First DIY Project

Looks like you're set. Let us know if you have questions around tools used, or any other things that may come up. I'm sure most of us will check WC frequently. 😉

I really like those hands. I look forward to seeing this completed.

Always wanted a Panerai so when I saw this online knew it had to be my first build!

Thanks, this is a prime example of why I love this community!

First time I did a project like this I accidentally cut the crown stem too short. Better to cut multiple times and 'inch' up to the perfect fit.

Which ali store did you order the parts from? Looking forward to seeing the finished watch!

The two most difficult things when I started out were placing the seconds hand and cutting the stem. The seconds hand is thin and bends easily, so be careful not putting too much pressure on it. When cutting the stem, it's better to cut in smaller increments. You can work with a longer stem but not one that's too short. If you're just a hair too long, file it down instead of cutting it again.

Lighting and magnification are paramount. I hope you have a good space to work and have gotten yourself some sort of magnifying glass. You will need it when it comes time to put that second hand on. Don't be in a rush to encase the movement once the hands are on. Make sure you manually rotate the hands a full 24 hours to make sure you have hand clearance and the date wheel turns around midnight. Test the security of the hands using your dust blower. I have found a loose second hand that way. I intended on blowing off a piece of dust then poof went the second hand. Under stronger magnification, I reinstalled the hand. Measure that stem length more than once and then cut 1mm shy of that. File it down a little at a time to ensure the crown rests flush against the case. Take your time to make sure the crystal is dust free before you case the movement and regulate the movement with a timegrapher before you really crank down on the case back to close it up.

Placing the hands and cutting the stem are my two biggest concerns.

First time using Ali Express so not sure if it’s a legit or good store. The store name is just a string of numbers, but they did offer to assemble it for me for free but told them not.

Thank you for all the tips!! Great idea about using the dust blower!!

It's easier using rodico on the end of a toothpick for hand placement than it is with tweezers. Speaking of tweezers, don't over-pressure the grip. The tips will bow outward and eject whatever part they were holding. You want to use the mm or two from the tip for that reason. It also helps to have a contrasting background in case you do drop parts. That's why the Bergeon watch mat is green.

Also, what he said. Rodico is a must. Great for cleaning surfaces and a scratch-free picker-upper.

Was looking through my tools and I am starting to think I need a better file for the crown stem. Any suggestions?

https://a.co/d/h010LzB

I just used this cheap set for now. It's worked so far.

My movement for this project is a NH35 and I noticed that I didn’t get a spacer for between the movement and dial, do I need one for this movement?

Also looks like I didn’t get a spacer for between the caseback and movement, I do see a rubber gasket with the case (pic below).

Do I need to order some parts?

Please don’t judge picture taking skill, lol.

Any good YouTube tutorial vids you would recommend?

Mike from My Retro Watches did a video on putting together a DIY Watch Company build. Also, Marc from Long Island Watch Company has a series of "Watch and Learn" vids. I think Jody from Just One More Watch also did a DIY build. If you run a search on "Build your own seiko diver" or words to that effect, you'll find a bunch.

****WATCH BUILD COMPLETED****

Just got done putting everything together!! This was an awesome project and can’t wait to do another one!!