Explorer Watch Case - 36mm [ULTRA THIN EDITION / TITANIUM SANDBLASTED] - - - - Lucius Atelier - Swiss Quality Seiko Watch Mod Parts

Explorer 36mm Titanium Sandblasted — Ultra Thin Watch Case

Name: Explorer 36mm Titanium Sandblasted — Ultra Thin Watch Case
Brand: Lucius Atelier
SKU: EC36UT_TSB
Price: 195.0 SGD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)

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$195 SGD$0 SGD

Add Dial

Add Hands

Add Chapter Ring

Add Movement

Add Strap

Additional Options

Assemble Watch +S$89 Your parts arrive as one finished watch — assembled and function-checked in my workshop. Adds 3–5 business days before shipping.

Extra Stem 1pc +S$7

Movement Holder +S$48

Vetus® Tweezer +S$19

Vetus® Tweezer + Extra 2 Pair Tips +S$29

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The Explorer. Reborn Ultra Thin. Finished in Sandblasted Titanium.

The Explorer is the watch that taught the world a sports watch could wear a suit. We've reinterpreted that silhouette at 36mm — the proportion that defined the archetype before the modern catalogue drifted larger — and built it on the Ultra Thin Edition architecture so it sits on the wrist the way the original was meant to.

The difference here is the material — and the finish. Every component — case body, crown, and caseback — is machined from Grade 4 Titanium, then fully sandblasted. That choice does two things at once. First, weight: the whole case comes in at 18.5 grams, roughly 40% lighter than the same case in 316L steel (30.2 grams). Second, character: where polished titanium can pass for polished steel, sandblasted titanium can't pass for anything else. The matte, non-reflective grey is the finish where titanium looks like titanium — quiet, technical, fingerprint-resistant, completely its own thing.

And underneath the finish: Grade 4 Titanium is the strongest of the commercially pure titanium grades, and it's actually harder than 316L stainless steel — more scratch-resistant, more dent-resistant, with the same hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant properties used in aerospace and medical-grade applications.

At 9.96mm thick with the solid titanium caseback, this is one of the slimmest 36mm Explorer-style cases built for an NH movement — and it ships ready to mod with the SKX013 chapter ring + 28.5mm dial ecosystem you already know.

Ships complete with sapphire, titanium caseback, and titanium screw-down crown.
The flat sapphire crystal ships pre-installed and aligned at our workshop, with the solid titanium caseback and titanium coin-edge crown included. Pair with our sandblasted chapter ring for finish coherence, add dial + hands + movement, and you have a complete watch built around the lightest 36mm case body in the line.

Wears 36, weighs nothing.
36mm case diameter, 43mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width — and just 18.5 grams complete with sapphire, crown, and caseback. The classic Explorer proportions disappear on the wrist; the titanium build makes them disappear even further.

Genuinely thin.
9.96mm total thickness with the solid titanium caseback. The NH movement is 7.59mm tall on its own — meaning the sapphire, case body, and hands clearance combined add up to just 2.37mm.

Sandblasted — titanium that looks like titanium.
Where polished titanium reads as polished steel to the eye, sandblasted titanium owns its own identity — matte, non-reflective, quietly technical. It hides fingerprints, catches no glare, and shifts the wear from formal toward tool-watch. The product photos include side-by-side comparisons of sandblasted titanium, polished titanium, and 316L steel for reference.

Harder than steel, lighter than steel.
Grade 4 Titanium is the strongest of the commercially pure titanium grades — harder than 316L stainless steel and more scratch-resistant — while weighing 40% less. The trade-off most people expect (lighter = softer) doesn't apply here. It's both.

Heads up — sold separately

Chapter ring. This case requires a SKX013-spec chapter ring to seat the dial correctly — without it, the dial sits too low and hands won't clear. The case fits both normal and ultra thin chapter rings; the choice depends on your dial, not the case. If your dial has applied (raised) indices, choose ultra thin for clearance. If flat-printed, either works. For finish coherence with this sandblasted case, we recommend our sandblasted chapter ring — the matte finish matches the case body. Browse all compatible chapter rings .

The case ships complete with sapphire crystal, solid titanium caseback, and a titanium coin-edge screw-down crown — you do not need to buy a crown or caseback separately for this case.

For experienced modders only — TYPE M movements only

This case fits TYPE M versions of NH35, NH36, NH38, NH70, NH71, NH72 only. TYPE L will NOT fit. Due to tight clearance between hands and sapphire, this case is recommended only for professional watchmakers and experienced modders.

Specs
Build Guide
What's Included
How To Mod

Dimensions
1. Case Diameter 36mm
2. Case Thickness 9.96mm (Solid Caseback)
3. Lug to Lug 43mm
4. Lug Width 20mm
5. Case Weight 18.5g (complete with sapphire, crown, and caseback) — approximately 40% lighter than the 316L steel sibling at 30.2g
Materials & Finish
1. Quality Swiss Production Quality, ISO 9001 Certified
2. Case Material Grade 4 Titanium (case, crown, and caseback)
3. Case Finishing Fully sandblasted — matte, non-reflective grey
4. Crystal Flat sapphire with clear anti-reflective coating
5. Crystal Size 29.5mm x 1mm
6. Crown Screw-down, titanium coin-edge — included
Compatibility
1. Movements TYPE M: NH35, NH36, NH38, NH70, NH71, NH72
2. Dials 28.5mm
3. Chapter Rings SKX013-spec (required, sold separately) — sandblasted version recommended for finish coherence
4. Hands NH movement compatible
5. Bracelets 20mm lug — fits all our 316L steel and titanium bracelets, but none in our line are sandblasted, so a bracelet creates a finish mismatch with this case body. A leather strap pairs better for finish coherence.
Water Resistance
1. Solid Caseback 100m / 10 ATM
New to Seiko modding? Here's everything you'll need for a complete, functioning watch — in the order you'd actually assemble it.

What's already in this purchase:

The Explorer 36mm titanium case body with the flat AR-coated sapphire crystal pre-fitted, the solid titanium caseback, and the titanium coin-edge screw-down crown — all in fully sandblasted finish. That's the foundation. Everything below is what you'll add to make a wrist-ready watch.

The 4 parts you'll need for a complete watch:
1. Chapter ring — required first. The chapter ring seats the dial at the correct height; without it, the dial sits too low and the hands won't clear.
  (SKX013-spec — sold on a separate page. For this sandblasted case, we recommend the sandblasted chapter ring for finish coherence.)
  View the sandblasted chapter ring · browse all compatible chapter rings
2. Dial (28.5mm) — the face of the watch. The biggest aesthetic choice you'll make. Match it to your chosen movement (date / day+date / no-date dial). For the sandblasted case, matte or military-style dials pair especially well with the tool-watch character.
3. Hands — paired with your dial. Most modders match lume colour across both hands and dial markers (BGW9 white-blue, C3 green, etc.). Our Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 hands pair especially well with the Explorer silhouette.
4. Movement — NH35 (date), NH36 (day+date), NH38 (no date), or source your own. The movement is the engine of the watch.
Optional finishing touches:
1. Strap (20mm lug) — the sandblasted titanium build pairs especially well with luxurious leather. We recommend our shell cordovan straps for a refined wear, plus full-grain cowhide options and military-style nylon for tool-watch builds.
Want it built for you?

Tick the Assemble Watch (+SGD $89) option above on this page and we'll handle the full build in our Singapore workshop — case fitting, movement seating, crown alignment, caseback press, and function check.

Heads up: assembled watches require 2–5 business days of workshop time before shipping.

Once your parts arrive, see the How To Mod tab for assembly tutorials.
1. 1x Watch Case Body in Grade 4 Titanium, Fully Sandblasted (with pre-fitted flat AR-coated sapphire crystal)
2. 1x Titanium Coin-Edge Screw-Down Crown, Sandblasted
3. 1x Solid Titanium NH Caseback, Sandblasted
All photos of watches with modification parts are for illustration purposes only and are not included with the case purchase.

Should I pair this case with a bracelet?

Honest answer: probably not. None of our bracelets are sandblasted, so any bracelet pairing creates a visible finish mismatch with this case body. We recommend a leather strap instead — shell cordovan or full-grain cowhide both pair beautifully with sandblasted titanium, and military-style nylon works for tool-watch builds. The case is the statement; the strap supports it.

What's the visual difference between sandblasted and polished titanium?

Sandblasted titanium is matte, non-reflective, and a softer grey — it doesn't catch light or attract fingerprints, and it reads as quietly technical on the wrist. Polished titanium, by contrast, is visually indistinguishable from polished 316L stainless steel — reflective, mirror-finish, more formal. Both are the same Grade 4 material with the same weight, hardness, and corrosion resistance; the finish is the only difference. The product photos include side-by-side reference comparisons.

Why Grade 4 specifically?

Grade 4 is the strongest of the commercially pure titanium grades — pure titanium, no alloying elements, but with controlled oxygen and iron content that pushes its strength and hardness above the other pure grades. It's the same grade used in aerospace structural components and surgical implants.

Why pair this case with a sandblasted chapter ring?

Finish coherence. The chapter ring is the thin ring that sits between the dial and the inner case wall — it's visible from the front. A polished or brushed chapter ring against a sandblasted case body creates a visible finish mismatch under the crystal. Our sandblasted chapter ring shares the same matte finish as this case, so the transition from dial to case body reads as a single material.

What's the difference between Type M and Type L?

Type M and Type L are Seiko's two factory hand-fitting versions of the NH series. Type L sits higher than Type M — about 0.4mm taller from base to second-hand pinion. Because of the tight clearance between hands and sapphire in Ultra Thin Edition cases, only Type M will fit. Confirm your movement type before ordering.

Do I need to remove the sapphire crystal to install the chapter ring?

No — and that's the whole point of us pre-installing the sapphire for you. The chapter ring sits on top of the dial inside the case, not under the crystal, so the crystal stays where it is throughout the build. (If you ever do need to remove the sapphire — for example, to replace it — that's a workshop job we handle for you, not an at-home step.)

Should I choose the normal or the ultra thin chapter ring?

The choice depends on your dial, not the case — both sizes fit every Ultra Thin Edition case. If your dial has applied (raised) indices, the ultra thin chapter ring is the better choice because its slimmer profile gives the indices clearance instead of resting on top of them. If your dial is flat-printed (no applied markers), either size works. When in doubt, the ultra thin chapter ring is the safer default because it works with both dial types.

What is an SKX013 chapter ring and why does it matter?

A specific size and spec used by Seiko in the SKX013 (discontinued 2019). The LA smaller-case lineup all uses this same spec, which means dozens of chapter ring designs work across every smaller case in the catalogue.

Will SKX007 dials fit?

Any 28.5mm dial will fit. Stock SKX007 dials may seat differently because the original SKX007 has a 4 o'clock crown position with offset dial feet, while Ultra Thin Edition cases are designed for 3 o'clock dial feet.

Does this case need a chapter ring?

Yes — every Ultra Thin Edition case requires an SKX013-spec chapter ring, sold separately. The chapter ring seats the dial at the correct height; without it, the dial drops and the hands will not clear properly.

How does titanium compare to steel for a watch case?

On this case, three differences matter.

| | Grade 4 Titanium | 316L Steel |
|---|---|---|
| **Weight** | 18.5g complete — about 40% lighter | 30.2g complete |
| **Hardness** | harder, so more scratch-resistant | softer than the titanium |
| **Skin contact** | hypoallergenic, fully corrosion-resistant | can react with sweat and skin oils over time |

The hardness one surprises people — the common assumption goes the other way.

Are the case and bracelet edges sharp, or are they rounded off?

They are rounded off — but they are still crisp, and we would rather say that than have you open the box expecting something softer. "Sharp" is genuinely subjective: a Rolex is sharp too, and where one person reads that as crisp and well-defined, another finds it catches. The bracelet clasp is the sharpest part of the whole package — that is the part to know about before you commit.

If a previous mod was painful to wear, it is worth working out what actually caused it: a poorly finished lug edge digging in is a different problem from a clasp catching on the back of your wrist. Email hello@luciusatelier.com and say which it was, and you will get an honest answer on whether ours will be better or much the same.

Do you customize cases? Can I have a case machined or finished to my own spec?

Cases ship exactly as listed — no custom machining, no changes to size, lug width or lug shape, no alternative finishes of an existing case, and no engraving (a local engraver or jeweller can engrave a finished part after purchase). What you can customize is the build: choose the case, dial, hands, chapter ring, bezel insert, crystal and bracelet you want and LA will assemble the finished watch for you. Bespoke design work — one-off dials, mockups or renders, designing a build to a brief — is not offered. For fully custom work, see the list of watch modification specialists.

What is the Ultra Thin Edition (UTE)?

UTE is shorthand for the Ultra Thin Edition — the Lucius Atelier case line engineered to stay near or under 10mm while remaining NH-compatible, where most Seiko mod cases on the market run 13–14mm. It includes the Bauhaus 33mm at 9.93mm with a solid caseback (the thinnest NH-compatible mod case on the market), the Explorer 36mm at 9.96mm, the Seikonaut 38mm at 10.0mm, the NH34 GMT-ready 1908 36mm at 10.75mm, the SKX013 Diver 38 at 10.86mm and the Pilot 34mm at 10.96mm. Ultra Thin cases take the standard 0.4mm dial spec, and both chapter ring sizes fit them.

Can I use an aftermarket bracelet on this case?

No — only Lucius Atelier bracelets fit.

A bracelet isn't like a strap. Straps and NATOs hang off plain spring bars, so any 20mm strap works here. A bracelet with solid end-links is a different thing: the end-link is a shaped piece of steel machined to sit flush against one specific case profile. Ours are cut to the Lucius Atelier case shapes — that's what makes them look built-in rather than bolted on.

That precision cuts both ways. An aftermarket or OEM Seiko bracelet was shaped to its own maker's case, not to ours, so it won't sit flush here. The reverse is equally true: our bracelets don't fit generic 20mm lugs or OEM Seiko cases.

Every bracelet in our collection fits this case — including discontinued ones. A bracelet leaving the catalogue only means we stopped making it, never that it stopped fitting. Browse the bracelet collection: https://luciusatelier.com/collections/bracelets

If you'd rather not use a bracelet, any 20mm strap or NATO fits this case.

Customers praised this 36mm titanium watch case as "extremely light" with "outstanding quality" and a beautiful sandblasted finish. Shoppers highlighted excellent fitment, scratch-resistant titanium, and superior sapphire crystal clarity. The compact size suits smaller wrists while maintaining versatility for both sport and elegant builds. Service was noted as responsive and helpful.

Smallest, lightest, and best looking explorer case option on the market.
Most comfortable watch to wear in my collection
Titanium is unusually resistant to scuffs and scratches

Finish (positive)Quality (positive)Fitment (positive)Weight (positive)Titanium (positive)

5 stars: 14 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Using this mod part for: Aftermarket case

Great case!

Probably the most comfortable watch to wear in my collection and it suits my Dirty Dozen inspired build perfectly.

Using this mod part for: Aftermarket case (from you)

Great Case

Outstanding quality for my Type-B Pilot build. Case is extremely light, which is perfect for my needs.

In addition, the service was outstanding. I ordered the case with the matching titanium chapter ring, which looked awesome. I also wanted to compare it to a black chapter ring, which I ended up going with. Adriel was really helpful and responsive throughout the entire process. I'll definitely order from him again!

Using this mod part for: Aftermarket cases

Excellent, lightweight case

Amazing finish and fitment - also works very well with Seiko VH31 with spacer to make it NH sized.
All the size and weight specs were true to the milimeters. I had excellent email contact with Adriel regarding all the questions I had. Will certainly come back to Lucius when considering my next builds!

Using this mod part for: NH movement based

Sport casual case

This smaller case (40 mm was usual for me) convinced me that watches should be more compact. And not only elegant pieces but also the sporty ones. Ergonomics of this doesn’t lie - it is better to be active in it than in most of large chunky watches. This case in sandblasted finish is a sweet spot between two worlds of sport and elegance and you can push it in both directions depending on the dial you choose.

Beautiful and understated

Well finished and very lightweight. Shipping was extremely fast. Very happy with this purchase.

Using this mod part for: Built from scratch with NH38 movement.

Stunning case, excellent customer service

Very high level of finish. The titanium LA uses is unusually resistant to scuffs and scratches which makes for a perfect "field-style" watch. I should also mention that the double AR sapphire crystal is head and shoulders above the AliExpress crowd in clarity. Highly recommended case. As for the shopping experience, it's been perfect. Adriel patiently answered my newbie questions and shipping was very quick. The parts come well packaged and ready for assembly. Other case suppliers might be OK for prototyping,but when I'm ready to build a "real-world" watch I get the case from LA. As a final but related note, these cases are nice enough for higher-end Swiss movements. How about a 2824 compatible version?

Awesome

This is an excellent case with a beautiful, lustrous finish.

The watch I’ve been waiting for

I have smaller wrists so 36mm is about perfect. Titanium and thin. Couldn’t really get better. The bead blasting is smooth and over all fit and finish is great.

Excellent quality

Using this mod part for: Custom

Great craftsmanship and speedy delivery

I was pleasantly surprised how quickly my watch assembly was fulfilled; and, it arrived in great condition and was exactly what I had envisioned. I will definitely be keeping Lucius Atelier in mind if I am looking for another watch.

Incredible Package

Smallest, lightest, and best looking explorer case option on the market.

This is a beating watch case! I was absolutely blown away at how light it is, the sandblasted finish only adds to how great the product is! Can’t wait to put this case to use!

Using this mod part for: Scratch built model with Skx013 parts

Titanium case

Just received the 36 mm titanium case. Fantastic finishing quality
and case lightness.

Nice case top shelf quality i have the stainless steel and the titanium now both are excellent

Hello, I am interested in making it a VH31 quartz with Explorer no date, black dial with Mercedes hands. I saw one of the customers did it, but I am not a modder. Is this something you can help with?

Adriel from LuciusAtelier.com

Hi,

Thank you for reaching out and expressing interest in our mod parts!

I want to be upfront about the movement: our cases are designed only for the Seiko NH movement — nothing else fits. So a VH31 quartz isn't something the case will take. If you've seen someone manage it, they will have heavily modified the case to make it work, which is beyond the scope of what we do — for that you'd need to reach out to whoever mentioned it. What I can gladly help with is a build on an NH movement: you don't need to be a modder, as I offer an assembly service, so it can be built from parts and shipped to you assembled.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Best regards,
Adriel
Lucius Atelier | SEIKO Mod Parts

Hi Adriel. Is it possible for you to make a movement holder for ETA 2824 in this case? 🙏🏾

Hi Mutembo,

Yes — I can sort that out. An ETA 2824 needs both its own movement spacer and its own caseback (separate from the standard NH parts), and I sell them here: https://luciusatelier.com/products/explorer-watch-case-v2-39mm?variant=41037456015523. One thing to note: the ETA 2824 caseback is stainless steel, not titanium — so on this titanium Explorer it would be a mixed build, a titanium case body with a steel caseback.

One honest heads-up before you commit, though: the Explorer 36 is built and tested around the Seiko NH movements (NH35/36/38/70/71/72), and the hand-to-sapphire clearance on this case is genuinely tight. Fitting an ETA 2824 in it is uncharted territory on my end — I can supply the parts, but I can't guarantee the movement will seat cleanly, so it's strictly a route for an experienced modder or watchmaker, and I wouldn't be able to take the parts back if the build doesn't come together.

One more thing worth flagging while you're planning: ETA 2824 hands won't carry over from an NH build — the pinion sizes are different — so you'd want to source ETA-2824-spec hands separately rather than using NH hands.

Will this case fit a Seiko 6R35A movement?

Hi AJ,

Thank you for reaching out and for your interest in the Ultra Thin Titanium Explorer case!

To answer your question directly: unfortunately, the Seiko 6R35 movement will not fit this case properly out of the box.

While the 6R35 and the NH35 share the exact same core casing dimensions, the issue comes down to the plastic movement spacer. The 6R35 comes with a thinner black spacer, whereas our aftermarket cases are specifically designed for the thicker grey spacer found on standard NH movements. That extra thickness from the grey spacer is absolutely essential, as it allows the caseback to properly sandwich and secure everything in place. Because the 6R35's black spacer is thinner, the caseback wouldn't be able to grip the movement, leaving it loose and rattling inside our case.

Unless you have the parts and are comfortable swapping the 6R35's black spacer for a standard grey NH35 spacer, I highly recommend sticking with an NH series movement (like the NH35 or NH38) for a seamless and secure build.

Please let me know if you have any other questions as you plan out this project. I am always here to help!

Do you sell a crystal caseback for this specific case? If not, is there a compatible crystal caseback that can be used?

Hi Prashant,

Thank you for expressing interest in our mod parts!

To answer your question directly: yes, there is a compatible sapphire crystal caseback available for this case. However, it is not included by default and must be purchased separately.

You can add it to your order by selecting the sapphire caseback option via this link:
https://luciusatelier.com/collections/watch-cases/products/explorer-watch-case-v2-39mm?variant=41037455982755

Please note an important detail: Our sapphire casebacks are manufactured exclusively from 316L stainless steel. They do not come in titanium, so the metal material and finish on the caseback will differ from the sandblasted titanium of your case.

Please let me know if you need help with anything else for your build!

Is the crystal pre-installed or do I have to install it myself?

Hi Roy,

Thanks for expressing interest in our mod parts!

The crystal is pre-installed on the Explorer 36mm Ultra Thin Titanium (Sandblasted) case — no installation needed on your side.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Does it fit an Omega 1111 /ETA2892?

Hi Hinni,

All our cases — including the Explorer Watch Case – 36mm [Ultra Thin Edition / Titanium Sandblasted] — are specifically designed for Seiko NH-series movements. We don’t officially support or test compatibility with other movements like the Omega 1111 or ETA 2892, so I’d have to say it's unlikely to fit, and any fitment would be purely coincidental.

If you’re building around an NH movement, I’d be happy to help with parts or suggestions!

Would it fit a Miyota 9015 Movement?

Hi Hassan,

This case is engineered specifically for NH movements. We don’t work with Miyota 9015 or any movements outside of the NH series, so compatibility cannot be guaranteed. Unless the 9015 shares the exact same dimensions and stem height as the NH movement, it's very likely to be incompatible.

If you’re working with a Miyota 9015, I’d recommend choosing a case designed specifically for that movement to ensure proper fit and function.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Without a chapter ring installed would this case be able to accommodate dials larger than 28.5mm? I have a 31.7 OEM Seiko dial on hand that I am trying to make use of.

Hi there,

To clarify—chapter rings (CRs) do not affect the dial fitment diameter. Whether installed or not (albeit mandatory), the case body itself is designed to accommodate dials up to 28.5mm, and cannot fit dials larger than 29mm.

Unfortunately, your 31.7mm OEM Seiko dial would be too large for this case.

Let me know if you have any other questions—I’m happy to help!

To assemble a watch with the Ultra thin Ti Explorer case using a NH7X movement, keeping the movement visible without any dial, what are the options for chapter rings (would I still need the UTE version without a dial). Do you have any heavily cutout or crystal dials to show the skeleton movement?

many thanks

Hi William,

The Explorer Watch Case - 36mm [Ultra-Thin Edition / Titanium Sandblasted] is compatible with the NH7X movement, but it still requires a dial for proper assembly. The dial adds 0.4mm of thickness, which ensures that the chapter ring (CR) and movement stay securely in place without any movement inside the case.

Regarding chapter rings, all SKX013 chapter rings fit this case. The choice of chapter ring depends on the dial, not the case itself. If you're aiming for a skeleton-style build, I currently do not carry heavily cutout or crystal dials that fully display the movement. However, you might explore aftermarket skeleton dials that complement the NH7X movement while still maintaining the necessary thickness for a stable assembly.

Let me know if you have any other questions or need further guidance—I’m happy to help!

Hi there, will this fit a Miyota 9039 movement?

Thanks,
Joe

Hello Joe!

>> will this fit a Miyota 9039 movement?
This case is designed specifically for NH movements; hence, it will not fit other movement types.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Cheers,
Adriel

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