Beginners budget mod toolkit – Getting into Seiko modding or basic watch repairs can be exciting — but the price of tools can feel like a barrier to entry. If you’ve ever browsed high-end watchmaking tools, you’ve probably seen brands like Bergeon, Horotec, Horia charging more for a screwdriver than you spent on your first mod case.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.
Thanks to AliExpress, it’s entirely possible to put together a complete beginner’s watch toolkit for about £30! It won’t be perfect, and it definitely won’t be Swiss, but it will give you the tools you need to start modding, tinkering, and learning — without blowing your budget.
Here’s exactly what you need, why it matters, and where to find it.
- Psst…those links below. They’re Ali Express affiliate links! If you click ’em and purchase something, Seikomodder.com may earn a tiny commission (enough for a latte, maybe? ☕️ ) But don’t worry, we only recommend great products that will help you assemble your custom watches.
What’s in the Beginners budget mod toolkit?
This kit is designed to handle the essentials: opening casebacks, changing straps, installing hands, pressing crystals, and working on movements, dials and hands safely. Every item is linked to a low-cost option from AliExpress — many We’ve tested ourself or seen used successfully by fellow modders.
31-Piece Watch Repair Kit
This is your all-in-one starter set. It includes spring bar tools, a case back opener, strap pins, tweezers, a case knife, screwdrivers, hand removers, and more. Most of the tools are basic, but functional — perfect for learning the ropes
Cost ￡14.39
Movement Holders
If you are planing on changing dials or hands a movement holder is a must have. This secures the movement to create a firm base on which work can talk place.
Cost ￡2.67
Basic Magnifying Loupe
Even basic hand work and movement checks require magnification. This set of loupes will give you a clear view for a few pounds.
Cost ￡3.12
Watch Hand Press
Once your new dial is in, you’ll need to press hands back onto the movement. This nylon-tip hand press gives you better control and avoids damage.
Cost ￡2.83
Case Cushion
When your watch is dial-side down, this foam or silicone cushion keeps it safe and stable while you work.
Cost ￡1.11
Silicone Work Mat
A small investment that makes a big difference. This is a great value mat it it anti-static, protects your table, stops screws from rolling off, and keeps everything tidy. These things can attract dust but can cleaned easily.
Cost ￡1.74
Crystal Press
If you plan to install or re-seat crystals (especially domed ones), you’ll need a press. This basic model isn’t elegant, but it does the job if you’re careful.
Cost ￡7.29
Cleaning & Consumables
Finally there are the cleaning and consumable products required. These are typically sold individually in quantities that may out-weigh the projects of a first time modder. This is a great starter kit and excellent value – It includes – Air Duster, Cloth, Polishing Stick, Peg Wood, brush, generic rodico and finger cotts.
Cost –￡10.53
Beginners budget mod toolkit – Total Cost
All this for only￡43.68 – is a bargain.
(Please note: All prices correct at the time of writing – we also recommend a Swiss army knife, you’ve got one somewhere!)
With this Beginners budget mod toolkit, you’ll be able to:
- Swap bezels, straps, and crystals
- Remove and install hands
- Open casebacks and change batteries
- Work with movements without damaging them
- Keep your tools and workspace organised
Is it perfect? No.
But it’s more than enough to get started. You’ll learn what tools you like, which ones you’ll want to upgrade, and most importantly — you’ll actually get to do the work, not just watch videos about it.
When you’re ready to take things up a notch, there’s a solid mid-range toolkit I recommend — better quality, better ergonomics, still affordable. We’ll get into that in the next post.
For now, this Beginners budget mod toolkit is your first step into the world of watch modding — and it won’t cost you more than a few pints and a takeaway.
Final Thoughts – Beginners budget mod toolkit
Watch modding can be intimidating at first — not just because of the tiny parts and precision work, but also the cost of getting started. But as this Beginners budget mod toolkit shows, you really don’t need to drop a lot of cash to begin learning, experimenting, and enjoying the process.
Will these tools last forever? Probably not. But they’ll get you through your first few builds, help you understand what you actually need, and most importantly, give you the confidence to dive in. Once you’ve done a few mods, you’ll have a better sense of which tools are worth upgrading.
In the next post, we’ll share a great “value” toolkit — a step up in quality for hobbyists who want something a bit more refined, without going full Bergeon.
Until then, keep your hands steady and your spring bars flying – More info on Tools in the Seiko Modder Blog
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