Top Mods of the Past Month To Use for Seiko Modding Inspiration
The Seiko modfam has no shortage of ideas for unique builds, and in the past month we’ve featured some really gorgeous builds from a lot of different modders. In this article, we’re taking a look at 4 of those mods that we think could use a little bit of extra emphasis and see their ideas for inspiration.
If you've been thinking about your next build or just want to see what's possible with certain cases, these mods offer some solid jumping-off points.
F1 Ingenieur
First on our list is from @sw.theartofwatchmaking who was inspired by the recent F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. In the movie, he rocks a modified IWC Ingenieur SL IW1832 “Jumbo” - so nicknamed for its 40mm size which was uncommon in its era. It also featured a magnetic protection cage that created a bulge. The props team had to slim it down by removing the cage and using a 3D-printed movement holder with a slimmer caseback, making it wear better and certainly look better on screen.
In this Seiko mod, the base is our NMK958 Engineer Case in Steel Finish with a slightly smaller 39mm case diameter and 9.2mm thickness; definitely much more wearable even if it was inspired by the Jumbo. He pairs it with a period correct black Seiko 5 dial and visually fitting hands. The black day and date wheel does wonders for the uniformity of the look as well! It’s an eye-catcher of a build even with just a monotone design.
What else do you think will go well with this case? Since this was a case meant for Engineers, we think it will also look good for an NH72 build, with skeleton parts to show off the crazy precise engineering that goes into watches.
Salmon Polerouter
The Polerouter-inspired case has been a hit since we released it, with people liking the unique look of the engine-turned inner bezel. Like the Ingenieur, the Polerouter was also a watch designed to protect against strong magnetic forces as it was designed for pilots with routes that go through the Arctic. The looks are a lot dressier though, so Seiko mods that use this case today mainly use it for dress watch builds rather than pilot builds.
Here’s an example from @skylernsantana, which is a bit more colored than your usual PR build that uses a silver or black dial. Granted, monochrome dials look perfect on this watch, but straying from the beaten path and using something like a Salmon Pink dial shows this case’s versatility. The Sector dial he used features outer minute hands which jive with the grooves on the bezel, and while we usually recommend using a leather or rubber strap with this case, he was able to find a fitting curved end steel bracelet that turns the looks of the build up to 11.
Considering the roots of the original Polerouter, do you think this case will also do well with a Pilot or Field dial instead of a dressy one? Granted, the matte finish commonly seen in these kinds of dials may clash with the aesthetic of the bezel, but we think it could be an intriguing pairing!
Compressor Build Duo
When building a mod with two crowns, it’s only natural that you’d want to build two of them! For the uninitiated, the Supercompressor is a patented case design that became more water-resistant as pressure increased underwater, and these are the inspiration behind our NMK946 Dual Crown Diver case.
In this showcase by @jpeg.time, his supercompressor-inspired builds took inspiration from two different watches. The first one is the 1960s Pierce Scafandro Super Compressor that features a more classic dive watch dial and hands, while the other is the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer that uses a functionally busy design. Both builds certainly come alive in this case!
While the NMK946 is heavy on the diving theme, we wonder what it would look like when paired with an Alpinist style dial? The mountains may be the opposite of the deep waters so it may not look particularly fitting, but we’re sure it will be one way to make an outstanding mod.
Sterile TV Build
Our recently released NMK954 Square TV case is inspired by 70’s television sets (yes kids, TVs used to be squares not rectangles). But with that vintage-inspired design it can be used both in retro-inspired designs or futuristic ones, you just have to have the right face combination for it.
In the case of this build by @mod_by_kellan, you’ll be forgiven for mistaking this for a prop watch used in the original 12 Angry Men. The square case, black lumed hands that glide over a sterile dial, and an integrated stainless steel “ladder” bracelet all come together for a back-to-the-past kind of look. A simple look it may be, but a striking one nonetheless.
While we usually see this case paired with retro parts, we love seeing it paired with our more modern looking dials like the Tron and Cyclic Cyborg too. Which way do you think is more interesting; something that alludes to the past or something more future-forward?
Wrap Up
Four builds with completely different directions. Which one do you think is the most personally inspiring?
If you're planning your next mod, take a look at our case and dial selection to see what clicks. We have hundreds of options to choose from in different categories like dress or dive watches, so you’re almost guaranteed to find something that works for you!
Happy modding!