r/watchmodding

I'm quite satisfied with the result !

I didn't pay attention to the bezel lume color when I got it but that's fine.

I need to change the bracelet, this one feels kinda cheap and I think an Oyster (or something similar) would fit better.

Do you have any recommendations about where to get a quality bracelet ? (On Ali or another site)

My first watch, built June 2025. I originally was planning to gift it but I was so pleased with how it turned out I decided to keep it. This SKX007 has parts from namoki, alix and eBay. I think the top hat crystal suits it so well. Its color scheme is also rather patriotic, happy July 4th!

My intent with the dial/bezel insert combo was to create a yin/yang balance and continue the wave out of the dial into the bezel. I also wanted a full lume.

“The Kanagawa”

Id like to see any watches you have with top hat crystals!

Thanks!

So as the tittle says, this is my first build and for the most part, I am really happy with it. Save for the part that I can’t get any strap or bracelet to fit. I’ve spent about 5 hours combined, with four different strap/bracelet options trying to get the thing together and no matter what I do, I just can’t get anything to fit.

I bought a rubber strap to go on and while the straps dimensions were right, there was too much rubber between the spring bars position and the holes themselves.

Same deal with the metal bracelet that came with the case itself.

So I bought another strap off amazon this time (everything else had come from Ali express) and again, same issue.

So I bought some adapters now, that can fit any 22mm strap, hoping those would fit, but they aren’t either. I’m currently working on sanding them on high grit sand paper to see if that might work, but I don’t have high hopes.

I’d really appreciate if anyone had any ideas for what I might be able to do.

First time mod. Parts from Aliexpress.

(Fancy photo is my evolution of renderings before I settled for the most simple)

I plan to slice the dial out a bit and have been watching autistic levels of watch mod/repair videos as of late before I attempt this. I can not justify the price point of a GSAR with a baby on the way... but want to create my own lightweight version of one.

Is it possible to do this? The only complications I can think of are cracking the dial... What am I missing?

My Deep Blue model: DAYNIGHT DIVER PC TRITIUM AUTOMATIC WATCH STEALTH BEZEL - BLACK STEALTH DIAL BLUE/YELLOW TUBES STRAP ( https://www.deepbluewatches.com/dadipctrwast2.html ) uses an NH35 movement with a 4 o'clock DATE ONLY window. I am not too sure of what else to share... as I don't frequent forums often.

Can this be done?

Has anybody here made their own Marathon SAR clone with day/date? I'm a former infantryman, locksmith, and now criminal investigator... I want to build my own after hearing terrible things about Marathon and being somewhat autistic and cheap about my hobbies. I have disassembled some crazy shit in my life: engines, explosives, firearms, high security locks, safes, etc. This seems like a natural progression to me. I'm sick of my Garmin Tactix Delta being... too perfect.

Inspiration liated below: my four current most worn watches for my 7 3/4" wrist. These led me to want to mix them, which led me to the SAR line from Marathon... but I DEMAND the day and date, and require 44mm plus for a watch, so that limited me... until I discovered their 46mm line that is ideal... yet $3,000. I will NEVER spend that much on a tool.

I just purchased a Deep Blue Stealth Ops model to try out, and plan on purchasing a $100 tritium Deep Blue diver as the base for my mods... I'm just wondering if anybody has had the same thought process prior to starting their build. I've been using AI and came up with moreorless... this:

Finished my first build today, and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out! I’d love tips, feedback, advice from anyone into watches, especially those that have more experience than me.

What should I try next?

Spotted an old quartz seiko in a thrift store and immediately saw an aquarium in it to be painted.

I work as a watch painter and general artist and this one I painted up just for fun! I even got it to tick again with a battery change and some cleaning.

The outside is a bit rough but eh, it feels like it has a story that way. I could polish it up and such but I'll keep it like this.

Have a good day!

I love this small RM/FP journe vibe of this grandeur watch. Does anyone know where I could find parts similar? Most importantly the case shape and dial. I love how thin the case is, thick watches aren’t for me! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Cheers!

The caseback had '6349-5200A' and the dial had '21 jewels' written on them. Bought it cheap as it wasn't running.

Opened the case back to see that it actually has a 6309A - 17 jewels. Serviced it, changed the dial and hands - started running but with low amplitude and was always slow, regulating it was useless.

Reassembled it again, changed the balance wheel cap jewel. Shortened the length of hairspring. Good accuracy (+8s/d) and better amplitude now, but still less than 230. But that's fine.

Now I just love it. Confused whether I should add the SEIKO 5 logo on to the new dial.

I figured y’all might find this interesting.

I started with the champagne dial one but noticed that another variant (non moon-phase), a two tone of sorts, had a differently colored bezel that made the watch appear smaller despite having the exact same case and dimensions. I have slender wrists so that’s beneficial in my case. So That gave me the idea of replicating the look with my moon-phase variant, which led to getting the black dial color-way with roman numerals. I say, at the very least, they’re unique (unless somebody else beat me to it!). Pretty happy with the result!

I usually just print onto Royale faceplates, but finally got around to trying it out on GA2100 dial. I think this came great for a first attempt. I went with the American flag Just in time for Independence Day. Next I’m going to try some different designs with some texture and the text.

More Pics: https://www.instagram.com/p/DaTEHVpFmLa/?igsh=bjNnYWlwM3kxbnF3

It is Ai generated for mock up but, I'm curious on general opinion, thoughts, etc.?