Sinneiko - modded 7S36 (SNZG05) that's Sinnfully beautiful

This is my first *real* mod attempt. Previously, I've tinkered with swapping movements between compatible casebodies, but this is my first try at changing out dial hands, face and doing some decal work. I've finally gotten around to using my Yobokies sourced custom dial and hands. A few months back, I had ordered up a white-on-black pilot style dial (3, 6, 9, 12 with date at 4:30 position) seen here below...the lower right corner:

[photo credit: Yobokies]

Additionally, I ordered up a pilot hand set to match. I can't recall which set exactly, but it was one of these seen here below:

[photo credit: Yobokies]

The target mod watch is the SNZG05 that I had laying around - Blue Dial stock image below.

Lastly, I had special ordered a thick leather strap from Texas Strap Company since they can make custom short lengths for a very reasonable price...not many custom strap shops offer this. So, it's a welcome service for those of us with skinny wrists. I had the Lone Star Strap and thought it'd be a perfect strap for this Sinneiko. Chris, the owner, is a great guy to work with and buy from - highly recommended.

[Photo credit: Texas Strap Co.]

There's plenty of resources here and elsewhere on how-to mod Seikos, so I won't detail it here. I did not take any in-progress pictures...but I will mention a few things.

1) Get the correct custom Seiko dial (I didn't)

Most all custom Seiko dials available today (Yobokies and Dagaz and others) are based upon the venerable 7S26 movement. The dial feet or alignment pegs that are on the backside of these custom dials fit into the stock alignment holes for the movements so that everything lines up correctly. As long as your mod watch has the same crown position that the custom dial was made for, you'll be set and it'll be an easy swap.

I really wanted a custom pilot dial with a date window at 4:30 position. Unfortunately, at the time, this type of dial was only available for movements with a 4 o'clock crown position. My SNZG has a 3 o'clock crown position. So, the dial feet peg locations don't match/fit. I had to cut the pegs or dial feet on the backside of the dial and grind it down smooth. I pre-marked the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock on the movement spacer *before* removing the stock dial then removed the hands using a hand puller and removed the dial face. Using silicone adhesive (not permanent glue - for future servicability) and a toothpick, I applied a ring of sealant on the movement spacer - the black plastic ring surrounding the movement itself. I then lined up the custom dial to the marks, 4:30 date window and pressed firmly into place.

2) Working with dial hands are a pain-in-the-***

Removing dial hands wasn't a big deal...BUT, installing the new ones really tested my hand dexterity and patience. It gets progressively more difficult as you install the hour, minute and seconds hand. Too much pressure...you bend the delicate hand, too little pressure...it doesn't stay put, uneven pressure...the hand is tilted/off-axis and interferes with other hand, etc. A few choice profane words accompanied the momentary challenges.

3) SNZG bezel gasket easy to kink and not easy to replace

There is a white, flat tapered plastic gasket that is used to seal and install the bezel. Well, when I removed the bezel, I kinked the gasket and after many attempts, it got so twisted and stretched, it became useless. I tried in vain to find a stock replacement, but no luck. I ended up applying automotive grade silicone sealant/adhesive in the bezel groove with a toothpick then, gently installed the bezel, wiped off excess and let cure overnight under some heavy magazines. It seems to be okay...I wasn't able to pry it open with my fingernail. Time will tell if this still holds well.

So, here's the final output:





On my skinny 6" wrist (57mm across top bone)...the 42mm casebody visually fits.



Lumed hands glow brighter than markers...as with most all lume, it's strong at the start for about an hour then fades off. It performs on par with Seiko's Lumibrite. On the stock dial, with a 11pm pre-charge, the lume is strong for the first hour then fades off to nil by 5am.





I've always wanted a Sinn or a Bell & Ross, but like many here, I just can't afford nor justify spending that amount of money. So, I figured I'd just frustrate myself to hell and make one. Like all new skills, it will be rough at the start but will improve with practice. I'm unsure if I want to do this again anytime soon...but eventually, maybe much later on, I'll give it another go. I'm just glad it's done and that it came out alright. I'm happy with my new Sinneiko or Seiko & Ross.

Dan