In the niche world of custom watch modding, where enthusiasts personalize existing timepieces into unique works of art, one builder has boldly gone where no one has gone before—a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. A skilled custom Seiko modder has unveiled a breathtaking one-of-a-kind Star Wars-themed watch, dubbed the "Tarkin Timepiece," featuring a revolutionary lithographic wafer dial, custom lightsaber hands, and a beautifully finished movement.
This incredible build blurs the line between sci-fi fan art and serious horology, proving that passion projects can yield truly professional results.
The Dial: Where Silicon Meets the Death Star
At the heart of any great watch is its dial, and this is where the Tarkin Timepiece immediately captivates. The modder has opted for a stunning wafer-style design that serves as a miniature canvas for a Star Wars space battle. The grid-like background, with its slightly reflective and textured surface, strongly indicates the use of a real silicon wafer as a base—a material synonymous with modern technology, making it a fitting choice for a Star Wars piece.
Upon closer inspection, the dial reveals intricate graphics: the imposing Death Star dominates the scene, with a pair of rebel and imperial ships locked in a timeless chase around it. A poignant touch is the small text reading "Mr. Fisher," a subtle and classy tribute to the late Carrie Fisher, who immortalized the role of Princess Leia.
The builder later clarified that while the design mimics a true lithographic chip, the dial itself is handmade. Fabricating an actual functional microchip requires industrial tools far beyond the reach of any hobbyist, but the effect achieved is utterly convincing and unique.
Seeing is believing, and the community reaction to this build has been phenomenal. You can see the detailed photos and discussion on the popular watch modding subreddit:
Check out the original build and discussion on Reddit r/SeikoMods
A Glow in the Dark Side: The Lume Revolution
If the dial is impressive in the light, it becomes a completely different entity in the dark. The lume (luminescent) application is a masterclass in two-tone execution. When the lights go off, the Death Star glows with an ominous green, while the background grid lines pop in a cool blue. The hour markers tie the entire layout together, creating a legible and spectacular night-time display.
Even the custom hands, crafted to resemble iconic lightsabers, undergo a transformation. Their orange hue in daylight gives way to a powerful and consistent glow, completing the watch's dual personality.
Thoughtful Design and a Beating Heart
Beyond the dial, the modder made several key decisions that elevate this from a mere mod to a considered timepiece. The watch is housed in a classic 40mm case topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Inside, it beats with the robust and reliable Seiko NH38 automatic movement, which has been carefully decorated for a more premium look through the exhibition case back.
One of the more subtle technical touches is a small dial cutout that exposes the balance staff jewel—a feature rarely seen on NH38 mods that adds a layer of mechanical intrigue. Furthermore, the movement was regulated to an impressive +6 seconds across six positions, showing that the builder invested significant time in ensuring the watch's performance matched its aesthetics.
A point of personal debate for the creator was the strap choice. The watch is pictured on a bright white leather strap, which he admits might draw attention away from the dial's deeper colors. He suggested a black strap would likely be a better fit, allowing the vibrant details of the wafer to take center stage.
The Inspiration Behind the Tarkin Timepiece
Framed as a one-off "Tarkin Timepiece," this custom creation was designed for a family friend, adding a layer of personal significance to the project. The name evokes Grand Moff Tarkin, the cold and calculating commander of the Death Star, making it a perfectly thematic title for a watch featuring the iconic battle station so prominently.
This build demonstrates the incredible creativity flourishing in the custom watch community. It’s a piece that honors both the spirit of Star Wars and the craft of watchmaking, resulting in a functional heirloom that is as unique as the galaxy that inspired it.
Inspired to start your own watch modding journey? A great starting point is the versatile Seiko 5 SNKK27, a popular base for many custom creations.
Find the Seiko 5 SNKK27 on Amazon
Here's the Star Wars Build I Promised
byu/MasterMcCloud inSeikoMods