About Watch Modifications

About Watch Modifications

Watch modification, or "modding," is the art of creating unique timepieces by combining premium aftermarket components with reliable, high-quality movements. It is a thriving global community of enthusiasts, watchmakers, and designers who believe that a watch should be as individual as the person wearing it.

What Are Watch Mods?

A modded watch is a custom-built timepiece assembled from carefully selected components: cases, dials, hands, bezels, crystals, and movements. Each part is chosen for its quality, compatibility, and design. The result is a one-of-a-kind watch that combines the reliability of a proven movement with a design that reflects the owner's personal style.

Watch mods are not replicas. They are original creations. While some designs may draw inspiration from iconic watch aesthetics, every timepiece we build carries our own identity and is assembled entirely by hand in our workshop.

Why Seiko Movements?

The watch modification community has long relied on Seiko movements as the foundation of choice, and for good reason. Seiko's automatic calibres are renowned worldwide for their precision, durability, and serviceability. They are the gold standard in the modding world.

The Movements We Use

NH35A (Automatic)

  • Type: Automatic (self-winding)
  • Jewels: 24
  • Power reserve: Approximately 41 hours
  • Features: Hacking (second hand stops when setting time) and hand-winding
  • Accuracy: +/- 20 seconds per day (typical)
  • The NH35A is one of the most widely used automatic movements in the world. It is the direct descendant of the legendary Seiko 7S26, upgraded with hacking and hand-winding capabilities. Reliable, accurate, and easy to service.

NH34A (Automatic GMT)

  • Type: Automatic GMT (self-winding)
  • Jewels: 24
  • Power reserve: Approximately 41 hours
  • Features: True GMT complication with independently adjustable GMT hand, hacking, and hand-winding
  • The NH34A adds a true GMT complication to the proven NH platform. The independently adjustable 24-hour hand allows tracking a second timezone, making it perfect for travelers and GMT enthusiasts.

VK63 (Meca-Quartz Chronograph)

  • Type: Meca-quartz chronograph
  • Battery life: Approximately 3 years
  • Features: Mechanical feel chronograph with quartz precision
  • The VK63 is a hybrid movement that combines the satisfying tactile feel of a mechanical chronograph with the accuracy of quartz timekeeping. The chronograph pusher has a crisp, mechanical action that feels identical to a traditional mechanical chronograph, while the timekeeping module delivers battery-powered precision.

Component Quality

Beyond the movement, every component in our watches is selected for quality:

  • Sapphire crystal: Lab-grown sapphire rated 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (second only to diamond). Virtually scratch-proof with superior clarity compared to mineral glass.
  • 316L stainless steel: Marine-grade steel used in surgical instruments and high-end watchmaking. Hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant, and extremely durable.
  • SuperLuminova: Swiss-made luminescent material (BGW9 blue-green and C3 green) applied to hands and indices for optimal legibility in low-light conditions.
  • Gaskets and seals: O-ring gaskets at the crown, caseback, and crystal ensure 5ATM (50m) water resistance.

Our Assembly Process

  1. Component selection: We source each part individually, inspecting for quality, finish, and compatibility.
  2. Case preparation: The case is cleaned, and all gaskets and seals are inspected and replaced if necessary.
  3. Movement installation: The movement is carefully installed and secured, with the stem cut to precise length.
  4. Dial and hands: The dial is fitted and the hands are pressed onto the movement posts with specialized tools to ensure perfect alignment.
  5. Crystal and bezel: The sapphire crystal is pressed into place and the bezel assembly is fitted.
  6. Quality control: Each watch is tested for timekeeping accuracy, water resistance, crown operation, and overall function.
  7. Final inspection: A thorough visual inspection ensures every detail meets our standards before packaging.

The Modding Culture

Watch modification is a global movement. From hobbyists building their first watch in a home workshop to professional modders like us who have turned passion into profession, the community shares a common belief: that watches are a form of self-expression, and the best watch is one that is truly yours.

When you wear a timepiece from The Golden Mods, you are wearing a piece of this culture. A watch that was designed with intention, assembled with care, and built to be uniquely yours.