My new budget build.
I saw this HMT Pilot on eBay and loved the look of the dial. But I knew it was coming out of India. So, I knew it was a Bombay special. But for $26 with shipping, how can I say no. I've bought dial for more than that.
First, I had to see if I could use an NH movement with it. Next, I needed hands to go with it. Sadly, the cathedral hands in white were to much. But I did have these MM hands from Namoki and a new red second hand arrived for another project.
When I tried to find a case for the dial became a second problem. It measured 32mm. Too large for most cases. Too small for others. So, I had to make it smaller. And I began sanding and grinding the dial down. It took a few hours, but I got it down to 28.5mm.
Finally, it was time for a case. I thought about picking a nice pilot case up from Namoki or one of the other shops out there. But this is a Bombay special so we're keeping it budget friendly. Found this polished case on..you guessed it..Aliexpress. If I would've shaved any more, it would've been too loose in the case. And the numbers on the dial sit perfectly on the edge of the case.
Watch details:
Case diameter: 39mm
Case width: 12.5mm
Lug to lug: 46.5mm
Lug width: 20mm
Dial: HMT Pilot
Movement: NH38A
Hands: Namoki MM hour and minute, Ali red second
Case: Ali 40mm polished w/sapphire crystal
WR: 100m
I started wearing watches due to an OCD with timing. I've never had alot of money for watches. For along time, I wore Timex and Casio. I fell in love with the way watches look and work. Because I'm ch...
Can I see lume on those hands? Would have been good to have some on the numbers. Good looking watch 👍
HMT a lot of watch for a few dollars.
Lovely looking straps!
Lovely looking straps!
Thanks. Unfortunately, I buy straps from so many companies. I'm not sure where I got that one from. I think it was from Strapsco.com. But don't hold me to that.
Can I see lume on those hands? Would have been good to have some on the numbers. Good looking watch 👍
It would be, but unfortunately, the original watch didn't have any lume at all.
Great final product 👏