Do You Have a Small Wrist? These Seiko Mod Cases Are Perfect For You
If you’ve ever tried on a watch and felt like you were wearing a dinner plate on your wrist, you’re not alone. People with smaller wrists often struggle to find watches that look and feel right as today’s “regular” watch sizing tends to be around 40mm and up. It could be an influence of dive watches, which are usually bigger for better legibility. Or it could be due to watches getting more complicated, requiring bigger cases to house growing calibres. Or it could simply be because people prefer more prominent status symbols, and having a bigger and more noticeable watch can achieve that.
Smaller, well-fitting options are getting rarer these days, but not to worry! If you can’t find the best watch for your size, you can always build one yourself. We know that good things come in smaller cases. That’s why we’ve put together a few modding ideas using some of our best sub-38mm watch cases. They’re compact, comfortable, and will still make a big impression.
In this article, we’ll show you three great Seiko mod case options that are perfect for smaller wrists.
Why Case Size Matters
When it comes to building a watch that actually fits, size really does matter. And it’s not just about the case diameter. If you’ve got a smaller wrist (usually around 6.5 inches or less), oversized watches can look awkward and feel uncomfortable, like wearing hand-me-downs from your bulkier sibling.
There are three key numbers to keep in mind: case diameter, which measures the watch straight across; lug-to-lug distance, which tells you how much space the watch will actually take up on your wrist; and case thickness, which affects how the watch feels during everyday wear. A smaller case with shorter lugs and a slimmer profile will sit more naturally and won’t overhang the wrist.
And just because a watch is smaller doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With the right design choices, you can build a compact piece that still turns heads. That’s exactly what our below 38mm case options are made for.
A Retro-Sporty Seiko Modding Case
Let’s start with something that throws back to a time when smaller watches were the norm and not the exception. The NMK954 TV-Style case is inspired by the square and geometric cases of the 70s, with a fitting nickname inspired by hunchback CRTs (younger readers will probably not know what these are).
Source: u/fiatjeepdriver_ on Reddit
At just 36mm wide and a super slim 10.35mm thick (with crystal and caseback installed), it’s compact, but thanks to the integrated ladder-style bracelet, it wears a little larger and spreads out comfortably across the wrist. This gives it a sleek, streamlined presence that’s perfect for modders looking to do something vintage-inspired. It’s a great match for bold dial colors, sunburst finishes, or quirky handsets that complements its 70s flair.
Explorer-Inspired Seiko Modding Case
If you’re after a classic, no-nonsense design, the NMK936 Explorer Case would be a great pick. It’s a universally-liked silhouette with modern proportions, making it a top choice for modders who want a watch that works in almost any setting, be it a casual daywear to a dressed-up dinner.
The 36mm case size hits that sweet spot for comfort, while the 44mm lug-to-lug distance offers a bit more wrist presence without looking oversized. The case comes bundled with an Oyster-style bracelet that can be adjusted to fit wrists below 6.1.” Peep the polished bezel and sides that contrast nicely with the brushed lugs and bracelet, giving it a sleek, understated edge.
An Explorer-style dial is an obvious choice for this case, but you can always make it dressier with a sector dial, or make it more rugged with a Khaki field dial and swapping out the Oyster for a NATO. The versatility of this case is something that our modfam has always enjoyed, so feel free to experiment with different combinations!
Mini-MilSpec Seiko Modding Case
For modders who want something a little more rugged for a daily beater, we’d recommend the NMK950 W10 Tonneau Case. It’s based on the W10 military watches issued to British troops in the 1970s and combines vintage military aesthetics with a compact, wrist-friendly profile.
The tonneau (or barrel) shape gives it a distinctive presence, and at 36mm across with a 41.3mm lug-to-lug, it wears comfortably even on the smallest wrists. The 18mm lug width makes it ideal for pairing with NATO straps or leather bands, and the top hat box crystal adds a subtle vintage touch to the whole package.
This case is perfect for field-inspired builds. A black dial with military numerals, broad arrow hands, and a canvas strap brings out its tool watch heritage. It’s the kind of build that you’d want to wear everyday to develop its character with the inevitable dings and scratches that it will go through.
No matter which direction you go, all of these cases are compatible with SKX007-style parts, NH35/36 movements, and a wide range of mamokiMODS dials, hands, and accessories.
Wrap Up
Brands come up with great watches, without a doubt. But nothing beats something that’s built by you, for you! If none of the available options in the market is the perfect fit for your wrists, or you’re just not too thrilled about their looks, you can always try Seiko modding and personally make your perfect watch.
We have Seiko mod cases of all sizes, from 36mm up to 46mm, so you can build the right watch for your wrist. And we make sure that the proportions are always balanced, so even if you choose the smallest, the biggest, or the in-between, you’ll get a stylish looking timepiece. Ready to build your watch? Check out our expanding catalog and start planning your mod today!
Happy modding!