MODING

Personally, while I’d certainly tinker with one, I want to get to the point where I find a modded to simply make the one I want. I know it’s easy enough to do, I just haven’t researched enough.

That's exactly the thing, a great plunge into UNKNOWN 😂

I've done simple mods such as bezel and bezel insert swaps. But if I have to touch the hands/dial, I send it out. 

Only to paint the hands on a Fossil for legibility.  Not willing at this point to fiddle with my better watches.

At this point in time anything for me is a Big move, I have to solve some things IRL, and then ill try to tinker, its a good feeling to do something yourself, especially if it comes out right 😉

Check out Namoki mods, I find it super cool. 😉

I have spent much time on that site, but have not pulled the trigger as they do not have a dial I want. 

Personally, I have only "modded" a bracelet for my Orient.  All I did was polish some center links, the first time I did it, I was happy, but I recently bought newer buffing and polishing pastes, and I have had much better success recently--I have found that in the tools and everything that I have bought, I could have just paid for the aftermarket bracelet upgrade.

I will say though, that the experience was super cool, and I felt like some artisanal craftsman when I was doing it, even though a professional polisher would probably laugh themselves sick at my efforts lol.  It was certainly worth it for me, but I couldn't possibly imagine opening up my case or crystal without some extensive research and practice in basic watchmaking techniques.

I would maybe look into some watchmaking repair videos on YouTube, and then if it seems like something you are comfy with, I might buy a basic toolkit and start tinkering on junk watches.  I could just see someone like myself jumping headfirst into the process, and then either getting cold feet or making a mistake that would ruin the watch, or ruin the mod parts, so then I'm stuck with an unmodded watch and a waste of money, or I am stuck with a modded, but damaged watch.

If the modding service isn't too expensive, assuming they are reputable and have proof of good work, then I may consider paying for someone else to do the job.  Not only will it certainly get back on your wrist faster, unless you are prodigious in watchmaking talent, but you will save yourself a lot of worry.  Just my take though!  You can never know unless you try!  I would just try with something that you do not have a lot of value invested in.  It all depends on exactly the mod you have in mind--new bezel insert--shoot, no problem.  Adding an exhibition caseback with a custom rotor--might be a bit much for some.  

Yes, it's definitely possible. I would start with an inexpensive complete watch, and start modding in small increments. (For example, switch the bracelet/band. Change the case and trim the new watch stem. Then replace the bezel and bezel insert.  Change dial and hands. Replace the crystal.) 

The issue is: Many steps can be frustrating at first, and you may even break things. But it really is a question of persistence. I think I spent over an hour on placing my first seconds hand. The last time I had to get it in position just right, but it took with the first push. Set some time aside when you're not rushed, and make sure to get the right tools in advance. 

Before I forget: It's relatively easy to change parts, but much harder to mod a watch that looks right when everything comes together. Also, quality parts are not cheap, with a few lucky exceptions. Things on YouTube may look easier than they will be in the beginning.

P.S.: I damaged an inexpensive dial and a set of hands. But all my modded watches are alive and ticking.

P.P.S.: There are quite experienced modders on this board, as well as members who can service a movement. If in doubt, this is a good place to get a question answered.

Yes the dial is the tricky one, must get right 100%, its like a glue for me that ties everything together. One might argue that it applies to all parts, in a way I have to agree, but the dial is a centrepiece. 😉

Hello I kind of feel the same way, work on replaceable donor, before moving on to more serious work. Thank you for input 😉 By the way I watch some YouTube channels on repairs, It looks so easy, of course guys have knowledge and gear, but we have to start somewhere 😀 

Thank you for your input 👍😉

Modding/assembling is my favorite part of this hobby. I‘ve built (using parts from eBay) a few watches as gifts. You can build a fairly inexpensive watch using an NH or Miyota movement. Tons of fun, and a good excuse to tinker without worrying about ruining an expensive watch.