đ§ How to build a NH71.5 custom watch movement
đ How to Build a Custom Seiko Movement with NH71 & NH72 Parts (Golden Detail Mod)
đ§ Why Combine NH71 and NH72?
If you're deep into the world of Seiko modding, especially skeleton builds, youâve likely come across the NH70 seriesâa family of open-heart and skeletonized movements ideal for showing off your custom dial work. Two of the most visually striking are the NH71 (gold-tone skeleton) and the NH72 (gunmetal skeleton).
But what if you could get the best of both worlds?
In this guide, weâll show you how to strip and rebuild a hybrid movement by combining parts from the NH71 and NH72 to create a stunning Seiko skeleton mod movement with golden detailsâideal for your next Royal Oak mod, Seikoak, or custom timepiece.
𧰠What You'll Need
Movements:
âïžÂ Shop Seiko NH72 â The gunmetal NH72 is the perfect base for a hybrid skeleton movement.
Buy the NH72 movement â
âïž Shop Seiko NH71 â A high quality golden skeleton movement you can use for parts to add beautiful golden accents to your gunmetal NH72 movement.
Buy the NH71 golden movement â
Tools:
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Loupe or microscope
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Movement holder
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Hand remover & installer
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Plastic tweezers
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Small screwdrivers (Seiko/ETA size)
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Finger cots or gloves
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Rodico or similar cleaning putty
Optional:
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Oil and oiler for light lubrication
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Dust blower
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Lint-free cloth
âïž Step-by-Step: Rebuilding Your Custom Skeleton Movement
Step 1: Prepare a Clean Work Surface
Dust is your enemy. Lay down a microfiber mat or use an anti-static watchmaking pad. Make sure your lighting is even and bright.
Step 2: Disassemble the NH71
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Place the NH71 in your movement holder.
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Remove the hands (if pre-installed) and gently lift the dial off.
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Carefully unscrew and set aside the gold balance cock, gold skeleton bridges, and gold-colored gear train parts. These are your hero components.
Tip: Handle all golden parts with plastic tweezers to avoid scratches or tarnishing.
Step 3: Strip Down the NH72
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Now do the same with your NH72 movement.
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Remove and set aside the gunmetal base plate, main bridge, and main gear train components.
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These will serve as the foundation for your hybrid build.
Step 4: Combine Key Parts
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Begin installing the NH71 gold bridges and select gear train parts onto the NH72 gunmetal base.
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This creates a contrasted hybrid Seiko movement, where gold pops against a darker skeletonized base.
Common golden detail swaps include:
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Gold escapement wheel
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Gold center wheel and fourth wheel
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Gold skeleton rotor (optional if using NH71 automatic rotor)
Step 5: Lubricate and Reassemble
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Apply light oil to pivots and jewels as needed.
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Reinstall bridges, then test wheel rotation.
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Reinstall dial and hands once you're confident the gear train spins freely and the escapement ticks.
đš Why This Mod Looks Incredible
Using this technique, your movement now features:
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A gunmetal skeleton base with selective golden highlights
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Unique contrast that looks luxurious and custom-made
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Perfect pairing for gold skeleton dials, smoked sapphire backs, or open-back Royal Oak-style builds
Itâs ideal for anyone building Seiko mod skeleton watches with a focus on luxury detailâespecially when pairing with mod cases like the Royal Oak 37mm Seiko mod case or custom brushed watch cases.
đ Recommended Parts for Your Build
Shop the Parts You Need:
â Final Tips for a Clean Build
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Always test your movement in a timegrapher after rebuild.
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If you're new to movement building, consider practicing on spare NH35s before working with skeleton calibers.
đŠ Ready to Build?
Get inspired, get building, and share your final result!
Tag us on Instagram @nomods.co with your #NH71NH72Mod creations.
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