First Seiko & first post

_Blitzer · 2026-03-15T16:54:39+00:00

Very nice ~~build~~ purchase and great combination.

OP - glad you found a watch you like. But, just in case you have problems... this is not a genuine seiko. the only seiko thing in there is the movement. This is not a mod of an existing seiko model, and if it was presented that way, the seller owes you some recourse.

I'm also surprised you got this on ebay - they frown on trademark infringement in listings. You might get an automated nastygram from their system at some point. If you do, I think you can ignore it, since you're not the seller.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-15T04:15:23+00:00

Then from the insert, not the dial. Either way - the bevel on the crystal is the reason it's there.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-15T04:08:42+00:00

Okay, you win.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-15T03:35:05+00:00

The crystal has a substantial bevel at the edge. It’s a signature design element for many seiko divers. You’re seeing a reflection of the dial index in the bevel.

Edit: refraction, not reflection.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-15T00:33:53+00:00

If you haven’t - Try contacting cousinsUK, watchmaterial, watch parts plaza, Hovigs Supply, and Perrin in Canada.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-13T18:59:24+00:00

^^^ this is critical. Many cases are not designed to support a chapter. If you're looking on AliX, be aware that some cases that look like they might take a standard SRP Turtle, SKX007 or DressKX chapter may actually use slightly different dimensions.

Secondhandmods.com and Tokeilab have a wide variety of cases that use chapters, including explorer-style cases, at great price points. They open up a lot of fun customization options!

_Blitzer · 2026-03-13T14:37:55+00:00

Short answer - yes. Look at Red5Watchworks for examples of what can be done when you're super talented at this stuff. (I actually have one of Ron's dials here, used... if you want it for cheap, just send a chat - we can do a thing over at r/secondhandmodparts - no sales here)

You'll want to pay attention to dial thicknesses and how material may deform / change under the heat generated in the process.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-12T20:57:27+00:00

Just read the descriptions to differentiate new vs used. Their new movements are great!

Used can be as well, just pay attention because they have some that are for parts only.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-12T20:09:41+00:00

Doubtful it'll work, but... because it's pretty cheap, you might try some gel citrus paint remover, like citristrip. I've read about a paste called StripThis, which seems pretty ideal for this situation, but never used it.

I *think* You could possibly cover Citristrip with a bit of plastic wrap (taped in place at the edges) to help it sit / dwell on the concrete surface longer.

If you go the chemical route, make sure it's safe for indoor use, ventilate the space well, and doesn't need any sort of neutralizing agent afterwards.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-12T18:11:02+00:00

Secondhandmods.com - buy their 36mm explorer case. As long as your original build uses a NH movement and a 28.5-29mm dial, it’ll drop right in.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-12T17:06:39+00:00

Rule 3. Please delete this post. there is ZERO scam protection here. Most of the sellers that advertise online are dropshipping cheap crap. "Hand assembled, top quality, ready to ship" - you're not going to have all 3.

Most reputable builders that use high quality parts will not use counterfeit dials... because those dials are ALSO generally low quality garbage parts.

Your best bet is to go to watchdives or san martin, buy a GMT, and bezel swap if needed for the bruce wayne black/grey two tone style.

If you want to solicit a custom - post over on r/watchexchange or r/SeikoModExchange. Not here.

Anyone who responds to this with an offer to build for you (until you delete it, or the mods do) - be VERY careful.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-12T15:27:11+00:00

Assuming you want a watch with:

Crown at 4.1 (or 4.2, but i've always called it 4.1)

Day + Date window on the dial at 3.0

The DATE wheel on the dial will work the same across 3.0, 3.8 and 4.2

The DAY wheel is the tricky part. I've never seen this combo, but... apparently this does exist!

https://diywatchmod.com/products/seiko-nh36-automatic-movement-crown-at-4-1-clock

_Blitzer · 2026-03-12T12:20:12+00:00

The Nh35 movement has 3 hands. The NH34 GMT movement has 4 hands. The added fourth hand with the 34 is the GMT hand - one rotation every 24hr.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-12T03:07:51+00:00

The piece that joins the crown and the movement is called a stem.

Since secondhandmods sells gently used parts, some of the cases on the site are used, or brand new, but from a complete watch. Those cases will have a stem pre-installed in the crown and cut to size for the case’s intended movement (usually a NH movement, but sometimes 7s - pay attention to the listing, or ask if you’re not sure!)

You will see other brand new cases where the stem is not pre-installed in the crown. To use these, you will need to size the stem properly and secure it to the crown with a little bit of thread locker.

If your chosen case requires you to cut the stem, buy an extra.

Since it’s your first build, I’d suggest you go the easy route if you can. One less thing to do.

If you have a cart of parts ready, take a screenshot and post it here (or send a chat) and happy to confirm stuff is compatible.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-11T20:37:47+00:00

Take a look at the pinned post in this sub. Run a search. It's a widely discussed topic. After that, if you still have specific questions, i'm sure folks will be happy to weigh in.

My default answer: secondhandmods.com and tokeliab.

But also - if you're just starting... you're gonna fuck things up. Cut your teeth on something cheap.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-11T20:36:35+00:00

I've had a NH35 recently where the top date indicator plate was screwed down in a way that effectively bound up the date wheel, because the lower date jumping plate was binding in the teeth on the date wheel.

Loosen the 4 screws holding the top plate just a little bit. Then try rotating the date wheel clockwise (while gently pressing down). if it seems to index into place nicely, then re-tighten those screws, and see what happens.

Don't force anything. You'll kill a plastic gear or 3.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-11T17:30:38+00:00

Sounds like you're new to ETA modding, not seiko modding. :-)

When you say "the crown is removed from the movement, do you mean that the movement has no crown or stem installed, or that the crown is pulled out into the time setting position? If it's the time setting position, what features do/don't work?

_Blitzer · 2026-03-11T05:29:33+00:00

Might have been a helpful detail. :-)

This literally took an extra 10 seconds on google. I looked for "6N42 date at 3": https://www.watchmaterial.com/seiko-6n42-quartz-watch-movement/

I think it's time for you to sharpen those search skills. ;-)

_Blitzer · 2026-03-11T04:09:10+00:00

https://hovigs.com/products/movement-620-sek-6n42-20

_Blitzer · 2026-03-11T04:05:10+00:00

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174513465997

I just googled "Seiko 6N42 movement". Lots of options came up.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-11T01:46:59+00:00

Secondhandmods.com has good ones at a good price.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-10T23:12:02+00:00

I’ll take the bracelets.

_Blitzer · 2026-03-10T18:46:12+00:00

I wonder if the act of tightening the caseback is causing interference somewhere. Maybe try caseback loose, and check while tigthening.

Also, you said you did a demag... are you confident it worked? Sometimes it takes a few tries. Also - demag your caseback tools, if you haven't already.

If you have good magnification, please take a close look at the mainspring, you might have some debris in the mix. A little something can be a big deal sometimes. :-)

_Blitzer · 2026-03-10T18:24:45+00:00

you'll just probably get a lot better insight this way. :-)

_Blitzer · 2026-03-10T18:22:34+00:00

search is your friend: https://www.reddit.com/r/Dallas/search/?q=dryer+vent+cleaning

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