A Beginner's Guide to Disassembling Your Seiko SKX (007/009 and Similar)

If you've ever looked at your Seiko SKX007/SKX009 or Seiko 5 and thought, "I wonder what's under that case back," you're already halfway into one of the most popular hobbies in the watch world: Seiko modding. The SKX line is famous for being the single most modded watch on the planet, and a huge part of that reputation comes down to one simple fact — it's genuinely approachable to take apart, even if you've never touched a screwdriver smaller than your thumbnail.

This guide walks through the general process of disassembling an SKX-style case for the first time, along with the tools you'll want on hand and a few habits that will save you from the classic beginner mistakes (scratched dials, stripped screws, lost springs — we've all been there).

Why the SKX Is the Perfect Practice Watch

Before diving into steps, it's worth understanding why this particular watch is where so many modders start. The SKX runs on Seiko's in-house 7S26 automatic movement — simple, robust, and cheap to replace if something goes wrong. The case, dial, hands, bezel, and crystal are all designed in a way that's friendly to swapping, and because the SKX has been around since 1996, there's a massive aftermarket of replacement parts and tools built specifically around it. In short: it's hard to permanently ruin, and easy to learn on.

Tools You'll Want Before You Start

You don't need a professional bench to get going, but a few purpose-built tools make a huge difference in avoiding scratches and stripped parts:

• Case wrench or rubber ball works well
• Spring bar tool for removing the strap or bracelet
• Watchmaker's screwdriver set (small, precision-ground tips)
• Tweezers — fine-tipped, ideally with plastic or coated tips so you don't scratch the dial or hands
• Movement holder to keep the movement steady while you work
• Hand puller/lever for removing hands without bending them
• Hand press or hand-setting tool for reinstalling them later
• Loupe (10x–20x magnification) so you can actually see what you're doing
• Soft cloth or watch case cushion to protect the case and crystal while it's out of its strap

A basic starter kit with most of these is widely available and inexpensive — worth picking up before you begin rather than mid-disassembly.

Step-by-Step: Taking Apart Your SKX

1. Remove the Strap or Bracelet

Using your spring bar tool, compress the pins on either side of the lugs and slide the strap or bracelet free. This gives you full access to the case and keeps the strap safe from scratches while you work.

2. Remove the Case Back

The SKX uses a notched screw-down case back. Fit your case wrench into the notches, apply firm downward pressure to keep it seated, and turn counterclockwise. Go slow — if the wrench slips, it can scratch the case back or your hand. Set the gasket aside somewhere it won't get lost or damaged; you'll want a fresh one on reassembly.

3. Unscrew the Crown and Remove the Stem

With the crown in the unscrewed/pulled-out position, locate the small stem-release lever near the movement (on the 7S26, this is typically a small lever you press with a fine screwdriver or tweezers). Pressing it allows you to gently pull the stem and crown assembly free.

4. Lift Out the Movement (with Dial and Hands Attached)

Once released, the movement should lift out of the case from the front, dial and hands still attached. Handle it by the edges and avoid touching the dial face directly.

5. Remove the Hands

Using a hand-removal lever or a set of curved hand pullers, gently pry the hands straight up and off their posts — one at a time, starting with the second hand, then minute, then hour. Go straight up, not at an angle, to avoid bending the hand posts.

6. Remove the Dial

The dial is typically held on by small dial feet and screws (or friction) underneath. Once any securing screws are loosened, the dial should lift straight off the movement.

7. Remove the Chapter Ring and Movement Spacer (If Present)

Depending on your case, there may be a plastic chapter ring or movement holder ring that separates from the case at this point — this is often reused or swapped for a custom version.

At this point, you should have a fully disassembled watch: case, crystal/bezel assembly, movement, dial, hands, and crown/stem, all separated and ready for cleaning, inspection, or part swaps.

A Few Tips to Save Yourself Headaches

• Work over a tray or a non-slip mat. Springs, screws, and gaskets love to roll away and disappear.
• Photograph each stage. It sounds excessive until you're staring at a pile of parts trying to remember which spacer goes where.
• Don't force anything. If a part doesn't want to move, you're usually missing a release mechanism, not applying insufficient force.
• Buy a "beater" parts watch to practice on before you touch the watch you actually care about. Hand-setting in particular takes a feel that's much cheaper to develop on a $20 movement than a watch you love. Here are some sale parts you can consider. 
• Keep gaskets and o-rings organized and replace them on reassembly rather than reusing old ones — this is what keeps your watch water-resistant after a mod.

Where to Go From Here

Once you've got disassembly down, the SKX opens the door to nearly unlimited customization — dial swaps, aftermarket bezels, sapphire crystal upgrades, hand changes, even full case swaps. It's a genuinely forgiving platform to learn watchmaking fundamentals on, and mistakes here are far cheaper lessons than mistakes on a $500 watch. Some compatible SKX007/SKX009 parts can be found here.