Post by l10n3l on May 6, 2019 0:56:09 GMT -8
Hi everyone,
I’d like to introduce my first mod to you.
It is based on a Seiko SNK807. So why this choice?
Because I wanted to keep it unexpensive for this 1st attempt.
However, it turned that I like the case shape a lot 😊, especially after a little polishing…
Before and after pictures :
Secondly, the key entry for this mod was the very nice dial (IMO) proposed by DAGAZ.
The small story within the story is that I had the chance to buy it directly at DAGAZ shop in Hong Kong.
I met Jake there and it was really a nice moment. I could not recommend enough to pay him a visit if you have the opportunity to be in HK.
So of course, I know the original Fifty-Five Fathoms is a diver watch. But the sunburst blue, the applied markers and the big numerals, that was exactly what I wanted! I did not find any similar dial elsewhere.
Pictures:
Other modifications :
- cathedral hands. One could complain that the modern dial and the traditional hands do not match but I like this contrast very much. I believe some other watches use it, like the Alpinist.
- domed crystal. I chose a flat bottom domed crystal to get the magnifying effect that makes the dial look a little bigger because I find the SNK diameter a little too small. But I regret the strong reflection I got this way. I may change for an AR coated sapphire later.
- I polished the bezel for the same reason as above. But I kept the rest of the case sand blasted, again for contrast.
- and last, of course, I changed the strap. At first for a dark brown leather but finally for a lighter tan brown that fits better, I think.
What were the lessons learned from this mod :
1- I greatly prefer 2 levers to remove the hands, rather than the dedicated hand removing tool that gives you no control over the force needed and make it very easy to ruin the hands
2- for the same reason, using hands pusher sticks is much better that the small hand fitting press.
3- crystal insertion requires some force… not too much. I broke the 1st crystal by pressing too hard and probably because it was inserted with a little angle at start. Fortunately, I had bought 2 crystals : 30.0mm and 29.9mm. the 2nd one went in smoothly. But I might have lost waterproofness here.
3- immediately after I set the hands, I check I could set time properly and that the date could change normally around midnight. But then, I stupidly also checked I could quick set the date… with the time still set around midnight… as a result, I broke the small date setting wheel. Really stupid, wasn’t it?
this wheel (11):
I hope you like it!
I hope my experience can help other newbies like me.
Please let me know your comments and/or questions.
I’d like to introduce my first mod to you.
It is based on a Seiko SNK807. So why this choice?
Because I wanted to keep it unexpensive for this 1st attempt.
However, it turned that I like the case shape a lot 😊, especially after a little polishing…
Before and after pictures :
Secondly, the key entry for this mod was the very nice dial (IMO) proposed by DAGAZ.
The small story within the story is that I had the chance to buy it directly at DAGAZ shop in Hong Kong.
I met Jake there and it was really a nice moment. I could not recommend enough to pay him a visit if you have the opportunity to be in HK.
So of course, I know the original Fifty-Five Fathoms is a diver watch. But the sunburst blue, the applied markers and the big numerals, that was exactly what I wanted! I did not find any similar dial elsewhere.
Pictures:
Other modifications :
- cathedral hands. One could complain that the modern dial and the traditional hands do not match but I like this contrast very much. I believe some other watches use it, like the Alpinist.
- domed crystal. I chose a flat bottom domed crystal to get the magnifying effect that makes the dial look a little bigger because I find the SNK diameter a little too small. But I regret the strong reflection I got this way. I may change for an AR coated sapphire later.
- I polished the bezel for the same reason as above. But I kept the rest of the case sand blasted, again for contrast.
- and last, of course, I changed the strap. At first for a dark brown leather but finally for a lighter tan brown that fits better, I think.
What were the lessons learned from this mod :
1- I greatly prefer 2 levers to remove the hands, rather than the dedicated hand removing tool that gives you no control over the force needed and make it very easy to ruin the hands
2- for the same reason, using hands pusher sticks is much better that the small hand fitting press.
3- crystal insertion requires some force… not too much. I broke the 1st crystal by pressing too hard and probably because it was inserted with a little angle at start. Fortunately, I had bought 2 crystals : 30.0mm and 29.9mm. the 2nd one went in smoothly. But I might have lost waterproofness here.
3- immediately after I set the hands, I check I could set time properly and that the date could change normally around midnight. But then, I stupidly also checked I could quick set the date… with the time still set around midnight… as a result, I broke the small date setting wheel. Really stupid, wasn’t it?
this wheel (11):
I hope you like it!
I hope my experience can help other newbies like me.
Please let me know your comments and/or questions.
