How easy it building a watch?!

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13th August 2020, 14:58
Dan1981

How easy it building a watch?!

I've become slightly obsessed with the thought of doing a scratch build.

Basically a SKX007 style thing but to my own preference.

Buuuuut i've got absolutely no experience of 'modding' other than a strap change here and a battery change there.

I've been looking at the Namoki website as a source for the majority of parts, and I need to replace a few of my watch maintenance tools.

It's not cheap though is it?

For a NH36 based build i'm already at about £250 and i've not yet got a dial or a strap.

Am I kidding myself that it can be done or should I bite the bullet and give it a go? or just get someone else to build it for me?!
13th August 2020, 16:10
Eddiex

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1981

I've become slightly obsessed with the thought of doing a scratch build.

Basically a SKX007 style thing but to my own preference.

Buuuuut i've got absolutely no experience of 'modding' other than a strap change here and a battery change there.

I've been looking at the Namoki website as a source for the majority of parts, and I need to replace a few of my watch maintenance tools.

It's not cheap though is it?

For a NH36 based build i'm already at about £250 and i've not yet got a dial or a strap.

Am I kidding myself that it can be done or should I bite the bullet and give it a go? or just get someone else to build it for me?!

I can offer absolutely no advice (!) but I am really interested in this idea so will be reading this thread with interest!
13th August 2020, 16:29
zelig

There are a few threads on this - but beware it's another rabbit hole...

Inspired by this thread

My first self build

...Here's one I tinkered with eventually looking like this...

Franken MilSub : finished

z
14th August 2020, 07:46
Dan1981

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelig

There are a few threads on this - but beware it's another rabbit hole...

Inspired by this thread

My first self build

...Here's one I tinkered with eventually looking like this...

Franken MilSub : finished

z

Thanks for that it's great!

Reading your write up it seems as if the servicing & taking to pieces is more difficult than the building from scratch and that that was just a case of putting a few parts together?!

Which bouys my confidence somewhat.... which is worrying and probably expensive...
14th August 2020, 07:50
zelig

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1981

Thanks for that it's great!

Reading your write up it seems as if the servicing & taking to pieces is more difficult than the building from scratch and that that was just a case of putting a few parts together?!

Which bouys my confidence somewhat.... which is worrying and probably expensive...

It’s definitely worth a go & very rewarding to assemble something unique.
With the right tools, it’s petty straightforward too.
However, I would not attempt strip down & servicing... that would take much more time, patience and skill

z
14th August 2020, 15:42
Marco-T

A build from scratch is lot's of fun, if you got the right tools.
Expensive or cheap is relative, but depending on the wishes, you'll end up at around GBP300-400.

Check list for a watch from scratch:
- case
- case back
- case back gasket
- crown
- stem NH35/36
- movement NH35/36
- chapter ring
- crystal
- crystal gasket
- bezel
- bezel insert
- bezel gasket
- dial
- hands
- fatbars
- strap

Good reference for all items: https://www.seikomods.com/

Other suspects:
- DWL
- AjuiceT
- Dagaz
- Yobokies
- Monsterwatches
- Namoki
- One Second Closer
- Rafflestime
14th August 2020, 16:05
Dan1981

Yeah I got a very similar list from Namoki

https://www.namokimods.com/blogs/nam...u-need-exactly

As you say prices up with dial & strap I was at about £300, which is a chunk to spend to then bodge it up :D

Is it as simple as being careful and putting things together or is there 'more' to it?

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16th August 2020, 10:10
Marco-T

A build from scratch definetly needs practice and "Just being carefull" won't do it.

Also, tools are important...
Pushing in a crystal into a fresh gasket with a cheap press from China is like having a 5 year old pushing a Landrover....
Count in the price of required tools and divide this by the number of projects you'd like to build....

So....

If you're set on getting one unique build and don't have the skills and proper tools, have it done by someone else.
If you're planning to continue this as a hobby, go for it and join club WIS
16th August 2020, 21:16
jason.humphrey.180

Definitely doable. I didn't know namokimods was doing cases until now. Crystaltimes was always the go-to for sapphire and was the first to start doing cases.
Rather than discourage you I think it's a great idea. However, I will suggest that you practice first on a cheaper Seiko5 such as a used snk809. Swap the crystal to sapphire, swap or remove and replace the hands and dial and see how you fare.
The reason I suggest starting with this is that the tolerances on the crystal means easier fitting and you'll find out whether you have an aptitude for it before spending loads out on parts.
Tools for a Seiko 5:
Rodico
Small sticks...cocktail will do
Tweezers
Empty jam jar or parts tray and dome
Good lighting
Magnification
Case vice
Caseback wrench
Presto hands removal tool
Clear plastic bag to protect dial while removing hands
Hand setting tools
Cheap crystal press
Maybe a movement holder
Finger cots
Dust puffer

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16th August 2020, 22:15
TheGent

Plenty of good advice here.

Tools and patience are essential and practice makes perfect.

Loads of tutorials and videos online as well.

+1 for CrystalTimes - very impressed with the parts I’ve bought from them.

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16th August 2020, 22:22
Dan1981

Thanks guys. Some great info.

I guess from a tools points of view the 20-30 quid sets from Amazon aren't going to be any good?

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16th August 2020, 22:27
TheGent

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1981

Thanks guys. Some great info.

I guess from a tools points of view the 20-30 quid sets from Amazon aren't going to be any good?

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a43f24f836.jpg
[emoji2]

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17th August 2020, 08:22
Dan1981

:D

I get it I get it...

So can anyone recommend a decent set of tools - not even specifically for building a watch - but even just for maintaining one?

I've had one of the cheap kits from ebay before and they're not great in terms of things not snapping or falling to peices.

But googling / searching seems to return the same kits sold at varying prices regardless of if you look at amazon / ebay or even some of the specialist websites.

I'm not planning on spending hundreds on separates from Bergeon but appreciate the twenty quidders aren't the greatest either !
17th August 2020, 08:55
TheGent

To be honest I’ve mostly bought tools as and when I need them, CousinsUK are a good source. I’ve bought things when things are on sale there as well.

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17th August 2020, 09:53
rfrazier

George Daniels' book Watchmaking is really a DIY guide and gives pretty clear instructions on how to make a watch from scratch.

Best wishes,
Bob
18th August 2020, 06:42
jason.humphrey.180

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGent

To be honest I’ve mostly bought tools as and when I need them, CousinsUK are a good source. I’ve bought things when things are on sale there as well.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

+1 on this.
Started off with a cheap kit much like the OP. Then I bought things as needed and built up that way. Cousins is the go to but also some good quality things like a Robur crystal press would come up once in a while on eBay.

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30th August 2020, 17:46
Webwatchmaker

I've had this book over 20 years and I'm still on page 2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfrazier

George Daniels' book Watchmaking is really a DIY guide and gives pretty clear instructions on how to make a watch from scratch.

Best wishes,
Bob

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30th August 2020, 18:09
WarrenVrs

@Dan1981 I started a couple of months ago with bezel/crystal swaps. That escalated, it's good fun. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...24e811b6b4.jpg

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30th August 2020, 19:03
Dan1981

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenVrs

@Dan1981 I started a couple of months ago with bezel/crystal swaps. That escalated, it's good fun. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...24e811b6b4.jpg

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More or less exactly what I want to build too!

Have you just gone for basic tools or have you splurged? Particularly for the crystal press?

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30th August 2020, 19:24
WarrenVrs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1981

More or less exactly what I want to build too!

Have you just gone for basic tools or have you splurged? Particularly for the crystal press?

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Generally basic stuff, crystal press one of these. Think they're cheaper on AliExpress, but several weeks delivery.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...52839999b2.jpg

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30th August 2020, 19:49
Dan1981

Hmmm I was thinking of giving this a go rather than jumping in feet first... But I'm still tempted to just go for it!

https://shop.diywatch.club/

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30th August 2020, 20:46
WarrenVrs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1981

Hmmm I was thinking of giving this a go rather than jumping in feet first... But I'm still tempted to just go for it!

https://shop.diywatch.club/

Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk

I'd just go for it. At least that way it's exactly what you want spec wise.

I started with modifying one of the new Seiko 5 divers, but it's now totally from scratch and I've still got the 5 to tinker with.

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30th August 2020, 22:23
TheGent

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenVrs

@Dan1981 I started a couple of months ago with bezel/crystal swaps. That escalated, it's good fun. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...24e811b6b4.jpg

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Mind me asking what the bezel insert is on that one?

I’ve modded a SKX009 with a coin edge bezel and ceramic insert but I’d rather one without a bezel pip stuck on:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c21da33a.plist

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30th August 2020, 23:04
WarrenVrs

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGent

Mind me asking what the bezel insert is on that one?

I’ve modded a SKX009 with a coin edge bezel and ceramic insert but I’d rather one without a bezel pip stuck on:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c21da33a.plist

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https://www.monsterwatches.eu/product/my-lumed-inserts/

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31st August 2020, 16:57
TheGent

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenVrs

https://www.monsterwatches.eu/product/my-lumed-inserts/

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Cheers!

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2nd September 2020, 08:38
xellos99

Just watch a load of youtube videos.

That is how i learnt to build computers, it helps a ton to see something done.
2nd September 2020, 08:55
TheGent

Quote:

Originally Posted by xellos99

Just watch a load of youtube videos.

That is how i learnt to build computers, it helps a ton to see something done.

Yes - there’s so much content out there to help now, it’s amazing really.

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