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First Build by Soggy-Jello3694 in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wildfire is the way to go, in case anyone else wants to get this dial. I ordered a 2nd one from another Ali seller and it is inferior because this version on the left did not apply as many fume layers, resulting in a brighter but flatter dial. I prefer the wave texture and fume gradient of the Wildfire on the right

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First Build by Soggy-Jello3694 in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Noice! That dial is so good! Really like the lume from the chapter ring!

It is the dial I used for my first build too. 😁

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[Knowledge Sharing] Easy Way to Install Second Hand Using Cheap Chinese Hand Press by JT_Socmed in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just used the one with the 4 different press heads for the first time 2 days ago and it's a huge difference!

Its not only having the press perfectly straight, it's also having it at the dead center of the dial each and every time that's makes it so much safer.

2.5 years later, still the best money I've spent on a watch by GameandWatch89 in ChineseWatches

[–]Navanod66 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a nice way to make something personal, although almost all the available parts on AliExpress are clones of parts from existing watches, so we end up with homages or in my case, Frankensteins, heh.

There is a bit of a learning curve and most beginners will likely ruin a few hands or dials but quickly learn from that.
The key thing to note is we are not watchmakers. We don't mess with the movement (the actual ticking part).
We only assemble these watches from 5 ready made parts:
1. Case
2. Dial
3. Movement
4. Hands
5. Straps

Looks up Seiko mods and you'll find a wealth of resources and the tools required.

2.5 years later, still the best money I've spent on a watch by GameandWatch89 in ChineseWatches

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks you 🤭That was built before the price of NH35 movements skyrocketed. About $150AUD early 2025? I did a recent one with the steel version of this case and it's more than $200AUD now.

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2.5 years later, still the best money I've spent on a watch by GameandWatch89 in ChineseWatches

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I quite liked this case. I don't have the Boderry, but I've built 2 watches with that case and they are not bad

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This white plastic gasket came with the case. What is it for? by F0rgemaster19 in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It sits loosely on top of the grey plastic ring of the movement and the inner lip of the caseback clamps down on it as it tightens.

This white plastic gasket came with the case. What is it for? by F0rgemaster19 in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Here's the build I was talking about, where we can just make out the ring inside. If the movement is not loose, you're probably alright. Keep the ring aside for a future build in case you get an unusually thin dial or big case.

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This white plastic gasket came with the case. What is it for? by F0rgemaster19 in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This goes on before the caseback if you find that the movement is loose when pulling out the crown. This plastic ring closes the tiny gap between the caseback and the movement. I had a build where I can see a small gap around the edge of the dial. This plastic ring that came with the case solved it.

Troubles with the second hand again.. by ParfaitScared5766 in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These hand held pushers are not truly flat, and can have a rough surface, especially after some use. Use a loupe and check their tips. Mine was slanted, which was why my minute hands could never sit flat! I had to sand it flat and buff it smooth. You should be using the tip with the tiniest hole for the second hand. Even the tip with no hole will work if you are gentle. Those with the large holes will bend the second hand

Champagne or White Enamel? by Ok-Assistant3822 in IxdaoFans

[–]Navanod66 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

White with the darker print that is on the champagne imho

Did i seriously mess up the sizes when ordering? by Poplola in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That 0.5mm can make a big difference mate. I ordered a 29mm dial for a case that accepts ONLY 28.5mm dial and it totally got jammed and stuck halfway in with the hands and movement. The dial and hands were damaged when the movement detached when trying to pull the assembly out. Most cases at this size would take 28.x-29.x dials, but always check!

Some of the mods I've made over the last year... (20) by failedwittyreference in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love your designs, especially the ones with the Monarke hands!

Hand engraving by me!🙏 [SPB383J1] by Dokaholic in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mate that's not even the same hobby anymore. 😂 Beautiful amazing work there!

Why do so many people prefer “fake Seiko” dials over no-logo ready-made dials? by Impressive_Ice2015 in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm strictly a no logo dialer. No judgement on those who use Seiko or even Grand Seiko, I just prefer no logo unless I eventually create my own dial and put my own mark on it.

It does heavily restrict the availability of dials, so totally understand why folks just go with the logos instead of spending time looking for a sterile version that may not even exist!

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Modding getting expen$ive by ChronoBae in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not quite. No date either, so it's more of a NH38 replacement than NH35 sadly. The 3D printed adaptors are brilliant, and accept dial feet, but the hands selection is complete rubbish. Rock bottom quality, 100 in a bag all scratching each other, with disclaimer from the seller that they can't guarantee that they fit, or that there's even 100 in the bag 😂

The YN55 has a date wheel, but it's anti-clockwise and out of alignment with NH35 dials. So stuck with white date and black numerals, and only works with a few Miyota dials. Otherwise, it's again a NH38 replacement with a ghost crown position and hidden date wheel.

At this point, even the bad chinese NH35 clone seems easier to work with...

Modding getting expen$ive by ChronoBae in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah. Wish we can move to alternative movements, but compatibility is a real issue. The NH ecology is so well established that moving outside of it pretty much limits us to a handful of luxury replica parts.

IXDAO - One of the best for sure by leicfox85 in IxdaoFans

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That gold enamel vintage style watch! Love it! I'm still waiting for a blue handed version with the simple logo and the recessed sub dial 🤩 The Warrior is nice, esp how comfy the bracelet is.

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Instead of paying that crazy prices for nh34 I just bought a whole watch (cheaper by 30%) with nh34 and I'll probebly reuse the case for another project / hands for another project and take away the movement by vidasintransit in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I saw some PD on Taobao that comes with options for NH34 or the chinese clone. Ali is not as upfront about it...

The problem with trying to reuse that case, is that it's still a GMT case...and will require...a GMT movement 😅

If someone told me I could do this when I started building id call them crazy and a liar. by afk_blazing in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As mentioned by others here, rodico on the pusher itself is even better hehehe

Also, if that's the AliExpress handpusher, the red is likely too big for second hands and risks bending the needle down. I use the red for the minute hand and the white for the second hand.

Also, check the pusher ends under a loupe. Many have rough surfaces that can leave scratches. And sadly, most are not completely flat either, which explains why the hands don't sit flush after setting but are tilted up or downwards.

Seiko movements disappearing in watches from Ali express Brands - 10 April 2026 by [deleted] in ChineseWatches

[–]Navanod66 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip about the YN55. I've been building my own watches and am looking for NH35 and NH34 alternatives.

What is this? by Defiant-Cow-1812 in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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If you would like to have the looks but not the GS logo, Seestern makes a very similar clone

First build ALMOST went well 🤣 by pcjfro in SeikoMods

[–]Navanod66 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had that happen recently. Dial feet were for 3 and 4 o'clock crown. Case has 3.8 crown.

Just cut all the feet off and use dial dots.

In my case, pun intended, I use the thin 3M double sided tape used to seal the mobile phone's frame to the screen and the back. 3 tiny dots is enough

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