Ali Express Watches – As the Seiko modding world grows, so does the range of parts and donor watches available to builders. One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen lately is the influx of affordable, relatively high-quality watches and components from AliExpress brands. Some of these watches have become a staple in the modding community — thanks to impressive specs, solid construction, and unbeatable prices. But with this growth also comes some important conversations around branding, transparency, and modding ethics.
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 a Brand? A Modder’s Perspective – Ali Express Watches
Many branded watches — even the budget-friendly ones — come with distinct markings. These can include engravings on the caseback, crown, and even the side of the case. Some brands go big with this, like Invicta, which is known for its bold side engraving. While not available Invicta watches aren’t sold on AliExpress, they do fall into the same category for many modders: affordable, NH movement-equipped watches with modding potential and as we have you can fit a double dome sapphire to them.
Because of their low cost, modders often use these branded cases as a base for custom builds. In some cases, the branding is removed entirely — sanding off names from case sides or swapping casebacks. This isn’t unusual in the community. After all, the goal is to make something unique. But it becomes more complicated when branding is removed and replaced with something misleading.
⚠️ The Rise of the “Fake Mod” – Ali Express Watches
There’s a growing trend in the modding scene where sellers are taking low-cost branded watches — sometimes Invictas or AliExpress special offers with NH movements — swapping in a fake Seiko dial, and selling the result as a “Seiko mod” for five or six times what the original watch cost. There are always hustlers!
Let’s be clear: if the watch never came from Seiko, and the dial is counterfeit, calling it a “Seiko mod” is misleading at best.
And here’s the thing — nobody cares what you do for yourself, behind closed doors. If you want to build a wild homage with a fake dial because it looks cool and it’s for your own wrist or its a gift for your wife brother, uncle, sisters boyfriend, etc. Go for it. That’s part of the fun — creative freedom is what moddings all about.
But once you start selling those watches and passing them off as Seiko mods, it becomes a problem. It misleads buyers, devalues the work of legitimate modders, and dilutes trust in the entire community.
We’re not anti-homage, and we’re certainly not here to gatekeep creativity. But we do believe in calling a custom watch what it really is. Be proud of your watch — whether it’s a true Seiko mod or an original creation — but be honest. If it’s an homage, say so. If it’s not built from Seiko parts, don’t market it like it is.
If there is no set line, the entire scene gets murky — and that hurts everyone, especially new modders just trying to learn the ropes.
There are so many microbrands now using the NH calibre as their base movement — and doing incredible things with it. With the right creativity, quality, and branding, anyone can launch a unique microbrand and build real value. In fact, many of these watches command higher prices than the so-called “Seiko mods” you’ll find on platforms like eBay.
Why fake it when you could create something of your own?
🛠️ AliExpress Watches: A Entry Level Modders Friend – Ali Express Watches
Despite the concerns about the flood of not so “Seiko Mods”, it’s worth saying — it is not the Ali Express Watches that are problem. In fact, many are genuinely impressive. We’re seeing incredible value coming from small, independent brands on AliExpress that offer features like:
- Sapphire crystals
- Ceramic & Glass bezel inserts
- Solid stainless steel construction
- NH35/36/70 etc. movements
- Sterile cases perfect for modding
These Ali Express watches offer a great starting point for beginners or those looking to experiment with watch modding without the risk of damaging a now higher-cost donor SKX or SRPD. More importantly, they open the door for creativity — and that’s what modding is all about.
Modern manufacturing techniques have made it possible for smaller brands to produce reliable, high-quality cases and components. As a result, the quality gap between premium modding parts and affordable alternatives is shrinking — and that’s something modders should be excited about.
📢 Keeping the Community Informed – Ali Express Watches
At SeikoModder.com, we’ll continue to keep the modding community informed about new releases, trusted sellers, and the best-value parts available on platforms like Ali Express. We believe there’s real potential in these offerings — as long as transparency and authenticity stay at the core of the build.
If you’re sourcing from Ali Express, just be clear about what you’re using. Own your work, and share your process — that’s what keeps this community strong.
And if you’re buying an already assembled mod from ebay or one of the now many online stores offering modified watches (which are highly likely drop shipping thesefrom china), always ask the right questions:
- Was there a genuine Seiko used to produce this watch?
- Does the watch have a Seiko Serial number?
- Is the dial original or aftermarket?
- Are the case and movement clearly sourced?
Being informed helps keep modding creative, fair, and fun — exactly how it should be – All of the watches displayed on this page can be picked up for less than $100 on Ali Express. Why pay more for a Seiko Logo you can literally have 2 or 3 for the cost of that logo! Just click the images to drop you straight on the page or the Monster, Tuna, Nautilus, PRX Homages!
🔜 What’s Next?
Thanks for reading — and if you’re passionate about building something truly your own, you won’t want to miss next week’s blog!
We’re putting something exciting to the test: Modifying a Ladies or just small 31mm Datejust-style homage cases for both ladies. We’re genuinely thrilled about these new options. Until now, women interested in Seiko mods were largely limited to the SKX013 or the vintage 4205. But with the arrival of these new 26mm and 31mm Datejust-style cases, there’s finally a more refined, dressy alternative — not just for women, but also for guys who prefer smaller watches.
It opens the door for exciting possibilities: imagine smaller homage parts in the style of Cartier, Patek, or AP, all compatible with the NH05 movement.
Follow along at SeikoModder.com, and don’t forget to like, and subscribe so you never miss a blog post or video!
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