The Seiko SKX is one of the most affordable dive watches on the market. It’s got a super tough uni-directional diving bezel, 200m water resistance and plenty of lume. But it’s really the dial and hands that help make the watch special and that’s why it’s such an ideal canvas for some creative mods. The SKX also happens to be one of the most readily available and easy-to-work on entry-level automatic movements out there, making it a perfect choice for first-time watch modding.

The first thing to do to transform an SKX is a bezel swap. There are a ton of different bezel inserts to choose from, including coin edge, submariner or “sub” style, and even a blank sloped bezel known as a pilot bezel. These bezels look fantastic and can set the watch apart from the crowd. Best of all, bezel mods are simple and don’t compromise the water resistance rating or movement functionality. The process is as simple as removing the old bezel with a tool, sliding in the new bezel and pressing it down firmly.

Another popular modification is a crystal swap. The standard SKX is equipped with a hardlex mineral crystal that’s fine, but there are some truly amazing sapphire crystal options out there that will give the watch an almost Rolex-like feel. Some of these crystals are even coated in anti-reflective material, which makes the watch legible in nearly any lighting condition. A crystal swap is a little more involved, requiring the case to be opened and the movement removed with care. This can be a tricky task for beginners and it’s important to find an instructional guide online that can walk you through the process.

A final touch that can be a huge game changer is to get the watch Cerakoted. This is the same finish that’s used on firearms, and it adds a beautiful matte color to the case and protects the movement from scratches and other damage. It’s a bit more difficult to do than a bezel or crystal swap, but it can really make the watch stand out in a way that sets it apart from every other SKX on the street.

So if you’re looking for some creative ways to take your SKX to the next level, be sure to check out all of the cool mods available. Just remember to start small and work your way up to more complex builds as you become more comfortable and skilled.