INTERVIEW WITH A MODDER: RICK @carolina_wrist_candy
Modding is a very satisfying hobby that has been exploding recently. Modders are popping up everywhere, and Seiko builds are becoming more and more unique. We love to see Seiko mods from all around the world, especially from our customers. Some of you might not mod, but perhaps have bought a modded watch in the past. We all love our mods, but do you know the person behind the build?
Today we will conduct our first interview with a modder to find out what makes him tick. Lets hear from Rick Nealy of Carolina Wrist Candy to gain some perspective of who’s the man behind the build.
The Interview
Delbert: For anyone that doesnt already know you, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Rick: Hi, my name is Rick, I am 41 years old from western North Carolina. I am a professional driver and travel all over the country. On the weekends however, I am a watch modder.
Delbert: How did you first learn about watch modding?
Rick: I started out as an avid G-Shock collector. I had some of the vanilla ones, and then stumbled across a few of the limited edition ones. All the different colors, finishes, and displays… I was blown away. This was the first time I realized it was even possible to make changes to a watch. That’s the very day the watch modding bug had bitten me and I decided to give it a try.
Delbert: When did you learn you could mod Seiko watches like that as well?
Rick: I first started out changing the cases and the straps on my G-Shocks. However, that was the extent of my modding for the first few years. I then started building custom rifles as my next hobby. Unfortunately, after building every configuration imaginable I was bored and ready to seek out my next hobby again.
As I was searching for my next hobby, I stumbled across vintage watches. I was purely amazed how something decades old and fully mechanical could still keep perfect time. As I got involved in vintage watches, I began to refurbish old Seiko divers. Once I was sourcing parts for a vintage Seiko, and I found all the aftermarket parts and support for the SKX007 platform. The rest is history.
Delbert: What’s your favorite build that you have personally completed?
Rick: Man! That’s a tough one! I’m going to go with my “Ice Diver” since it’s my most worn build. It’s a SKX 3 O’clock crown case, OEM SPB213 anniversary dial, all running with a 6R35 movement!
Delbert: We know you own Carolina Wrist Candy, so tell us how it is building watches for clients instead of yourself?
Rick: It can be a very rewarding process for sure. When you can properly execute someone else’s vision, and know they will wear that watch for years and years to come, you’ve done your job. For me, when I’m doing a mod for a younger client it’s even more special. In the electronic age we are living in, technically nobody really has a need for a watch, especially a mechanical one. With that being said, the younger generation interested in watches will keep the art alive. That’s why I keep modding
Delbert: Do you have any advice for modders just starting out?
Rick: Sure! Always keep in mind there is a big learning curve. Your first mod might not turn out perfect when you’re starting out. Like everything else, skill comes from the repetition. The more you mod a Seiko, the better your mods will become. Also, I’d like to add that quality tools and parts go a long way in this hobby.
Delbert: Thanks Rick! For anyone wanting you to build a custom mod for them, how can they contact you?
Rick: You can find me on Instagram @Carolina_Wrist_Candy or shoot me an E-mail at CarolinaWristCandy@Gmail.com
Our official website is coming soon!
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