How difficult is this Seiko mod build?

This shared build is rated 3/5 (intermediate) by Assemble Watches based on the selected parts and compatibility signals.

What tools do I need for this build?

Dust Blower, Rodico Cleaning Putty, Watchmaker's Loupe, Movement Holder (Type M), Hand Setting & Removal Kit, Case Back Wrench, Replacement Gaskets, Spring Bar Tool, Correct-Size Spring Bars

Can I open this build in the watch builder?

Yes. Use the Open in builder link on this page to load the same selected parts and adjust the build.

Curated build guide

Explorer 1016 Dial (No Date) build guide

7 parts$396 est.3/5 · intermediate

Open in builder Beginner guide

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Parts in this build

Case

Explorer Watch Case - 36mm [ULTRA THIN EDITION]

$95

Buy

Chapter ring

SKX013 Brushed Black Chapter Ring - White Markers [ULTRA THIN EDITION]

$20

Buy

Crown

SKX007 Crown: Polished Finish

$28

Buy

Dial

Explorer 1016 Dial (No Date)

$52

Buy

Hands

Mercedes Hands v2 - Polished Silver

$42

Buy

Movement

Seiko (SII/TMI) NH35 Automatic Movement

$88

Buy

Bracelet

SKX013 Watch Bracelet: Oyster Brushed

$71

Buy

Build checkpoints

Plan parts here. Learn technique from the linked guides.

3/5 · intermediate

Checkpoint 1
Pair the dial and movement
Checkpoint: confirm the dial feet line up with the movement and any date/day window sits correctly before mounting.
Date window and movement date wheel don't obviously match — verify alignment before final assembly.
Learn this step
Dial selection and dial feet guideAssemble Watches Movement and date matching guideAssemble Watches
Checkpoint 2
Set the hands
Hand-setting is the precision step. Review a full hand-setting guide before pressing the hands, then check clearance between the dial, hands, chapter ring, and crystal.
Learn this step
Hand-setting risk guideAssemble Watches
Checkpoint 3
Seat the movement in the case
Checkpoint: test-fit the movement/dial/hands assembly in the case, then confirm the movement holder or spacer seats cleanly before closing anything.
Type M movement holder with tight hand clearance — hands must seat completely flush or they may foul the crystal.
Learn this step
Case and movement fitting guideAssemble Watches
Checkpoint 4
Fit the chapter ring
Checkpoint: seat the chapter ring and confirm its markers align with 12 o'clock and the date/day window if the build has one.
Learn this step
Chapter ring fit and alignment guideAssemble Watches
Checkpoint 5
Fit the crown
Checkpoint: crown and stem fitting can require trimming. Confirm winding, hand-set, and date-set positions before sealing the case.
Learn this step
Crown and stem sizing guideAssemble Watches
Checkpoint 6
Close the caseback
Checkpoint: inspect for dust, confirm the gasket is seated, then close the caseback without shifting the crown or movement.
Learn this step
Caseback, gasket, strap and bracelet guideAssemble Watches
Checkpoint 7
Fit the strap or bracelet
Checkpoint: fit the spring bars, then tug-test the strap or bracelet and confirm end links sit flush against the case.
Learn this step
Caseback, gasket, strap and bracelet guideAssemble Watches