lower and with quality.
I only took it for cleaning once. I make internal adjustments myself.
what size was the vintage case back I'd like to allow this to sit better on my wrist as well. was it 32mm?
Damn, you are a true watch enthusiast. Love your seiko 5 watch improvement content. Can't wait to see another similar videos.
OMG too much hassle dude!!!! I admire your patience undertaking extensive surgery on this watch.....
Mmm dunno. Bracelet it a quick change. Based on my experience you are going to have to change the crystal out it’s going to scratch. Case back and movement are bonuses.
At 4:54. Am I about to see this body style get a new movement? I have been asking for years of this style could get that movement. I will continue to watch. I am so excited now.
8:41 can someone give me the links to buy? I’ve searched in my country but didn’t found any.
Is it possible to change the case back to a shallower display case back?
Ill be honest, i had a few of these seiko 5s (newer generation and the older ones snk etc) they do resemble sort of to a point, rolex, however after wearing them a bit and the novelty of a 100 dollar rolex homage wore off, they got boring real quick. Sold them or just dont wear them anymore collecting dust.
I wear mine as my beater watch so very frequently and I love it. There's an all new generation just announced and it will release next month can't wait to check it out.
I did exactly every single mod you listed here down to the teeth. Took it to my watch smith to do but very satisfied
Would you perhaps remember the size (diameter and thickness) of sapphire glass used?
Great mod, I love my stock snxs79 as it is, but these changes would definitely make me love it more.
Totally agree
@@EscapementWatch where can i buy the case back?
Thank you for this Video i've got the older Version of this watch, which isn't running great anymore, i was always wondering if i can swap the movement over.
This upgrade is a real art and I love it ❤ Btw what case model can be used to do the upgrade?
I live in North Carolina . Any idea where I could send my watch to someone who’d modify it the way you did? Very striking modification
where I can find the case back?
Fantastic tutorial. My hats off to you, Sir....
Glad you liked it
Hey! The Rolex gives you status. You don't buy a Rolex because you want a good watch. You buy it for status. Seiko produces great watches that look great too. But it's for people who are confident. 😊
The extra 1mm is because it's an automatic movement with a rotor that needs room to rotate, slimmer casebacks might interfere with the movement.??
No this case back was used on this exact watch in the 1990's with same movement. pic of the vintage blue watch was shown in this video. Everything was calculated before video was made. There is an extra 2mm on the display caseback.
Is it for sale?
I love that SNXSs and have a rare SNXS81. Put the same bracelet on it. Such great watches. Can not understand why Seiko is not releasing the new versions of this. Imagine 1000 dial colors :) still a Tiffany dial would be the winner next to a Safron, Red, Emerald or Lightblue. I am a dreamer.
There’s a huge difference with the thinner case back. None of the Seiko 5’s have tempted me, so far. An NH36 is better, but the slower sweep of the seconds hand still won’t look anything like a Rolex.
Il Seiko snxs77 non ha NH36,ma il 7s26
Very informative and nice upgrade of the Seiko 5 to an affordable Rolex performance piece.
My thoughts: very nice upgrades and final watch. Nicely done!
Impressive. No more Seiko Shuffle. Great video! Subscribed.
Glad you enjoyed the upgrades and welcome!
Its very cool upgrades man. Congrats for the channel.
Thanks, and glad you like the upgrades!
I put an Uncle Seiko bracelet on mine and love it. Would love to swap the crystal for sapphire at some point, but figured I'd do that AFTER the hardlex has some scratches to justify replacing. Does anyone know if somone makes signed crowns that fit this watch? I know they do for the SKX, but couldn't find any for this one and I'd love that!
Is there a cheaper way to open this caseback? Also when ordering a flatter one which kind are we looking for? Is it a certain measurement?
some people like to use caseback ball amzn.to/43npUBW It can work well if it is not to tight from factory
So, if one would want to have this watch upgraded by a pro, what would it cost approximately?
I'm going to estimate parts + $100-$150 in labour
Nice upgrades and fun vid. I almost skipped it since I try to avoid click bait titles with Rolex.
The thumbnails of those (Seiko 5 BEATS ROLEX vids) shown at the start of this video have a ton of views, some in the MILLIONS! It is just the name of the game: Rolex name in the title gets more views.
@@EscapementWatch So ridiculous. I dig your high end Seiko vids and trust you enough that this was a different sort of vid, which it was. 👍👍 I'm considering that amazon caseback opener. Reviews are a bit mixed but most seem to like it.
Yea, overall I think if you mod it is worth it. No more scratches, well mostly. You have to be careful and get the hang of it. In this video for example I had to raise the watch up. So I put a table shaped dye (from the crystal press) upside down to lift the watch up as the mechanism wouldn't reach with the watch sitting on the base. I've had watches slip out of the holder because I over tightened it etc. I'm sure the real one is much better but $$$
well , i have a vintagge seiko from 1981 and replaced its back with a glass back to look modern ! ( new one doesnt look good ) can i put that nh38 in it ? ( its a 6309 )
The real fun is if Seiko can provide a $150 Rolex alternative with sapphire crystal, Rolex type bracelet, and great movement. INSTEAD of providing another watch named Grand Seiko with $20000 price tag.
amazing content. Do you think a 31mm*1.5mm would fit the snxs? And do you have the diameter of your caseback, please?
thanks. It should be 31x 1.8mm to fit like oem. caseback is 32x29.9mm
@@EscapementWatch thank you very much
I would buy that watch from you in a heartbeat; it looks so good.
hey Escapementwatch & watch, i watch your videos often and wonder do you fix watchese? if you do, please let me know. thanks.
are you selling these after you are upgrading them? I would like to purchase if you are selling any
where did you source the flatter caseback from? Thanks
Great video, loved it! M watch and bracelet are already on the way. Do you have any suggestions for caseback replacements? I don't see a link for a one.
eBay search 7s26-3040 case back
@@EscapementWatch can't find affordabke 3040 caseback anymore. Would any caseback starts with 7029 fit on it?
I’m amazed that you tune it to +/- 3 seconds, I wonder how long it stays that way ?
I bought a sapphire crystal to upgrade the hardlex and bought a nice 19mm leather strap to go with it. Are you able to provide the link to where you bought the case back please? I just loved your video as my SNXS79 is one of my fave watches😊
search ebay for (7s26-3040 seiko case back) You may have to wait for one to become available. Just check every week or so.
@@EscapementWatch already did and ordered! I wish I’d known about this earlier. Just genius! Thank you so much for the help and the video mate
Where can I buy the alternative caseback?
For interested users:
substituted the caseback with 7s26-6030, seems to fit perfectly
How can I get one like this mod?
Mine gussl The new watch is great! I've praised its realism many times. I really recommend checking out their selection.
I have a Seiko 5 bumper automatic from the 70ties in my collection. Best watch ever! Accurate, after all these years of service. I think every watch collector should have one in their collection.
Very interesting approach you have. Enjoyed it even though I have zero intention of owning such a watch :)
Do you sell these upgraded watches?
Not what I expected, gotta be honest. But super cool content! Love that you even exchanged the movement, thats dedication :)
Hi can you give me the reference of the new case u put on the back ? Thanks
Hi there.. Where can i buy the OLD Seiko Case back pls. For replacing the Current case back of this Seiko SNXS77? TY
I got mine off ebay.
Quartz or Automatic for Seiko 5 snx?
Hi, what was the size of the double dome sapphire for reference (diameter and thickness)? Thank you
31mm
@ Is it necessary for the thickness to be 1.8mm? Or I can work with 1.5mm? Thanks for the reply!
its fine it will just stick out a bit, but some people love that look. You can buy the perfect sized crystal from monsterwatches though.
I like see trough casebacks ,i would of changed it to but with another see trough caseback !!
I love what you did with it :) Once my hardlex gets scratched up Ill definitely look into adding a sapphire crystal since I didnt realize they could be had so cheaply lol
Hello, where can I buy a such custom Seiko 5. I can't do these upgrades by myself. Thank you.
I have this watch. It's my daily wear watch. First thing I did was change the bracelet for a soft lamb leather strap. Perhaps I was lucky but mine is accurate to plus 7 seconds per day, I usually set it every Sunday at 12 noon 😅. Its a really good watch, I paid £87.00 inc delivery ☺️
Thanks for sharing! I'm wear mine for work as well.
Good work and worthwhile upgrades!
It sure is!