DIY Watch Building Kits

I think it's a lot of fun. As far as the build goes find it what's comfortable for you when you put the hands on. Also if you don't have any get some rodico, it really helps clean everything. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

I did a Rotatewatches.com one. You surely need the case press they offer. Otherwise they (as far as I could tell, she) were very good about shipping out parts I broke or lost for free, providing prompt assistance, and putting the rest of the thing together after I got too flustered with the whole affair.

Get an illuminating magnifying headset. Have a magically immaculate and uncluttered area to work.

Just thought of an idea. (And baby, I gotta a million of 'em!) I invision a WatchCrunch category for DIY watchmaking (a "subcrunch"? 🙄) , to contribute ideas, resources, results, restomods, etc. Who knows, a new microbrand or two may spring from the community? 🙏

No, but commenting so I can follow the thread coz I would like to give it a go. 😉👍🏻

Hey, its all good, any attention paid to this, including your, builds to a critical mass, that point where the engine of action runs by itself. ✨

Hey, its all good, any attention paid to this, including yours, can get the ball rollin'!

Note: Interesting, I edited my response and I created a duplicate! 😂

Mods can be among the most beautiful watches.

Just posted this yesterday

https://www.watchcrunch.com/sathomas/posts/building-my-own-watch-38289

Wow, thanks for the heads up! I'll def take a look! 👍

I've built a few watches from AliExpress parts. ordered some more "premium" parts as well from sites like Namoki Mods, DLW, Long Island Watches and Crystal Times. I think the DIY Watch Club kits are also very nice, though definitely more expensive than others. But their video tutorials are excellent.

I can say from my multiple experiences the most annoying parts of building are getting the right fit when buying parts from different suppliers. The advantage of more expensive websites is that they already have catalogued everything so you know exactly what fits and what doesn't. End-links for example, one of the hardest of things to fit up if you don't have a case and bracelet that are already married to each other. Gaskets and bezel inserts are another fun one...

You should also check out @GasWorks , he is another builder and modder round these parts.

My idea of an arts n' crafts project! Imagine picking just the right case, just the right dial, hands, stem, strap for your creation, paired with the right movement and you can wear it on your wrist, knowing that putting it all together was half the fun. Of course there might be a satisfaction premium to pay, because economies of scale seldom carry over on these projects, unless you are starting with components you already have.💸🤣

As 3-D printing becomes more refined, I predict modding and other maker projects will get really interesting. Especially when it comes to materials and detail. Fancy engraving? Complex designs? Crafted while u wait! 🤑

I started doing NH35 watches then progressed through Chinese 2813 watches and now putting together some Swiss Ronda quartz pieces which is a lot harder to do. Some watches I got though were cheaper than the sum of their parts like my 2 Tissot powermatic 80's.

Economies of scale win in the end. 💪

Here's an idea that just popped in my head, a contest to judge the best Frankenwatch creation of cast off parts that can actually work. The freakiest build with passible acuracy wins an annual "Wasted Time" Award! 🤣

I have built a few watches now and its a great hobby to get into. Kits are a great place to start as you dont need to worry about parts compatibility, etc which can be one of the toughest parts of a build. I am not sure I would call it relaxing, buts its certainly rewarding.

I had a DIY Watch Club (?) one, and putting on the second hand was a 30min trudge. When all said and done, I discovered one of my finger prints on the inside of the crystal, but by this point the process had lost all joy for me, so I just left it.

Not easy for my fat fingers, hence the challenge of leaving no prints. The solution: tiny robotic arms! 🤣

My husband bought this for me from DIY Watch Club. It took about an hour to assemble.. The second hand being the most stubborn. I enjoyed it and will most likely order one for myself in the future.

Suprisingly, it doesn't have to be hard. 👌