Got my next two projects to keep me busy for the holidays.
I've been waiting in anticipation for these two cases in the mail. I'm still new to modding hobby but I've very much enjoy. Honestly, I wish I would have started slower. I say this because my first project was an abysmal failure.
That was an attempt to build a chrono with a top-grade valjoux movement. I "jumped into the deep end before learning to swim". In doing so, I broke the stems in all 3 subdials, chewed up the hands, and left the dial scratched up.
This humbled me a lot but it didn't drive me away from trying to mod. So I started again... and started basic.
As basic as this is, it is a source of pride with me because I can say I assembled this . Mistakes were made, but I was able to learn from them and overcome them. It gave me confidence in ante up a little bit more with an NH34 because I wanted a gmt watch. And this was the result..
And this isn't perfect. But this is also a since of pride. I'm not a fan of "clomaging" watches. However, taking design elements and adding personal is a different story. I prefer avoiding "trademark" elements like "Mercedes" or "snowflake" and logos.
The thing about modding is while, I enjoy it and I can build me desires, it won't replace watch buying( at least, not at my skill level). In fact, it gives me a new sense of appreciation for real watchmakers and specialist who actually build and have to maintain quality assurance. Well, wish me luck... I've got to decide what dial I want to use.
Keep on truckin’! Taking shit apart putting it back together your is so gratifying. I had a goal of building a gmt this year and never quite got the inspiration. Good on you completing this one.
Keep on truckin’! Taking shit apart putting it back together your is so gratifying. I had a goal of building a gmt this year and never quite got the inspiration. Good on you completing this one.
Honestly the hardest part of the NH34 was the same as the NH35, putting on the second hand.
I modded my Seiko SRPE with a dial, crystal, chapter ring, bracelet and crown. It was a few hours and a very steady hand (it was my first) but I feel so much joy wearing a piece that I labored on and made to fit my personality.
I modded my Seiko SRPE with a dial, crystal, chapter ring, bracelet and crown. It was a few hours and a very steady hand (it was my first) but I feel so much joy wearing a piece that I labored on and made to fit my personality.
I had to do a Google image search of pink/salmon dial Seiko watches. I can confirm your watch is blows them all out the water. Well done
I had to do a Google image search of pink/salmon dial Seiko watches. I can confirm your watch is blows them all out the water. Well done
Thank you for your kind words!
Honestly the hardest part of the NH34 was the same as the NH35, putting on the second hand.
Nice builds! The second hand is always the hard part for me, no matter what I do. Using rodico helps. Hope to see more of your work!
A Mercedes hand is not part of a trademark, there are plenty of watches with Mercedes hands. Take a look at this article. Tudor is a different example: As far as I know Tudor started recently trying to enforce a trademark on the snowflake hands, but may not have such a strong standing, as a number of manufacturers have used these watch hands for about 10 years, without any intervention from Tudor. It's essentially up in the air.
Logos and company names are another question.
As far as modding is concerned, I do believe that you would be able to create watches that would eliminate, or near eliminate, the need to buy entry-level watches, especially field and dive watches.
A Mercedes hand is not part of a trademark, there are plenty of watches with Mercedes hands. Take a look at this article. Tudor is a different example: As far as I know Tudor started recently trying to enforce a trademark on the snowflake hands, but may not have such a strong standing, as a number of manufacturers have used these watch hands for about 10 years, without any intervention from Tudor. It's essentially up in the air.
Logos and company names are another question.
As far as modding is concerned, I do believe that you would be able to create watches that would eliminate, or near eliminate, the need to buy entry-level watches, especially field and dive watches.
I kinda see you point about the hands. Especially, considering brands used to "share" parts. But I feel the moment people see those hands their thinking less," this guy enjoys modding" and more "you really wanted a Rolex".
As for replacing field watches, eh....maybe mechanical and simple quartz. But someone may want solar-powered. But if the part for solar is available, I will make that future project
I kinda see you point about the hands. Especially, considering brands used to "share" parts. But I feel the moment people see those hands their thinking less," this guy enjoys modding" and more "you really wanted a Rolex".
As for replacing field watches, eh....maybe mechanical and simple quartz. But someone may want solar-powered. But if the part for solar is available, I will make that future project
Personally, I wouldn't think that. I'd rather think: "He modded a watch, he could have had any hands he wanted, but he chose something very common?" 😂
Yes, definitely mechanical and simple quartz. There are solar movements available, but parts will be much harder to find. I also know that you're not over your last chrono yet, but the mechaquartz chrono builds have to be one of the most inexpensive build projects out there, and have fairly decent dial and hands availability.
Personally, I wouldn't think that. I'd rather think: "He modded a watch, he could have had any hands he wanted, but he chose something very common?" 😂
Yes, definitely mechanical and simple quartz. There are solar movements available, but parts will be much harder to find. I also know that you're not over your last chrono yet, but the mechaquartz chrono builds have to be one of the most inexpensive build projects out there, and have fairly decent dial and hands availability.
Definitely right about the mechaquartz. If I had any sense, I would have started and learned with the mechaquartz before trying a valjoux.