Petrichor Seiko Mod
The Petrichor is an original Nomods design — not a homage to any existing luxury watch. The 37 mm case features a domed sapphire crystal, an integrated steel bracelet, and an 11.6 mm profile that sits cleanly on the wrist. Available as prebuilt watches with NH72 skeleton or NH35 solid-dial movements, or as standalone cases for custom builds. Skeleton models range from $320 to $390 depending on the finish, solid-dial models are $320, and bare cases are $195 each in five finishes.
Fits: NH35, NH36 (solid dial) · NH72, NH70, NH71 (skeleton) · Case size: 37 mm (11.6 mm thick) · Dial size: 28.5 mm · Watch out: The Petrichor case uses 28.5 mm dials (the standard Seiko mod size), not 30.8 mm. If you are coming from a Royal Oak 37 mm V2 build, do not reuse those dials — they are too large. Check our dial size guide before ordering parts.
How to Choose Your Petrichor 37mm
The Petrichor collection offers skeleton and solid-dial builds across several case finishes. Here is how to decide:
Skeleton (NH72) vs solid dial (NH35): The skeleton Petrichor models let you see the NH72 movement through the dial and caseback, which pairs well with the domed sapphire crystal for visual depth. Solid-dial models (NH35) with colors like Tiffany, black, white, and rosegold chocolate offer better legibility and a more understated look. Skeleton models are the collection’s signature and start at $320.
Case color: Skeleton models come in Silver, Silver Two-Tone Rosegold, Gunmetal, Gunmetal Gold, Rose Gold, and Gold. The Gold finish is $390; all others are $320. Solid-dial models are all $320. PVD finishes (gold, gunmetal, rose gold) add a warm tone but can show wear on high-contact edges over extended daily use.
Watch vs bare case: Prebuilt watches ship fully assembled and ready to wear. If you want to build your own Petrichor with a custom dial and hands, start with a bare case ($195) and add your movement, dial, and hands. The case ships with the domed sapphire crystal and gaskets already installed.
Beginner recommendation: Start with a prebuilt Petrichor watch to experience the design, then consider buying a bare case in a different finish for a custom build later. Our step-by-step build guide covers everything from movement installation to hand alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What movements fit the Petrichor 37mm case?
The Petrichor case accepts NH35, NH36, NH72, NH70, and NH71 movements. For solid-dial builds, the NH35 is the standard choice with automatic winding, hacking, and hand-winding. For skeleton builds, the NH72 shows the movement through the dial. All are manufactured by Seiko Instruments (TMI) and share the same mounting footprint. Our NH72 guide explains the differences between skeleton movements.
How do I choose between the skeleton and solid-dial Petrichor?
The skeleton models show the NH72 movement through the dial and caseback, creating a layered visual effect under the domed sapphire crystal. They are visually striking but harder to read quickly. The solid-dial models (NH35) offer clean legibility with a traditional watch face. If you want a conversation piece, go skeleton. If you want an everyday watch that is easy to glance at, go solid dial.
Is the Petrichor good for a first Seiko mod build?
Yes. The Petrichor case uses the standard 28.5 mm dial size, which is the most common in the Seiko modding ecosystem. This means the widest selection of compatible dials and hands. The bare case ships with the domed sapphire and gaskets pre-installed, so you only need to add a movement, dial, and hands. Follow our build guide for a complete walkthrough.
What else do I need to complete a Petrichor build?
Starting from a bare Petrichor case ($195), you need a movement (NH35 for solid dial, NH72 for skeleton), a 28.5 mm dial, and a set of hands compatible with NH-series movements. You will also need modding tools: a case holder, hand press, movement holder, and dust blower. The sapphire crystal, gaskets, and integrated bracelet come with the case. Total parts cost for a complete build starts around $280–$320 depending on the dial and hands you choose.
Explore More Styles
- Nautilus Seiko Mod — integrated bracelet, 40 mm, skeleton and solid dial builds
- Royal Oak Seiko Mod — octagonal bezel, 37 mm and 41 mm options, skeleton and waffle dials
- Aquanaut Seiko Mod — grid-textured dial, rubber strap, sporty-luxury design
- Skeleton Collection — all skeleton-movement watches across every style
Nomods is an independent brand. Our products are original designs inspired by iconic watch aesthetics. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any luxury watch manufacturer. All brand names are used for reference purposes only.
