Custom “Hot Rod” SNXS79 Done!

Hot rod conversion complete.

This black dial (SNXS79) now has the slimmer case back, double domed sapphire crystal, and Uncle Straps Lincoln bracelet.

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Case back difference visible in how much lower this one (left) sits compared to stock SNXS73 (right.) Initially, I wasn’t sure 1mm would make this much difference but it sits so much more planted on the wrist.

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Subtle, but the domed crystal gives the dial more visual depth.

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And the #unclestraps bracelet is a vast improvement on the weak Seiko stock item. Far superior but not so heavy as to overwhelm the watch.

It’s no OP killer, but it does look closer to the part by far. Surprising the difference a few small details can make.

Fun project and I’ll still wear both, one stock and one custom. (Okay, I do have an AliExpress jubilee bracelet on the way for the ‘73. C’mon, that Seiko bracelet…👎🏻)

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Beautiful work!

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Really nice. Did you do anything to the movement? The stock movement is 7S or NH?

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Ever since I got my Vostok, I've been chasing thinness. 😀I got my Alpinist in spite of its thickness. Alas, a see-through case back will always be thick... or will it?

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It is simply beautiful. Ever since I got my Vostok... I knew domed crystals are the best. Even a slight dome does a lot.

And Uncle - I'm planning to get the Lincoln too. Did you manage to make it fit well? I'm only missing a quickadjust and more positions...

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Excellent work!

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Good work! Makes me itch to add a solid caseback to my snkl23...

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What caseback did you use?

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More info on the parts you bought? I am interested in doing the same thing!

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Awesome upgrades!

I've been considering an Uncle Seiko bracelet for my SNK361 but they are quite pricey... Almost the full price of the watch itself. 😬

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riosundoro

Really nice. Did you do anything to the movement? The stock movement is 7S or NH?

No movement swap. Although hand winding and hacking are convenient, the NH isnt really higher quality in terms of performance. And the small crown on these is not easy to use for winding anyway.

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CheapHangover

Ever since I got my Vostok, I've been chasing thinness. 😀I got my Alpinist in spite of its thickness. Alas, a see-through case back will always be thick... or will it?

In this case the display case back is almost twice as thick. (Difference of 1mm doesn’t sound like much but it is a factor of 2.)

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CheapHangover

It is simply beautiful. Ever since I got my Vostok... I knew domed crystals are the best. Even a slight dome does a lot.

And Uncle - I'm planning to get the Lincoln too. Did you manage to make it fit well? I'm only missing a quickadjust and more positions...

My wrist is small-ish at 6.5”/16.5cm. I was able to get a nice fit removing links alone. And I’ve got two small micro adjust holes on the clasp. 👍🏻

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plus45minus35

What caseback did you use?

Got mine from monsterwatches.eu in the Netherlands. Shipping was prompt but takes time to the US.

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gadlleto

More info on the parts you bought? I am interested in doing the same thing!

Got both the case back and crystal from monsterwatches.eu in the Netherlands. I’ve seen people buy old compatible Seiko cases from eBay just to salvage a case back but I wasn’t convinced I’d get that right. Monster Watches one is simple brushed stainless and slim! Worked great.

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Beanna

Awesome upgrades!

I've been considering an Uncle Seiko bracelet for my SNK361 but they are quite pricey... Almost the full price of the watch itself. 😬

I get that. But I’ve seen folks tout bracelets that cost hundreds of dollars, too.

I’ve done some AliExpress searching but with Uncle Seiko I am confident the fit will be perfect on the model and the quality will be worth it. I’ve had great experiences with unclestraps.com.

And, yes, I’ve got a Casio with a strap that cost more than the watch. An affordable watch just gives you more budget for better accessories. 😉

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NotThatNeil

In this case the display case back is almost twice as thick. (Difference of 1mm doesn’t sound like much but it is a factor of 2.)

Seiko's chunky movements..

I would love to get below 12 mm, but I don't want to give up the view. 😁

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CheapHangover

Seiko's chunky movements..

I would love to get below 12 mm, but I don't want to give up the view. 😁

The movement is not the problem. They used the 7S on cases below 10mm thickness. The SNX case is just a bad design with a lot of empty space within, that's why you can swap the caseback to reduce the thickness and it doesn't cause any issue with the movement. Same with the SKX/SRPD, you can easily shave off 1-2mm with a slimmer aftermarket caseback.

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Beanna

The movement is not the problem. They used the 7S on cases below 10mm thickness. The SNX case is just a bad design with a lot of empty space within, that's why you can swap the caseback to reduce the thickness and it doesn't cause any issue with the movement. Same with the SKX/SRPD, you can easily shave off 1-2mm with a slimmer aftermarket caseback.

I meant, 4R and 6R are over 5 mm, while Miyota 90 and ETA/Sellita are under 4. Different design, but they contribute as well. There are Miyota-powered watches with display case backs thinner than 12 mm.

But as I said, if someone makes an Alpinist case back that's thinner than OEM, I'll try it. It won't have the obnoxious Prospex logo printed on it.