Modifying

[C8PPO]

Evening all,

I like this watch:



but I'd like the bezel numbering etc to be black, a bit like this very quick mock-up:



and I'd like it on a rubber strap.

So I'm thinking, seeing as the numbers etc are engraved, ie they're below the surface, I could do this with satin black paint and a very small paintbrush, and it wouldn't scratch off (too easily). What do you think? The watch is only £100 so it's not an international disaster if it doesn't work, although I'd like it to!

Or are there other options?

[Hoofy]

You could probably buy a bezel for about £20 if you cocked it up, anyway...

Yokobies probably does one.

[C8PPO]

Are they easy to fit? I have had a few watches apart in the past, but only dead cheapies.

[Hoofy]

IIRC, a thin blade eased and angled under the bezel should pop it off. This might be completely wrong so I would google if I were you as you won't be the first to have modified a Seiko 5 diver. So if you end up dividing by zero and the world implodes, it's not my fault.

[clockworks]

Easy to repaint the engraved markings. Here's a Seiko Orange Monster that I repainted a while ago:





I used thinned Humbrol gloss enamel, applied with a pin. I added the paint liberally, several coats. After leaving it to dry for a couple of days, the "mistakes" were rubbed off with scraps of plain printer paper.
Here's what it looked like before cleaning up:

[CAPP0]

Ah, that's the ticket, thanks, I'll get that watch ordered then I think!

[CAPP0]

Bugger, Creation have just advised that they don't have a rubber strap for that watch.

Back to the drawing board....

[Hoofy]

Just get a rubber strap. 20mm?

[CAPP0]

I was going to ask that on the Monster thread. Is that feasible?

[Hoofy]

CAPP0 said:

I was going to ask that on the Monster thread. Is that feasible?

Is what feasible? Do you mean to ask whether it is possible to buy the watch, remove the bracelet and fit a rubber strap? Of course it is! Just measure the gap between the lugs.

[CAPP0]

Thanks, yes, I just wante to check that there weren't any specifics which would stop me from fitting a different strap!

[Hoofy]

It's hard to tell without seeing the back of the watch. Can you find any photos of the back?

[CAPP0]

I think this is the back of it:



Another one here:



What are we looking for? Thanks for your help!

Edited by CAPP0 on Wednesday 18th April 18:49

[clockworks]

I can't see anything unusual about that case. A standard strap should fit with no problems.

[Hoofy]

Yep. See that notch at the end of the bracelet. That's how you access the springbar.