Seiko 5 Modernised "MACV-SOG" Mod

zachtan

10 months ago

So about a year ago in May 2022, as I was graduating university, I wanted to buy nice something for myself, and eventually settled on the idea of buying myself a watch. So I set myself some criteria: I wanted a Seiko, I something military inspired, I wanted something automatic but practical for daily wear (automatic with hacking+handwind + sapphire crystal), and I it small (sub-40mm). With these in mind, I could only find bits and pieces of my ideal watch but never in a complete package. That's when I started to entertain the idea of building my ideal Seiko 5 mod - a modern interpretation of the MACV-SOG Seiko 5s.

It took about 1-2 months of searching online for all the parts and acquiring them, and after contacting a reputable Seiko modder (Faz / Smodder_SG), I finally had it, my 'dream' Seiko 5.

Well almost - I then took some fine-grit sandpaper and polishing cloth to very carefully turn the glossy-finished case into a much more satin/less shiny finish.

It's been a year since it was assembled, and I can quite honestly say that it's probably my most worn watch. It's my fuss-free 'grab-and-go' for nearly anything (work, outing, exercise). For anything that doesn't require a G-Shock, it's your huckleberry.

I can quite honestly say that modding your dream Seiko into existence is probably a viable alternative.

Parts List:

Case: Seiko 5 OEM 0V10 Case (from SNKL series)
Crystal: CrystalTimes Seiko 5 29mm Flat Sapphire Crystal
Dial: SKXP19 OEM
Hands: SNXA07 OEM Hour/Minute/Seconds
Caseback Gasket: VTA EDPM Blue Gasket
Movement: NH36 w/ Lumed Day-Date Wheel
Springbars: Thicker 1.8mm springbars
Strap: Ericka's Original MN Strap 18mm / CWC Issue NATO 18mm in Military Grey (Dyed darker)

Specifications:

Diameter: 37mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug-to-Lug: 42mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Water Resistance: Seiko says OEM case is tested 30m, but I self-tested up to 60m
Crystal: Flat Sapphire w/ Inner Blue AR

#seiko #seikomod #macvsog #militarywatches