Explorer 1.5: my first (partly successful) build
I had a go at building a NH34-powered GMT watch, inspired by the Rolex Explorer II, but with numerals a la Explorer I (I gots to have me some numerals), and a colorway inspired by the Christopher Ward Sealander GMT in Dragonfly Blue. All the parts were purchased on AliExpress.
I was only partly successful: I couldn't for the life of me install the second hand (when I did manage to force it on, it simply stopped the movement), and in the process of going through five of those delicate little second hands, I scratched the dial too. It's a shame. I didn't use a loupe or magnifying glass and potentially I've broken the post where the second hand should fit on. Without a second hand, of course, I can't test the accuracy of the watch, and it loses something not having that beautiful sweeping hand. I will borrow my dad's magnifying glass and see what's happened. But in the meantime it's been a fun thing to do. Apart from the fiddly things that require patience and care that I lack, the process is quite straightforward with these easy assemble parts.
It's also helped me realize I find a GMT watch a bit too busy with its four hands. Glad I only spent £85 to figure that out rather than several hundreds!
Armchair adventurer, drawn to dressy field watches like the Seiko Alpinist and Rolex Explorer. Always keen on green.
Believe me, I know how frustrating those darn seconds hands can be. Despite the setbacks, you should be proud of your achievement so far and treat it as a stepping stone in a great watch building future.
I started off with a loupe and quickly upgraded to an illuminated magnifying glass with a desk stand. I found it made the job a whole lot easier.
Believe me, I know how frustrating those darn seconds hands can be. Despite the setbacks, you should be proud of your achievement so far and treat it as a stepping stone in a great watch building future.
I started off with a loupe and quickly upgraded to an illuminated magnifying glass with a desk stand. I found it made the job a whole lot easier.
Thanks so much for this kind message. I'm going to build one for a friend next, to celebrate a year in which he's getting married and hopefully welcoming his first child. I think that magnifying glass is a great shout!