Build your own dream watch for $100

How's it going folks?
I've seen a couple of really great watch making videos recently (shoutout ‪@TheRetroFuture2‬) and I wanted to give it a go myself. In this video I talk about:
1. Why you might want to make your own watch
2. Everything you need to make it for less than $100
3. A step-by-step guide to making it
This video is not sponsored.
Product Listings
Watch Case - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Seiko Watch Face - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Watch Hands - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Seiko NH35 Movement - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
20mm Watch Strap - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Tools
Rubber Ball - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Watch Paste - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Watch Tweezers - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Rubber Finger Cots - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Watch Assembly Tools Kit - www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Why build your own watch?
01:54 Everything you need for $100
05:00 Watch face
06:30 Watch hands
09:11 Watch movement
11:48 Watch crown
14:51 Watch back
15:20 Watch strap
Some of the links listed are affiliate links - meaning that if you click on of these URL’s and purchase a product, I may or may not get a small lock back from the seller. It doesn’t cost you any more, and helps support the content that I create in this channel. Thank you!
KZbin: @marcuscreates
Instagram: @marcuscreates_
X: @marcuscreates_
Website: marcus-creates.com
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @marcuscreates

[@popecosh307]

It’s not hard to get a watch together, but getting a watch together without any marks or dust on the dial, crystal and hands is Not easy.

[@norseworx]

OK, Marcus - this video has me now excited to build my own watch. What a fantastic way to not only enjoy a sweet looking timepiece but to learn all the innerworkings and then wearing it with pride. Friggin awesome. Really appreciate your inspiration. Cheers.

[@MarcusCreates]

Glad you enjoyed it! Come back and let us know how it all goes.

[@ToolwatchBoutique]

Marcus.. It's honestly so unbelievable that I've found a channel here on KZbin that with every single video catches my interests. As one can most likely see, I'm totally into watches, but also EDC, health, life organization, gadgets, etc. I've also lost a lot of weight and got fit, and I even have a software engineering background. Love your positive mindset. Please never stop!

[@MarcusCreates]

What a nice comment to get. Pleased to meet you buddy. That’s one of the big reasons for starting this KZbin channel. To find our people. ☺️👍🏻

[@danielchapman3875]

this is actually sucha fantastic idea. Tip for lubricating gaskets (o-rings): most lubricants come with a bit of foam on the lid too, and if you put the gasket in and the lid back on, you can twist the lid so it applies an even coating of lubricant onto the gasket that's not too thick. I do hope you get into building more watches and hopefully repairing them.

[@MrBreyd]

That's a video for a rainy evening. Emotions of satisfaction😊

[@MarcusCreates]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@waffle911]

When putting on the hand set, I would have kept the crown in the time-setting position so you could align them all at the 12 without them ticking away out from under you like we saw with the seconds hand.

[@regflori]

I've just recently discovered your channel with the travel edc video and a friend just sent me this. Perfect timing for me as I've literally ordered watch parts just two days ago. I also love the relaxed music in the background, I think that together with your voice made this so enjoyable to watch.

[@MarcusCreates]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for the kind words of encouragement

[@ParaicCullen]

Kind of obsessed with this idea... nice tutorial 100% going to give this a go

[@MarcusCreates]

Go for it! It’s a lot of fun and it crazy expensive.

[@jonathan99399]

Me too!

[@sebastianmiller7740]

Just a week ago I was looking for a good video on watch building and didn't really find anything, thanks for making one!

[@MarcusCreates]

No problem! Hopefully it’s a help ☺️

[@MaartenAnna]

Take a look at the following two channels as well: Just Another Watch, and Lume shot (especially his stealth two-tone & bloodmoon videos are 👍) Those two guys make phenomenal watch building videos too.

[@itsallrobbish]

You made that look soooo easy, and that is the one I want to make! Well done that man.

[@chrisfletcher4243]

What a well made video! I also do these builds, just for friends and it's amazing the attention the watches command as they look like qaulity pieces and feel like it too. I'm about 10 watches built now and im looking at using other platfroms like the NH34GMT and Seagull movements for some veriety

[@Azsiii]

I dont mean this as a dig at you, but seeing you drops things makes me feel better about me doing it ( i do it waaaay more). Love your content!

[@ewjish]

I am going to try this in the summer. This is a nice EDC DIY. Watches are the second EDC, knife/weapon is first..

[@MarcusCreates]

Have fun!

[@harley_sinclair2034]

just done my first seiko mod you made it look so effortless

[@MarcusCreates]

Nice work!

[@Pugwash.]

Interesting and thanks for showing how simple this is.

[@MarcusCreates]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zen.orizawa]

When you are pushing the movement rod back in the watch after the re assembly press the rod release while putting the rod back it will make the assembly easy or els it might mess the movement for sure ,I believe it have done a number in this movement already as I see. Just a advise, and I love your work

[@magixmagix]

Love my new watch. Thanks for the tip. I can feel the Ikea effect. Struggled with the seconds hand for like 20 minutes.

[@MarcusCreates]

Glad it helped! And that secondhand is harder than it looks right?

[@Staberix]

amazing work and result! seriously looking into a mas62 as i find its the best looking diver of all time! may i ask what water resistance you can get with this build?

[@georgechristakos8499]

Big ups!! Really impressive. I’m inspired! Thanks for the vid. Subscribed.

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for the sub! Appreciate the kids words too.

[@daijahn9162]

Such a nice a clean build, watch making is so relaxing and you can make a beautiful unique timepiece in the end. Just a little tip when putting the hands on, when you make your date wheel tick over to 12am i wouldn't push the key less works back in, because the time keeps ticking and when you set your hands to 12 it may be 10 minutes past 12 or however long it took you to put your hands on, happy watch making and very impressive time piece 😊

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for the tips!

[@aceracing7]

​@@MarcusCreates I loved the look of the other watch you showed a few times in the video with that white dial, do you have a link for that dial that I can use on my own watch?

[@ShiftDownMan]

Oh Marcus, you made my day, didn't know a video would be that beautiful, keep going .

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks, will do!

[@ghassanalkanaan512]

Really nice .I loved your way. Thanks .

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@nonnnonnonon]

Nice video! Any suggestions for a watch case with a higher quality bracelet and clasp, but the same style?

[@VictorVarelaa]

Your creativity to come up with this video was truly amazing. Well done, Marcus! Now I want my fake DIY rolex too! Haha

[@MarcusCreates]

You should! It was so much fun. ☺️

[@highendtrends3508]

I was a full-time student. I just graduated and I’m looking to get into grad school so I don’t have much funds. So I just might try this out and hopefully get it right. I would really like a nice watch, but I just can’t afford it right now. But this might be possible. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@sporcherbbq6718]

Hi Marcus, Thats so awesome! Ill Look that Video and Wont do that! My ali cart had now many Watch Parts. Now ill must find my First Perfect Match. Thanks and greets from Germany Marcus

[@MarcusCreates]

Greetings friend 🇩🇪

[@supernova_eu_w]

Nice build! I’d say a 100,- is a bit tight looking at the parts on Ali right now, I’d say it would go more towards 150,-, but still great value there!

[@maxw5229]

Awesome video, really enjoyed watching this. Maybe I will try it out one day.

[@MarcusCreates]

You should! It’s so much fun. Thanks for the kind words.

[@dextercool]

Looks good - how or where can I find out which components go together?

[@charles_the_elder]

Nice to see you build a watch. It really needs a chapter ring though. I've built quite a few watches, usually just ideas on what I think would make a nice watch. I only use Seiko branded dials if I'm modifying an actual Seiko. If I'm building one from just parts off AliX I don't like to have Seiko on the dial, even if I'm using a Seiko/SII movement.

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for the tips! I didn’t even know there was such as thing as a chapter ring until after I made this and a couple of folks mentioned it. I might add one.

[@chris82o]

Get out of my mind Marus lol I've been looking into this for some time now, great video keep it up

[@MarcusCreates]

Go for it! It was so much fun.

[@TheRetroFuture2]

Looks great! Nice one :)

[@MarcusCreates]

Thank you! Cheers! Your video was epic.

[@hyperclearphoto6573]

I don’t like how this gentleman roped me into liking and subscribing so easily.😂😂 Great video sir!!

[@MarcusCreates]

Welcome aboard!

[@rossahealy8546]

Brilliant video man, sending love from Co.Clare

[@MarcusCreates]

Gwan Ross!!! Thanks buddy

[@YummehPyroFlakes]

Thats really nice!

[@erikvandam5685]

Really nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@nevarc9175]

Hey, Really satisfying video. Do you know if we can do that with a quartz movement?

[@voiceovershill7620]

Marcus is like the Bob Ross of watchmaking.

[@MarcusCreates]

Haha. Love it. Just need to work on my hair.

[@CliMzOuu]

Love you content thank you so much for all your videos. But that one is different, it is both exciting and relaxing to watch :) thanks a lot. I got one question though, is it legal to assemble a Seiko like watch ?

[@MarcusCreates]

Thank you so much! It’s all Seiko parts from AliExpress. Seiko NH35 movement etc. I have changed the watch face now.

[@JMK15]

Call it “yours”. You made it and did an amazing job. 👏🏻

[@MarcusCreates]

True

[@ediri8354]

Love the video thanks for uploading, just one minor critique please do a final closeup of the final product. 😊👍

[@MarcusCreates]

Noted!

[@CloudCoderChap]

This is awesome and I’m going to build my own after watching this. If I was to critique anything it would be the out of focus shots.

[@MarcusCreates]

Yeah I get it. It’s really hard to shoot something like this. Everything is so tiny.

[@tazo1228]

a really good video thanks a lot honestly

[@MarcusCreates]

Welcome. Thanks for watching

[@benkellyshow]

This is awesome - I wanna do this

[@MarcusCreates]

Go for it

[@megasuperlexa2]

that inflatable ball is really a discovery, I thought the wrench is the only way to go about opening watches and was going to order one. But obviously the ball is gentler option

[@chrome_]

loved the video! wanting to try it myself. if you dont mind me asking marcus, im irish myself (O Brien too!) i can't place your accent at all where are ya from at all :)

[@christopherjustin3939]

Dude its a beauty. Ahem、 that Artem strap makes that watch ... the extra $85 is worth it.

[@vasiliyrasskazov5615]

great!

[@1988banker]

When you have the dial and hands done, place the case over the watch then flip the movement holder. I've watched some pros do that, and it's worked great for me. Wish you would have shown the watch after it was done. It's a 62 mas style right?

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for the heads up. The watch is beautiful. I should have shot a close up of it running. Sorry.

[@techbloke5970]

That’s a great idea

[@MarcusCreates]

It’s not my idea, but was a lot of fun for the money. Give it a go.

[@user-on9cv9dl1c]

Great! All the best !! Subscriber from Ukraine 👍

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Vartan297]

Quick handy tip. Have a new sheet of A4 paper or even A5 as a work mat. Can stick it to the desk if you want to. Good for seeing small items and also you can wipe crap on it if you need to.

[@MarcusCreates]

Sounds like you’ve done this before

[@Vartan297]

@@MarcusCreates kind of. Worked in a prestige jewellers for many years. We had an old watchmaker in the shop. He was ridiculously clever. He escaped Yugoslavia during WW2 and learned watchmaking when he came to the UK. I would often be searching around on the floor for something so tiny… the old dustpan and brush and a strong magnet was a life saver lol. Titanium tweezers too. He had a lathe so small he could hand make parts- like the stems for the crown to fit onto. Bergeon watch tools were his favourite. I learned so much from him, not how to hand make parts though unfortunately 😂😂 This is a great video, and a really cool idea. I used to have a Rolex like yours too. Stupidly sold it some years ago 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ I’ll hopefully have one again one day. 👍🏻 More tips would be- 3x Eyeglass. Have your chair very low so your armpits rest on the desk. You did really well here btw. Thanks. Sorry for the life story. Just bought back such fond memories.

[@MarcusCreates]

@@Vartan297 wow that’s so awesome. Lowering the chair down makes a lot of sense and wish I had a 3x eyeglass for sure. Thanks for sharing your story

[@gerrynorman433]

Great video really enjoyed it. Do you have a build list of what and where to purchase parts from?

[@MarcusCreates]

In the description

[@miguel_hdz1213]

Hey, loved the video, i find the part of cutting the crown a bit hard to do myself, where did you buy that measurement equipment?

[@MarcusCreates]

It’s just a calipers. You’ll get one for $20 in any hardware store

[@jonathan99399]

Omg. I’m gonna do this!!

[@MarcusCreates]

Do! It’s so much fun

[@joekennedy3625]

Nice!

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks Joe

[@justMakss]

Thanks I will give it a go ! :D

[@MarcusCreates]

Have fun!

[@svensoworka2389]

how can i find the correct parts for my dream watch (suiting hands etc.) ?

[@junfujiang]

Love this, it’s inspired me to make my own too. Where are the links to those parts? Cheers

[@MarcusCreates]

In the video description

[@kamenmihaylov4519]

Whats the dail on the other one you`ve build yourself?

[@BBHorology]

Amazing video! A true horologist 🎉

[@alexconcha25]

How do you know when buying pieces that they will fit all together?

[@teeniv84]

man, you made an awesome watch

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks

[@MunchkinGamingTM]

Watching this gave me a cool idea to make a set of three custom watches for my mates and I (only a small group of 3). Very personalised, and could be a bit of fun to make.

[@MarcusCreates]

I had the same thought. Have to be fanatic gifts for your buddies.

[@scotts2027]

Having built several watches, I would recommend buying a lume kit and adding aftermarket lume. The. Chinese dials and hands typically have terrible lume. For $25 you can buy a kit that will out perform Seiko dive watches and compete with some of the best lume watches.

[@fox1actual]

@@scotts2027where do you recommend to buy the lume kit?

[@aceracing7]

​@@scotts2027 Yeah if you can recommend a site or brand 👍

[@somefishhere]

Could you link me to the watch case with a glass back? Would love to try that case

[@SluikReclame]

Dont you need a battery? I dont get it, does it work great?

[@scottcolon4829]

What's with the band on your bicep muscle ? I like u so I subscribed, looking forward to watching more. Cheers

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks Scott. Appreciate the positivity. It’s a Whoop 4.0 fitness tracker. I have a video on it a couple of weeks ago if you’re interest in it

[@xaco18]

Nice build. I wouldn't use a watch face with a logo on it though. Makes the watch feel fake for me.

[@MarcusCreates]

Makes sense. I agree and am probably going to change mine. It doesn’t actually say it has a fake logo on it on the listing.

[@karnaghan]

any chance you got the links for the first watch you made?

[@cIibsterd]

Where was the strap that didn't fit from? Arden strap?

[@christophershrout2367]

I’m actually shopping for a dress watch at the moment. 11 o’clock fell off my old one… Very cool post!

[@MarcusCreates]

Give it a go. I found it to be lots of fun.

[@markcoffman494]

The dial repair would be easier than buying a whole new watch.

[@markcoffman494]

Should use lock tight on the stem and crown

[@christophershrout2367]

@@markcoffman494 I’m going to try! My old one was a cheapo Fossil but I’ll take it apart when I have some time :)

[@christophershrout2367]

@@MarcusCreates this video definitely makes me think I could do it! Well timed :D

[@abdullahfarooq6365]

Nice videos 🎉

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks

[@chronocommander007]

Don't stick your finger in the gasket lube. Don't place the new gasket on the table. Even if it hasn't been lubed yet tiny particles will contaminate the gasket. Someone already mentioned to use threadlocker on the crown. I'd use blue. I'd also suggest you get Rodico for cleaning specks of dust off the dial, crystal and movement. A blower doesn't necessarily remove particles.

[@MarcusCreates]

Thanks for the tips!

[@ricardohogenes2648]

Hey Marcus, Does the time remain accurate after a few days? or do you have to adjust the watch often? 😅

[@MarcusCreates]

Yes it does

[@isaiahstanley1148]

Just stumbled across your channel i can appreciate a diy lol why buy it when you can build it is my motto 😂 also Mr marcus that last watch you showed with the open back is just incredibly beautiful. If i cant build it Can you build me one. Do a link for all the parts would love to have one of my own

[@MarcusCreates]

Welcome aboard! I’ll try and put up a list of parts at some point when I get time.

[@isaiahstanley1148]

@@MarcusCreates Thank you! Do you have a ig ,?

[@e1ymen]

The link to the watch face is broken. Can you fix it if you can find a new one?

[@slimedev4920]

By the way, with the limited watch knowledge I have. I believe when lubing the gasket, you are supposed to shake it in the lube jar.

[@MarcusCreates]

That makes sense. I’m used to lubing motorcycle gaskets 😂

[@teakwood1363]

Hi thanks for the informational video. I am buying the parts for my watch and was wondering if the black O ring came with the case and what size is it

[@MarcusCreates]

Yep. The black O-Ring came with the case

[@teakwood1363]

Thank you for responding

[@ChillYeti]

1:21 "never say never" 😂

[@BenRobinson92]

Interested to see if anyone actually used this video as a guide? I think it would be fun to do this as a bonding project with my 3 brothers-in-law over the 4th of July weekend. It would have to be simple enough that we could kind of bulk order some parts and all put it together, together. Also, great channel. Been following for a few months and I’ve already made purchases based on recommendations

[@MarcusCreates]

Glad you’re enjoying the content Ben. Let us know if you use it as a guide. Would be interested to know was the video a help.

[@justfxnn]

Hey Marcus, does it matter what mm size my watch case is? I looked on aliexpress and there seem to be some different options.

[@MarcusCreates]

Make sure the case matches the movement. The links below are NOT affiliate links so I don’t make any money from them. But I’ve done my best to make sure everything works together.

[@YusufMertKARAKAYA]

Türkiye'den selamlar. Bu video için çok teşekkür ederim.

[@MarcusCreates]

🙏 🇹🇷

[@jodycarlosborrageiro9588]

Cool project, but I can't help but wish I can find a watchmaker react to this video😂😂😂

[@MarcusCreates]

I’m sure I’m doing everything wrong

[@xeniz6912]

how do you get the watch to work? i can see at the end it's stopped ticking.

[@MarcusCreates]

I just didn’t have the crown pushed in. It works beautifully. I’m wearing it now.

[@xeniz6912]

@@MarcusCreates Thanks for the reply i really appreciate it. Do you know of any good movements that dont have a date option? im struggling to find some.

[@desitechdose]

why the second hand not working?

[@_not_sure_]

to build my dream watch, I need to get hired by Omega so I can make the modern Seamaster 300 165.024

[@morgancicchiello7568]

how do you know the parts will all work together?

[@MarcusCreates]

I bought parts compatible with an NH35 movement

[@markcoffman494]

Should use lock tight on the stem and crown.

[@MarcusCreates]

I was wondering about that. Will stick some blue lock tight on there.

[@shubhamrade5936]

can you build a watch with a chronograph movement and show us in the video. PLEASE.

[@tribology]

The link for Seiko Watch Face is fall :(

[@WarunOil98]

How we know that the hands are on the right place?

[@zionpapacapim9627]

Boa tarde sou do Brasil… seus vídeos me motivam a montar um relógio pra mim ,pois os relógios estão tão caros que não anda compensando pra gente aqui do Brasil comprar grandes marcas

[@MarcusCreates]

Welcome 🇧🇷

[@maracay1977]

Ok Sr Hagamos uno! Lets do it!

[@MarcusCreates]

☺️

[@StagnantMizu]

you could also build one for 500 dollar with higher specced parts

[@alexsotirakis897]

Rolex "Submariner" and "Date Just" are two completely different watches. The correct name is just a Submariner Date and this particular model is the 116610LN

[@MarcusCreates]

Sorry

[@svensoworka2389]

where can i get the pliers to cut the crown? :)

[@MarcusCreates]

It’s just a standard pliers. Mine is a husky I think

[@themeedan]

The first built watch looks great as well. Do you have the parts list for that one?

[@MarcusCreates]

No, sorry. That was just a hack

[@szilarddietzel9071]

Maybe I missed it and its covered in the video, but why use a Seiko labelled dial? It seems like a legit well built DIY watch, but having the Seiko logo on it makes it a counterfeit doesnt it?

[@migueldenboer5186]

It does, but some of the aliexpress ads don't mention that the logo will be on there for obvious reasons. I don't get why those sellers do it. Buying my 5th dial now and hoping it doesn't have a logo on it

[@szilarddietzel9071]

If its not super-clear in the description, I always ask before I buy. But I get what you mean. I had the same issue with cases by the way, some came with Seiko logo on the crown (easy fix, still was annoying). I just ordered a set own my own logos :) So only super-sterile dials from here on, and I slap my own logo on them.

[@Aver812]

Sir, but how I am able to find the part which fit each other? Where is the guide? Thank you.

[@MarcusCreates]

Watch the video and the links are in the description. ✌🏼

[@joseluisrenovellgonzalez1346]

Is the mecanism the original one?

[@MarcusCreates]

Yes