Why Are There So Few American-Made Parts for Watch Modding?

Intro:

The global Seiko modding scene is thriving—with thousands of custom dials, cases, bezels, and hands available at the click of a button. But there’s one glaring issue for American watch enthusiasts and builders: almost none of these parts are made in the United States.

Whether you’re a seasoned modder or just getting started, you’ve probably noticed that nearly every part—from movements to cases to crystal gaskets—comes from Asia, primarily China, Hong Kong, Japan, and occasionally Singapore. So why is the American market so underrepresented in this booming niche?

1.

No Domestic Supply Chain for Watch Parts

Unlike countries like Japan or Switzerland, the U.S. no longer has a robust domestic watch manufacturing infrastructure. Once home to legendary brands like Hamilton, Elgin, and Waltham, the American watch industry saw its production base collapse in the mid-20th century. Most of what survives today is focused on assembly or design—not component manufacturing.

The result? No mass production of:

• Stainless steel cases

• CNC-machined crowns or bezels

• Watch hands

• Automatic movements

• Custom sapphire crystals

These are the bread and butter of Seiko modding—and they’re not made in the U.S.

2.

Cost of Manufacturing in the U.S.

Precision watch parts require high-tolerance machining, specialized tooling, and skilled labor. In Asia, this can be done affordably due to lower labor costs and vertical integration. In the U.S., however, setting up a CNC shop to make cases or bezels—even in small runs—requires significant capital and high labor costs.

For a niche market like modding, the economics just don’t make sense—yet.

3.

Regulatory and Material Challenges

Producing small watch parts domestically means navigating regulations related to:

• Importing raw materials like sapphire or surgical-grade steel

• Workplace safety for precision manufacturing

• Environmental regulations for plating, polishing, or chemical processes

In Asia, these challenges are either streamlined or less costly to manage. This makes it easier for small operators to set up boutique parts businesses and scale quickly.

4.

Cultural and Historical Gaps

Modding culture is still relatively new in the U.S. compared to Asia, where Seiko has had a massive following for decades. In Japan, modding feels like an extension of tinkering traditions rooted in craftsmanship. In contrast, most U.S.-based interest in watches leans toward collecting rather than building.

This cultural gap has slowed the domestic development of a modding ecosystem.

5.

Where American Builders Fit In

Despite the lack of parts manufacturing, there is a growing builder culture in the U.S. Microbrands like Oosik Tactical Timepieces, Vero, Raven, and Monta often assemble watches in the U.S., even if parts come from overseas. American modders often customize watches using imported parts—but the craftsmanship, design, and brand identity are born stateside.

If you’re modding watches in the U.S., you’re likely sourcing your:

• NH movements from Japan or China

• Cases from AliExpress or Taobao

• Dials and hands from aftermarket sellers in Hong Kong or Singapore

But you’re assembling, tuning, and testing everything on American soil. That counts.

6.

The Opportunity: American-Made Mod Parts

Here’s the flip side: there’s a massive opportunity for small-scale U.S. manufacturers to step in. If a CNC shop could offer:

• Low-run custom Seiko cases or dials

• Laser-engraved crown designs

• Handmade straps or vintage-style bezels

…there’s a ready market of builders hungry for domestic quality and faster shipping.

In fact, the first few players who solve the small-batch production model in the U.S. could carve out a loyal customer base.

Final Thoughts

America doesn’t lack talent—it lacks infrastructure for modding parts. But that could change.

As interest in mechanical watches grows, and more modders seek high-quality, U.S.-made components, we may see a revival of American horological manufacturing—one part at a time.

Until then, American modders will keep doing what they do best: importing what they need, and building what no one else can.

Bonus Thought:

Looking for a watch designed, assembled, and tested in the U.S. with Seiko reliability at its core? Check out Oosik Tactical Timepieces — proudly American, unapologetically rugged, and built for those who serve.