Explorer Watch Case - 36mm v3 - NH [Solid] - - - Lucius Atelier - Swiss Quality Seiko Watch Mod Parts

Explorer Watch Case - 36mm v3

Name: Explorer Watch Case - 36mm v3
Brand: Lucius Atelier
SKU: EC36.v3/NH.Solid
Price: 145.0 SGD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.92 (117 reviews)

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$145 SGD - $249 SGD

Add Dial

Add Hands

Add GMT Hand

Add Chapter Ring

Add Movement

Add Rotor

Add Bracelet

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

See It On A Watch

Worldwide
Delivery Express
2–4 Days Replies In
1 Day 30-Day
Returns

The Explorer 36mm, Third Generation — Sapphire and Crown Included.

The third-generation Explorer Watch Case 36mm refines a classic into one of the cleanest small-case builds we make. The headline change: it now fits an SKX013 chapter ring, widening the modding range considerably.

It comes complete with a flat clear-AR sapphire and a screw-down crown — two of the fiddliest parts, handled. It also takes Swiss ETA and Sellita movements with the right spacer and caseback.

Tested to 200m. A chapter ring is required to seat the dial.

Sapphire and crown both included — the hard parts are done.
No crystal press, no crown fitting. Choose a caseback for your movement, add a chapter ring, dial, hands and movement, and build.

Clean 36mm Explorer lines.
Diameter 36mm, lug-to-lug 43mm, 20mm lugs. The understated Explorer profile that finishes almost any dial.

Now fits SKX013 chapter rings.
The third-gen change: an SKX013-spec chapter ring is required and seats the dial precisely, widening your dial and hand options.

Five movement families.
NH35, NH36, NH38 and NH72, plus Swiss ETA2824, ETA2893 and Sellita SW200, SW260, SW330 — set by the caseback you choose. The matching spacer and caseback are supplied.

Sapphire and crown included.
Flat sapphire, 29.5 × 1.5mm, clear AR, pre-installed — and a screw-down crown fitted. Rated to 200m.

Caseback	Total Thickness	Water Resistance	Best for
Solid	11.5mm	200m / 20 ATM	Slimmest profile, fully closed back
Sapphire (exhibition)	12mm	200m / 20 ATM	Show off a decorated movement

The caseback also matches your movement family — Seiko NH, Swiss ETA2824/2893, or Sellita SW200/260/330 — and ships with the matching movement spacer for your selection.

Heads up — sold separately

Chapter ring (required). An SKX013-spec chapter ring is mandatory on this case — without it the dial sits too low and the hands won’t clear. Browse compatible chapter rings .

Dial, hands & movement. Chosen separately. Match the dial and hands to your movement.

The flat sapphire crystal and screw-down crown are both included — no crystal press, no crown fitting.

Not NH34-ready

To keep this case slim, it doesn’t have the extra height the NH34’s 24-hour hand needs — so it is not NH34 GMT-ready. Run NH35, NH36 or NH38, or a Swiss ETA/Sellita movement. For a GMT build, see our GMT-ready cases.

Specs
Build Guide
What's Included
How To Mod

Dimensions
1. Case Diameter 36mm
2. Case Thickness 11.5mm (solid caseback) / 12mm (sapphire caseback)
3. Lug to Lug 43mm
4. Lug Width 20mm
Materials & Finish
1. Quality Swiss Production Quality, ISO 9001 Certified
2. Case Material 316L Stainless Steel
3. Crystal Flat sapphire, clear anti-reflective coating (pre-installed)
4. Crystal Size 29.5mm × 1.5mm
5. Crown Screw-down, included
Compatibility
1. Movements Seiko NH35, NH36, NH38, NH72 · Swiss ETA2824, ETA2893 · Sellita SW200, SW260, SW330 (not NH34)
2. Dials 28.5mm — fits all our dials
3. Chapter Rings SKX013-spec (required, sold separately)
Water Resistance
1. Water Resistant 200m / 20 ATM
The case arrives with sapphire and crown already fitted. A chapter ring is required — add it along with your dial, hands and movement to finish.

What's already in this purchase:

The watch case with flat sapphire crystal and screw-down crown both installed, plus your selected NH caseback (and the matching Swiss spacers/casebacks if you choose an ETA or Sellita movement).

The 4 parts you'll need for a complete watch:
1. Chapter ring (required first) SKX013-spec — mandatory on this case; it seats the dial at the correct height.
  Browse compatible chapter rings
2. Dial (28.5mm) The face of the watch. Match it to your movement.
3. Hands Paired with your dial.
4. Movement NH35/36/38, or a Swiss ETA/Sellita with the matching caseback. Not NH34-compatible.
Optional finishing touches:
1. Decorated bridge + rotor (only visible with a sapphire caseback) — replace the stock NH bridge and rotor with our Côtes de Genève decorated set, viewable through the caseback. Our bridges fit only our rotors (not OEM Seiko rotors), so they’re chosen as a pair. Recommended for experienced modders only.
Want it built for you?

Tick the Assemble Watch option above and we’ll handle the full build in our Singapore workshop — case fitting, movement seating, crown alignment, caseback press and a 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 (sapphire crystal and screw-down crown installed)
2. 1x NH Caseback (per selection)
3. 1x ETA2824/SW200/SW260 Movement Spacer (only if that movement is selected)
4. 1x ETA2893/SW330 Movement Spacer (only if that movement is selected)
5. 1x ETA2824/SW200/SW260 Sapphire Caseback (only if that movement is selected)
6. 1x ETA2893/SW330 Sapphire Caseback (only if that movement is selected)
Chapter ring, dial, hands and movement are selected separately to complete your build.

All photos of watches with modification parts are for illustration purposes only and are not included with the case purchase.

Which movements fit the Explorer Watch Case 36mm v3?

Seiko NH35, NH36, NH38 (and NH72), plus Swiss ETA2824 and ETA2893, and Sellita SW200, SW260 and SW330 — chosen by the caseback you pick, with the matching spacer and caseback supplied. Kept slim, this case is not NH34 GMT-ready: there isn't the height clearance for the NH34's 24-hour hand, so run NH35/36/38 or a Swiss movement. An SKX013 chapter ring is required and chosen separately.

Which caseback should I choose for the Explorer Watch Case 36mm v3?

Pick the caseback that matches your movement family — Seiko NH, Swiss ETA2824/2893, or Sellita SW200/260/330 — and the matching spacer and caseback ship with it. Note that the solid caseback is made for the Seiko NH family only; the Swiss ETA and Sellita casebacks come as the sapphire (exhibition) back. Solid is the slimmest profile at 11.5mm; sapphire is 12mm and shows the movement. Either is rated to 200m / 20 ATM, so the sapphire back keeps the full water-resistance spec.

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.

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 watch case for "outstanding quality" and "flawless finish." The case features excellent tolerances, smooth screw-down crown action, scratch-resistant stainless steel, and interchangeable chapter rings. Shoppers appreciated the "perfect size" and "beautiful shape." Fast shipping and responsive customer service enhanced the experience.

The only case to be considered for a high quality build.
Perfect size and the case is beautifully finished.
It truly exceeds my expectations in terms of looks and build quality.

5 stars: 108 (92%)
4 stars: 9 (8%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Using this mod part for: Complete watch

The only case to be considered

The 36mm Explorer case has been a staple in the modding community for a few years and I can say that I’ve tried them all, from ebay to trusted supplier. Let me say that this particular gem from Lucius Atelier is second to none of them in terms of fit, finish and quality. The added bonus of the interchangeable chapter ring gives you room to truly make a unique timepiece. The tolerances are near perfect, giving a smooth action to the scew down crown and caseback. The higher quality stainless steel makes it more resistant to scratches. There is really nothing bad I can say about this case. Truly the only case te be considered for a high quality build.

Using this mod part for: Aftermarket case

Perfect case for explorer style builds

Used for a GADA build for my wife—case is the perfect size and has a beautiful shape.

Using this mod part for: Explorer 36mm

Great case & bracelet

I've been really impressed with the quality of this case, but especially with the bracelet and the fit between the two. My next case will be coming from LA because of how great this one has been

Using this mod part for: Built from parts nh38 explorer case

Good case, great customer service

I used this case for a 1950s explorer homage, nh38 movement, old lume hands, explorer 36mm v3 case because the old 50s watches were typically in 36mm cases. Solid product, case looks great. This is my 5th mod I have purchased and built on this website. Fast delivery and as always awesome customer support. I will be buying more parts in the future.

Excellent Quality

I researched many different explorer style cases (with bracelets) before buying this one. It truly exceeds my expectations in terms of looks and build quality. The overall finishing of the case and bracelet is beautifully done. The bracelet is comfortable and I was able to size it down to fit my 14.9cm wrist.

I chose the “build your own watch” option with watch assembly. I had many questions before I felt ready to order and Adriel was quick to respond as we emailed back and forth. He gave very helpful and insightful answers which I appreciated a lot! Made the buying experience that much better knowing he actually cared.

Oh and lastly, the shipping was so fast, especially considering I was having the watch assembled!

Using this mod part for: None

Super happy

High quality quality product!
Watch case: superb
Sapphire: with AR, very good
Crown: precision and 200 meters rating is so nice
Case back: polished, good to wear

Using this mod part for: Custom build to go on a NATO strap.

Assembled Explorer Case

Very nice watch case that's the perfect size for my small wrist with the 43mm lug to lug length. Assembled as a complete watch case for me by LA. I opted to go without the metal bracelet. The detail on the snowflake dial is quite special and goes well with the tudor style hands.

Using this mod part for: Custom

Beautiful finish, Perfect size

This case is just as well finished as my SARB035 and was the perfect base for the open-heart, “black” dress watch I’ve been working on.

Dial: Sumi-e, Komoworks
Hands: Baton, silver, bgw9, Lucius Atelier

Using this mod part for: SNXA 11 salmon dial

Perhaps the best 36mm Explorer mod case

I’ve tried the others W&S, Namoki, Crystaltimes, even the style accurate Riyi case. This one is a good head and shoulders above the rest. For starters, the finishing of the case and bracelet is better than the rest of them. Although the Riyi case is true to the original design, there’s sharp edges and questionable fitment between aftermarket parts. The other companies all look a bit off. This Lucius Atelier case is the perfect mix with the design accuracy, quality and finishing, and compatibility with OEM and aftermarket parts. Yeah, it’s a price point above the rest, but I wish I got this first instead of dabbling with the others.

I also got this with the bracelet. My only naggle is that fitting the end links with the case was a bit difficult, but I’ve dealt with worse. The finishing of the bracelet and clasp is good, on par with the case. I also appreciate the clasp, which is much better than the standard double lock clasp that you find everywhere else. It has very tight tolerances, nice.

Also, fast shipping.

Beautiful case - great with LA white birch dial

This is a well built little case. Very nice finishing, all went together very well. Quite happy with this for a smaller more delicate white birch build. As usual very happy with LA products. Thanks Adriel

Using this mod part for: Aftermarket explorer case.

Explorer case 36mm

Really nicely machined case and bracelet from LA. As usual customer service and comms were excellent, thanks for the hand written note BTW.

Can’t wait to complete my intended mod and will update this review with pictures once complete.

One of the better ones…

seriously great case. finish, dimensions etc are top notch. crown is adequate (ability for skx013 crowns would be a nice upgrade) bracelet is great (endlinks are terrific) BUT… the clasp. I get why the clasp is used (reference), but a different clasp option would be preferred in future iterations. wears true to its 36mm dimensions. great work!

Using this mod part for: Explorer Case 36mm

Very happy with this purchase- item is exactly as described and I am very grateful for the service and appreciate the handwritten note!

Cheers!

Explorer 36mm

High quality LA case explorer

36mm Explorer

Impressive attention to detail. Parts feel high quality. Lastly, fast shipping. 10/10 would purchase from Lucius Atelier again

Great Case

Really high-quality case and bracelet, easily worth several times the price. The dial is a deep black, hands and markings show up very well against it. My only issue is that the dial is ever so slightly misaligned, but that will be easy to fix. Again, for the price, this is just a great value. Shipping was quick and easy.