Top 3 Recent Chronographs to Inspire Your Next Seiko Mod
Seiko modding has always relied on NH movements because they’re cheap, reliable, and easy to work with. They've made it possible to build everything from dive watches to dressy pieces. But there’s one type of watch that’s been tough to pull off with the NH platform: real chronographs.
Sure, “chronograph-style” builds were done in the past, but they usually come with fake subdials, thick cases, and pushers that are just there for show. They look cool, but they’re not the real deal. That’s starting to change, thanks to modding support for mecaquartz movements like the Seiko VK series. With new cases made just for VK calibres, modders can finally build functioning chronographs that look and work like they should.
Source: @finemods on IG
In this article, we’ll take a look at three great chronograph watches that will surely inspire you to build your own. From celestial designs to tool-ready pilots, they’re packed with inspiration. Let’s start with an entry from Omega.
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite
Source: Omega Watches
The 2025 Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite is a piece of the heavens on your wrist. This new model builds on the Moonphase series that started back in 1985 but takes things further with a dial made from real meteorite and a rare twin-moonphase display showing both the northern and southern skies.
Unlike older versions that were bulky, this model trims things down with a slimmer 43mm case and a thickness of just 13.6mm, borrowing its sleek shape from the Speedmaster Chronoscope. The ceramic bezel comes in either black or blue, while the meteorite dial shimmers in different ways depending on the light, thanks to its natural space-born patterns.
Inside is the hand-wound Caliber 9914 movement. It’s built for precision, with a 60-hour power reserve, smooth chronograph action, and anti-magnetic tech. The moonphase display even includes real lunar meteorite pieces, set against a star map showing the sky over Biel, Switzerland, during the Apollo 11 landing. Fine detail, don’t you think?
Longines Avigation BigEye
Source: ablogtowatch
The Longines Avigation BigEye isn’t your average chronograph. Based on a forgotten military design, it was brought back in 2017 after a rare original was found in a collector’s stash. The watch’s standout feature that earned it its nickname is an oversized 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock: the “Big Eye.” The other subdials (small seconds at 9 and 12-hour counter at 6) are smaller, giving the watch a quirky, off-balance look that stands out from more traditional designs like the Speedmaster.
The 41mm steel case blends polished and brushed finishes, giving it a rugged, vintage feel. A domed sapphire crystal adds depth, while the large crown and pushers make it easy to use, even with gloves. With a 48.5mm lug-to-lug and curved lugs, it wears comfortably on most wrists. It also works well on a variety of straps, whether that’s leather, NATO, or canvas.
Inside is the L688.2 movement, a smooth, precise column-wheel chronograph with a 54-hour power reserve. No date window, just clean timing.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Tentagraph
The Grand Seiko Tentagraph SLGC001 is not just the brand’s first mechanical chronograph, but also a bold statement in high-end watchmaking. Its name says it all: TEN beats per second, Three-day power reserve, Automatic, GRAPH (chronograph). It’s Grand Seiko stepping confidently into the arena, and we think they knocked it out of the park with this release.
The 43.2mm titanium case wears lighter than steel but still feels solid. Signature Zaratsu polishing blends brushed and mirror finishes for a refined look. The pushers sit flush with the crown - a feature that’s rare in modular chronos - and the deep blue dial, inspired by Japan’s Mount Iwate, adds texture and legibility.
Inside is the new 9SC5 movement, based on the 9SA5 high-beat platform. It runs at 5Hz (36,000 vph) for 1/10th-second precision and still offers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The vertical clutch and dual impulse escapement ensure smooth chrono action, while the finishing (striped bridges, sharp bevels, skeletonized rotor) is also top-tier.
The textured dial shows how depth can transform a build. Its clean, legible layout offers a roadmap for sporty readability. And while titanium cases are tricky to mod, similar looks can be achieved through PVD or bead-blasted finishes.
New Launch: The NMK955 VK Chronograph Seiko Mod Case
It’s been a few months since we first teased the Chronograph case, and ever since then you guys have been patiently waiting for it to be released. We’ve quality-checked the case down to the most minute details and made sure the tolerances are perfect, and now we open the floodgates.
The NMK955 takes inspiration from classic motorsport chronographs. It’s compact at 39mm wide and just 12.5mm thick (including the crystal), with an 18mm lug width for easy strap pairing. It fits standard 30.5–31.5mm dials, giving modders tons of creative freedom, but for now we’re starting with a lineup of Panda, Reverse Panda, and Skipper-inspired dials. And thanks to the VK mecaquartz movement, you get snappy pusher action, real chrono function, and a slim profile.
It’s not just about looks either. The case comes pre-assembled with a boxed sapphire crystal (anti-reflective coating included), integrated bezel and chapter ring (with two design options), and a sterile screw-down crown and pushers. It’s also rated for 10ATM water resistance to survive dips in the pool.
If you’ve been waiting for a no-compromise chronograph mod, this is it. The NMK955 doesn’t just unlock a new build, but a whole new category in Seiko modding.
Wrap Up
Chronograph builds have always been an obscure niche-within-a-niche in the Seiko modding scene, but we’re hoping that with the release of our Chronograph parts, more people will be interested in trying their hand at something a bit more different.
Our VK collection is live now, and you can get all the parts needed for a Chronograph build at 15% off as a special launch offer. Hurry, because the promo only lasts until May 26, 2025 10AM SGT!
Happy modding!