YouTubers LIED TO ME!!! (Seiko's $100 ROLEX KILLER - SNXS77) 

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

That caseback made a HUGE difference.

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

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

Hey! The Rolex gives you status. You don't buy a Rolex because you want a good watch. You buy it for status. Seiko produces great watches that look great too. But it's for people who are confident. 😊

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

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 "RU-vid University's" claim.

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.

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.

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

'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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

I have the exact same watch (the original one I mean) and I really love it. It looks incredibly good, and while it's my cheapest watch it is the one I wear when a need a dress watch. While I could obviously not improve it the way you did (congratulations!) I simply replaced the crappy bracelet with a black leather strap and voila! It looks even better. BTW the watch is unfortunately not available anymore. New Seiko 5 are now way more expensive than that and I don't think they have a model that looks that good.

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.

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. 👑

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

I bought a watch from MaMaCoo lightly used for my last milestone birthday. Don't wear it as much as it deserves, but not afraid to, either. It's stunning . Good taste, Sir.

Do people sell the moded version of these online? Seems like paying for the additional materials, installation, and shipping would be worth it.

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

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

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.

YOU SIR ARE AN INNOVATOR!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

I love seiko but one thing that drives me crazy is their exhibition back... It makes the watch unnecessarily thick and causes it to sit way to high off the wrist.

RU-vidrs figured out that putting Rolex in the title tickles the algorithm in just the right way.

There’s a huge difference with the thinner case back. None of the Seiko 5’s have tempted me, so far. An NH36 is better, but the slower sweep of the seconds hand still won’t look anything like a Rolex.

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.

Where did you get the caseback?

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

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

Very informative and nice upgrade of the Seiko 5 to an affordable Rolex performance piece.

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 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 add the cost for the case back remover and the tool too. That's another 160 there so you're already at 160+206=366, plus 100 dollars for labor, which brings to 466 dollars.

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.

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

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

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

I live in North Carolina . Any idea where I could send my watch to someone who’d modify it the way you did? Very striking modification

I have a stock Seiko 5 for my workplace. It is very good for what it is. But to call it a „Rolex-Killer“ is far off. But you made a very decent looking unique watch.

I’m amazed that you tune it to +/- 3 seconds, I wonder how long it stays that way ?

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

I have a seiko 5 and it manages to keep to with the 6-4 accuracy of a Rolex. That being said, it does not rival the build quality of a Rolex.

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

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 )

They 💀 wrong! The rolex killer is the Sarbs 033,035! ☝️

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

Is it for sale?

How can I get one like this mod?

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

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

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

Please make me an SNXS79 and I'll buy it! This transformation looks amazing.

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.

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

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.

Its very cool upgrades man. Congrats for the channel.

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

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

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.

Woah the case back makes a huge difference visually. To be honest I think it makes sense for a lot of Seiko 5 to have a display back, because if it's someone's first or only mechanical watch then you want to see those gears, but that particular case does make it bad. It's also a super issue with Chinese brands sadly: here's a gorgeous affordable homage, very close to the original but we made it 15mm thick so you can marvel at the crappy movement :/

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

Am I the only who actually always keep those watches all original? I have a SNKL41 (I absolutely love it) and the bracelet feels very confortable on my wrist. It surely could be better and less “noisy” but I think it gives it some charm if that makes any sense. Those seiko’s were great value for the money and for some reason I don’t like the newest releases that much and I’m not talking about their higher prices.. they just don’t give me the same vibe 😊

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

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

What about the cost for all the tools, that allows you to create this???? What would the cost be then?

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?

Amazing, amazing, amazing; truely amazing!!!!!❤😊

Good work and worthwhile upgrades!

I own this watch in its SNKL23J1 version. I paid 140 $ or € for it @ LongIslandwatch, which makes it - with exception of my Vostok Amphibia - the cheapest auto in my collection.... and yet: it is the most accurate* automatic in my possession. I like the upgrades you did, except for the movement: I dare argue, from my experience, whether the NH35, when it comes to accuracy, is really superior to that oldskool non-hacking 7S26, which dates from a period where Seikos were cheaper, yet better value for money than nowadays (imho). *Worn, it only loses, I mean seriously, about one second in two to three days. Unworn it's more like 10 seconds, tops (depending on how it sits on my nightstand). The latter still within acceptable range. Maybe I just got lucky with the well regulated movement. I don't know. What I do know is that this watch is a winner. Thank you for your effort in making this video. Best regards from Belgium

I have this watch. It's my daily wear watch. First thing I did was change the bracelet for a soft lamb leather strap. Perhaps I was lucky but mine is accurate to plus 7 seconds per day, I usually set it every Sunday at 12 noon 😅. Its a really good watch, I paid £87.00 inc delivery ☺️

>Sapphire glass >Cleaned with a pad made and sealed in a special room >No lint or particles >PROCEEDS TO TOUCH IT WITH HIS BARE HANDS

The extra 1mm is because it's an automatic movement with a rotor that needs room to rotate, slimmer casebacks might interfere with the movement.??

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. 👌🏻

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

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