Building a DREAM Custom Watch from AliExpress

I hope you like it Alex :)
Joanne’s Artwork - jo_liselle?...
Strap: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCn...
Hands: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdA...
Movement: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC4...
Case: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF1...
Dial: bit.ly/4aZ0j66
Rotor Sticker: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCB...
(links are affiliated where possible)
#Watch #WatchMaking #ElliotColl

[@Kenprints]

its all your fault that i have a load of watch parts coming from aliexpress

[@Jrz333]

Same here 😂

[@diegojosephia]

Made it 2 weeks ago did not regret it 1 bit, just make sure to have a pack of stems and my second mistake was the same as this one, i bought a dial without looking at the calendar mark. Works amazing

[@mohammedrinaz2763]

@@diegojosephia wait without calendar mark? can u explain it again. i am bit confused, sorry

[@rabaxter5915]

Same hahah, i ordered his first seiko mod

[@Mindereak]

@@mohammedrinaz2763 It didn't have the cutout to show the calendar below.

[@Jolt_Soda]

I discovered you through retro gaming content and stayed for the personality. Being a watch enthusiast myself I'm having a blast watching these watchmaking videos.

[@Tea-Spin]

same here

[@rankoldbeast3479]

Copying you and making my own watch has been a learning experience. Mostly learning to double check measurements and compatibilities before buying!

[@Unlucky1776]

Absolutely loving these! The hands are beautiful and that dial. Wow absolutely stunning. not to mention the custom rotor. You're really stepping these videos up!

[@Matt23488]

A trick for aligning things with adhesive on them: align them first without removing the backing, like you did. Then use a piece of tape to attach it to the thing it's going to adhere to. Then you can lift it, still attached via the tape, in order to remove the adhesive backing. Then when you place it back down, the tape should ensure it goes down in exactly the same spot as before.

[@RENO_K]

Smart!

[@andersgrassman6583]

Make a video of it please! I don't quite get it just by reading.

[@iVolkswagen]

I know you said no painted hands but I love different color hands! A bold color for the seconds hand would have made this one pop, I think! Maybe yellow, to simulate the "light" of the lighthouse moving in a circle?

[@kyx5631]

That's such a cool idea!

[@RooneyJ]

Yellow hands to simulate the lighthouse light is a GREAT idea

[@hashawn_]

that would be really cool!

[@zak5017]

Absolutely love that you are working with watches now, I've loved Gameboys since I first ever held one. Years later I'm working for a company that deals with watch repairs, battery changes and servicing. LOVE IT BRO

[@adamsantos6925]

bought and made my own watch from ali express and I'm loving it, looks 1:1 to the rolex dayjust and thank you for the cheap inspiration!!

[@Unlucky1776]

I wanna make one as well lol but I want to make one that looks like a vintage Seiko diver like he did

[@hectorvanderaa]

Great video, couple things, for dials without date windows, no need to use the NH35, what you should be using is the NH38, second thing is that when you are filing the stem, make sure to have a cloche or else to cover the watch, as with the open watch movement, there is a risk that you get metal filings in the movement

[@RShorts17]

ur custom watch series is intriguing

[@Nicholas_King]

really enjoying these vids! this is what watch culture needs!!!!

[@eain9009]

Im so glad you got into this hobby, ive been buying old swiss movements, repairing them and restoring them to be as good as new. You should try electro plating as well, it makes the finish more self customised.

[@telephonewyre]

Im obsessed with these videos please keep making em

[@varadhkaloor3290]

I really love these DIY watch videos. Hoping to build one myself soon.

[@azamatbagatov7486]

Love these watch build videos man keep them coming!

[@gr8shagisdog]

Every video of yours I watch I find a new hobby. Thank you for your service.

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

Beautiful watch. Thanks for not editing out any problens - I learn from those. The custom dial and rotor look fantastic.

[@chantellelandon85]

Wow i love that, it's so beautiful & her artwork is amazing. The fish hands are so unique, I love them. What a great personalised watch.

[@henryhughes2433]

This is some of your most exciting content you’ve made recently!! Never have thought I’d get into watches of all things

[@marknylund1007]

I wanted to build a watch for a while and after watching one of your previous video I decided to give it a go. I could not be happier with the result, I literally built a gorgeous watch for under 150$ and its thanks to you.

[@liamhevo]

You're first video inspired me to try and make my own. On AliExpress the replacement hammers that cost around ~£20 are what you thought you had bought, the cheaper ~£3 ones are the stick on ones.

[@richardhalliday6469]

Another watch building convert - thank you for the inspiration Elliot.

[@1Alixander]

what a beautiful piece

[@lip03pd]

Love it! Currently wearing my 1st custom Seiko, thanks to you Elliot i love it

[@robert.sec2]

As someone who's never gotten into this stuff before, I've been loving these watch videos. Have you ever thought about building a pocket watch? I'd be curious on how (if at all) the process is different.

[@EliteVerse786]

dude.....u nailed it down

[@user-xu3ud4fl2e]

Nothing wrong with attaching the dial with "stickers". If you have a proper expensive watch and the dial feet break off - easy to do if you're not careful - you still need some way to use the dial. They're called dial dots.

[@paddyj7690]

Nice work. Looks amazing

[@georgellewellyn_]

I love these videos! Keep them coming

[@gomez9912]

Its so absolutely beautiful man, congrats :)

[@variousv3ngence8]

that seiko ur wearing is a beauty

[@FannieLaGreca]

Well done Elliot! I am building a watch with what had in a video. Love it.

[@Junbizzy]

I watched all of the hodinkee interviews and needed something about watches ....and man im glad i ran into your watch building episodes..thank you

[@BlueRam3395]

Love watching you learn a lot of the same things I learned as I made my first few! Looking forward to watching work with a 2824 clone!

[@alexismazzanti6929]

Beautiful!!!

[@gn1225]

Loving these videos! 🙂

[@_JadeDragon_]

I’ve been loving these videos! I’ve been getting into watches recently (more specifically Casio and Seiko) and these videos have taught me a lot!

[@Unlucky1776]

Oh what watches have you got?

[@_JadeDragon_]

@@Unlucky1776 Well I’ve almost filled my first watch box I’ll have to go and look at the manuals again to make sure I get the model numbers right so I’ll get back to you

[@Unlucky1776]

@@_JadeDragon_ oh lol you've definitely hit the ground running then

[@Sherlock-py2hh]

The spark at 13.30 when you cut the stem was unexpected. I am about to assemble my first watch and have viewed dozens of videos. Good to see someone talking through their attempts.

[@Klein0422]

need more of this

[@kafedziski]

Love the watch videos, keep them coming!! Can't wait for the video where the green ball is finally fully deflated haha

[@HogwartsBasement]

I like these vids please keep them coming

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

What a beauty😍

[@JollyRoger1969]

I built my very first watch yesterday, 62mas homage powered by a nh35 movement, your video about the one you made really helped me. Its a great feeling wearing something you made yourself. Definitely going to be building more, probably doing a Seiko turtle next. Big Thank you. 🍻⌚

[@QWERTYQwertz852]

I love your Videos! Your Channel is a wonderul Place to Calm down and relax.

[@jackpaxton9391]

these are so great!

[@Abikhai]

I don't understand how this channel isn't at 3mil, such good vids

[@michaellau2544]

Love it❤

[@ytdude_g2042]

These videos are great

[@chuckiepeoples]

This guy is great.

[@DannyOhana]

You could drill a hole to create the calendar window, the fact that the date window would be round instead of square would add interest also. Only get one chance to get it right though.

[@joeclifford183]

Dude this is so cool! My opinion on the seconds hand is that you don’t really need the seconds hand to tell the time so the fact that it’s a little harder to see makes it easier to read the watch at a quick glance. I think it looks 100% like a design choice and the right choice. Might have a new hobby to take up at some point 😂

[@baz8755]

Looks amazing, I think the contrasting second hand is perfect. You need to do a Gameboy themed watch

[@rabaxter5915]

nice video!! i want to watch more from you

[@watchingdanny]

Excellent build. May I suggest you get an NH38 movement. It's the same exact movement minus the date complication. It's just a time teller. This simplifies the movement and you don't end up with a ghost position on the crown. Sticking the dial on would've been easier too. 😁

[@RedaAbdullah1]

I love it

[@sairajpatil2369]

You somewhat influenced me to make my own, and I made it as well a van Gogh dial gold leather watch

[@davidtoftemark8311]

crazy good video

[@farouk858]

Love these videos man! How do you know exactly what parts you need for a custom build? Could you please make a video of your ordering process 🙏🏾

[@auntyviral82]

Watch parts en-route. And it is all because of you sir. Thank you.

[@Calculamatrise]

You're making me want a watch.

[@wenzelilustre9128]

The casual flex of the seiko prospex gmt

[@stephanboxall1462]

It looks so good. You’re a true master at tinkering and an admirable artist. I’d love to see more of these.

[@DJjune7]

Best type of videos - watch videosw

[@The_Slingshot_channel]

In you use a dial with no cutout for the Date Then use a nh38 Moment

[@ajburdett882]

As with others, you've inspired me to make my own watch out of parts from AliExpress! They are all on the way. I had no idea with was something I'd ever want to do, but after seeing your videos and just how cheap and how amazing some of the Seiko mod clones look, I had to do it! I've spent just over £100 and the parts should be here in about a week. I am very excited! 😁

[@alexandrepalfreeman468]

Love this serie of video. Could you do one with a Audemars piquet royal Oak style? Or a gmt with a chapter ring. Thanks

[@InTheMindOfficial]

I hate to break it to you, but this isn't really a skeleton watch

[@C.Wiseman]

So... Since your first video, I have built an SKX007 all black watch, and im about to get the parts needed for a GMT build in silver/gold (in the style of the GMT master II S&G). and I have just bought a Seiko Samurai case for a silver/blue kinda everyday watch... loving it so far and the reddit community is awesome.

[@dodgydruid]

I bought a set of the fish bone hands but the original neon coloured ones for my 4R35 tuna, am currently working on my Alba Manta Ray (super rare Samurai spin off by Seiko) and my 7019 Actus "curvy" or jelly bean and still have the 6119-5431 adhered to ma wrist since I refurbished it to factory save for a tiny deep scratch on crystal is just awesome... welcome to the world of Seiko'ing hehe

[@CASyHD.]

Nice work tho, i personally would have liked a Dial with function :D

[@mcheddadi]

damn, my man rocking a Seiko Prospex Land GMT SPB411 ? lets goo!!

[@Unlucky1776]

Yea he's got taste

[@sebstus3159]

hi elliot, if possible i would like more videos on the dsi, a repair, special edition, what u want but an dsi video, ty!

[@frogsshadow4189]

As a heads up, those glue strips are known for failing randomly. A more permanent attachment is to put the dial center and in the orientation you want it to be in, then flip the movement over so you don't turn the dial at all and mark on the back where the dial feet should do. Place the marks on the edge of the dial and measure how far in you need to go. You can then get replacement dial feet that either have a plate attached (You have to drill a small recess for these) or get dial feet without them. (You can use a small solid wire for this that's about the right size.) Then you solder the feet to the dial. The faster you do this the less of a chance of damaging the dial with heat. You don't have to be perfectly straight as you can bend the solder a little but the straight the better. This way your dial will be unlikely to come off in the next few decades.

[@grantvxr83]

Final straw, I'm going to order some parts. ❤

[@NullDogma]

i think the second hand would look better white.The watch looks great otherwise.

[@blskiller123]

MORE CUSTOM WATCH VIDEOS!!

[@SnyperMac1]

A small amount of extra weight isn’t going to damage the automatic works. Just make sure your screws are good and tight

[@bplus73]

Hi Elliot, love the watch you built. Interested in getting a custom dial, the dial link you provide seems no working, can you provide the link again. Thanks much

[@WatchmakerErik]

Putting the movement in a proper movement holder would have been better for mounting the dial as well but you got it done 🙂 honestly if I saw a new watch manufacturer using dial strips I'd be mad, but for a hobbyist watch constructed at home or for a repair where you can't find a replacement dial they are perfectly fine.

[@halfdanmonie]

Love the videos man, keep making these. btw the link for the dial doesn't work ):

[@thikous7783]

don't stop with this type of video

[@TELLER211]

DREAM

[@dodgydruid]

Namoki is the place for fancy rotors, I bought a couple full wheel Seiko rotors in there one in dark oily blue and one in bright shiny gold, really sexeh with a display caseback.

[@user-wk6qd7yg1j]

nkuwan 's watches are worth it！

[@Shaun_Oh]

0.04 nice one ;)

[@Creesl]

i find it so weird, how ive been searching a long time for NICE watches, that like speak to me and seeing ur work, with like custom making them i feel like thats just the way to go. sadly the dude that makes the dials isnt online anime, i cant find them either

[@HaloMG]

that strap is PERFECT for that watch, only thing that doesn't work are the hands but they're cheap anyways

[@HitnRunTony]

This looks like something that would be fun to do, but I don’t know when I would use it 😂

[@noemessens6668]

I truly wish i had the money to make a custom watch, i've had every part already prepared in my head, knowing the exact prices as i even have screenshots of it, but then the price is quite high for me

[@Igorsfa]

I'm just building my "Who cares" watch, and then the notification arrived, nice timing! Btw man, putting the seconds hand seems impossible, since it's custom, I'm thinking about mounting without it 😅

[@rightfeelI]

I really love this stuff unfortunately where I live we're sanctioned to death so we can't buy anything from a foreign website so I can't make one myself but I'm really enjoying you making these videos nice job Elliot

[@christiantesta4250]

how do you find which parts are compatible? can you do a video on how to select what to buy, since we now know how to assemble the watch given the parts:)

[@Heidegaff]

Remember when Elliot was building Game Boys

[@KingHenryVR4]

I should try this with some genuine BULOVA watches I have that need the movements installed in them.

[@heyimhy]

next step is to build a watch piece by piece or take a watch apart and clean it and put it back together. i would watch that 🥰

[@fransr33]

Cuanta presión haces para las manecillas?

[@UncleThor]

Am I to assume that you are watching Wristwatch Revival? You seem to post a watch video when he does, and you also use a lot of his advice. He is a great teacher! I look forward to his videos, and now I have two watch videos to watch.

[@Max_Mustermann]

The sticker on the rotor probably shouldn't be an issue, as some manufacturers (e.g. Invicta) seem to be doing this too to "customize" SEIKO movements.

[@rafidredwankhan9188]

What watch are you wearing? It looks stunning 😍

[@W-H-E-I]

I’ve been waiting for this 🤌