Everything we get asked most — how these are built, what's inside them, how to live with a mechanical watch, and what to do when something doesn't behave the way you expect. If your question isn't here, send it over and we'll answer it properly.
Which movement is in it?
Depends on the build. Most run a Seiko NH35, NH36, or NH34. The NH35 is an automatic with a date. The NH36 adds a day alongside the date. The NH34 is an automatic GMT with an independent 24-hour hand for a second time zone. All three share the same core architecture — 24 jewels, 21,600 vph, hacking seconds, hand-winding, and roughly 41 hours of power reserve. They're the backbone of the mod world for good reason: accurate enough, genuinely tough, and any competent watchmaker can service or swap one without a factory account. The exact caliber for a given build is on its product page, and if it isn't clear, just ask.
What are the dimensions?
They vary by case. We keep exact figures — case diameter, lug-to-lug, thickness and lug width — for every build we make, so tell us which one you're looking at and we'll send the numbers before you buy. Lug-to-lug is the measurement that decides whether a watch actually sits right on your wrist, so it's worth asking about if you're between sizes.
Are they waterproof?
Most builds are rated to 50 metres. In practical terms: washing your hands, getting caught in the rain, a swim in the pool, splashing around in the ocean — all fine. What we wouldn't do is take one diving. If you want something you can genuinely dive with, say so up front and we'll spec the build for it.
My watch stopped. Does it need a battery?
There's no battery in it. These are mechanical automatics — they're wound by the motion of your wrist, and if the watch has been sitting off the wrist for a day or so it will simply wind down and stop. Nothing is wrong with it. Give the crown 20 to 30 turns clockwise, set the time, and put it back on. Worn regularly it keeps itself running, and once fully wound it will hold roughly 41 hours on its own.
The seconds hand on my chronograph isn't moving.
That's the chronograph hand, and it's supposed to sit still. It only sweeps when you start the stopwatch. Your running seconds are on one of the small subdials — that's the hand ticking away. Top pusher starts and stops the chrono hand, bottom pusher resets it to twelve.
Is this a fake?
No. A fake is built to pass as another company's product, carries that company's name, and is sold as if it were theirs. This is the opposite. Every piece is assembled from aftermarket parts around a genuine Seiko automatic movement, sold under our own name, described exactly as what it is. Nothing here claims to be something it isn't.
Are you affiliated with Rolex, Omega, Patek, Audemars Piguet, or Seiko?
No. The Mod Connect is an independent workshop. We are not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or connected to any of those companies. We buy Seiko movements the same way any independent builder does, and the rest of the watch is aftermarket.
So why do some of these look familiar?
Because the aftermarket makes cases, dials, bezels and hands in a lot of well-known shapes, and those shapes have been part of watch design for decades. We build with the parts that exist. We don't reproduce anyone's trademarks, logos or model names on the dials, and we don't market these as any other brand's product.
What does hand-assembled actually mean here?
It means one person builds the watch. Case, movement, dial and hands go together by hand, the hands get aligned properly, the movement is regulated on a timing machine, and the watch is run and checked before it ships. It isn't a box opened and forwarded on.
Are these one of one?
Most are. Builds get made in small numbers from whatever parts we have in front of us, so once a particular combination sells it usually doesn't come back in exactly the same form. If you're circling something, don't sit on it too long.
Can you build something custom?
Yes — it's the part of this we enjoy most. Bring a dial, a bezel insert, a hand set, a case you like, or just a rough idea and a budget. We'll tell you honestly whether the combination works, what it'll cost, and how long it'll take.
How do I get it serviced?
Anywhere. That's one of the real advantages of an NH-series movement — it's common, cheap, and any independent watchmaker can service or replace it without going through a brand. No factory account, no waiting list, no sending it overseas. If you'd rather we handle it, get in touch and we'll sort it out.
How do I reach you?
Through the contact page, and we answer questions from people who haven't bought anything yet just as readily as from people who have. If you're not sure which build suits your wrist, ask — that's a better outcome for both of us than a return.
Sizing, movements, a custom idea you can't stop thinking about, or a watch that's doing something odd — send it over and we'll give you a straight answer.
