My first SPB185 inspired assembly.
My first attempt assembling a watch.
I like the spb185 and wanted to give it a try. So I bought all the components/parts from AliExpress; NH35A, a dial and hands I liked, bezel, case and a bracelet.
I also bought another set of components for a second assembly. As you know with stuff being shipped from china, the delivery times are as random as lottery numbers. Needles to say I received the second case and strap sn waiting for everything else.
Also still waiting for some tools that I'm hoping will make my life easier.
Most difficult part was that fuc%er seconds hand 🤬 also not having a magnifying glass/lens did not make it any easier. But I managed.
Total cost 101 USD.
Shout out to @hbein2022 who helped me with his time and advice. Thank you my friend.
Ok nerds, tell me what you think, especially the choice of dial and hands. And don't hold back 🧐.
Here is a lume shot
And the parts before the assembly. Most were nicely packaged.
I got sucked into the watch collecting hobby not too long ago. It has been a blessing and a curse 👀
I won’t hold back.
It’s f#c%in& awesome!
😙👌
I won’t hold back.
It’s f#c%in& awesome!
😙👌
Thank you 🙏
Seems like a very fun project and from what I see there definitely a rewarding one🔥🔥
O yeah!! That's a killer watch you built 🍻
Seems like a very fun project and from what I see there definitely a rewarding one🔥🔥
Definitely 😁
That's fantastic, man! I wish I had better manual dexterity than that of a camel, so I could do builds too!
Do they have parts for a grand Seiko? Lol
Excellent job. I’m inspired.
Nice mod build, my man. Respect! 👍
Nice mod build, my man. Respect! 👍
Thank you chief 🙏
Excellent job. I’m inspired.
I really appreciate it 😊
Do they have parts for a grand Seiko? Lol
I'm sure if we look hard enough we can find something 👀
That's fantastic, man! I wish I had better manual dexterity than that of a camel, so I could do builds too!
Thank you my brother. I thought a grand Seiko/Seiko nerd like you would appreciate a home baked one 😉
Nice! 👌 I would love to give something like this a go, so you just buy parts from AliExpress 🤔 now I just have to decide what watch to make! Cheers for the inspiration 🍻
It's that simple. Just make sure everything will fit together.
Don't forget to share with us 🤗
Okay, fish on! I'm Hooked! what you built looks Amazing!
Looks great! I will not be attempting this 😀
Why not?
Not there yet...still way too new to the watch game
Not there yet...still way too new to the watch game
You will be there soon enough. Won't take you long.
Unless you are-god forbid- a sane or logical person 😂
Its pretty cool. You do need to include time in your costs, that counts.
I really like the dial in that case, I know what your saying about the Seiko Logo and feeling dirty. It's surprisingly hard to find Dials without the Seiko Logo and those that I have found typically don't align with the design I have in mind. I did a few OEM builds to releave me of guilt but OEM Dials go for way more than I want to spend on a mod. I ended up deciding I don't care but I will look for applied Logo Dials then I can peal off they Seiko Logo and slap on my own logo. Do need to have something as there are very small dents where the Seiko Logo was that need to be hidden.
Anyway, I remember my first build and the second hand. Even with a eye piece it took me forever and I mucked it up a bit. It's still likely the most challenging part of a mod build but sometimes I can even due it with the naked eye.
Nice job!
Its pretty cool. You do need to include time in your costs, that counts.
Oh $h&t didn't think about that. 3 hours x $$$/hr. Now we talking some significant chunk 😭
Awesome!! Yeah stupid seconds hand is biatch!! i have been lazy to do another build but your inspiring me to do another !! 👍🏻🍻
Man, just do it.
Mmmm, I feel something is off and I get paranoid when I don't see a snarky remark from you 😂
Oh $h&t didn't think about that. 3 hours x $$$/hr. Now we talking some significant chunk 😭
Depends, were you entertained for 3 hrs? Working on watches doesn't feel like work to me. I concentrate on what I do, but it is otherwise rather calming and relaxing. It's a pleasurable experience overall.
Unfortunately I couldn't find interesting dials without the branding. But maybe I didn't look hard enough.
Other parts are made for Seiko mods, non branded.
Yes, that is unfortunately tricky at AliExpress. There are plenty of great dials that are branded, many that are not, but searching for a "sterile" dial on AliExpress reduces the availability of dials quite a bit. There are other sites that sell great dials, but you either have to search for specific dials, or you will pay for an artisan product.
Depends, were you entertained for 3 hrs? Working on watches doesn't feel like work to me. I concentrate on what I do, but it is otherwise rather calming and relaxing. It's a pleasurable experience overall.
Totally agree.
It's just nerve wrecking putting the hands on, fearing I will bend them, scratch them or something worse.
The best part, my wife leaves me alone when I'm working on watches 😂
Yes, that is unfortunately tricky at AliExpress. There are plenty of great dials that are branded, many that are not, but searching for a "sterile" dial on AliExpress reduces the availability of dials quite a bit. There are other sites that sell great dials, but you either have to search for specific dials, or you will pay for an artisan product.
I looked a lot, and you are right. The artisan dials I found through my limited search didn't suit my taste or way too expensive for a beginner like me.
I looked a lot, and you are right. The artisan dials I found through my limited search didn't suit my taste or way too expensive for a beginner like me.
You'll be fine for the moment, depending on your tastes. There are very many decent unbranded dials on AliExpress. I'd have fun experimenting a bit.
Man, just do it.
Mmmm, I feel something is off and I get paranoid when I don't see a snarky remark from you 😂
At times…I‘ll show some maturity but it’s fleeting 😂
That’s straight fire. Gorgeous build!
The dial is Ali fake as it's branded which makes me feel a bit dirty to be honest. Everything else is made for Seiko mods and not branded so I don't feel bad about it.
The lume initially looks amazing, but then fades away quickly especially the orange parts. Let me know if you have any more questions
Thanks so much my friend!
good to know. Yeah, I think I’d draw the line at straight up faked brand names. But I’m ok with an unbranded dial or finding a legit dial elsewhere to get the look I want.
Cheers 🍻