2824-variant modding

So, the ST2130 arrived, and it has a healthy amplitude, low beat error, and is about 3 seconds fast. I was planning on disassembling/reassembling the movement for my curiosity's sake, but what the heck, I may just build something. (Amazing how the last Chinese movement I received, an ST36, came in at 0 spd face-up. But that's probably a question for another post.)

Now, this is where my questions begin: If I want to build based on the ST2130 there is a bit of an issue: While there is a vast amount of NH35 components available, there seem to be less so for the 2824-variants.

Now, if I look at Europe, and there are websites of case manufacturers that produce cases that are just gorgeous, but start around 230 euros. Dials are available but also pricey.

Did anyone on this forum look at 2824-variant modding before, and do you have any lessons learned or suggestions?

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I bought a few NH35 cases on eBay and from what I see most of sellers sell 2824 variants. Also, you have quite a selection of hands and dials that are compatible. I think AliExpress has similar selections.

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mpolyakov

I bought a few NH35 cases on eBay and from what I see most of sellers sell 2824 variants. Also, you have quite a selection of hands and dials that are compatible. I think AliExpress has similar selections.

Right, I had a look at AliExpress, and many sellers do sell 2824 variants, usually with different forms of plastic movement holders. I have quite a number of NH35 builds at this point, and was looking for something different. For example, places like Namoki sell a lot of specific dials and cases for NH35 movements. I was wondering if something similar exists for the 2824.

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Theoretically you could take any dial and just glue it on. Might not be pretty but it should still work 🤔

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watchfindsgermany

Theoretically you could take any dial and just glue it on. Might not be pretty but it should still work 🤔

Yes, I have done that before, but dial dots are certainly not ideal. Depending on the case the dial thickness may also factor in as well. Aside from this only working for no-date dials, as far as I know.

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hbein2022

Yes, I have done that before, but dial dots are certainly not ideal. Depending on the case the dial thickness may also factor in as well. Aside from this only working for no-date dials, as far as I know.

Nah, it would work on this one as well. I have a 1mm double sided tape that I put on that edge above the date wheel. I did it twice and it held well both times. Just get a strong 1mm tape, like they use for phones repairs for example.

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The place I got a logo customized on a watch has 2824 dials and parts that will fit. I've bought DG and NH-35 parts from them as well. I can DM you the Ali link, obviously they may not match your style.

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Ive bought quite a few cases and dials from Ali Express for ETA 2824 clones. They've been pretty good quality but not very original, basically submariner or date just clones. Dial and handsets are fairly available with lots of variations though

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MistaMin

The place I got a logo customized on a watch has 2824 dials and parts that will fit. I've bought DG and NH-35 parts from them as well. I can DM you the Ali link, obviously they may not match your style.

I liked one of their dials and ordered it. Can't quite help it at this price.

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stevewd

Ive bought quite a few cases and dials from Ali Express for ETA 2824 clones. They've been pretty good quality but not very original, basically submariner or date just clones. Dial and handsets are fairly available with lots of variations though

Yes, I looked at some of their cases. They are okay, but you are right: Not very spectacular, and they show their homage origins. Hand sets were a mixed bag on Ali. They always showed NH35 hand sets, even though they are not compatible. (You may be able to force the Seiko hour and minute hand onto an 2824, as there is a 0.5mm difference, but the second hand will not fit.)

No rush though, I'm still looking for a good case.