I recently switched to an OYSTER Bracelet: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCejZNv

The thing is… I’ve never wanted a Rolex.

As a 16600 Sea-Dweller owner, I can tell you the SD after 12 years or so of daily use won't be accurate and will need (expensive) service and maintenance. To be honest Im not inclined to spend so much to maintain a Rolex. A Seiko 5 is a good value proposition the same way a Camry is more bang for buck than a premium German car. But you might want to fit better suspension, soundproofing, etc. It's all about what you want and need. I enjoyed this video and especially how the watch got "hotrodded". I want one too!

My Seiko 5 Actus (same like yours) is 40 years old and i serviced it for the 1st time 1 year ago. The man who serviced it did a great job. It looks like new again. Accuracy around +10 seconds/day and it is a beauty to watch its sweeping second hand moving. what a great video

No one put it the way that you did and no one shows the work on the bench and comparissons as you do man! You are amazing and I am glad that I found your channel... Thank you and looking forward for more awesome work!

well, I am not sure about "Rolex Alternative" but you successfully turned a layman into a "watch guy." Thanks bud for a quality, technical, professional, and above all, a moral analysis of "KZfaq University's" claim.

This a great spin on the snxs videos. Love your additional mods. It’s a very good point to making a true value rolex alternative. I have the white dial and dark grey and I love them! I just put them on nice leather straps. I’d love to do the Crystal/movement upgrade but not sure I have the skills. Don’t want to break them! 😅. Maybe I’ll do the case back. But the height doesn’t bother me too much.

That caseback made a HUGE difference.

Never seen any of your videos, but boy did you get my attention! You are truly on another level. Subscribed!

That was terrific! Awesome improvement! So happy I found your channel! Thank you for this inspiring video!

What an awesome video! Your attention to detail is truly incredible. Really enjoyed watching this. Congrats on a great job!

I can’t believe Seiko didn’t think to do this on their own lol. For some reason this brand loves excessively thick casebacks, even on their GS models.

Well done. I contemplated this one for a long time. Until now, mods always replaced the case, even though only swapping the caseback is needed.

'Hat Tip' to you Sir! I'd not seen one of your videos before and had just watched the videos you cite at the beginning. I was watching your intro thinking 'I think you're being overly critical' I DID NOT see your modifications coming! Very impressed and now subscribed.

Damn, you are a true watch enthusiast. Love your seiko 5 watch improvement content. Can't wait to see another similar videos.

the case back and changes did make a difference! Thanks.

I have this watch and after seeing this video, I am motivated to work on mine. Thanks and great video!

Very helpful! You did all the upgrades I want to do on mine. Wasn't sure if the NH36 movement would fit with the slimmer case back as it is 0,5mm thicker. Thanks for good content!

YES! Changing that case back was a necessary move! SO much better.

This video was so amazing. Excellent work! Now that watch rules.

If I had access to the same tools you did, I would die a happy man. I use to botch my seiko 5s with a bunch of DIY projects. Had so much fun replacing dials and hands. It always took forever to get my little parts tho. Shout out to yobokies for getting me into modding my own stuff. Love your channel.

WOOOW! What a transformation!! Damn, I want that watch now (your version, in blue :D)

I love what you did with it :) Once my hardlex gets scratched up Ill definitely look into adding a sapphire crystal since I didnt realize they could be had so cheaply lol

I considered some of those mods to my snxs77 as it was my first watch. In the end I resigned as I couldn't find the matching bracelet as the ones offered earlier by rolamy would not fit perfectly and required to have gaps or use original end link. Then this case back that I had no idea I could replace so easily. And the sapphire that I could not find with my limited knowledge on how to measure this stuff etc. I didn't change a thing...and there comes you with this awesome video like 2 year later when I already gave up. I'm gonna do all those mods and get some required tools as I was considering trying out the watchmaking hobby and this might be an awesome start and deciding if I enjoy this before I try something more serious. Video of the year for me! :) Thanks!

Its very cool upgrades man. Congrats for the channel.

Seiko could easily make these changes and charge $300 for the watch. It would be a good replacement for SARB033.

Not what I expected, gotta be honest. But super cool content! Love that you even exchanged the movement, thats dedication :)

Hey, thanks so much for the video! I did all the mods except for the hacking movement upgrade, which was too advanced for me. I also didn't want to drop a lot of cash on nice tools, so I just got a $20 press kit on Amazon, which came with caseback remover tools as well as protective film. The kit was definitely not the same quality as the tools in the video, but for a one-time use, it was great. I just needed to ensure that I was intentional and slow with all of my movements and that even pressure was being applied at all times - nothing forced. It was my first time modding, and it was so much fun - waiting for all of the individual parts to come and seeing the watch transform made me feel like a kid waiting for Christmas presents. For me, the biggest impacts in order were 1. bracelet, 2. caseback, and 3. sapphire glass upgrade. I would do all of them, though: the bracelet is a game-changer in terms of look and feel. Though, I could almost argue that the caseback change was more impactful than the bracelet (almost;)). At least in terms of comfort. I had to wait 3 weeks for it to come in from Spain, and it was the last piece, so I wore the watch with the original one for that time. I was genuinely surprised by how much more comfortable it became and obviously looked better too. I know that in the video, you tried to give several angles, and you can tell the difference, but you feel it so much more after wearing the original for 3 weeks and then switching it. The see-through glass back would also annoyingly stick to my skin throughout the day. I couldn't find a 7S26-3040 caseback, but after some Reddit research and messaging individual vintage caseback sellers on eBay, I learned that the 7009 caseback works just as well. For those of you who are stuck looking for casebacks, I got this 7009-3040 on eBay - www.ebay.ca/itm/134694078939. I used the original gasket, which fit snug and can still hear the automatic movement having plenty of room to wind. Looks like the seller still has a few. Based on a few chats with vintage watch parts sellers, 7S26-3040, 7S26-3160, 7S26-8760, 7009-3040, 7009-3160, and 7009-8760 should all work. Again, I can only confirm that for the 7009-3040. And finally, even though the glass upgrade is in number 3 for me, you can tell that it's on, and it elevates the watch with extra clarity and shine. Thanks again for making this video! Changing everything myself made the watch way more special to me.

G'day. Yeah I did this a couple of years ago to my Seiko 5 SNX805K field with the Grey/Blue dial. I also replaced the hands with Cathedrals & a lume tipped Red second sweep. I brushed the case as I had worn it as my beater (& swam with it) for about ten? years & it was badly scarred. The other difference is that I reduced the thickness of the Sapphire from 1.5ml to 1ml so that the bezel would act as a "hood" & offer even more scratch protection to the crystal. Of course, I renewed all gaskets as well. Dimensions are: 42.5mm x 37mm x10.5mm & 19mm lug to lug. If it had 100m WR instead of 30m, it would outclass many...even most, in the under $500.00 range . I love it to bits & it stands up to anything I put it through. The Superluminova is still fabulous even after all this time. Just love what you do...thank you of the content.

I did the same upgrades movement and crystal upgrades to my Seiko SNZG 11. Worth every penny.

Saw this watch today, and I honestly believed the bracelet is low quality also the back. Glad to see you improved it, looks amazing. Unfortunately I am not able to do those improvements here in my country.

My thoughts: very nice upgrades and final watch. Nicely done!

Banging movement the NH35/6/8 etc, cheap and capable of excellent performance as long as you don't mind the thickness. I've got a few and most run incredibly well given the price. More of a diver guy but after your subtle tickle , the wrist presence was improved significantly, not to mention that excellent time keeping.

Great swap with the caseback. To answer: YES. You can clearly tell the after sits much more flush and more naturally on your wrist. Edit: great vid, thanks for uploading. 👍 + -new sub- (I was already subbed 🤷🏼) Edit 2: FIRST mod to any Seiko: scrap their afterthought, hollow endlinks, pressed clasp weak ass brac. Nice swap, clean mod. 👑

Done! I can confirm that my SNXS77 is very much improved!

I love what you did to this Seiko. It looks amazing. I wore a Seiko 5 for over 15 years bought it in the late 90s and I loved it. I think the watch is perfect as is. Especially if you are on a budget. always set it five minutes ahead and the watch still keeps good time. Nowadays I use my cell phone to tell time.

Great effort!... finally I can agree with the budget rolex alternative. Tasteful and highly functional mods. Class video 🍻

Now i know, Seiko can be upgraded. KZfaq algo brought me here. Thank you for the great content!

The removal of the heinous glass case back and replacing it with a OEM SEIKO steel caseback is Genius. I did the same with all my SEIKO 5 - SEA URCHIN and SNKL23. Bro I love your channel and your creativity is amazing

Respect, well played mate. You upped the game on the "Rolex killer." Cheers 👍

Good work and worthwhile upgrades!

I just added this jubilee bracelet to my Seiko SNXS77 and it looks incredible. I wasn't wearing this watch much for the last year and now I think I'm gonna wear it every day.

A great video - really cool idea to up-spec this one

It's my first automatic watch and I love it. Sure, the bracelet feels like the og casio bracelet and its really small and thick, but for a 120€ beater automatic you cant complain.

I love Seiko, great history, great movements and fantastic range from Seiko 5 to prospex, presage, GS, but they sooo need to deal with QC issues 😢, absolutely great video subscribed

Very interesting approach you have. Enjoyed it even though I have zero intention of owning such a watch :)

Fantastic tutorial. My hats off to you, Sir....

I love that SNXSs and have a rare SNXS81. Put the same bracelet on it. Such great watches. Can not understand why Seiko is not releasing the new versions of this. Imagine 1000 dial colors :) still a Tiffany dial would be the winner next to a Safron, Red, Emerald or Lightblue. I am a dreamer.

I'd buy this version for $300 if Seiko offered it

Bought one a while back and ended up selling soon after purely because of how high it sat on my wrist due to the case back. Felt and looked like a ufo

Very cool video would love to see more of these

Wow. Great video, good points. This is a fine timepiece.

Amazing watch. It has remarkable precision. I've been using it daily for over 10 years. As it is cheaper than a ROLEx, the risk of using it is lower and with quality. I only took it for cleaning once. I make internal adjustments myself.

Great mod, I love my stock snxs79 as it is, but these changes would definitely make me love it more.

This upgrade is a real art and I love it ❤ Btw what case model can be used to do the upgrade?

Great video. Makes total sense and nothing too crazy to do. The thinkers watch channel this one methinks.

The seiko 5 are great watches at their price point. However, calling them Rolex killers is just crazy. They’re not even in the same realm.

I bought a Seiko snk601 just for the dial. I removed the hands and dial and placed them in a srpe51. Perfect fit. Did an upgrade with a sapphire crystal.

The real fun is if Seiko can provide a $150 Rolex alternative with sapphire crystal, Rolex type bracelet, and great movement. INSTEAD of providing another watch named Grand Seiko with $20000 price tag.

i recently bought 2. one black and one blue and def in love with the look and feel of the watch. sure the bracelet rattles and feels cheap but what else do you expect.

Thank you for this Video i've got the older Version of this watch, which isn't running great anymore, i was always wondering if i can swap the movement over.

Great video. Cool and honest.

I have a Seiko 5 bumper automatic from the 70ties in my collection. Best watch ever! Accurate, after all these years of service. I think every watch collector should have one in their collection.

I would buy that watch from you in a heartbeat; it looks so good.

Wow, what a great video! Well done! It's way more than I expected. And I like the tongue and cheek clickbait title and thumbnail. How much did these upgrades cost in total?

I own both. In North America, you get way more comments and questions about the Seiko. People generally know what it is and are not intimidated by it.

Actually you are right about Oris not cleaning the underside of the crystal, I had this issue with my Oris Aquis

Coincidentally had a snxs73 and jubilee bracelet on order. Ended up sourcing the same case back as well as crystal, and opted for a fluted bezel. Will probably yank a 4R36 out of a watch I don’t wear and throw it in also. Great video!

Great Job. Well done.

I have just brought this watch. Would you consider make the changes to it if I shipped it too you? Or do you sell the 'upgraded' versions yourself? Many thanks ( P.S. I only just found your channel and I love it )

Impressive. No more Seiko Shuffle. Great video! Subscribed.

Simply the BEST!

Great video. I'm gonna upgade mine right away! Thank you. The watch looks more than twice as good. Almost a Rolex;)

Thanks for doing and showing it! How long did it take you to make all the changes? Would I be able to pay you for making this changes to the Seiko?

There is a term called VALUE Bdw: Initially when I saw your thumbnail I was like wtf.. now I am like "woah bro.." AMAZING

Amazing video and upgrades. Also, I couldn't help but notice the Yellow/Camel strap on your silver dial watch, do you remember where you got it from ? It's really popping

I put an Uncle Seiko bracelet on mine and love it. Would love to swap the crystal for sapphire at some point, but figured I'd do that AFTER the hardlex has some scratches to justify replacing. Does anyone know if somone makes signed crowns that fit this watch? I know they do for the SKX, but couldn't find any for this one and I'd love that!

Thank you!

I’m quite happy with this in factory condition.I wear it every day

Brilliant job.

The one I had was old enough that it came with the solid caseback. I probably should have put a new movement in it instead of selling it when I didn't think it was worth what a watchmaker would've charged to repair it, and I had no idea you could get a hacking Seiko movement for just $30. I will probably buy another before they disappear completely. I'm glad to read in the pinned comment that Seiko will be releasing some 36mm "5" Automatics soon, as this is a good size for my rather slender wrist. They should consider bringing back the solid steel caseback, at least as an option, as well as the old metallic "5" badge, as the display caseback and the new, printed "5" logo are both pretty hideous. Besides, these workhorse movements aren't complicated or decorated enough to justify showing them off through Hardlex glass.

I have this watch and am in absolute love with it. I have a very small wrist yet the watch still looks pretty normal to me on my wrist. I definitely think the adjustment you made to the case back makes it look better, but I personally wouldn't take the time and effort to switch it. I replaced the original bracelet with a jubilee bracelet and the watch is perfect. I do want to change out the hardlex with a sapphire crystal at some point tho

Great video, loved it! M watch and bracelet are already on the way. Do you have any suggestions for caseback replacements? I don't see a link for a one.

OMG too much hassle dude!!!! I admire your patience undertaking extensive surgery on this watch.....

Great value. 👍

@Escapement & Watch Does the case back have to be specifically for 7S26-3040. If not, how can I find out which other reference numbers would fit?

Nice upgrades and fun vid. I almost skipped it since I try to avoid click bait titles with Rolex.

I like see trough casebacks ,i would of changed it to but with another see trough caseback !!

At 4:54. Am I about to see this body style get a new movement? I have been asking for years of this style could get that movement. I will continue to watch. I am so excited now.

So I didn’t know where you were going with this at first… And I do like the video by ‘relative time’ that you referenced… Great mods! You basically turned it into a psycho Sarb… Which is a phenomenal watch… Unfortunately, that watch is no longer available unless you want to shell out 100% over the original price of that discontinued watch… great video love the channel

what size was the vintage case back I'd like to allow this to sit better on my wrist as well. was it 32mm?

Where did you get the caseback?

Great video!

Hey man!! Can u tell me if the same components (bracelet and sapphire) should fit a snkl? Are snkl and snxs identical, excluding the dial of course?

KZfaqrs figured out that putting Rolex in the title tickles the algorithm in just the right way.

It just need a Cyclops to be really like a Rolex ! Amazing mod !

I did the solid caseback and cheap jubilee bracelet on my SNXS79 a few months ago, same day I received the watch. Maybe I'll consider the sapphire and movement mods in the future. The 7S26 is doing fine though.

where did you source the flatter caseback from? Thanks

I changed the crystal and bracelet and it does make a huge difference the dial really pops now, I really like it but its no Rolex rival. Nobody is likely to rob me in the street for my Seiko.

Nice! Only thing I would have done differently is throw on a better president bracelet instead of the nice jubilee style one you went with. 👌🏻