Fitting a dial to a NH35 movement
I have bought a few components to do my first watch build:
Seiko NH35 movement, strapcode band, San Martin great wave dial, Namoki NMK931 case.
So far I have only built a Casio AE-1200 using a bronze Kranio design case and a Vario leather strap. Not much work on dials or movements there so my experience is basic to say the least. And the first step is causing me a headache: fitting the dial to the movement.
I cannot figure out which feet on the back of the dial should stay, and which I should cut off and file down. My guess is: Purple goes into the purple slot on the movement, but then none of the 4 other feet line up to the green hole. What doesn't help is that the picture on the San Martin website only shows 4 feet (not the purple one), whereas mine has 5.
So, which of the 5 feet should be used to fit this dial? Do you guys have any idea?
Main interest is in quartz and digital watches. Seiko and Casio are my favourite brands. I have built a bronze Casio AE-1200 and a polished stainless steel AE-1200 using aftermarket cases and straps.
I think it depends on where you want the crown to protrude from the case.
I think it depends on where you want the crown to protrude from the case.
My case has a 3 o'clock crown.
Looks like one of your dial feet snapped off. See the rust spot between the indices below the dial foot you marked as number 4?
Looks like one of your dial feet snapped off. See the rust spot between the indices below the dial foot you marked as number 4?
Yes I see what you mean... that would be unfortunate, since the dial was the first thing I bought several months ago :-(
It's rather simple. Hold the dial above the movement and align the date window to where you want it. Two dial feet should align with the holes for the dial feet in the spacer ring of the movement.
In your case it is even simpler. You have a case with a 3 o'clock crown. The dial feet that are close together (3.8 and 4.1 position crown position) can be removed.
Unfortunately it seems that one of the correct dial feet for a 3 o'clock crown position is missing. You can still install the dial, and I would simply use a dial dot on that side.
If you have a missing dial foot the best way is to fit a new one...
You can pick the tool up on eBay. You'll need some 5 minute epoxy resin to stick the new foot in place.
Looks like your dial has an extra set of feet for a true 4:00 crown, and one of the feet for the 3:00 crown has snapped off. I believe your case has a 3:00 crown, so unfortunately, you will have to use dial dots or double-sided tape to secure the opposite side of the dial. You will have to snip off the other 4 feet, and you will only use the one you have circled.
Thanks a lot everyone! Indeed it seems that I was confused because one of the dial feet is missing. And off course it is the one I need for my 3 o'clock crown... I have ordered some dial adhesive spots and will give that a try once they arrive. I will let you know how it turns out :-)
Glad to see your questions were answered. That’s going to be a sweet build.