Modding watches is a thing… a big thing. In fact it has been explained as one of the driving forces behind design decisions by some of our biggest watch manufacturers as they examine what enthusiasts do to their products. However I recently purchased a watch specifically for modding and changed my mind. It was just too good to play around with.
The watch in
question was a Seiko SNZH55K1, often nick-named the “55 Fathoms”. It is a very
popular model for modding because there are just so many interchangeable parts
available (think SKX which it shares the 7S26 movement with). The submariner
style dive watch design lends itself to changing bezels, bezel inserts, dials,
crystals, hands, straps, and even movements if you wish to go for the later
4R36 hackable and hand winding version. And it is very well priced – this one
landed brand new, with tags and a box for less than A$500
But when I
un-packed the “55 Fathoms” I realized that it was a very attractive watch in
its own right. That unique glossy black “hardlex” bezel insert, the classy
black/silver colour co-ordination, and the overall vintage vibe, spoke volumes
to me. It is a really nice looking watch and I decided to keep it original.
Well, except for a strap change. The original stainless steel band is not bad
but it is heavier than I like and a black sailcloth version is on order. In the
meantime it sports a croc grain leather strap.
Here are some photos to help explain why I decided to keep the SNZH55K1’s original appearance. On the left is the Tudor Black Bay dive watch, highly respected, homaged by a number of brands, and selling for around US$3500. On the right is the venerable Blancpain 50 Fathoms – a well respected timepiece credited with being the first modern diver’s watch and often homaged by those who mod the SNZH55 even to the extent of including a 55 Fathoms dial inscription. The Blancpain sells for around US$10,000.
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| SNZH55 with Sailcloth Style Strap |
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