DIY Watch building: Parts from AliExpress

Building a "Panerai Style" watch from parts sourced from AliExpress
Sorry for the audio and lighting changes. This video spans over 3 weeks and I got new lighting and changed mic positions.
I hope you enjoy the build. I love this watch!
if you like this video, check out a VERY similar build but with parts sourced from eBay. • DIY Watch Building: Ho...
Watch Dial www.aliexpress...
Watch Case www.aliexpress... spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.18.584e1802IGwJkl&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
Movement www.aliexpress...
Strap www.aliexpress...

[@ronin7106]

A Bronze mod of this would be awesome!

[@drjenschn]

No experience in watchmaking myself, but coming from the enthusiast / perfectionist side: I think the minute hand should initially be aligned to any of the 12 as well, allowing you to align the seconds hands with 0. That way, you get truly accurate hands movement. Great project, though, really fun to watch!

[@laststopwatchchannel]

so align hour and minute to 12 and set seconds to zero then wind?

[@drjenschn]

@@laststopwatchchannel For non-hacking, I would probably do so, since that's the only position where all three hands align during a day. You can still trick non-hacking movements into stopping their second hand, but that's usually discouraged (you very very slowly adjust the time backwards until the second hand stops at 12, then set your actual time forwards) -- the only reason for this exercise is that the minute hand aligns with the minute markers as the second hand sweeps past 12. For hacking, movements, you can do that anytime after assembling as well.

[@godangerdad]

Oh the joys of watch builds. Thanks for sharing. I also fiddle at times, bad measurements, incorrect shippers. Good video.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thanks for watching! I really enjoy learning and building watches.

[@Mr26Huffy]

I never realized how big those are not just diameter wise but in thickness too. Nice build!

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you! Yes they are huge but the originals needed to be so the Italian divers could see them under water. Thank you so much for watching and thank you for the kind words. I am looking for my next build now.

[@jarrethickman3993]

Fun to watch video! Build and modified a couple. I cannot believe you got that second hand on without any mag. Keep building and learning!

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you. It was a struggle, but apparently my eyes (or my glasses) and a bit of luck is all it took.

[@haping1]

Great build. I did the same watch, cause I wanted to wear my 6497 movement that I used during my watchmaker course. If you first give the movement a few spins before putting on the seconds hand, you can easily see if the seconds hand tube is connected with the seconds pivot or not. It should tick when correct positioned . Then lightly press the hand on the pivot. Enjoy your watch. I love mine🖖

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you for the tip! I am loving this watch and have a GMT build coming up!

[@kevinh5349]

Saved yourself about 7 grand.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

lol yes. Sadly this one is in pieces as I have to replace the setting lever bridge.

[@chasekemp4982]

Plus servicing

[@lilchaparro9126]

A lot of props to you sir! Great video. I enjoyed your project.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you very much! I plan on building more as these seem to be a big hit with you guys. If you have ideas of a watch you would like to see, let me know. Thank you for watching.

[@TerminusVox]

Some challenges but you got there in the end! Good show!

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you for watching. I have a Casioak mod coming up soon. Stay tuned!

[@RameshDSrinivas]

Hi, I enjoyed your video. Could you please update the link for the watch case. The page on aliexpress is gone. or could you please post a link to another one like it. Thanks very much!

[@laststopwatchchannel]

updated. thank you for letting me know!

[@kevinh5349]

You should have dipped the whole movement in 5W-20 motor oil before assembly to make sure it was lubricated. (jis kiddin, jis kiddin). Seriously though I wonder how well they lubricate those relatively inexpensive movements before they ship them out.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

lol. They seem fine. I haven't been brave enough to tear one down but both are running smoothly aside from a broken part on this one.

[@slyfondle1885]

27:50 It would have been easier and more accurate to use the jaws on the top of the callipers, which are for internal measurements.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you. I think I did that on the eBay build and it did work out a lot better. Always learning and having fun. Thank you for watching.

[@duttyburger6528]

I have to say, you need to tuck the end of that NATO in brother

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you. The strap on that watch is kinda cheap and I cant seem to keep it tucked. Do you have any suggestions for ways to keep the end tucked in?

[@JeffBreyer]

Good looking watch. good on ya for doing your own build.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

It was a lot of fun! Need to find some more build ideas. Thank you for watching.

[@ryderhook7438]

i built the same , just in black PVD coated and an original ETA-movement. Thumbs up for your built.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Where do you purchase your supplies? I am looking for a different vendor.

[@DomP1989]

Going to try this

[@laststopwatchchannel]

it is quite a lot of fun. I have a GMT coming soon as well.

[@nickbutter9270]

Nice Build... But dont feel bad about not having Panerai money in your budget. I did the next best and easiest thing when it comes to that design. I purchased my Panerai homage... From the same place you got those parts from. It might have a funny Chinese brand name like Guigumi on it, but it looks the part.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you. I really enjoy my builds and have a GMT build with a funky case coming up soon! Thank you for watching!

[@karlgustav5490]

i built my own panerai-like, with a seiko marked dial lol :)

[@aponinenaugcasio8456]

you can use the other side of the calipers btw

[@laststopwatchchannel]

lol. Thank you.

[@ussweeneyd]

Just opened your channel. WOW !!!!! Great stuff mate. Subscribed.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you very much! This is such an exciting hobby and its always nice to hear others appreciate my work. Thank you

[@hazral1]

nice build

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you. The struggle was real with this one. Turned out quite nice though. I appreciate the compliment!

[@k21pilot]

A little advice. I suspect the blue mat you use is a repair mat for electronics, it may well be magnetised or have magnets in it. I would advise you not to use this mat for watch builds, the last thing you want is your watch tools or watch parts magnetised, it will massively effect timing and accuracy of your watch.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Very true. the magnetized part is on the top and only for holding parts, but very good point. What I need is an enclosed box that I can film in. Something like a sandblasting enclosure. I have lost/found so many parts from tinkering. Thank you for the advise and for watching. If you have an idea of something to purchase, please let me know.

[@daleyfamily2179]

Bergeon makes a tool makers mat.

[@vjc4]

just remove the magnets from the bottom side real easy with a razor blade@@laststopwatchchannel

[@christopherjefferson3561]

The GA General Assembly has TWO offices: THE SOB (my favourite that we called the Son of a Bitch Bldg) and the LOB or legislative office bldg both across from the Capitol dome itself. I worked for a consultant there who changed the GA flag to its current iteration in the 90's.

[@StrongbowTX]

Measuring the amount to cut off of the crown stem, you'd be better off using the other side of the calipers, the "inside diameter" side, as you can put them right up against the two surfaces you're indexing off of, to get a more precise measurement.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you. I actually need to revisit this watch as there is something wrong with the winding mechanics. I could have cut the stem too long. Appreciate the tip and thank you for watching.

[@manciclon]

Great job 🔬⌚️🤟🤝🌎

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you. I greatly appreciate the kind words. Learning and enjoying this hobby more every day.

[@TheXxRAMSAYxx]

I have been waiting for my parts and just found this vid. Only have built a NH35 so far. Do I need the case mounts? Also I’m doing this without the seconds hand dial- do you think I can just remove the dummy and let it sit empty?

[@laststopwatchchannel]

I am very excited for you! I think you will need the case mounts to keep the movement from slipping around in the case, but I do not think you will have an issue with not using the second had. I would love to see the end result. My contact info is in the main channel page.

[@OnlyMe-mt7zb]

I'm pretty sure that a lot of movments come unoiled.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

They very well could be. I actually need to tear this watch down. Great idea for a future video

[@OnlyMe-mt7zb]

@@laststopwatchchannel good luck.

[@fuzzypumper1971]

After 8 months ,,,how do you rate the watch now

[@laststopwatchchannel]

I love the look and feel. Check out my latest video for the functionality. I have had to make some repairs.

[@renelopez2244]

Now thats cool

[@laststopwatchchannel]

it's really nice and comfortable too.

[@drjenschn]

Oh wait, saw a bit later that the movement hacks. In that case, never mind, all good.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Also has an amazing power reserve! Thank you for watching!

[@daleyfamily2179]

I would get a hand puller and not use tweezers to pull the hands off. To much risk of bending and damaging them.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

I really should. I am looking into stuff like that. I should also be using my movement holder and I need a high walled box so that I don't lose parts. If you could see the parts I have to search for in my Home Office/KZbin Studio/Garage...lol

[@rioriggs3568]

It sucks we can't get these with Sapphire crystal

[@laststopwatchchannel]

I think I could find a matching crystal and replace it. shouldn't be terribly difficult.

[@timo9748]

How do you like the watch after a few days? Do you wear it regularly? I want one too but I am a bit concerned about the size and it would be great to see some wrist shots from you! Maybe a video „review“ of the finished watch, what you like and what not?

[@laststopwatchchannel]

I love it! It has been in rotation along with the eBay build (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5LXlHd4o652hdk). I plan on making a comparison video soon. Thank you for watching!

[@argat11]

You make it look so easy! Do the extra stems come with the movement or should I look for them elsewhere? 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@laststopwatchchannel]

The stems were an extra purchase. You can use the test stem as the crown comes off pretty easy. If that is the only one you have, be careful! The easy part come in the editing room. I take out the 2 weeks of frustration waiting for the right parts to show up and fast forward through my figuring out how things work. Thank you for watching and if you end up building a watch I would love to see it!

[@jameslovering9158]

Is it possible to get the Radiomir design case ?

[@laststopwatchchannel]

quick search on AliExpress. www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805773375183.html?channel=twinner

[@jameslovering9158]

@@laststopwatchchannel Nice thanks

[@emilianbranescu227]

you should be more careful when working on watches, for example the balance wheel

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Yeah. I am trying to learn how to be gentle with the balance wheels. Still finding it difficult to position

[@realwarriorscholar]

Nice job! I want to build one of these now. Do you have a recommended tool list?

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Here are some affiliate links from amazon to the items I actually use. Thank you for watching! Tweezers: amzn.to/3LoQmEx Hand Pushers: amzn.to/3EHlbRo Rubber mat: amzn.to/3EHshVK Movement holders: amzn.to/3EDbcMX Case back opener: amzn.to/3Lr591w Link remover tool: amzn.to/3LnkbWd

[@realwarriorscholar]

@@laststopwatchchannel my pleasure! I like the idea of wearing homage watches until I decide what I want to spend big $$$ on. The other reason is travel. If my San Martín Explorer or Pagani Explorer 2 is stolen, I’m sad but not out thousands!

[@moneysaversilver]

I'm watching your video I like it but you need to learn to use the calipers correctly the other side is for inside measurements like what you're looking for on the stem and bringing your Zoom some more so we can see better

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thanks for the tips!

[@GuySasha2022]

Fix your Nato strap 😂

[@laststopwatchchannel]

yeah, that NATO doesnt like to stay in place.

[@WristwatchAndWallet]

Nice video! BTW did you get the crown stem with the movement?

[@laststopwatchchannel]

It came with a test stem and I believe one more. If not the stems are relatively cheap

[@thebeard9879]

Is it possible to seperate the sandwich dial to do a custom color?

[@laststopwatchchannel]

That's an excellent question. I have an extra dial so I might just make a video for you on that. Thank you for watching and for the idea.

[@thebeard9879]

@laststopwatchchannel I just tried it. I thought maybe there was adhesive holding them together so I heated the back up and was able to seperate them. However, the heat turned the lume brown. It looks like the only two spots that have adhesive are at the feet that hold the two dials together. You'll be able to see the two small holes on the back. I would suggest trying to punch the feet out from the back and that should seperate them without damage. I'll order a couple more and try again. Let me know if you succeed.

[@StreetPreacherr]

Just curious, are there any 'generic' AUTOMATIC movements that would have fit in that case? I love mechanical watches, but hand winding is just a bit TOO 'retro' for me. lol And I think this video might have given me the confidence to try repairing my watch. I have an automatic Hamilton that I wore while working on my car, and the constant vibrations actually managed to rattle one of the movement screws loose, and now the screw sometimes gets jammed in the rotor or balance wheel and stops the watch until the screw shakes loose again... However I assume that once I remove the caseback that it will likely compromise any 'waterproof' rating the watch might have had.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

When I was pricing these out I did not look. I prefer an automatic myself and I think that might build one soon. As far as the Hamilton, if you decide to open the back to repair yourself I would take a look at the gasket and if it looks good you can get some gasket lubricant pretty cheap from amazon. This is what I use amzn.to/3Oy0Ger. I am actually on the hunt for a Hamilton watch now. Let me know if you decide to repair your watch, I would love to hear how it goes.

[@karlgustav5490]

not exactly for that case because this one comes only for mechanical movement, but there is another version with a bezel, you can find this case in bronze (the one i bought), titanium or steel, for the seiko automatic movements. i mounted two, a bronze and a black pvd, with a NH35 seiko.

[@karlgustav5490]

@@laststopwatchchannel you cannot find this panerai-style case for an automatic movement. there is another version , only difference is the bezel, usueable with any seiko or miyota, available in bronze, 316L steel black or not and titanium.

[@bobbo3376]

Just remove the caseback and carefully tighten the screw using the correct size screwdriver. I wouldn't worry so much about water resistance. It's a field watch, not a diver. Just relube your gasket with silicone and tighten the caseback. Be careful not to over tighten the caseback. Many think it needs to be as tight as humanly possible. You could crush the gasket or stretch the threads. If this isn't taken care of, there is much greater risk of damage to the movement, which will be much more expensive to fix or replace.

[@MeMelon4u]

seems alot like u were "inspired" by Nekkid Watchmaker🤔

[@laststopwatchchannel]

He did make that video, which I saw after ordering all of these parts. I'd like to try this with an actual pocket watch movement at some point.

[@hellothere312]

where the !@#$ did you get your build mat??? i need one of those bad! thanks for you content and all I've learned from you but i would be so happy if i could get any ingo on that mat specifically what its called so i can get one too, thanks so much ill will

[@laststopwatchchannel]

amzn.to/4bVNrh6 picked it up from Amazon. Thank you so much for the kind words. I'd love to see what you've been working on.

[@hellothere312]

@@laststopwatchchannel i just ordered it, thanks. im just working on a illonis Bunn special i got from a flea market but its so beautiful. thanks for the content and thanks for the info on a awesome product

[@laststopwatchchannel]

@@hellothere312 Thank you for watching!

[@SayaAmirulSyamim]

very interesting project sir! looking forward for more! also may I know your POV on replicas?

[@laststopwatchchannel]

I have a few direct replicas of Rolex watches and my honest POV is I would never wear them. However, if you enjoy the watch it really shouldn't matter what others think. Find your happy and thank you for watching!

[@johnnny9]

sexy watch love that you did this video thank you

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thank you. I love watch builds. I want to try and find something original to build and not just homage watches.

[@johnnny9]

@@laststopwatchchannel would be nice if you can get some custom dials or personalized the watches yourself that would be the icing on the cake

[@Treadmill-Repairs]

Have to say, that was painful to watch. I'd practice your skills more by watching Wristwatch Revival.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Thanks for the boost of confidence. Lol. Learning as I go and I've watched hours of wristwatch revival and other channels. I have to learn by doing. Watching only gets me so far.

[@IncApu2025]

Eres torpe, brusco y bruto manipulando las piezas, pero te deseo suerte de cualquier forma.

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Gracias por desearme suerte. Estoy aprendiendo por mi cuenta y al principio sólo trabajo en piezas realmente económicas. Aprecio tu aporte y gracias por mirar.

[@dorudru]

You talk too much about things that don't interest us

[@laststopwatchchannel]

Hey, thanks for watching even though it must have been painful for you to do so.

[@dorudru]

@@laststopwatchchannelNot painful. Just boring. Veeeery boring

[@RogerGoodeII]

@@dorudru Just responding so you cringe when you read your message. What an embarrassment