Sourcing parts for a Seiko mod is not difficult once you know where to look. But the UK market has some specific quirks: import duties, shipping times, and a few vendors that are significantly better than others. Here's a practical guide to getting parts without surprises.
The Main Vendors Worth Knowing
Namoki Mods
UK-basedUK-based
The most established dedicated Seiko mod vendor in the UK. Wide selection of dials, hands, cases, bezels, and movements, all with clear compatibility information. Stock is reliably consistent and shipping is quick. Probably your first stop for any build.
Best for: Dials, hands, bezels, NH35/NH36 movements, cases
Lucius Atelier
Europe / International
Higher-end aftermarket parts, particularly strong on dials and cases. Some unique colourways that you won't find elsewhere. Usually slightly pricier, but quality reflects it. Ships to UK; factor in potential customs if ordering large amounts.
Best for: Premium dials, unique colourways
Dagaz Watch
Taiwan (ships internationally)
Popular for dials and cases, particularly Submariner-inspired designs. Good quality at mid-range pricing. Shipping to the UK can take 1–2 weeks and may attract import fees on larger orders.
Best for: Cases, dials, vintage-inspired designs
Cas-Ker
USA (ships internationally)
Strong on tools and movement parts, not as strong on aftermarket mod parts specifically. Useful for watchmaking tools (hand setting kits, case back wrenches, crystals) if you can't find them locally. Shipping and import costs can add up.
Best for: Watchmaking tools, movement parts, crystals
eBay / Aliexpress
Varies
Viable for certain parts (straps, basic bezels, tools) but requires careful vetting. Quality varies enormously. Useful for finding discontinued parts or cheaper experiments, but not reliable for anything that needs precise specs.
Best for: Straps, basic tools, finding discontinued parts
Popular Namoki Parts
These are some of the most-bought parts from Namoki; all ship from the UK with no import surprises. You can browse the full catalogue on Assemble to check compatibility before ordering.
Understanding UK Import Costs
Post-Brexit, anything shipped from outside the UK to a value of over £135 is subject to import VAT (20%) and potentially customs duty. For watch parts, the duty rate is typically low (around 2.7% for most metal watch components), but the VAT is always applicable.
What this means practically:
- 1Orders from UK-based vendors (like Namoki) avoid this entirely: what you see is what you pay.
- 2Orders from EU vendors over £135 will attract VAT at the border. Many EU vendors now collect this at checkout to simplify the process.
- 3Orders from Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong, China) are more unpredictable. Under £135, HMRC is supposed to collect VAT at point of sale, but enforcement is inconsistent. Over £135, expect to pay before delivery.
- 4Budget for 20–25% on top of the listed price for non-UK vendors if you're ordering a meaningful volume of parts.
The simplest way to avoid import complexity: buy from UK-based vendors where possible, especially for your first few builds. Once you know exactly what you want, it's easier to judge whether a specific part from overseas is worth the added cost.
What to Buy Where
| Part | Best UK source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NH35 / NH36 movement | Namoki Mods | SII-manufactured (genuine Seiko industrial). Don't buy grey-market movements without checking the source. |
| Dials | Namoki Mods, then overseas | Namoki's selection is solid. For specific colourways, Dagaz or Lucius are worth the import premium. |
| Hands | Namoki Mods | Most aftermarket handsets come from a small number of manufacturers. Namoki stocks the main ones. |
| Bezel inserts | Namoki Mods | Ceramic and sapphire inserts in most colours. Aluminium is cheaper and easier to scratch. |
| Straps & bracelets | Namoki, eBay, direct brand sites | Wide range at all price points. NATO straps are cheap and widely available. Rubber and leather vary significantly by quality. |
| Crystals | Namoki, Cas-Ker | Flat sapphire is the standard upgrade. Double-dome requires careful sourcing; confirm the diameter precisely. |
| Tools | Amazon UK, Cas-Ker | Spring bar tools, case wrenches, hand setting kits: Amazon UK stocks most essentials at reasonable prices. |
Red Flags When Buying Parts
No compatibility information in the listing
If a dial listing doesn't mention which movement it's compatible with, or doesn't specify dial diameter and foot spec, that's a gap you'll have to fill. Contact the vendor before buying, or assume the information isn't there because the vendor doesn't know.
Unusually cheap movements
Genuine SII-manufactured NH35/NH36 movements have a floor price; if you're seeing them significantly below market, they're likely grey-market pulls from donor watches or lower-quality clones. Buy movements from reputable vendors only.
Vague or stock photos only
Dial finish quality varies enormously. If a listing uses only manufacturer renders and no real product photos, you're buying on trust. Look for vendors who photograph their actual stock.
No returns policy
Part compatibility failures do happen. A vendor with no returns policy is one you can't go back to if something doesn't fit. Reputable vendors will generally accept returns on uninstalled parts.
Before you buy anything, it's worth running your intended build through the Assemble Watches parts catalogue first. It covers current availability and flags compatibility conflicts before you commit to anything. Saves at least one bad order.
Plan Your Parts List First
Browse compatible parts, check dimensions, and build your shopping list before you open a single vendor tab.