Watch build from scratch
I have been toying with the idea of building a watch (Seiko mod) and thought a good project would be an Explorer II homage (like the one pictured). I have replaced dials and movements before, and I have a pretty good set of tools. Not concerned about the skills or process of putting it together. However looking online, I can’t find some of the parts, and the ones that are available are expensive. I’m estimating it will be over $400 (not including any tax or shipping costs). I’ve seen these on Etsy and eBay for under $300, so it’s not adding up. Any advice/recommendations from someone who has done this before?
Mechanical engineer/rocket scientist 🚀 I’ve worked my entire career in aerospace at Kennedy Space Center, 20+ years in the space shuttle program. Currently working on Artemis/Orion. Avid mechanical w...
This is available on DIY Watch Club. The complete kit for €269,95
This is available on DIY Watch Club. The complete kit for €269,95
Thanks. That looks similar, but I’m going for the true Rolex 226570 look with the bezel, GMT hand, and cyclops. I’m hoping the parts are available cheaper somewhere.
Haha went with Pepsi with my mod…
also ck this site
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $20.15 50％ Off | NH34 Dial NH34 Hands 29mm GMT Four Hands Green Luminous Face for GMT Seiko NH34 Movement Modified Dials Replacements Watch parts
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLap3fE
Haha went with Pepsi with my mod…
also ck this site
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $20.15 50％ Off | NH34 Dial NH34 Hands 29mm GMT Four Hands Green Luminous Face for GMT Seiko NH34 Movement Modified Dials Replacements Watch parts
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLap3fE
Ahh. Ali Express. I did some searching there, but didn’t see these. Looks like you can get the case with the bezel too. I’ll take a closer look. Thanks a bunch!
Haha went with Pepsi with my mod…
also ck this site
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $20.15 50％ Off | NH34 Dial NH34 Hands 29mm GMT Four Hands Green Luminous Face for GMT Seiko NH34 Movement Modified Dials Replacements Watch parts
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLap3fE
By the way, that Pepsi white dial looks sharp!
If you are getting the parts from Seiko Mods places, like DIY Watch Club, you will pay more. But if you do the parts research yourself, and get it from eBay or Ali Express, I think you can build something good for about $150 - $200.
If you are getting the parts from Seiko Mods places, like DIY Watch Club, you will pay more. But if you do the parts research yourself, and get it from eBay or Ali Express, I think you can build something good for about $150 - $200.
Thanks
Yes, it is a fake Seiko case, but the movement is a real Seiko NH34. BTW, the watches you get from watch clubs are also fake Seikos with real movements.
Like Ichibunz says, Ali Express is your friend for this.
Looks pretty good so far.
I have nothing against DIY watches, but I am irked by a name brand on the dial. Why Seiko? It is no more Seiko than a Rolex for that matter 🤷 Even the movement is not made by Seiko but by Seiko Instruments, a different subsidiary of the Epson corp, so why not say Epson the dial? The more I think a out it the less sense it makes to me
A personalized or blank dial would make more sense to me if I was making my own watch
I have nothing against DIY watches, but I am irked by a name brand on the dial. Why Seiko? It is no more Seiko than a Rolex for that matter 🤷 Even the movement is not made by Seiko but by Seiko Instruments, a different subsidiary of the Epson corp, so why not say Epson the dial? The more I think a out it the less sense it makes to me
A personalized or blank dial would make more sense to me if I was making my own watch
You expressed my feeling perfectly. Thank you.
I have nothing against DIY watches, but I am irked by a name brand on the dial. Why Seiko? It is no more Seiko than a Rolex for that matter 🤷 Even the movement is not made by Seiko but by Seiko Instruments, a different subsidiary of the Epson corp, so why not say Epson the dial? The more I think a out it the less sense it makes to me
A personalized or blank dial would make more sense to me if I was making my own watch
I agree. No logo would be better. When I pulled it up on AliExpess from the link above, it is not showing the Seiko logo (see pic), but it’s hard to tell what you’re actually going to get. I bought a football jersey from there one time and it came with a Nike logo on it, even though it was definitely not a Nike product.
Made one like this which I recently sold. Would recommend this mod, although next time I would choose something not so recognizable.
Made one like this which I recently sold. Would recommend this mod, although next time I would choose something not so recognizable.
Were the parts all from AliExpress?
Were the parts all from AliExpress?
No, only the "Seiko" logo sticker was from AliExpress, the rest was from eBay.
This. Would. Be. Killer!
I’m building something similar for my dad’s birthday. It’s not really a Seiko mod, but it does use the NH34 movement I bought most of the pieces on eBay for around $130 total including the movement.
I pulled the trigger and bought all the parts on AliExpress. I got the dial w/ hands from one seller, and the case, bracelet, and movement from another. Total with tax was $119. Should be here in about 3 weeks.
This is available on DIY Watch Club. The complete kit for €269,95
Have you tried ordering from diywatchclub?
Have you tried ordering from diywatchclub?
not yet. It is on my "to do"list.