A: You can do either but let’s discuss what design you are looking for first. It may be more cost efficient to do a complete ground-up build. Also, what condition is your existing watch in? Is it even worth modding considering it’s condition or would it be better to start with a new watch?

Q: I have all the parts for my watch to be modded but I want to know if I can send it to you to do the work?

A: Of course you can, that’s what I’m here for and would love to help you get your watch modded? First things first though, do you have all the parts? Can you send me a photo or list of everything you have so I can confirm it will all fit correctly?

Q: I think it would be easier for me to discuss the aspects of the design and mods to be done with you on the phone, can I call you?

A: As much as I would love to discuss everything with you on the phone it would be very difficult for me as I am a one-man operation and very busy. That is why I prefer to keep all communications with clients via an email thread so that I can have a clear and concise record of our conversation regarding the work to be done. However, I do offer a personalized one-on-one consultation service at a minimal fee so that if you prefer to discuss a design or have any modding questions in general you can schedule a time to do so.

Q: What is the easiest way to contact you and get this process started?

A: The contact page of this website would be the easiest way as it will send a direct email to me at 444pmwatches@gmail.com and although I can be reached on all the various platforms I am on in terms of social media I prefer email regarding all modding and build requests.

Q: What is the best way for me to ship my watch and parts to you?

A: You may use any preferred method of shipping that you wish as I work from my home and if I am not here there is almost always someone here to receive your package. I also have security cameras that are always recording every entry point of my home so I can see where the package was left. I just ask that you please only send the watch head and parts to be swapped out. Please do not include any bracelet, strap, original box, paperwork or any other containers, accessories or items that you want returned. I prefer that the shipping materials are kept to a minimum so as to reduce expenses on both of our ends and also make for less clutter in my work area.

Q: I see you’re in SoCal, I’m also in SoCal so can I drop off and pick-up from you?

A: If you’re fairly local to me in Orange county and want to arrange a time to drop off and pick-up (not same-day service) I am fine with that.

Q: Can you source this awesome Seiko dial for me, I’ve been searching everywhere?

A: Maybe, maybe not. I am not an Authorized Seiko Dealer and although I have many connections for sourcing genuine Seiko dials it is not an easy task. Seiko dials are in high demand and are pricey. You have to know the case reference number from which the dial came out of originally as well as the actual Seiko part number (not the number printed on the dial face) for the dial and also the color description of the dial. Even with all this information it is going to take a lot of luck to source the genuine Seiko dial that you want.

Q: Why is modding a watch so pricey?

A: Well, much like when you buy a car and want it to have options that do not come stock it is going to cost some money to customize it to your desired look. Not only do the parts cost money but you usually have to pay someone to do the work of swapping out the parts or end up paying twice as much when you try to do it yourself. In regards to a custom Seiko it is usually the dial that the entire look is based around and sometimes it is almost impossible to get the dial you want unless you purchase the donor watch it is in.

Q: Do you sell parts or can you at least source them for me?

A: I do not sell parts and only carry a small supply of needed necessities for doing mods and builds. I can source parts for you at an additional cost.

Q: Will my watch be waterproof after the work has been done?

A: No watch is waterproof but rather they are water resistant. Back in the late 1960s it was required by law that watch manufacturers stop labeling watches as waterproof and instead assign them a water resistance rating. With that being said I can tell you that as long as your watch is either new or in good condition with good sealing surfaces the work that I do will not affect the water resistance of your watch. I ensure that all gaskets are in great shape or new and that they are properly lubricated and the watch is closed properly. I also offer wet pressure testing for a fee of $40.

Here are a few interesting articles and resources regarding water resistance

• Tourneau Article on Water Resistance

• Watch Warehouse article on Water Resistance vs. Waterproof

• Watch Repair Co. article on Water Resistance Info and Tips

• Mister Minit: Is Your Water Waterproof or Not?

• Real Men Real Style article on Water Resistance Watch Guide

• Thrillist article on What Your Watch Water Resistance Numbers Mean

You should never take a watch into any water that is heated such as a jacuzzi or bath as it can cause the gaskets to expand and then any quick and drastic change in temperature can cause the gaskets to fail and possibly result in water intrusion.

Note:

I am not liable for any damage that may occur to the watch from water or otherwise. I simply have no way of knowing whether or not the wearer of the watch had ensured that the crown was properly screwed down prior to taking the watch into water or the variables involved in regarding the temperatures of the water, etc.. I will, however, stand by my work and say that I will fix anything that I have done in error but this is highly unlikely. Also, I do not provide any guarantee or warranty for any parts as I am not the manufacturer of the parts.

I am in no way shape or form affiliated with the Seiko brand nor do I sell Seiko or any other watches. I am a watch modification service provider that specializes in modding and building custom watches for clients on a commissioned basis.

Interesting articles about Seiko stuff:

• PDF Instruction/User Manual for most modern Seiko automatic movements

• The Ultimate Seiko Repository of Datasheets!!!!

• The 4R36 Family of movements

• The NHXX Caliber Movement Variants

• The Seiko 7S26 Movement Technical/Service Guide

• 7S26 Parts List Google Doc

• Seiko 4R36 Technical Guide

• TMI NH3 Series Movement Technical Guide

• Vintage Watch Co. article on The History Of The Seiko Diver

• Worn and Wound article on Early Seiko Divers

• Seiko Diver Reference Guide