An Icon Breathed with New Life

I had been eyeing the iconic Seiko SNXS model (particularly the SNXS73K1). I was in awe with its classic design, and particularly how many reviewers has been calling it the "Rolex Killer".

I have to admit, it does give Rolex a run for their money. But one day I stumbled upon a video by Escapement & Watch and how he is questioning whether the Seiko can actually compete against Rolex.

Below is the video:

Video

It turned out he made valid points such as:

• The thick caseback

• The mineral glass not being sapphire

• The uncomfortable bracelet

• The outdated 7S26 calibre movement that doesn't allow hack nor handwinding

I started to question myself to whether or not I should actually get the watch. But as I kept watching, modifications were made to slowly make the watch look and feel more premium. Modifications such as replacement for a slimmer caseback, replacement of mineral to sapphire crystal, jubilee bracelet change, and a movement upgrade to the Seiko NH36.

At the end of the video, the watch looks amazing and I regained my hopes again of getting my hands on the watch. But I don't have the skills, let alone the tools for modding a watch.

So I scoured around the internet, reaching out to modders to see if they are willing to take on this project. I then stumbled upon New Forest Watches and sent out ab email to see if they are able to take on this project. Mike Austin from New Forest Watches then replied and confirmed that he is able to do this.

I then sent out the video from Escapement & Watch as a reference for the materials and changes I would like for him to make. After discussing further regarding the shipment of materials and watch itself, the project took approximately around a month or so.Mike made video diaries to document each steps of the progress nearing the end of the project.

As soon as the watch was shipped back, unboxed snd resized the bracelet, I was truly amazed to how it turned out. The watch looks and feels amazing. It had a slimmer taper of with the slimmer caseback, a more comfortable wear with the jubilee replacement, a better glass with the sapphire, and a hacking and hand winding function with the Seiko NH36 movement.

I couldn't thank Mike enough for taking this project, and I was really pleased to how it turned out.

For anyone who is looking to have their watches modified, I definitely recommend contacting Mike Austin from New Forest Watches.

You can see more of his catalogue and his contact details from his website here.