Yaozified Seiko

I started collecting watches with Seikos and Citizens, funny how 10 years will pass and I still love these mid-priced watches. I say mid because to anyone not into watches, $400 Canadian for a watch is a fortune. To connoisseurs, it is a bargain. It is common knowledge that the Seiko SKX007/9 is a terrific "bang for the buck" watch. The purpose of this article is not to debate this fact. It is to highlight what can be done with your garden variety Seiko.

For a few years now Bill Yao has been offering his services to watch enthusiasts all over the world. He specializes in customizing affordable watches. As of late Bill's work has been popping up all over the internet and I just could not resist any longer. So I took the plunge.

I decided on the Seiko SKX007/9 model with the MoD 300 dial, sword hands, orange day-glow tipped second hand and the aluminum chapter wring. The latter modifications were mostly cosmetic, but Bill also offers a domed sapphire crystal for this model, so I opted for that as well. Inspired by the Omega Seamaster 300 of yesteryear, Bill's finished product will leave you breathless without leaving you penniless. The entire kit and caboodle cost less than $300 U.S.!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then here is 15,000 of them:






First I would like to thank the person responsible for these AMAZING pictures and for including his wonderful vintage Seamaster. He asked to remain nameless. You know who you are, so THANKS AGAIN!

Second, I know many of you are going to ask about the bracelet. I called Seiko Canada and asked about getting a bracelet for my SKX007/9 watch. They told me they had the Jubilee style or a "heavy-duty" style. I went with the heavy-duty, not really knowing what I was getting into since they could not provide any pictures. I told the guy that I much preferred the push-button clasp, but he told me it did not come that way. After 2 weeks of waiting, apparently they lost the first package, I received the bracelet. Not only does it fit the FAT Seiko spring bars, it was also fitted with the clasp I wanted! I called and thanked them very much. Now talk about service! You can bet I forgot about the 2-week wait!


You can click on the above Seiko logo to go to the Seiko Canada website, but I do not think orders can be placed outside of Canada.

On to Bill's work. As you can see the dial is absolutely PERFECT! The mat black finish meshes wonderfully with the bezel and the luminova is flawlessly applied. The hands align precisely on the hash marks and the bezel centers right down the middle. This is my first watch with day-glow orange and boy is this stuff impressive! In the sunlight the tip of the second hand just jumps right off of watch! I also find the aluminium chapter wring ads a touch of class to the look, especially combined with the domed sapphire crystal. It is so hard to believe the watch did not come out of the factory this way and for $$$ more! And for added security, he even presure tests all of his creations to 6 ATMS. Now that's going the extra mile!!!

Upon extreme scrutiny it is impossible to tell that Bill was ever inside the watch. There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever, heck I even bet the dudes (& dudettes) on CSI could find any either! IMO, if you were even just toying with the idea of a Yaozified watch, do not just think about it, DO IT! You will not regret it!!!

To find out more about Bill and his company, MKII Watches, click on the below icon.


Just like I did, you will find that dealing with Bill is a pleasure and if you are lucky enough, you will also be able to call him a friend.

Thanks for reading,

Marc