How To Build Your Own Custom Automatic Watch from Online Parts

In this video, I'm going to show you how to find, order and build your very own custom mechanical, automatic watch. Something you can have a lot of fun doing, and enjoy for a long period of time.
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#customwatch, #watches

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Doing something yourself is SOooooo rewarding and relaxing. Especially when you end up with something you can use and wear afterwards. Not only is it productive, you also create something very personal. Your very own watch that no one else has, with parts YOU have chosen and joined together. A watch you cannot buy anywhere.

[@Caviar1337]

Finally, found someone with the same mentality as mine

[@ragetobe]

I’m a furniture maker, this is not making, this is Lego. The parts for this watch on aliexpress are even cheaper again and the reason for that is they are made of substandard parts. I come across this same kind of thing in furniture making when I’m repairing a piece, you find people have used cheap parts because they looked the part thinking nothing of the quality. I get its nice to build something yourself but this is not that.

[@BigJonkulous]

​@@ragetobe Dude, we get it; you're the real artist among us. Let the man enjoy his custom watch hobby.

[@ragetobe]

@@BigJonkulous Sorry, did I hit a snowflake on the way in? Put yourself out there and be prepared to be commented on, this is the internet, so don't get butthurt over it. I am an artist, and it took many many hours of training, it doesn't take hours of training to put a kit together, this isn't even as challenging as an Airfix kit. It stands to reason that you ignored the quality of the parts being mentioned. I don't care about you but what I do care about is people believing this is some sort of skill or craft, it's not, you can get the same watch for cheaper and already built from AliExpress.

[@BigJonkulous]

​@@ragetobe Yeah, bro, you totally melted this little snowflake. Have fun with your purity crusade and (I'm assuming) all of your hand cut joinery.

[@Agenthoover1]

This is why i dont watch TV anymore, where else would you find a video like this, the joys of KZbin :), epic video, thank you for taking the time to do this and share your knowledge.

[@anonymous-zg7wh]

TV stil exists?

[@philcourteney4328]

I’ve currently got my face, case, movement and strap, just waiting on the hands to get this beaut built! I had been searching for the perfect everyday watch, and then I hear about modding! 🤯🥳👍 videos like yours gave me the confidence to attempt it, and taking “spares and repairs” watches and practicing has given me the knowledge of where the screws usually end up when the dog knocks my workbench! 😂 thank you for such a clear and easy to follow guide!

[@ThriftLife]

I cant afford high end watches, and i cant see the point of just buying a knock off of a rolex or whatever. However I do make jewelry as a hobby and i love it. I love crafting and creating. So to create a watch the way you just did.... I can absolutely 100% get behind that! It becomes personal and custom, its something that you can actually take pride in. I love this. Thank you for the video!

[@volvot5boy]

Great video. Only recently got into collecting watches and have really got the bug. Now thinking of building my own and this video has been so helpful 👍

[@jeffalessi]

Please post a link to your how to make a custom watch face. Thank you and have a most awesome evening!

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

There are people who make custom dials for watches all over the internet. My last custom needed a custom case bracelet and dial. But it was solid silver and used a higher end movement ripped from a true luxury watch. But paid like 300 bucks for the dial and was fully custom

[@jeffalessi]

Thank you, do you have a name I should search for?

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

@jeffalessi I typically just Google custom seiko dials and look for modders that do custom dials. Or use jewelers that customize luxury watches. The one person I would recommend doesn't do mods anymore and is working on trying to start their own micro brand. So no custom work at all anymore. However if it works out means there will be some nice budget luxury two tone gold watches on the market again within that old price bracket.

[@MisterTwo92]

Or if you know a person with a laser engraver.

[@davidphillips6582]

Fun to see the process but above my skill level yet. Thanks for posting this.

[@serdalkaptan]

The best, most detailed, straight to the point watch assembly video I have ever watched. Thank you very much for sharing. I am subscribed now, and liked this video. Very best regards.

[@TomLopez17]

Thank you so much for putting so much information in this video. I appreciate it. I have learned a lot from it.

[@carrow2250]

I really want to do this. I like watches but I’m so particular that this makes sense.

[@lordpetrolhead477]

Always wondered how you can build your own watch and then your video popped up. Going to have a go at this, thanks for the lesson, much appreciated 👍👍

[@yahirestrada8060]

Much respect for showing us how to do it step by step Pete! I have subbed!!

[@tacho70]

Great, great video! Thanks for sharing the details on sourcing the parts. I´ve been thinking about putting together a sterile "date just" watch myself, so your video encourages me to go ahead. I need to point out a quick observation: the case you used has a GMT hour. I mean the bezel indicates the AM and PM hours that should be used with a ETA's 2893-2 movement. In that way you can set the second time zone and give the bezel the proper use. Aside from that, I love the watch you built

[@philzvids3577]

Really interesting video. I enjoyed seeing you searching eBay for parts as I wouldn't have had a clue where to start. Feeling quite inspired now to build my own watch.

[@rbmwiv]

A trick I use for second hands I hold them with rodico and have found it is easier than using tweezers. Great video sir.

[@sidneycole5632]

Thanks for the walkthrough in purchasing the parts.

[@erdnadre7566]

That was awesome! Thanks a lot!

[@DoubleD42]

Lube all the gaskets at final assembly. result will be silky soft gaskets that do their jobs 👌 great video

[@tomastorasen9164]

Awesome channel man! This and wristwatchrevival are absolutely top notch! Just started the hobby myself. Very satisfying.

[@gregoryc5989]

Thanks for the detailed video

[@bayramtounsi2982]

Thank you for teaching me Sir!

[@rbmwiv]

I really like that dial lock setup on the ETA movements.

[@davelowey3074]

Hi Peter, i did this myself a few years ago i used the NH35A servived it and fitted into a really well made case and nice bracelet with the glide lock system, looks like an explorer 1, but i'm on the hunt for a nice pair of douphine hands for it, a few weeks ago i decided to make myself a diver very similar to the one with red triangle, used same movement i've had great accuracy from them after i regulated them, enjoy them both, although i have a good few vintage pieces now, cheers

[@urbanoteal6334]

Great video! I really want to do this and I will probably try it this January when the schoolwork slows down.

[@ahmadalawi8879]

Thank you Peter

[@josephhegarty1918]

Thank you Peter always had a fascination with watch movements I wanted to dive into a project like this.❤

[@TheRonanEdition]

What a great video, i really enjoyed the walkthrough on how you source parts and what to look for!

[@travelermystery63]

Excellent post to watch ,thank you.

[@user-rk2ek5jm4k]

Thank you very much for this detailed video! Liked, subscribed! I always planned to build my own DIY watch, but didn't know where and how to start.

[@vincentferreira1135]

This is why I love the DIY Watch Club. They give you all the parts and tools (extras if you pay like $500, I think) and you are able to put the movement in the case, the crown, hands and all that on. I think when I move into my new house and I have my own office space, I am going to get one and give it a try. I want to build my own GMT.

[@tonyloechte9994]

Awesome thanks mate

[@mcroman-superfeat]

THX a lot for sharing this info ... ;)

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video thank you

[@zin369]

Appreciate this video

[@hassanlotf6075]

Great Video.

[@quig4800]

Hi Peter Thanks for the well detailed video I can tell the skill in your hands I have a few Invicta watches with PC32 movements with plastic spacers and would like to put better movements in them. One runs 5 min per hour fast. How do i pick the spacer for the movement or did I miss that in the video? Thanks again for sharing all of your knowledge Have a great day! Jimmy Q

[@joefagan9335]

Great video 👏👏👏👏

[@fossilimprint2954]

You make assembly look easy, but I realize that I would make a mess of it. Subscribed !

[@shau8873]

thank you mate.

[@markthomas741]

Great video.

[@kamronrhodes5151]

That's Great i want to start a watch business

[@MeriBadger]

thank you so much!

[@gtcih]

Nice video. I’ve used eBay for watch movement and other parts. For modding, I also have a file of vendor sites that I have used. I also have a file of vendors for watch bands. All of my modded watches are Seiko 6309 and 7s26 divers. Over 15 and still going strong. The Seiko movements are relatively easy to service, which I have learned to do. These watch run as well as my high end watches.

[@Cleatus546]

Nice work

[@PaulMoorhousehankooks]

Nice job

[@rbmwiv]

Great video, Aliexpress also has a excellent selection of cases, dials, bracelets, hands, bezels and movements. Basically anything and everything you need or could want. It may take a few weeks but the selection is much better and the prices are much better. I just built 2 NH35 powered watches with every part from them except for the movements. I had 2 new ones in a drawer. Just thought I would let everyone know another good parts supplier out there.

[@gingerdog2176]

Hey I hate to ask this in a KZbin comment. But I have been thinking of building myself a watch. The thing holding me back is that fact I’ll have to buy a bunch of tools. Is there any good tool kits you’d recommend with everything in them? Thanks!

[@watchesandjewelry]

Esslinger has kits available with good tools. Figure spending about 150 for a starter kit

[@gingerdog2176]

@@watchesandjewelry Hi thanks for the recommendation. I’d just want the tools I’ll likely source the parts from eBay and other manufacturers. I see the tool kits on their website also so I’ll look into those. Thanks again!

[@allowit.4855]

​@@gingerdog2176update on tools you purchased?

[@gingerdog2176]

@@allowit.4855 I never ended up going through with the project but hopefully I will in the coming months. DIY watch club has a really nice tool kits and I may purchase one from this as it’s an easy all in one package.

[@MaartenAnna]

Thanks mate, really informative. I’ll try my hand on something similar soon. What tools would I need for this? Also, why did you use a normal movement with a GMT bezel?

[@asquithgibbes9004]

Thank You

[@dave0z96]

I got an old timex watch from the 60s I put a seiko nh35 in and I love that thing . I would have liked to repair the old timex automatic movement put it was such a pain to work on and I couldn’t get it to work accurately and I had a hard time with the date wheel so I gave up on that price of junk .

[@jamied931]

Why would you use a 24hr bezel without a GMT movement and not a dive bezel?

[@renelopez2244]

Fabulous

[@Enoch-Gnosis]

Great video can’t wait to try this ! So for the ETA movements , you remove the crown in which position? Thank you 🙏

[@berrylee6787]

Gosh dang it, that's a brilliant idea. Have done this before? Great video brother. NEAL APOLLO BEACH FLORIDA

[@anthonywhitney634]

Hi Peter, I found this very helpful, thank you. Two comments - you didn't mention the absolute minimum tools we'd need to construct a DIY watch. In particular the case back tighter looked very expensive. The other thing, you didn't oil the crown stem or lubricate the case back gasket. Is that standard? Thanks.

[@joeldezwaan1149]

Apparently a rubber ball will tighten case backs in an entirely adequate way! Wristwatch Revival does it all the time

[@jonswavely5071]

Thank you for the fantastic instruction. I've searching and am wondering what movement I could use to create a similar watch but GMT. My Google Fu tells me that this movement will work, ETA caliber 2893. However, that caliper is not listed as compatible on the watch cases available on eBay.

[@ignaciopadilla5150]

Thanks for The video...do you have a video that talks about the tools you need and the names for them?

[@dinoaivaliotis3827]

Beautiful watch, it looks great. Just wondering how deep can this watch go under water?

[@Ionlycomeoutatnight]

This has definitely inspired me to get into this. Though one thing I'm probably missing so obvious, where in the movement measurements do you know what watch case to get for it?

[@1951woodygeo]

I got all my parts on Ali Express including movements and cheap too, I am building a Watch at the moment waiting on a NH34 for my NH34 case and GMT dial and Mercede Hands will look good when I do it I hope

[@4godandcountry663]

I have a quick question for you. First of all great video very helpful. If I want to design watches, but with movements I have from old watches, I have access to like 100 Invicta watches, most of them have Valjoux 7750s in them. How hard would it be to find cases for them?

[@Redcrown77]

Thanks- getting ready to make my first watch! Nice looking watch. Any tips for getting maximum waterproofing?

[@varzainbeci]

lube all gaskets before final assembly.

[@VWatchie]

Just bought a watch case like this on eBay but I didn’t get the case clamps and the screws for them. Did you buy those separately or did they come with the movement? Really enjoyed this video and found it to be very instructional. Thanks!

[@watchesandjewelry]

My case came with them. You can buy them in packs of 10, 20 and 50.

[@TopG20073]

Might pick up this hobby

[@tnts999998]

Do you know if dial spacer comes as a part of the case?

[@erniecamhan]

Brilliant video with great commentary that explains all you need to know 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Stingraypress]

Do case clamps at 25:00 come with the case, movement, etc or you have to buy those separately?

[@user-sj3dt2ny9b]

Followed this video and made on almost like it

[@NeverGiveUpYo]

That's pretty cool. What tools are required to do this?

[@ZIAD2122]

How do you align the second hand to exactly? For example be at the 12 position when the minute advances?

[@interestedbystander196]

I have two watch build projects in mind: one for my son's 21st birthday, one for my brother (50th birthday). These are both a year away. I probably have to build one for myself first too to iron out the kinks and technique.

[@scorpion_4202]

I have an invicta I want to gut out and put a much better movement and automatic in it. It's quartz right now. How do I find out what size I need?

[@FrauStaenki]

Very nice work and video. You used a gmt bezel without a gmt hand though ;-)

[@97JoMiller]

what size movement would I look for if I wanted to make a woman's watch? I was thinking about making a his and hers with a custom dial. I also really like the idea of the see through back so you can see the movement. what would I be looking for in a case to do that?

[@zulualun]

Wow. This video give me an idea to make my own digital watch, with blue as main colour. possible or not? By the way, what do you reckon the water resistant depth of that watch you made?

[@GDLOTKIDOG]

With my spacer ring in the case with the movement the clips will not reach the side of the case? They are also small and even if I was to install them before the spacer ring they will not reach the case? Should I try to secure the clips against the spacer ring? What shall I do?

[@bulldogms]

Recommended tool kit? Lupe probably mandatory!

[@tuuhaastaa]

If my dial doesnt have date, should i take the datewheel off?

[@jorgemendez4517]

Do the clamps and separators come with the case/movements ?

[@fenwickc2274]

When advancing the time and date before the hands are on to check the movement how do you know you are out of the danger zone ?

[@ReconMan772]

I want to do this but , get very over welmed with it all .. I love watches an tinkering , is there a blog with written steps ?

[@jamesshepherd7727]

So does the spacer for the date wheel come with the movement? I noticed alot of cases don’t come with movement spacers. Is this because it doesn’t require one? Do the 2 movement locks that screw into the side come with anything or do you need to buy those separately? Want to do this but don’t want to have to try and find all the spacers and locks separately. Thanks. Your videos show that almost anyone can do this.

[@DEEYAREE]

Great video! How much was the total cost of your components?

[@ivorivero3581]

I am planning my first bouild. Does the case clamps usually come with the case? What about the case spacer ring?

[@marcogarofalo6343]

Most people won't notice the 24h bezel with a 12h complication. Watches using those bezels normally have an extra complication in the form of a 4th hand. It moves around the dial once in 24hrs they're called, GMT movements (GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time) Jet Pilots wore these watches to track time across time zones, while being able change their normal 12h complication to local time. I digress. Nice watch, the hands aren't for me. Shame about the bezel faux pas. You could always get a GMT movement, make it real special. 😉

[@waltz4zizi]

How did you get that italia logo on your watch dial? Looks badass :D

[@poladmuradoglu]

Hi man, pls write if we can use regular case and movement and assembly them as lefty watch? Thanks

[@watchesandjewelry]

There are two differences for watches with stems on the left side. Neither have anything to do with the case. Sometimes, you will need a different date ring as the numbers have to be printed in the opposite direction. Second, the dial has to be made specifically for a left steamed crown. That is something you will have to search for for those requirements. Most cases are symmetrical. The alternative if you cannot find those bits are to wear the watch on the right arm.

[@mCblue79]

The only thing stopping me from doing this myself is that I can never put new hands on without damaging them. The second hand in particular, with the tiny pin that goes in last, even using fine tweezers. Any advice? Cheers

[@aguslanza4859]

Where to buy all that you mentioned and used in this build?

[@collin2014]

Is the back of the case see through b/c it says it is on the listing I used the same one as you 5:12

[@volvot5boy]

When you buy a watch case fro either eBay or AliExpres does it come with the spacer ring? I’ve been looking to Buy a case on both sites but in the descriptions it doesn’t say about the spacer ring for the movement.

[@watchesandjewelry]

Not always.

[@typhonhumanoid2287]

Is the circle that block the movement in the case mandatory ? I havn't buy one. My other question is how do you "cut" the crown so it fit ?

[@grok40]

I love this video. What did you mean when you said you cut the crown?

[@nicerides9224]

The stem that comes with the movement is longer than what you need. You have to trim some off to size. You should be able to find a video showing that step somewhere. Just be careful not to cut off too much.

[@KOnteeTalk]

Great vdo Im gather part for my Chronograph build ST1902, questing is the logo can you teach me?

[@watchesandjewelry]

I’ve had quite a few questions about making logos. I will make a video for all of you. Thanks.

[@brandonkerr160]

Most of these options will be available on AliExpress as well for much cheaper. They're all the same suppliers, but means that you're definitely getting it shipped from China which can add some time depending on where you are. I'm in CA right by the port so usually only takes a couple days for me, but I imagine FL would be much longer.

[@uta9944]

I think he was avoiding mentioning them for obvious reasons.

[@OCz4Life]

Why is there no plastic holder of the movement that I often see? Do those come with the case or u have to buy seperately?

[@hectorcortez3888]

I'm new to watch modding, your video has tough me about watch Boulding, anyway can you tell me how ordered the watch case for the sw 200 movement, the watches I bould are nh35 or NH36A, I sen in your video on how order the sw 200, how did you get the case 2824, wutz does mean.

[@nicerides9224]

sw200 is a clone I think of ETA 2824 .

[@jolt06]

I'm looking to build my wife a watch. For our 5 year anniversary. And was wondering what do I need to look for when building a watch for her?

[@Mobin92]

It's probably much cheaper to buy a Pagani Design watch, and mod that instead. I.e. you get a nice case and a good Seiko movement for 50$.

[@frankmcgee502]

What tools would I get to start this hobby? Looks interesting>

[@takeashitegaming9904]

What if you wanted to use a vintage dial? Could you build a watch around the dial