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I’ve long thought of assembling my own watch. I would definitely want something on the larger side like a Seiko Sumo. However, I’m having difficulty even finding the basic components for something like that.
Has anyone ever rolled their own Sumo? |
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I just got into this and figured there would be a thread here. This is my first build, I need to change the chapter ring as you can see otherwise I'm pretty happy with it. I plan on building a couple more for me and some for the kids for Christmas.
Super addicting hobby... Attached File |
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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SAF Life Member-GOA Life Member-JPFO Charter Member-MSF Life Member
FPC Member-VCDL Member-BFA Member-NRA Benefactor Life Member Sir RobertL, Charter Member of the Knights of Wonder |
SAF Life Member-GOA Life Member-JPFO Charter Member-MSF Life Member
FPC Member-VCDL Member-BFA Member-NRA Benefactor Life Member Sir RobertL, Charter Member of the Knights of Wonder |
Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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Originally Posted By teats: The dial for my Green Goblin creation. https://i.postimg.cc/FFDwx1RN/Screenshot-20240512-205747-Facebook.jpg View Quote |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
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Very nice
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Originally Posted By AJ_Dual: I too fell into DIY Franken-watch assembly with Alix parts from a random YouTube recommendation about 2 weeks ago. I have some watch skills, like replacing spring bars, sizing & reparing bracelet links, getting backs off and on for quartz battery replacing etc. And I've got some "Uber-small fiddly stuff & only one shot to do it right"-experience like SMD assembly soldering & repair under a video microscope. Well, my pile 'o China swag has arrived. And I've minorly messed up already. Just a wrong dial/face that's too big. I got a beefy Stainless 44mm body & crystal with the Pernari copycat lock lever style crown guard, that fits a Seagull 6320 movement with seconds dial @ the 9pm location. And went with a OD green NATO strap. The flub, I got a pilot dial/face that's close to the CountyComm "Maratac" Large Pilot except for the 9 o'clock seconds dial. Because I missed out on it being in stock a few times. And this made me realize I coukd build a decent copy for $90... The inside of the case mics at 37mm, which makes sense, as the Seagull movements that start with"36" all mean 36mm. And it it mics at 36.5mm. Good enough. The pilot style dial, fits the 6320 perfectly, the pin/studs on the back line up just right. But, it's 39mm. And there's no way ot goes in that 37mm case made for the 36.5mm Seagull movement. Not a big deal, I'm out 8 bucks. And.. with spacer/sizer rings etc. I can see why it's possible there's even bigger dials, but this is slightly confusing. The case that fits the Seagull 6320 perfectly, it's vendor description said: "Fits literal size 34.5mm" which I have no idea what the hell that means. A typo? So it threw me off that I had to check the dial can fit the case, and needed to be the exact diameter of the movement. Stupid ass hobbies... like goddamn rabbits. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/93097/20240606_205923-3234397.jpg View Quote Yeah man, I already have a bunch of parts that didn't fit as expected. It's a chore figuring out what will work and what won't, but it's a really enjoyable hobby. Pretty soon I'll be able to build a whole watch out of "wrong" parts lol. |
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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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 How much do you have in that one on the right? I want a SKX type for work environments where it can get banged into cars, doors, fences, etc and I can work on it myself when it needs it. Definition of a tool watch, whereas my Apple Watch Ultra can get smashed and have to be completely replaced. |
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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 Nice looking watch! Is the compass ring usable in any way or for looks? |
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Originally Posted By southlak9cop: How much do you have in that one on the right? I want a SKX type for work environments where it can get banged into cars, doors, fences, etc and I can work on it myself when it needs it. Definition of a tool watch, whereas my Apple Watch Ultra can get smashed and have to be completely replaced. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By southlak9cop: 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 How much do you have in that one on the right? I want a SKX type for work environments where it can get banged into cars, doors, fences, etc and I can work on it myself when it needs it. Definition of a tool watch, whereas my Apple Watch Ultra can get smashed and have to be completely replaced. it's hard to put a price on that one, I've had the SKX-031 forever and they are discontinued now. but the dial and hands were $40 and the nh35 movement was $30 or $40 you could build one in a submariner knock-off case for less than $150 |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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@MateFrio did you ever find a bezel insert for the Samurai in the OP? I just ordered some parts for a first build and I think I ended up with the same case. I would like to replace it and found these
ETA: Never mind. Those seem to be the wrong size. If you found one that fit please let me know. |
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Originally Posted By AJ_Dual: Well, I finished it. There's not much rhyme or reason, other than missing out on some CountyComm Maratac Pilot watches, and besides the Miyota/Citizen movement the CountyComm watch would have, I kinda suspect I got about 95% the same thing quality wise for about 1/4 the price. Otherwise, it's just whatever struck my fancy. 44mm Stainless Panerai Luminor copycat case with the Crown protector & Lever. Seagull ST6320 movement. Pilot style sterile dial & hands. OD green NATO G10 style nylon strap. Not counting a bunch of janky Chinese watch tools, I'm probably about $90 into this one. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/93097/20240618_235623-3246098.jpg View Quote Nicely done |
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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Originally Posted By RolandofGilead: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/45602/1000020896_jpg-3250621.JPG I may have a problem View Quote I can totally relate ! Just waiting on 3 more cases, and a bunch of dials, and other parts. And what just came in ! |
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Originally Posted By teats: I can totally relate ! Just waiting on 3 more cases, and a bunch of dials, and other parts. https://i.postimg.cc/1X5qfYHg/20240624-181537.jpg And what just came in ! https://i.postimg.cc/sDxWzqxq/20240618-090748.jpg View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By teats: Originally Posted By RolandofGilead: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/45602/1000020896_jpg-3250621.JPG I may have a problem I can totally relate ! Just waiting on 3 more cases, and a bunch of dials, and other parts. https://i.postimg.cc/1X5qfYHg/20240624-181537.jpg And what just came in ! https://i.postimg.cc/sDxWzqxq/20240618-090748.jpg Nice! Expecting a bunch of stuff in the next couple days too. I've discovered Tokielabs cases are cheap and really nice FWIW. |
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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Originally Posted By MSKSS: @MateFrio did you ever find a bezel insert for the Samurai in the OP? I just ordered some parts for a first build and I think I ended up with the same case. I would like to replace it and found these ETA: Never mind. Those seem to be the wrong size. If you found one that fit please let me know. View Quote Each case will have a different bezel size. It's easier to get one with the bezel you need at the same time or get the exact measurements from the seller.. Contact the sellers and ask as well. |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
This is awesome . Love this place . Can you guys post what dial and what bands you are using . (Links would be great ) im looking to build a knock off Patek style watch soon with a g shock .
Thanks you guys are the best !! |
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Originally Posted By irishklover: This is awesome . Love this place . Can you guys post what dial and what bands you are using . (Links would be great ) im looking to build a knock off Patek style watch soon with a g shock . Thanks you guys are the best !! View Quote I've started getting dials from AliEx. They're exactly the same as more expensive ones from elsewhere. The only bracelet I've gotten is from island watch company and it's great. I've started only getting cases from Tokie labs. Awesome cases for reasonable prices. I don't like AliEx cases so far... |
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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What do you guys use for magnification? I am having a hard time setting my second hand without it.
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Lighted, magnifying lens.
I use rodico to stick the hand(s), and set in place to push down with a hand tool. After the hour, and minutes hands, I take my 3 point case back tool and lay it points up. I then set my metal movement holder on the edge so it's leaning. You can now see the tip sticking up from the center. I also use the strongest reading glasses on cheap rack. 3.25 I think ? Once you have figured this out, I can stick the seconds hand first shot. Hope I explain it well enough ? |
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Attached File
I can’t wait to build mine! I ordered everything from Ali express June 25. Still waiting for the other parts to come in. How long does it take on average to receive stuff from Ali express? |
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Originally Posted By teats: Lighted, magnifying lens. I use rodico to stick the hand(s), and set in place to push down with a hand tool. After the hour, and minutes hands, I take my 3 point case back tool and lay it points up. I then set my metal movement holder on the edge so it's leaning. You can now see the tip sticking up from the center. I also use the strongest reading glasses on cheap rack. 3.25 I think ? Once you have figured this out, I can stick the seconds hand first shot. Hope I explain it well enough ? View Quote Awesome, thank you. I tried that and it worked well for me. I put some Rodico on the bottom of my case back wrench so it wouldn't slide on the table and tilted the movement holder on it. Bought a jewlers magnified head thing so I can see. I'll post some pictures as soon as I get the crown stem trimmed and the strap. |
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Wheel - 10 JUN 24 - I'm sorry, I have empathy for people with mental illness, but I'm not obliged to participate in it.
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Originally Posted By Skopsko07734: Great watches everyone, thanks for sharing! I would love to build a watch with a "Great Wave" dial like this one: https://luciusatelier.com/cdn/shop/products/SEIKO-SKX007-Great-Wave-Mod-XXX355-Lucius-Atelier-Swiss-Quality-Seiko-Watch-Mod-Parts_5000x.jpg?v=1666725639 View Quote |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
Cool watches fellas. I finished building out my kid's Christmas watches and am pretty happy with how they turned out. I'll post pics later.
My next one for me I think will be some kind of a vintage sub homage.... |
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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Originally Posted By MateFrio: Search "wave dial" on https://www.aliexpress.us/. Find an NH35 movement, case, hands and band and you're there. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By MateFrio: Originally Posted By Skopsko07734: Great watches everyone, thanks for sharing! I would love to build a watch with a "Great Wave" dial like this one: https://luciusatelier.com/cdn/shop/products/SEIKO-SKX007-Great-Wave-Mod-XXX355-Lucius-Atelier-Swiss-Quality-Seiko-Watch-Mod-Parts_5000x.jpg?v=1666725639 |
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Wheel - 10 JUN 24 - I'm sorry, I have empathy for people with mental illness, but I'm not obliged to participate in it.
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Originally Posted By MSKSS: I finally finished my first watch. I have another strap for it, not sure if I am going to keep the NATO. I bought the case and movement on eBay and the rest on AliExpress. https://i.postimg.cc/9QHnHBmT/5.jpg View Quote Well done ! Looks great. You did a fine job. |
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Attached File
Watches I built for the kids. 3 of them in the coast guard as you may guess, and one is a pilot. |
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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Originally Posted By RolandofGilead: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/45602/1000021625_jpg-3275342.JPG Watches I built for the kids. 3 of them in the coast guard as you may guess, and one is a pilot. View Quote Those are nice. I can see this is going to be addicting. |
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
DEXAI |
Originally Posted By AJ_Dual: My second "build" or assembly. A VK63 movement and an overall concept that I wanted a faux Seiko Daytona-ish copycat, and for it to be "blue." https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/93097/20240724_125351-3275783.jpg The blue of the dial is a bit more royal blue than the more Navy-blue of the case bezel & strap, but overall it works for me. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/93097/20240724_125410-3275785.jpg Next up is a Seiko Prospex "Tuna Can" with a NH35A autimatic movement with the crown/adjuster at the 3:30 o'clock position. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/93097/20240724_131152-3275825.jpg I really had no clue the Prospex SXX007 models was even "a thing." I just saw the obnoxiously beefy case scrolling AliExpress and it struck my fancy. It won't be close to "correct." There's countless legit Seiko versions, luxury levels, and "Anniversary Reissues" of the Prospex. Between this dial, GITD bezel, case, & details, I'm pretty sure Seiko never made anything even close. I do kinda wish I'd gotten a case that had a glass back so you could see the automatic counterweight winder, but it's cool as-is. I'm not sure, but I think the bezel I selected doesn't even really make any sense as a "dive watch." The 1/2 orange side and 24 hrs markings don't seem to be significant of anything. If anyone is interested in building a "Tuna Can" its a pretty straightforward build, but beware, while there's no "crappy" Tuna Can cases on AliExpress, they're not all equal. This one was the cheapest, and the texture & finish seems fine, but the bezel seems to have about 100 clicks to it. So, that won't line up "great" with 60 minute-hand, or 12 hour-hand increments. But a "dive watch" with 3M stickum on the bezel of the builder's choice, doesn't seem super "seaworthy" to me anyway. View Quote Here's a proper build using that bezel insert. |
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I've used GMT bezel inserts for non GMT watches too...it's real hard to find the exact right one sometimes so compromises must be made...
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Your boos mean nothing, I've seen what makes you cheer
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