MOD WATCH OPINION

If you feel this kind of imposter syndrome when wearing a "homage" watch, or in that case basically a copy with a fake Seiko logo slapped on a fake Submariner dial, maybe it's best not to spend your money on the "Seiko mod replica" trap and instead buy genuine watches within your budget or make original mods that don't aim to copy an existing watch 1 for 1.

I normally don't keep a Seiko logo on a mod, unless the mod is minor, such a bezel swap, so I don't signal something that is not there. Personally I don't think the majority people are able to identify a watch without a watch brand, meaning that they wouldn't be able to identify the watch in the first place.

The response is likely triggered by expecting luxury after seeing a shiny dive watch, and I doubt that they could "feel the difference" if their life depended on it.

I perform simple mods to watches by swapping out dials and handsets with OEM Seiko ones; usually MM300 sbdx017 stuff. The base watch (the one on the left) was an SRPE05 King Turtle.

The quality of the hand applied lume is ridiculously good, and the handsets are finished better than the outgoing parts.

So it’s a win for me. Modified watch is on left; next to an sla043. I enjoy wearing it as a gym beater/ camping/ fishing watch.

If you are kind of feeling nervous or embarrassed about your watches, maybe give the hobby a break? I’m always proud to wear a watch I built, your excitement and confidence in showing someone else what you made is part of the fun too.

You do know that no one really cares about what you have on wrist though.

You could try saving up and buying the watch you are really looking for. Modding is an expensive hobby when you add up the cost of parts and tools.

Does anyone really ask what Seiko/Rolex that is?

I mean really. With the death of the SKX, and the rise of mass clomages for the Sub, does this situation really occur anymore?

Frankly, the 0.01% chance someone bothers to ask, you might even get an interesting conversation going as fellow enthusiasts.

*Unless you have a fake 🤮

**Unless Unless you’re in one of those professions where the watch matters more than your work 🙃

Nah. I recently sold a mod watch that had a Pagani Design inner assembly and used a 5 digit sub case. Buyer loved the fit and finish, and everyone that had something to say about it on my wrist said something along the lines of “that’s cool, kind of looks like a Rolex, right?”

Never bothered me, really. What bothers me is when snobs attack watch modders because they can approach the look and feel of expensive watches without spending the wad of cash previously needed.

Why be embarrassed by my mods? I did it on purpose. And I have a story to go with the mod. Then there's, I don't care what people think.

Not to mention, there are many parts out there that will make any modded watch look and feel as "premium" as any expensive watch. Lastly, I personally, don't make 1 to 1 copies. I mod watches to have a more personal look. They may resemble a big name brand, but not look exact.

I don't mind mods personally, I have some friends that have a few of them. I admire their creativity. Plus you can create a watch that is your own and for your taste. If you do create one like a 1960s submariner, at least it will be in the water and on adventures. An original will just be stuck in a safe gathering dust.

I feel self conscious wearing my Pro Diver because it comes across trying to be a Bluesy, so I when I get comments asking about it I always start by explaining that it I got it second hand for $30 at a flea market.

Thank you guys.. i got it.

Personal watch is about story behind it and not about model and don’t mind what people say. Thank you guys 👍🏼

You got it mate! Most people would just love to hear that you built it yourself.