Here goes nothing... FINAL UPDATE! For real this time!

All of this insight is just FANTASTIC with all of this Mark. Just seeing how things are done, and
what obstacles can pop up is TREMENDOUSLY helpful. It's really been a cool learning experience,
especially for those of us who really don't know anything about how do do this. Thanks again !
Can't wait for update #5 !!!

Day 5…REASSEBLY BEGINS!!!!!

I didn’t have time for the past few days to work on the watch, so I decided to try to do a few tasks last night. I wanted to get the case and bezel complete, so I needed to reinstall the crystal and bezel.

For this project I ordered the following new parts/supplies (all Seiko or custom parts):

1. Domed sapphire crystal with AR on the inside – Harold/Yobokies
2. New crystal gasket - Ebay
3. New bezel to try – Harold/Yobokies
4. New bezel gasket - Ebay
5. New blue chapter ring to match the new dial – hard to find so I ordered a dial/chapter ring combination. I am not using the blue Seiko dial that came with it! – Ebay
6. Seiko silicone grease - Esslinger
7. Q-tips/Gloves/finger cots…etc.
8. Crystal Press





OK, I started by placing the new chapter ring into the case:



Next part is the crystal gasket ring (not sure what the actual technical term is). When I disassembled the watch, I noticed that the SS edge of this was visible through the crystal. So, I decided to color the inner edge of the ring black to hide the ring and make it less visible…not sure if this is a common practice, but I am a novice so I can get away with it!

After coloring the ring with a black sharpie, I placed it inside the case:



Next, I needed to apply some silicone grease to the ring with a Q-tip…come to find out, this is probably not the best way to do this since it just sticks to the cotton and makes a big mess!!! So, I put on a rubber glove and used my finger to apply…that seemed to work pretty good, with no risk of getting pieces of cotton swab all over your gasket!




Once lubed, I placed the crystal gasket carefully on top of the “gasket ring”. Next, I put on some finger cots and placed the new sapphire crystal on top/centered on the gasket and case opening. Once complete, I carefully picked the case up and put it into the crystal press.






For the press, I chose a cupped nylon die that was a little smaller than the outer diameter of the crystal. I then applied steady, even pressure with the press until I felt it was properly seated. This took a few tries, but I eventually got it to the point where I was ready to install the “crystal fixing ring” or metal ring thing that locks the crystal in place.







The process for installing the ring was very similar to the crystal installation. I found a cupped nylon die that was slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ring. I placed the ring to it centered over the outside of the crystal/gasket and then applied steady pressure. This too took a few times to get right and a lot of trial and error to get seated. Eventually, it clicked into place and I was ready (at least at the time) to move onto installing the bezel.



As you may recall, I brushed out the old bezel that came with the watch and bought a new bezel. I wanted to see which one “looked best” on the watch and inserted the bezel insert onto each to check. So I tried it out, consulted my business advisors (wife and dog) and we decided that the brushed one looked best…here are some shots of the two variations:






I then moved on to reinstalling the brushed bezel. The first step was to install the bezel gasket:




Once the bezel gasket was installed, I was ready to reinstall the bezel. This was very easy with the crystal press!! The process was exactly the same as the crystal installation…choose appropriate nylon die, put in press, push, click…presto, you are done!





Prior to starting the project, the bezel was loose and moved a bit. Now it is pretty stiff and there is no side-to-side movement at all.

So…I was done, or so I thought. Here are a few pictures:





Perhaps you notice that the crystal is unevenly seated…well, I did too this morning.



Sooooo…..back off with the bezel, crystal…etc. Long story short…I had to do it all over again and it was just as difficult as the first time! After a bit, it was all back together and looks great IMO!

A few photos:





Next up: Dial, Hands and Crown!

I told you the hard stuff was yet to come! Maybe not so much hard but finicky...aligning the crystal can be a PITA! Looks great so far!

Man, That watch is looking great !!! Alot of work but it will be worth it in the end. Steve

Thanks guys!! It looks like next week will be the big week!!

Another update…couldn’t help myself!

I wanted to see how the dial looked. To do so, I had to put the movement back onto the holder ring, mount the dial and put it back into the watch. Part of my reasoning was to see if the chapter ring lined up and whether I could get the dial, movement and holder on properly.

Items Needed:

1. New XW blue dial – Jake B
2. Movement - Original
3. Movement spacer/ring - Original
4. Double faced tape - Staples
5. X-acto knife - Staples
6. Movement holder - eBay
7. Watch Case - Original



OK, since I cut the mounting posts off of the dial because they would not work with a 6309, I read that in order to mount the dial, I needed to use glue, “dial dots” or double faced tape. I went with double faced tape squares…



I used the old dial as a template and cut out several moon-shaped pieces to place around the back of the dial.



I quickly realized that the pads were much too thick to work, so I ran out to get some double faced scotch tape. When I got back from the store, I placed some tape on the back of the dial and cut off the edges that ran off of the edge.




Once I was finished with the tape, I had to remount the movement ring/spacer to the movement. Afterwards, I placed it into a movement holder so that it was steady and secure:




I then mounted the dial. Using the old dial, I placed a small mark on the edge of the movement to signify 12 o’clock. Once complete, I carefully placed the dial where I thought was the appropriate spot. I did this by using the mark that I made at 12 o’clock and the crown tube at 4 o’clock as a guide.




At this point, curiosity got to me and I decided to drop the movement into the case. So, I mounted the case in a case holder and slowly placed the movement into the case. I utilized the 12 o’clock marker as a general guide and gently moved the movement with a screwdriver to nudge it into alignment with the chapter ring. I then put the caseback on to check out my handy work…




Next week, I just need to test the crown to make sure that it inserts correctly. I will only know then if the chapter ring is properly aligned or needs to be moved…

WOW! looks great with this dial!

barnbuilder wrote:

WOW! looks great with this dial!

Thanks Ron! That means a lot coming from you!!

I think that I may try a pilot watch like that one that you built. I really like the small seconds at 6 o'clock with the red hand!

andrema wrote:

barnbuilder wrote:

WOW! looks great with this dial!

Thanks Ron! That means a lot coming from you!!

I think that I may try a pilot watch like that one that you built. I really like the small seconds at 6 o'clock with the red hand!

my favorite dial, I was able to get 3 of those from Kemmner without his name on the dial. I wanted it sterile, I think it looks the best

NICE!! You're moving along like a pro...looks great so far! It is addicting too....that won't be the last mod or build you do, I guarantee!

Whoa Mark, what a SENSATIONAL job you are doing, and have done with this Seiko.
Don't think it could be turning out any better, and the dual updates today are extra
nice of you to have done. Everything seems to be coming together so professionally
at every stage. I think the blue dial, along with chapter ring really fit the personality
of this watch just right too. It's got dive watch written all over it, and is the perfect
fit for all of the hard work underneath it all also. Amazing stuff here once again
Mark. You have done an unbelievable job from the very beginning, and should really
be proud of yourself. Can't wait to see the final stage ! ..THANKS !

great work Mark! Seems like you are just around the corner from finishing. Continued good luck on the remaining work.

Hey, it looks good. I was going to ask if it's an Invicta homage (no hands in the picture). Always look at the pictures first and then read the text.

Mark what a incredible job, it is something not alot of us can do you ought to feel pretty good. I can't wait to see the finished watch.

Day #6….

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo (head bangs on desk repeatedly) ……that feels better!

OK, it WAS smooth sailing…UNTIL I tried to insert the crown into the newly installed dial/movement while in the case. No matter what I tried, I simply could not get the crown to properly seat into position. Notice the slight gap between the movement ring and dial…




Well, this didn’t sit very well with me since I based my technique on what was out there on the net…so, I reached out to a few of our more well known modification gurus and authorities.(Jake B., Harold/Yobokies and Gabe). Based on what they told me, it seems that the adhesive that I utilized was slightly too thick! So I took their advice and removed it! THANKS GUYS!!!!





Luckily, the tape left some of its properties (sticky stuff) on the ring and dial. So I placed the dial back onto the ring and pressed down slightly. It seemed to work and I now could start the process of putting the movement back into the case and test-fit the dial to ensure alignment was correct.





Well….IT WORKED!!! The crown snapped into place and, luckily, the hash marks on the chapter ring matched up properly with the hour indications!!!!!!




So, I marked the position on the movement and case with a marker (see near crown and around 12 o’clock ) to use as a guide when I installed the movement/dial/hands “fer real”… I then took out the crown and removed the movement in preparation for hand installation…






Believe it or not, this correction took only around 20 minutes from beginning to start!

TO BE CONTINUED…

Looking good mark, Its great that you can call these guy's up and get the info needed. starting in to the home stretch,it will be great to see this one finished. Thanks for the update. Steve

Unbelievably cool stuff Mark ! I like how even though you encountered some of those
rougher waters lately, you still were able to plow right on through. Now, not only
have you gotten through these stages, but you are about to finish your very first mod !!!
THAT has to feel pretty INCREDIBLE !

Thanks for another great update !

looks good! sometimes a mistake can reveal a better way.

The hands are the most important part because you look at them all day. Make sure they are level and as exact on position as possible, including setting the date at midnight or a little after.

Day #7 – Putting on the D$#M hands…

Ok, the big day has arrived…the one that I have been dreading!! Setting the new hands on the watch!

Tools/Parts:

Hand Setting Tool – eBay
Set of Hands (MM style with C1 lume to match dial) – Harold/Yobokies
Tweezers – eBay
Dial Protectors – eBay
Ball Point Pen – Desk drawer
Rodico Putty - Esslinger
“The Nerve” – source unknown!




To start, I wanted to make sure that the dial was secure and did not slip. So I installed the tiniest pieces of double sided tape on the non-crown side of the dial. That was at the advice of a wise forum member! I would hate to look down and see 3 o’clock at the 12 o’clock position!

After the dial was reset and checked for fit in the case…I know, overkill! I then turned the crown until I found the exact point where the date would click over to change. I then tool this time to do a quick dial clean-up to get any prints, crud or lint off of the dial so that I would only have to do it minimally on my last step (fingers crossed!!). Once I was comfortable with that, I moved onto the hand placement.



I then setup the hand press/setting tool in preparation for setting the hands. I placed the movement on top of a lint free cloth underneath the press. I then grabbed the hour hand with some fine tweezers (not as easy as you would think!).



I placed it over the pinion and then used the press (with a fitting that was big enough to clear the minute tube) to gently set the hand. I didn’t press down too firmly in the case that I needed to remove and redo. Once, I cycled the hand 24 hours to check that the date would change at the 12 o’clock position ….and it did! I then pushed down firmly to set final and re-rotated the hand to test and check that it was level with the dial surface. I also used a ball point pen (without ink extended) as a pusher for this part! I read that trick on one of the blogs!






I then did the same for the minute hand (placing, checking date change and clearance/level…



I then had a little moment of panic…where and how do I set the second hand?? Well, our great WIS community came through again and several WIS (thanks Ron!) came to my rescue and talk me off of the edge…moving on, nothing to see here!!!

Come to find out, it apparently doesn’t matter where the second hand is set, as long as it does not have clearance issues and moves freely. So, I placed the hand and used a flat ended (no hollow point on tip) to push it into place. I then checked the movement and ...




WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!!! It was properly installed and moved freely.




Next stop….FINAL ASSEMBLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHEW!!! Looks like it's all coming together nicely. I feel your pain brother! Have had all of the same issues....hand placement, dial spacing, spacer ring...and have also done my share of head banging and expletive screaming! A bit of advice when final assembling: check everything over carefully for dust and fingerprints! I cant tell you how many times I have finished a project only to find a piece of junk on the dial etc. You're using finger cots so some potential is eliminated. Just check and triple check!

cski wrote:

WHEW!!! Looks like it's all coming together nicely. I feel your pain brother! Have had all of the same issues....hand placement, dial spacing, spacer ring...and have also done my share of head banging and expletive screaming! A bit of advice when final assembling: check everything over carefully for dust and fingerprints! I cant tell you how many times I have finished a project only to find a piece of junk on the dial etc. You're using finger cots so some potential is eliminated. Just check and triple check!

Thanks Chris! I will definitely do multiple checks prior to closing the caseback!! With any luck, I'll have it on my wrist at the end of the day...WRUW, here we come!

Yowza Mark, that must have really been nerve racking placing those hands like that.
Not only does it seem difficult holding onto them, but then you have to worry about
all of them working correctly TOO ! Think it's just AWESOME how everything has turned
out though, and the help you got from everyone was GREAT also. What an fantastic
accomplishment, thread, and of course watch !!!

CONGRATULATIONS ! ..Can't wait to see you wearing this soon !

Update #8 - Final installation Day!!!!

So, the project is almost complete…new bezel, new insert (waiting), new dial, new gaskets, new hands….blood, sweat and tears! All in all, it was a very good experience…now all I have to do is seal it up and add a new bracelet!

Tools/Parts:

Case/Movement…duhhh
Caseback – Original
Caseback Gasket – eBay
Silicone Grease – Esslinger
Tweezers – Harbor Freight
Finger Cots – Walgreens
Tsunami XW Bracelet – Jake B/10Watches
Screwdrivers - Sears
Springbar Tool – Esslinger
Caseback Tool – Harbor Freight



First up, I need to close this baby up! I put some Seiko silicone grease on the caseback gasket and inserted it into the channel around the threaded opening. I then used a caseback tool to close the back and secure the watch.





Once the caseback was installed, I set the watch to the proper time. I then moved onto installing the new bracelet. I always use tape on the case when installing a bracelet. This reduces the possibility of scratches and seems to work great!








BTW – I love Noah’s design for the Tsunami bracelet, so I needed one for this project…great piece and tons of adjustments to make a perfect fit!!




Ok…last step! Fitting the bracelet and sitting back to check out the results! I also included a comparison shots to my Omega PO 42mm.







As a reminder….Before vs. After





Now get out there and do this yourself!!!!

Nice work!!! Well worth all the blood sweat and tears. The net few (yes few...you will do more!) will be a lot easier. I really love that bracelet. Have yet to put one on my mods but am thinking 'bout it for sure now

Great post...the results were worth all the extra time....enjoy the fruits of your labor...I really like that blue dial!!

Mark, you really outdid yourself with this !!! From the very beginning you detailed everything
so well that it made us feel like we were there modding this Seiko with you. Each day, each step,
and every obstacle came, and went by very very fast imho. Honestly could feel that whole time
flys when you are having fun thing happening. Just genuinely want to say thank you for giving
us this PHENOMENAL step by step. It was definitely a GREAT experience seeing how it is done
from this side, and also seeing the things that you did, as well as learned along the way. I know
I learned a ton, and had fun seeing how it all unfolded. ..With the watch, you basically have to
be speechless ! The final pics of it, especially the ones next to your Omega are especially impressive.
Can't get enough of that blue dial, along with chapter ring combination either. It just looks like
such an appropriate color for a dive watch. Plus it is a unique looking blue too which sets the
watch apart from the crowd. Add in the EXCELLENT looking hands, beautiful case, bracelet,
and just all of that blood, sweat, and tears you mentioned, and it once again makes you just
speechless Mark !

..Thanks again !!!!

Congratulations on doing this, and I hope you really enjoy it !

Have to say, "FABULOSA" Mark! Thanks for showing us the whole process. Enjoyed this very much.

excellent work and finished watch Mark!
love the blue dial and dig this bracelet.

Thanks everyone!!

Dude, awesome job ! Congrats on a great looking watch.

Congrats Mark , it is amazing. The deep dish dial look is incredible and that bracelet is bad-ass!

OK...final update.

I ordered a replacement bezel insert from Harold/Yobokies to change over the crappy aftermarket bezel that came with the watch. Well...the new bezel insert finally came in, so here are some photos of the before and after.









Here is a lume shot for good measure. The C1 on the parts really have stong lume!

Great job, the whole watch looks fantastic !! Steve

What a perfect grand finale Mark ! The watch honestly looked GREAT before, but now
that you added in the new bezel insert, you can really see the difference. It's very nice how
the dot markers are bigger with the new one, and the numbers are different too. Even the
lume pip/triangle marker at the 12 o'clock position is taken up another notch ! Really looks
FANTASTIC Mark, and that lume ROCKS also. CONGRATULATIONS on a job VERY well
done ! ..Thanks again, and enjoy your creation !