This might be the cure...almost
If you are looking for a cure for spending far too much time researching watches, then try researching watch parts.
I decided to build my own watch. The criteria were a sterile dial with large numbers, no date, red accents, and a brushed case in a size that suited my tastes.
So to learn the basics, I first built a popular watch kit, then set out on a quest to locate the parts for my own creation. Everything was bought on eBay, and since it was all ordered separately, I was pleasantly surprised with how the final product came together.
It has a Seiko NH38A movement with no date wheel. The 40mm brushed case with glass back is nicely finished, has a sapphire crystal, very smooth edges, and a well-machined screw-down crown. The total cost of the build was just $103.85 -- NH38A 37.80, Case 34.20, Dial/Hands 18.90, Silicone Strap 12.95.
I have totally enjoyed the process and plan to build more watches of various styles. It's an inexpensive way to create a high quality and unique watch. All around an extremely gratifying experience.
If you decide to build your own you will never again view factory built watches in the same manner.
Cool!! After learning I have more appreciation and respect to watchmakers!!
Good on you! I’m considering doing the same kind of thing! Looks really good!
Very nice. I've built a bunch of watches and it's so very satisfying.
Building your own creations is so much fun! And you get to wear a unique piece that you assembled yourself. 💪
You got me thinking about it. I’m impressed.
Where did you get the parts ? Hard to find drilled lug field case, white dials
Where did you get the parts ? Hard to find drilled lug field case, white dials
Everything was bought on eBay. Lots of white dials if you search on "white 28.5 nh35 dial". Not a lot of drilled lug cases, but a few. If you want to spend more you can have a look at some of the watch modding sites. Here is a great list of sites... https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kEFrtm9CbNTfY9nTKXkrS8GZU3W8xMfgp4K4EgmKkGQ/mobilebasic
Solid looking build. Nice looking result. Well done! 👍🏻
I really enjoy building watches and it gives you a real appreciation for the skill that goes into the creation of these machines. It has helped in what I buy, but I have also found that because I can build my own, my tastes for watches that I buy has actually got more expensive, as the things that I cant do at home are things like bespoke cases or bring 100 years of brand heritage.... so beware! 😀
The minimalist theme you chose is offset perfectly by the splash of the splash of red on the hands and in the strap’s stitching.
@jiveturkey is doing the same thing!! I love this piece btw. Thank you for allowing us to see it complete!! Next one can we see the journey of getting and building?
Very nice! Building watches is fun. I also source parts, usually from AliExpress. I just built my first GMT
The minimalist theme you chose is offset perfectly by the splash of the splash of red on the hands and in the strap’s stitching.
Wow, thanks for the complement. Very much appreciated.
@jiveturkey is doing the same thing!! I love this piece btw. Thank you for allowing us to see it complete!! Next one can we see the journey of getting and building?
I had thought about writing more about 'the journey', but didn't want to bore anyone. I've ordered the parts for my next watch, and will try to give more detail next time, but keep it concise.
That last line is so true! I've built 2 customs so far, and have 2 more planned. I have been saving extra cash for a while too, and have over $1k I was originally planning to use towards something really nice, but instead I'm thinking about how many custom builds I can do with that money instead, lol! Sterile dials and bright accent colors for the win too! Mine is sterile white dial with orange minutes hand and strap.
Well done 👏 That's a clean looking watch 👍
That last line is so true! I've built 2 customs so far, and have 2 more planned. I have been saving extra cash for a while too, and have over $1k I was originally planning to use towards something really nice, but instead I'm thinking about how many custom builds I can do with that money instead, lol! Sterile dials and bright accent colors for the win too! Mine is sterile white dial with orange minutes hand and strap.
Very nice. I like the orange and white combination.
Very nice. I like the orange and white combination.
Thanks, I was really happy with how it came out. Originally had it on a Black river strap, then decided to try an orange strap, and that's how it will stay now!
Sinn x Unimatic collab right there 👏🏼
I have thought about doing this, my idea was to buy something from AliExpress and breaking it for parts, not sure if it's economical way to do it though.
Everything was bought on eBay. Lots of white dials if you search on "white 28.5 nh35 dial". Not a lot of drilled lug cases, but a few. If you want to spend more you can have a look at some of the watch modding sites. Here is a great list of sites... https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kEFrtm9CbNTfY9nTKXkrS8GZU3W8xMfgp4K4EgmKkGQ/mobilebasic
THANK YOU
I'd buy that!!!
I agree that once you have built your first watch, you'll see watches in a very different light. After being unsatisfied with how watches look these days,I found joy in building my own watch a well. 👍🏽
I've been building and modding watches for some time ,there is always a pleasure of having a unique watch on my wrist. Donor components are easy to acquire and automatic movements from Seiko ( nh35/ 34 etc ) give a good cost effective base for most home builds . See my latest build .
Wearing one of my builds today. There is fun in the research, and getting what you want. I however started to realize how hard it is to have a design supported by all watch components used.
I had thought about writing more about 'the journey', but didn't want to bore anyone. I've ordered the parts for my next watch, and will try to give more detail next time, but keep it concise.
I can't wait!! Following you noww just for this!!
Great work!
Thanks, I was really happy with how it came out. Originally had it on a Black river strap, then decided to try an orange strap, and that's how it will stay now!
I put my Garmin Instinct on an orange silicone strap and it looks great. I've been thinking about making an orange dial watch, but first I have parts on order for a yellow dial PVD diver.
I put my Garmin Instinct on an orange silicone strap and it looks great. I've been thinking about making an orange dial watch, but first I have parts on order for a yellow dial PVD diver.
I've got 2 builds in the works, one with a yellow dial, one purple. Can't wait to see yours!