Building a watch - ideas/ inspiration?
Hi all,
I am debating building a watch inspired from some of the ali express videos I have seen. Just wondering whether any of you have built a watch and may have some tips, or perhaps any cool inspiration?
Thanks!
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I've always wanted to build my own watches and even went as far as buying all the tools and equipment to do so. But with my gorilla hands and my lack of patience - I failed 😭 LOL! So I had AliExpress the official Bliger store custom build it for me 🤙🏽
The first two I‘ve build
I've build a few. Here are some examples
https://www.watchcrunch.com/mpolyakov/posts/for-computer-programmers-among-us-339529
https://www.watchcrunch.com/Kevinseiko/posts/here-we-go-fake-or-nice-mod-371335#comment-1516338
Now working on GMT. First attempt successfully failed. The hands I ordered are too long for the case. So, I will try shorter hands. Also, need to make a new dial. The dial I ordered was supposed to have no logos, but what I got has Grand Seiko logo and I do not want to have their logo on my watch.
Building watches is fun. And keep me away from the refrigerator.
I've always wanted to build my own watches and even went as far as buying all the tools and equipment to do so. But with my gorilla hands and my lack of patience - I failed 😭 LOL! So I had AliExpress the official Bliger store custom build it for me 🤙🏽
well you are honest and at least give everything a go! the watches look great :)
The first two I‘ve build
love the diver!! awesome watch :)
I've build a few. Here are some examples
https://www.watchcrunch.com/mpolyakov/posts/for-computer-programmers-among-us-339529
https://www.watchcrunch.com/Kevinseiko/posts/here-we-go-fake-or-nice-mod-371335#comment-1516338
Now working on GMT. First attempt successfully failed. The hands I ordered are too long for the case. So, I will try shorter hands. Also, need to make a new dial. The dial I ordered was supposed to have no logos, but what I got has Grand Seiko logo and I do not want to have their logo on my watch.
Building watches is fun. And keep me away from the refrigerator.
well done! thank you for the comment and info :)
Sadly I lack the patience and skill & wouldn't want to end up stuck with a badly bodged monstrosity I'd create 🤣
I'd say start with the basics and mod an inexpensive watch. (That way you don't have to cut a watch stem and can be sure all components match.) Ask the forum if you're unsure about the process or the tools, we talked plenty of people through the first mod/build.
love the diver!! awesome watch :)
The
Thanks man :)
I've build a few. Here are some examples
https://www.watchcrunch.com/mpolyakov/posts/for-computer-programmers-among-us-339529
https://www.watchcrunch.com/Kevinseiko/posts/here-we-go-fake-or-nice-mod-371335#comment-1516338
Now working on GMT. First attempt successfully failed. The hands I ordered are too long for the case. So, I will try shorter hands. Also, need to make a new dial. The dial I ordered was supposed to have no logos, but what I got has Grand Seiko logo and I do not want to have their logo on my watch.
Building watches is fun. And keep me away from the refrigerator.
Thx for the shout out Mpoly.
I've done quite a few builds, always happy to answer questions.
I say watch a couple videos and be open to finding things that work for you.
Case in point, I found it easier to mount my loupe to the table so I don't have to top hanger my head right next to the movement.
And for the second hand I've found using some rodico to stick the second hand to the pusher makes it far easier to set.
Once you start you cant stop!… you need lots of patience, some basic movement skills in case a part breaks and eventually lots of tools … these are my first 6
I absolutely love building my own pieces. It will take a while to gain confidence in what your doing, but persistence and patience are key here.
I'd start with checking out some YouTubers like Marc from Long Island Watches and Lumeshot. Lumeshot is the one that started me off on the right path. He has a Playlist all on modding. And he is super precise and purposeful in his approach.
While your building your knowledge and toolbelt, stick to buying put-together cases that have the crystal and bezel on already. Ali Express is your best friend here, but do your research. Check the AE store reviews and product reviews. I wouldn't steer away from products that haven't been reviewed at all.
Ebay is a great source as well, but nothing beats the pricing of Ali Express. But here are some sites that I go to for guaranteed quality mod parts...
Namokimods.com
CrystalTimesUS
Watch&Style
Luciusatelier.com
Happy modding friend! And good luck.
Here are some of my favorite pieces...
I did one recently:
I bought all parts from Aliexpress. Sometimes it’s easie and cheaper to buy an existing watch (i. e. addiesdive, tandariono,…) and change dail, hands and strap
Has anyone had issue with Ali Express?? I have not ordered from them because I am concerned about the legitimacy of some of their stuff.
Love your set up. Made me want to post my workstation.
Man, that’s an awesome set up. Im jealous. Makes me want to create a better workspace. Hahahah.
what a comment! and what a watch! thanks for the inspiration, i can only hope i am half as good :)
Thanks! I appreciate it. Let’s us know how your first build goes!
I have ordered essentially my entire kit from Ali, only thing I got burnt on was a luminous paints kit that was a construction tool when it showed up, and they refused to refund me.
Otherwise, everything has been surprisingly good bang for the buck. Sometimes it takes a lot of hunting to find just what you need/ want
i
I really enjoy that these were all just loose parts at some point and I have turned them into a reliable wristwatch.
I originally ordered the ST3600 to practice my watchmaking skills and then I realized I could probably turn it into a full watch relatively affordable, and then be able to practice full blown service procedure.
Another thing to watch out for on Ali is the bait and switch. Each item can have options, so on like microscopes for example, they will have the listing up at the cost of JUST the microscope head, but show an image of the full kit that costs like 3x more. I allllmost got screwed on that but reached out to the seller with a question about the camera and discovered I got one without the camera. I ended feeling okay about it because it had everything else but was only $150 instead of like $400, and it is mind blowing how well it works.
Also shipping. Said microscope took over a month to get to me, I ordered right before the lunar new year so I got stuck “waiting for a part” before it shipped. So, you can get amazing deals but must be careful and patient.
Dang!! Beautiful watch and great info!!
Looks like I will be pulling the trigger soon! I also ordered a Seagull movement off eBay to practice my skills too!
Thanks!
I have 3 watches that I modded. The only thing that was hard was placing the seconds hand.
I love building watches, here are some of my collection of that's a proper way to name them
Based on eta/valjoux 7751
Based on eta 2824-2 top grade
Based on ST3600
And of course NH35
Not much of an advice I can say because I'm a beginner at this hobby except that the builds requires patience and thought throughout before purchasing to buy a matching parts
Oh I forgot to add, Esslinger is an excellent place to pick up genuine high quality tools, and Kwon Yun is probably the best quality Chinese stuff around. So so so impressed with their ballbearing set. I got one Bergeron driver to compare it to and I prefer the Kwon Yuns tbh, especially for the money.
I have ordered essentially my entire kit from Ali, only thing I got burnt on was a luminous paints kit that was a construction tool when it showed up, and they refused to refund me.
Otherwise, everything has been surprisingly good bang for the buck. Sometimes it takes a lot of hunting to find just what you need/ want
i
I really enjoy that these were all just loose parts at some point and I have turned them into a reliable wristwatch.
I originally ordered the ST3600 to practice my watchmaking skills and then I realized I could probably turn it into a full watch relatively affordable, and then be able to practice full blown service procedure.
Another thing to watch out for on Ali is the bait and switch. Each item can have options, so on like microscopes for example, they will have the listing up at the cost of JUST the microscope head, but show an image of the full kit that costs like 3x more. I allllmost got screwed on that but reached out to the seller with a question about the camera and discovered I got one without the camera. I ended feeling okay about it because it had everything else but was only $150 instead of like $400, and it is mind blowing how well it works.
Also shipping. Said microscope took over a month to get to me, I ordered right before the lunar new year so I got stuck “waiting for a part” before it shipped. So, you can get amazing deals but must be careful and patient.
wow. what a setup! thanks for the comment, it’s really good to get others input on this and know it is possible. Thanks again :)
I love building watches, here are some of my collection of that's a proper way to name them
Based on eta/valjoux 7751
Based on eta 2824-2 top grade
Based on ST3600
And of course NH35
Not much of an advice I can say because I'm a beginner at this hobby except that the builds requires patience and thought throughout before purchasing to buy a matching parts
wow the nh35 build is just amazing 😍thank you for the comment, any advice is still advice!
Just finished my first build recently. I wasn't able to find any dial design that I would honestly like so I built one myself. I refinished the hands too.
Np… and other comments lmk
I’ve built several, I ordered some logos but I’m changing the branding and now trademarking. Here are some examples:
Just finished my first build recently. I wasn't able to find any dial design that I would honestly like so I built one myself. I refinished the hands too.
awesome build - deffo a fan of a green dial!
I’ve built several, I ordered some logos but I’m changing the branding and now trademarking. Here are some examples:
looks really nice, bet the build for the santos was a much more reasonable price! :) good luck with the logos
looks really nice, bet the build for the santos was a much more reasonable price! :) good luck with the logos
lol yes, I’ll get a real one eventually
100% build your own watch. You really won't need too many tools or skills. Maybe order a couple extra seconds hands because they are delicate and tricky to install. Read , read , read how to stuff and you will get a lot out of the process. Here are a couple nh35 builds I've done.