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Posted: 1/12/2024 12:31:31 AM EDT
Here's a spot we can put watches that are put together from parts. Give each other tips.
In the middle of putting together a watch from parts sourced mainly from that site from China. I wanted a "mean or industrial" looking watch theme. It's a Samurai style case with sapphire crystal bezel I got for $40 ish. Bracelet was a bit more from Uncle Straps. $90 ish but used a discount code. Movement will be a Seiko NH72 - Skeleton style of the NH family of movements. $50 ish - Not yet obtained. I found this ceramic bezel I think I like better for $8 Hands were $6 ish. I'm having a hard time deciding on the right dial. They make a cool sapphire transparent one I keep looking at but it's $$$. So far. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v3KprRlchBQ |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
Watched quite a few videos on this subject. Had I the hand dexterity, I'd might be in just for the joy of building. I'd spring for the Swiss movement. The ETA 2824 is less troublesome.
On the other hand, I used to hate living by my watch. I retired 11 years ago and haven't worn one since. Gave my good one to my son is the rest of the story. |
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Yobokies has great stuff, high quality parts but a bit more expensive than others
Yobokies Raffles time is another that sells nice stuff. raffles time There are tons of cheap parts on ebay... a lot of it ships free from china and i haven had any issues yet.. the sky is the limit on all the different dials hands and cases you can get for Nh35/7s26 movements The last 4 watches I have built using NH35 auto movements are all running flawlessly... its a rock solid movement. ETA: here they are.. the one on the right is an SKX031 that I modded and wapped out a 7s26 for the Nh35 Attached File |
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Originally Posted By forager: the sky is the limit on all the different dials hands and cases you can get for Nh35/7s26 movements The last 4 watches I have built using NH35 auto movements are all running flawlessly... its a rock solid movement. View Quote The NH35 is my favorite watch movement. Plenty accurate for my purposes, very reliable, and cheap. What's not to like? As a bonus, I understand that the NH35 (and other Japanese movements) are more tolerant to frequent hand winding than the ETA movements and clones. |
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Originally Posted By MateFrio: Here's a spot we can put watches that are put together from parts. Give each other tips. In the middle of putting together a watch from parts sourced mainly from that site from China. I wanted a "mean or industrial" looking watch theme. It's a Samurai style case with sapphire crystal bezel I got for $40 ish. Bracelet was a bit more from Uncle Straps. $90 ish but used a discount code. Movement will be a Seiko NH72 - Skeleton style of the NH family of movements. $50 ish - Not yet obtained. I found this ceramic bezel I think I like better for $8 Hands were $6 ish. I'm having a hard time deciding on the right dial. They make a cool sapphire transparent one I keep looking at but it's $$$. So far. https://i.imgur.com/8WI7XBp.png https://i.imgur.com/b0oSlV4.png https://i.imgur.com/iLdjVPY.png https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v3KprRlchBQ View Quote I've built over a dozen watches now, all using nh35/36 movements. I've been through some parts now, and can maybe help you ? All my parts came from the same place in China. The big name sellers, if you look, have the same parts, but cost more. You like the bezel insert. Did you check is/os dimensions ? You can get a lumed insert for @ 15 bucks. I have a bunch of those hands, constantly thinking I like them. I do, the lume sucks. Depending on the color of your dial, you may have a hard time seeing them. I did. I found I couldn't just glance at my watch to read the time. I had to really look at it, and turn my wrist just right. I just swapped out a set of black ones on a red sunburst dial for more pronounced white lume, solid bar type hands. I'm not familiar with an nh72, I'll have to go look, but it probably just an nh series, but skeletonized. You'll go nuts deciding on a dial. Keep us up on your progress. Here's my latest from Wednesday. |
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Originally Posted By teats: I've built over a dozen watches now, all using nh35/36 movements. I've been through some parts now, and can maybe help you ? All my parts came from the same place in China. The big name sellers, if you look, have the same parts, but cost more. You like the bezel insert. Did you check is/os dimensions ? You can get a lumed insert for @ 15 bucks. I have a bunch of those hands, constantly thinking I like them. I do, the lume sucks. Depending on the color of your dial, you may have a hard time seeing them. I did. I found I couldn't just glance at my watch to read the time. I had to really look at it, and turn my wrist just right. I just swapped out a set of black ones on a red sunburst dial for more pronounced white lume, solid bar type hands. I'm not familiar with an nh72, I'll have to go look, but it probably just an nh series, but skeletonized. You'll go nuts deciding on a dial. Keep us up on your progress. Here's my latest from Wednesday. https://i.postimg.cc/MHyBCSk4/20240112-063027.jpg View Quote |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
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Originally Posted By teats: I typed 40.7x32.7 bezel insert in on Alix, and a bunch came up. https://i.postimg.cc/9fhnKG4F/Screenshot-20240112-104132-Ali-Express.jpg View Quote |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
Originally Posted By MateFrio: That's what I found BUT if you click in the only lumed ones there are the smaller sizes.... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By MateFrio: Originally Posted By teats: I typed 40.7x32.7 bezel insert in on Alix, and a bunch came up. https://i.postimg.cc/9fhnKG4F/Screenshot-20240112-104132-Ali-Express.jpg Sorry, I didn't read into the detailed description, just the main ad. I tried. Here's another I just did with extra parts laying around. around. |
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never underestimate the stupidity of other people
GA, USA
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I want to get into this with my 8 year old. Obviously I'll do most of the work.
what kind of tools are needed? I have the strap tools, pin sets, a pin pusher, and that thing that holds watch faces, but nothing that would pop in bezels or glass. I really want a gold watch with sterile/no number dial and only the hour hand. My retirement watch |
"every exercise is a low back exercise if you do it wrong enough"
@MacManus |
Originally Posted By steviesterno16: I want to get into this with my 8 year old. Obviously I'll do most of the work. what kind of tools are needed? I have the strap tools, pin sets, a pin pusher, and that thing that holds watch faces, but nothing that would pop in bezels or glass. I really want a gold watch with sterile/no number dial and only the hour hand. My retirement watch View Quote |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
Originally Posted By MateFrio: Harbor Freight sells a press you can pick up on sale or just an amazon watch press. A movement holder would be nice and some radico watch putty. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By MateFrio: Originally Posted By steviesterno16: I want to get into this with my 8 year old. Obviously I'll do most of the work. what kind of tools are needed? I have the strap tools, pin sets, a pin pusher, and that thing that holds watch faces, but nothing that would pop in bezels or glass. I really want a gold watch with sterile/no number dial and only the hour hand. My retirement watch 99% of the watch cases for sale have crown, bezels and crystals installed and also include movement spacers. Really the most difficult part is sizing the stem to fit the case.. and thats not even too difficult. For most watch builds you need only a movement holder, hand setting tools and a way to cut the stem (i use a dremel)You can really go deep into your pockets on tools... but can get away with the bare minimum too. |
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Originally Posted By forager: Yobokies has great stuff, high quality parts but a bit more expensive than others Yobokies Raffles time is another that sells nice stuff. raffles time There are tons of cheap parts on ebay... a lot of it ships free from china and i haven had any issues yet.. the sky is the limit on all the different dials hands and cases you can get for Nh35/7s26 movements The last 4 watches I have built using NH35 auto movements are all running flawlessly... its a rock solid movement. ETA: here they are.. the one on the right is an SKX031 that I modded and wapped out a 7s26 for the Nh35 https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/93480/IMG_1593_jpeg-3091383.JPG View Quote I'd like to commission a blood moon at some point Seiko Mod - Bloodmoon SKX Samurai Conversion Mod |
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Great idea for a thread.
What parts would I need to make a face, bezel, and hands like a Movado watch, i.e. no numbers? I like the stainless steel link bracelet in your OP pictures. |
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Originally Posted By Aspida1776: I'd like to commission a blood moon at some point https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UEjFZutgU8 View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By Aspida1776: Originally Posted By forager: Yobokies has great stuff, high quality parts but a bit more expensive than others Yobokies Raffles time is another that sells nice stuff. raffles time There are tons of cheap parts on ebay... a lot of it ships free from china and i haven had any issues yet.. the sky is the limit on all the different dials hands and cases you can get for Nh35/7s26 movements The last 4 watches I have built using NH35 auto movements are all running flawlessly... its a rock solid movement. ETA: here they are.. the one on the right is an SKX031 that I modded and wapped out a 7s26 for the Nh35 https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/93480/IMG_1593_jpeg-3091383.JPG I'd like to commission a blood moon at some point https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UEjFZutgU8 thats a nice looking watch... and that guy has ALL the tools.. Bergeron tools are costly |
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Originally Posted By AR15Texan: Great idea for a thread. What parts would I need to make a face, bezel, and hands like a Movado watch, i.e. no numbers? I like the stainless steel link bracelet in your OP pictures. View Quote GS Watch Case https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805934925273.html Then look for a sterile dial that's 31.7-33.8MM. I'd use a NH38 that has no date function. And some hands like these. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805938392013.html |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
Originally Posted By MateFrio: You'd most likely want a Grand Seiko style case GS Watch Case https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805934925273.html Cool thanks Then look for a sterile dial that's 31.7-33.8MM. I'd use a NH38 that has no date function. And some hands like these. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805938392013.html View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By MateFrio: Originally Posted By AR15Texan: Great idea for a thread. What parts would I need to make a face, bezel, and hands like a Movado watch, i.e. no numbers? I like the stainless steel link bracelet in your OP pictures. GS Watch Case https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805934925273.html Cool thanks Then look for a sterile dial that's 31.7-33.8MM. I'd use a NH38 that has no date function. And some hands like these. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805938392013.html |
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You guys have inspired me to build my first watch. Took about 3-4 weeks to get all the parts and tools in, but I was able to put it together today.
Sourced everything from Aliexpress except the case and strap came from eBay. 40mm case with presentation back and an NH35 movement. Attached File |
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Got a Chronosport UDT that needs refurbishing.
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Tom Sawyer.
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Originally Posted By FrogEyes: You guys have inspired me to build my first watch. Took about 3-4 weeks to get all the parts and tools in, but I was able to put it together today. Sourced everything from Aliexpress except the case and strap came from eBay. 40mm case with presentation back and an NH35 movement. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/102203/watch_jpg-3118473.JPG View Quote You did great ! That really looks good. Nice bright, clean, looking watch. Well done mate ! |
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Originally Posted By teats: You did great ! That really looks good. Nice bright, clean, looking watch. Well done mate ! View Quote Thanks @teats. I take that as a high complement coming from you. You have posted some awesome builds. I synced it against my iPhone around 5:00 tonight so it will be interesting to see where it's at after work tomorrow. I'm already contemplating my next build. |
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That's going to look real nice, teats. What size case?
I checked my watch after work. It's about 16-17 seconds fast. Think I should let it run for a few more days, or try to adjust it now? |
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You could slow it down just a touch, but....
Wear it and see how it does. Autos pick up and lose time depending on its orientation. Flat on its back will cause it to run fast. Zero it, wear it and see what happens. My newest is a 40mm case, 12mm high, and 20mm between the lugs. |
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Originally Posted By sgtlmj: Bought this guy for $150. Original '96 SKX009 that I really just wanted for the honest patina of the case and insert. Movement ran, but it was on it's last leg. I replaced the movement with a new 7S26C, SKX175 dial, OEM hands, OEM click spring, OEM Hardlex crystal, OEM gaskets. It's running strong at 4spd. It was a fun project. https://i.ibb.co/BjJRdts/IMG-1306.jpg https://i.ibb.co/Qr7x8RF/IMG-1314.jpg View Quote |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
Originally Posted By Aspida1776: I'd like to commission a blood moon at some point https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UEjFZutgU8 View Quote |
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"Such predicaments! I must forge ahead!"
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Originally Posted By sgtlmj: Bought this guy for $150. Original '96 SKX009 that I really just wanted for the honest patina of the case and insert. Movement ran, but it was on it's last leg. I replaced the movement with a new 7S26C, SKX175 dial, OEM hands, OEM click spring, OEM Hardlex crystal, OEM gaskets. It's running strong at 4spd. It was a fun project. https://i.ibb.co/BjJRdts/IMG-1306.jpg https://i.ibb.co/Qr7x8RF/IMG-1314.jpg View Quote |
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"Such predicaments! I must forge ahead!"
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Going to be following this.
I bought a Frankenunit a while back and the hands/dial are absolutely useless to try to read quickly. Rather than sell it I’d rather just drop a new dial and hands on it. |
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Originally Posted By teats: Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. I'm waiting on a sale of an NH35 movement, but just bought this case to go with this dial, and hands for a simple field, or whatever watch. https://i.postimg.cc/q7P4d3sD/Screenshot-20240203-070731-Ali-Express.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/SRq4nbtW/20240201-164955.jpg View Quote @teats, what dial and hands are these? |
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Originally Posted By forager: Yobokies has great stuff, high quality parts but a bit more expensive than others Yobokies Raffles time is another that sells nice stuff. raffles time There are tons of cheap parts on ebay... a lot of it ships free from china and i haven had any issues yet.. the sky is the limit on all the different dials hands and cases you can get for Nh35/7s26 movements The last 4 watches I have built using NH35 auto movements are all running flawlessly... its a rock solid movement. ETA: here they are.. the one on the right is an SKX031 that I modded and wapped out a 7s26 for the Nh35 https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/93480/IMG_1593_jpeg-3091383.JPG View Quote |
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Originally Posted By na1lb0hm: @teats, what dial and hands are these? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By na1lb0hm: Originally Posted By teats: Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. I'm waiting on a sale of an NH35 movement, but just bought this case to go with this dial, and hands for a simple field, or whatever watch. https://i.postimg.cc/q7P4d3sD/Screenshot-20240203-070731-Ali-Express.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/SRq4nbtW/20240201-164955.jpg @teats, what dial and hands are these? Here's where the dial and hands came from. You'll be surprised at how inexpensive making your own watches is. How to set hands is tricky. I use the colored pen set. I use the black tip for hour, and minute hands. I use the blue tip for the seconds hand. I learned I can see the pin sticking up if the watch was at an angle. Stick the hand with rodico made into a thin finger, and you should stick it in the first couple of tries. I use a mounted, lighted, round, magnifying lens. I have a old wooden desk with a flip open top. Sorta like a roll top, but mine has 2 arms that slide out, and when you open the lid, it lays flat on the arms. The lens had a base but was a pain. I measured the diameter of the pin part that went into the base, and drilled a hole on the top, right edge. Snug fit, and brings the lens down to work, and lift it to get it out the way. Waiting on a few nh35's to get here to assemble this. Here's how what your asking about turned out. The above casing got made into this. |
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Originally Posted By Webdood: What tool do you use to set the hands? to me that seemed like the part I would most likely mess up. View Quote I've used this a bunch of times with great success.
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Great thread, now I fiound another thing I didn’t know that I wanted to do…
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Originally Posted By sgtlmj: I've used this a bunch of times with great success. www.amazon.com/dp/B09YQ4WQRQ View Quote |
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I really want to get into this. I'm trying to figure out what I need from having absolutely nothing to finishing a Monster Dracula.
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Originally Posted By JAD762:
I know. But a few posts above this there’s a perfect demonstration that people don’t want reality, they just want to be mad. And angry retards always find something retarded to be angry about. |
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Originally Posted By SmilingBandit: I didn’t even know this was a thing and now I’m down a black hole, View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By SmilingBandit: Originally Posted By bcw107: I really want to get into this. I'm trying to figure out what I need from having absolutely nothing to finishing a Monster Dracula. I didn’t even know this was a thing and now I’m down a black hole, Like I needed another hobby that I could do without human interaction. I've watched (no pun intended) a bunch of videos. Apparently this is a big thing in Asia and Europe but not so much here. |
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Originally Posted By JAD762:
I know. But a few posts above this there’s a perfect demonstration that people don’t want reality, they just want to be mad. And angry retards always find something retarded to be angry about. |
Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
I drive all night. Couldn’t find lume I could see all night. Wound up buying a Deep Blue dive watch. Only thing I didn’t like was how bulky it was. It crapped out last fall (after 5 years) time for a new watch. I initially just swapped the movement to fix it. After realizing how easy watches are to mod…
What I wanted was a Pilot style watch with T100 Tritium. My solution: $200 Deep Blue stealth ops Disassembled repainted dial (have minute index sticker ordered). Using $30 Tandorio 39mm pilot case: Attached File Attached File Attached File While not as bright as freshly charged lume paint, it’ll glow for decades, even if left in a cave. |
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Originally Posted By MateFrio: Finally got to complete this watch. https://i.imgur.com/DTM8n52.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5de2dVN.jpg View Quote I did one with the same bezel, but black case. Yours turned out great ! I have a collection of those hands because none glowed very well. What's next ? |
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Originally Posted By teats: I did one with the same bezel, but black case. Yours turned out great ! I have a collection of those hands because none glowed very well. What's next ? View Quote Next project will be a mechanical\manual wind with a sub seconds using the ETA 6497 or 6498 or clone. |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
Uuuuuuuuuuuugh so tempted:
Build your own custom pilot watch with SEIKO NH35 B-UHR on your wrist I would want a different case/hands.... But then there's this: https://seikousa.com/products/srph33 SRPH33 360 |
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Now a real killer, when he picked up the ZF1, would have immediately asked about the little red button on the bottom of the gun.
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I vote we sticky this thread. I want to be able to find it in a couple of months when I have some time to do this. Love the idea of making a watch just the way I want it.
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