How to print a custom watch dial - watch building tutorial

I have stumbled upon a nice little hobbyist solution to creating great looking custom watch dials.
Film Free Decal Products used in this video - TYPE A: ebay.to/2JA95hm or amzn.to/2W0RCp4 I did not use the glue in this video.
Canon Laser Printer Used in this video: ebay.to/2LttiIq or amzn.to/2YsI4Ay or choose an alternative color laser but the highest resolution you can afford. e.g. 1200dpi
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#customwatch #watchdial #watchbuilding

[@KRN762]

I would have been proud to have worn the franken Omega, especially if I had built it. No different from guys who build street rods or custom guns. You do great work!

[@wakawaka1976]

It’s a fake as opposed to building an original. Why try to pass it off as something that it’s not? Because you care about what others think more than how it makes you feel. It’s like some dude “packing” to make it look like he has a bigger penis. But no doubt there are many who do and it makes them feel good about themselves.

[@Bryan-C]

@@wakawaka1976 of all the analogies you could have gone with...

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

I'm doing something similar soon. But need to find a movement that'll work wirh the other bits. Seiko nautilus case mod and bracelet in 2 tone pvd. Tiffany dial. Day and date complication but a non seiko movement. Want something fairly high end movement wise. Dial is gonna likely need to be custom or modded. Might use an old rolex movement. Seiko wave themed rotor if I can make it work. But gonna do it 2 tone as well. Black but with the raised sections in gold or silver.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

I have stumbled upon a nice little hobbyist solution to creating great looking custom watch dials. Film Free Decal Products used in this video - TYPE A: ebay.to/2JA95hm or amzn.to/2W0RCp4 I did not use the glue in this video. Canon Laser Printer Used in this video: ebay.to/2LttiIq or amzn.to/2YsI4Ay or choose an alternative color laser but the highest resolution you can afford. e.g. 1200dpi

[@wenfuli7005]

I thought a darker dial is better since the date is dark

[@jimhatch5873]

Super technique & results for small batches. Great way to add personalization to an existing dial

[@sanatkumarasharma3627]

Quite a viable solution you did find here: the only real limit would be to use it on dark dials as others are hinting too. A white toner doesn't exist so I believe that will be impossible, but what about some very light shades of any other printable colours? I assume the Laser printer can mix the toners to get close to that light shades but will also use the white paper to get there; I also see from your print the blacks have some proper thickness and I'm not sure you can get it with some e.g. very light grey. Maybe it's worth some more tests...

[@jonathandausner8722]

I have been “lurking” on watch videos for a little over a year now and recently started doing my own watch repairs. I’ve viewed tons of videos from many creators and this is easily one of my favorites. I was awestruck with the final results. Very cool. Thank you for the video and inspiration!

[@troynasello2085]

I will DEFINITELY get around to trying this out when I do my next build. I've found some great blank dials on eBay I thought were gorgeous, but too plain, or "empty", so I passed on them. Now I believe I'll give this a try. Thanks a million!

[@miked7728]

Well this is now one of my favorite videos. What a stunning watch you have created. Kick ass movement, assembled by you, and with a custom dial. I hope one day I have the expertise and skill to do this myself.

[@rickhewlett1029]

I have been watching your videos for some time now, they have inspired me to begin watch repairing as more than a hobby. I think it's great that you found an alternative to pad printing. I look forward to using this method to attempt to refinish a more worn dial on one of my practice watch. Thanks for all you do to inspire others.

[@jacoboakley7108]

Holy cow! As an Aqua Terra owner, I am in love with the fact that you put a cal 2500 to a custom watch! That to me, is the coolest of the cool. I'm all about what's under the hood, not what's on the bumper! Over the past months, you have inspired me to pursue watch repair and I promise to tithe your site if ever I make any money at this (not likely)! Thank you, Mark and please keep up the great work!

[@kevindixon8706]

Love it, can’t wait to try myself. I’ve contacted a few custom dial manufacturers and have had no luck for one-off dials. Look like a great option for the couple watches I assemble a year. Thanks and always look forward to your vids.

[@wakawaka1976]

Are you making watches for yourself or to give out as gifts? How much does it cost you to complete a watch?

[@tobiuslunar5348]

I think what you have created is outstanding, the unique yet very simple use of a printer to create a dial to one's own taste is brilliant. I as I'm sure a far number of your subs like to create personalised watches have finally been given a great way of making dails. Thank you for the enlightenment.

[@JM-cg3ps]

This is amazing! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for! Great video, keep em coming!

[@Steve-re9md]

Mark, you really are an inspiration! I am a 67 year old retired Master Mariner living in Gibraltar. It is 04:49 in the morning yet I am sat here glued to your production! Anyhow well done and keep up the good work- You will become a Horological Legend!

[@shaunfrost8938]

I stumbled upon your channel this morning and I’m LOVING it. I ordered watchmaking tools on-line this week and I can’t wait to begin my own experiments

[@CliftonBullard]

You represent what's best about KZbin and watch culture. Bravo, a fun and informative video!

[@Kraken1000]

Really good job. It gives hobbyists all sorts of possibilities.

[@russelschuster8036]

This is so clever and brilliantly done. The video, instructions, speech, editing everything is top notch and this trick of watch dial printing is so so innovatively useful. Cant thank you enough.

[@noname-pr7ez]

Perfect display of your work to bring the co-axial back to life. Brilliant!

[@Cajitaman]

I just noticed the "IIII and not IV" in the dial, it made me google it, and a step into a nice horology history lesson, having seen roman numerals on dials before and never noticing it till now, you can never stop learning!! great video!! i think we all dreamed once about printing our own dial, now we know how, thanks for that! greetings from Uruguay!

[@shaunfrost8938]

Oh! The Omega heart in your handmade custom watch is outstanding

[@MrStew1985]

Thank you thank you thank you! I've been searching for an economical way to customize watch dials on some Seiko "modded" skx divers I've done! This looks to be a great solution. Keep up the great content! Your movement Maintenance videos helped me kick start my hobby of watch repair starting with the 7s26 I'm now working on a pair of cal. 6139 column wheel chronographs and never would have taken the leap if it wasn't for content like yours!

[@BlackPeter203]

I know this was ages ago, but did you try it?

[@blueissocool]

I thought that you forgot about this. I've been waiting on this video ever since you mentioned you would show how to print a watch face. Obviously a fan of your channel. You make it look easy. Thanks for the videos. Keep it up, after a stressful day at work it really melos me out.

[@CraigandJoan]

You have got to be kidding, this is amazing. I was just about to order a custom dial for $$$$, but this is great!! Thank you.

[@benhunt6516]

Thankyou, yet another great video. I have been searching for a particular dial for the watch you inspired me to make from eBay parts, but couldn’t find the design I liked in the correct size. I’ll now have my perfect watch, and the joy of building it.

[@bababigaz2496]

Thank you so much for this sir, i have been looking for a video explaining this in such a concise way for a long time, you are a legend. Greetings from a young man from Belgrade who recently started working with watches!

[@DavidSuttoninSpain]

This is an excellent video, I love teh way you applied the print, and I am sure going to try this method just as soon as I can. Thank you for this video.

[@abubakersheikh7097]

Mr. SHEIKH I have a gold watch brand name swiss I would like to put a picture on the dial

[@hgm8337]

These Substrate’s are subtle, but still have substance, mad-scissor skills also. Props.

[@bauertime]

You could not have picked a more interesting subject to me. I have not had much luck with decals after I paint a dial. Great video thanks.

[@treecreeperguitars772]

I can't tell you how long i've waited for this video Mark!! Thank you so much.

[@JeremySmith-kd7te]

Looks professional I would have never guessed you didn't use a printing pad. Thank you so much now I can mess about with making my own. AMAZING!!!

[@StephenThorley]

I've used toner transfer method for making printed circuit boards and always struggled to get a good transfer (gave up and use photoresist film). But this method is radically different from the traditional toner transfer methods and looks perfect for many applications. I have to try it, not just for watch dials but etching metals as well. Thanks for the video and tip.

[@officiallyet]

Great video that really ties together the whole custom watch build. I have collected various watch parts as spares/repairs and am feeling very enthusiastic about doing something similar to start giving them new life!

[@462904]

Wow I'm very impressed great work and patience hats off bro.👏🏻

[@charliewoods7670]

Well worth the effort, Mark! I’d been looking down he route of pad printing and digital printing for a while, even trying one variety of water slides at some point. But this method looks top notch! Glad it worked out for you and I’ll try it soon myself. Thanks for the video!

[@deekman78]

I've worked out how to do custom shaping on face blanks to my satisfaction but never thought I would be able to print (without some equipment) a decent face. This video has given me hope that my ideas can be realized! Thank you so much for this video. I hope to contribute to the KZbin Horology content soon!

[@greggusan]

This is very much the solution I was looking for. I was a little worried that water or heat would damage the dial. Glad to see it worked out great!

[@logotrikes]

Good effort. The printing technique is a revelation to me, with excellent results. I got the impression that the dial maker used a similar technique, though in a mass production environment....

[@watchrepairing]

Brilliant! I've bought the decal paper, and fixer, but I would have never thought about putting laser ink on the dial. Really good job!

[@brandonsuire9601]

Oh yea, I am building my first watch here soon and this video has gotten me even more intrigued about the personalizing possibilities of my nameless dial/ watch !!!!

[@MrJenya79]

Mark, it is great that you posted this. I have been researching this process for some time and have myself used the inkjet water transfer film with ok success in the past. I have also had the lettering sand engraved and then paint filled it. This seems very promising. The limitation being the need for a new printer, and the inability to print white. thank you!

[@vincenzodigrande2070]

You can make white details, I've done so by printing one as a mask on standard white paper, and coarsely cut out the places that need to be white. Then lay on top of the blank dial, and spray paint it. Then when dry, spray paint it all in a hard polishable (enamel, PU or epoxy, not acrylic) paint, and after that dried scuff and polish until fully flat. Then lay the decal on top with all the needed colors and details. It's a matter of knowing how to layer paint, which I learned long ago by painting model racing car bodies made of transparent lexan from the inside out.

[@chatpall]

I love the idea of wearing DIY customised watch with topnotch movement inside! Thank you!

[@joedo5886]

You made a truly amazing watch, incredible movement and custom for you. It's great that you figured out a way to be proud of the work and not frankin the omega brand. I love it

[@djkulp1]

As a consumer, rather than a large manufacturer, it would seem you have found the solution. Good job on the video, as usual, and a problem now solved.

[@KDemosh]

So freaking cool! The print really completes the look of the face!

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

The dial turned out really good. It has great possibilities.

[@franktdnb]

That is a more interesting timepiece and conversation starter than another rolex/omega etc. Would love to have a go at this myself. Excellent.

[@brentl.vaneaton6901]

The 3rd Egg I like the watch, I would’ve put powered by Omega on the front so I could show it to my brother who has a Seamster......well done...

[@wakawaka1976]

But not as good as the “Pulp Fiction” watch..

[@adamrassi3516]

Hey there. I think the result you got from the paper and method was fantastic. Like you said, maybe not the same quality of printed dials of watch manufacturers, but you are just one person. I'm sure those you show will also be impressed. I've been in the testing mode of dial ideas and I will use this one for sure. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@juniortoledo8088]

This is great, I was looking for a reasonable solution to print a dial, I will certainly try this. I had 2 dials previously done in CAD, this may complete my project. Awesome job.

[@DWEST841]

Very nice custom watch! Cool process.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

The result is beautiful and this technique can be used on so many different projects. I feel like I've learned some important skill. Thank you, sir.

[@bangy55]

Thanks, Mark. This looks like the answer to a problem I've pondered for some time. I ordered the product right away.

[@carpioboy]

Thank you Mark, another great video . I have been scratching my head over dial manufacture for a long time and have tried various methods in the past . Results have been acceptable but they have all suffered from fading after some time . Even those coated with UV resistant lacquer. However , I will try your method with a Laser printer and heat cured and we will see the results. Thanks again mark.

[@ajones4064]

Awesome video!!! I will definitely be referring to this video when I get ready to try my own hand at printing some custom dials for a couple of watches in my collection that I think are ugly. This could breath new life into them!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

[@andybrimer8216]

My favorite channel. Miss you Mark and hope you're well. I have a Valjoux 92 watch that really needs a dial refinish. I serviced and it's ready sans the dial. This might be a great project solution.

[@MsAdam108]

I love this Mark and think its a perfect way to restore some of my 1920s Jump hour dials most of which are basket case's. Thank you so much for your research and time

[@bartglover22]

When you see the result; it was worth it and there's not another one like it in the world. Great Video!

[@droncadori]

Great job and video. Very well exposed. I'm turning myself on a watch repair tech enthusiast! I can't wait to start playing with this wonderful world. Thankyou so much for your effort!

[@GarudaPhoenix]

This is a great idea. The application has many other possibilities such as clock dials and even silkscreening glass similar to the process seen on American antique cottage kitchen clocks. Thanks for sharing.

[@gilgameshismist]

I have been playing with decals for some time. This is the first time I heard about this type. Thank you! I will try it out for some of my projects.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

First for me too - have fun

[@zagajan]

That's what I was looking for. Thank you very much. I'm planning to build watches for our 15yrs wedding anniversary next year. Thanks to you I know now how to build the automatic watches (i have practised a lot on my vostok amphibia, lol) but I wouldn't like to use just the blank dials. This problem you now solved. The last and yet big problem for me is to find a pleace where I can get the parts for smaller watch for my wife.

[@fireblade639]

I think is a well worthy piece of treasure there.... You spend the time in it..so it's totally yours... No other watch will have your personal touch...i love this.video...

[@JxH]

Nice solution. And I realized that even if one doesn't have a colour laser printer at home, the local print shop certainly does. So the whole process is very much feasible. Thank you.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Great point

[@MrDparker69]

Absolutely fantastic video. The possibilities are endless. Special retirement watch, 18th or 21st Birthday. Really enjoyed this one ( as I do all of your videos) your so clever. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@Stephan.Martin]

thanks for sharing this method! laser transfer is known for homemade pcb, but with this special paper you can place it so precise, wonderful!

[@eelcogg]

The possibilities are endless with this! Classic car and you want to restore the gauges or you want the speedometer in metric instead? Just print a new gauge! You can repurpose any old analog gauge to indicate whatever you want with this! This is so cool!

[@AttentionDeficitHobbyDisorder]

Love it! I've been wanting to put together a watch for my dad for Father's day, but wanted it to be a little more special than a plain dial. Definitely going to give this a go!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

That sounds really good.

[@mikeingeorgia1]

That’s exactly what I’m wanting to try to do.

[@xupmapeal]

Excellent video, I always learn something fascinating and new everytime I watch your videos. Great content!

[@dantaylor1173]

love your tutorials, you are quite creative, thanks for showing

[@elii__.1232]

Yes, I waited for this video since you mentioned the custom dial in your watch build video and finally its out*.* In the meantime i built my own watch. :D

[@grazianodallasen7156]

Mark , you are up there with the best of them .Keep up the great videos

[@mikeingeorgia1]

I think the results were amazing and totally worth the effort.

[@rainerbuechse6923]

Phantastic, thanks a lot for this phantastic approach! More of this would be highly appreciated!

[@arfurfoxhaike]

Fantastic workmanship Sir.

[@Elnyne]

Perfect! I was looking for a way to do this on a "one off" basis. Thank you so much!

[@vantran-if6qc]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. I have been thinking about building my own watch and also have thought of how I can personalize it. This is a great idea.

[@lexluther2979]

you're videos are absolutely wonderful. i love them. thank you!

[@roost3r]

Beautiful! I've wanted to do this for years! Now I'm inspired. Thank you!

[@markschumacher6630]

I love the idea Mark, you did good.

[@Mikey___]

You sir, are a legend, many thanks for sharing this!

[@davekimball3610]

Well done, not a bad solution. If you're someone who already has the patience to work with all the fiddly bits inside a watch, it seems a fine way to create a dial.

[@haroldwiser2641]

I could never do what you do but your videos are fantastic!

[@davidberndt6275]

Nice find! Just wonderful!! thanks Mark

[@nlogxspear8917]

I love your videos so much and now I’m currently saving up to buy your level 1 course for watch repair. Keep it up❤️

[@philcervantes4838]

I have used the ink jet transfer paper for custom dash panels in cars but you can always see the clear paper edges. This is very cool because your only transferring the text or printed parts. No edges. game changer. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

[@shaneellasdaicastrestorati3675]

Absolutely worth it, " hay I like your watch where did you get it" I made it! Very nice

[@MaxWorldTech]

This is so freaking cool! I barely just fixed a dinky old quartz watch myself so I'm nowhere near making my own watch faces just yet. That said, I also just bought my first mechanical so, unsurprisingly, I'm hooked. I'm hoping to work up to something like this.

[@nicolasguittiere142]

Nice Video, you are a Nice watch teacher, and a nice english teacher too. I improve my english each time i listen to you... 😁 Thank you...

[@sntonius]

Love your videos! Great job with the dial! I was looking for a method like this! Thank you.

[@Pat.Mustard]

A fantastic idea Mark. Thanks for sharing.

[@AlthaelRoncenoir]

I just love your channel, I could watch you fixing all these watches during many years, your videos are very interesting, well shot and nice to see (forgive my mistakes, I'm a French guy who doesn't speak English very well) Thank you for being patient and taking time to record your work, it is just incredible to be able to see that, I learned so many things thanks to you ! Have a good time and count on me to see your futures videos and sharing link of your channel !

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Cheers :)

[@tomernmt9594]

The result went great! Well done!

[@proto57]

Great tutorial of your very successful "experiment"! I went through similar thinking about the pad printing route, which really doesn't make sense for maybe two or three dials. This method looks like a great alternative. I have a couple of designs for watches I want to build... one is built, but waiting for a new dial. I don't have a laser printer, but now I will pick one up. BTW: I was a diamond setter many years ago, and had worked in NYC's diamond district. When I moved upstate there was little work in this field, and I didn't want to commute to the City. I answered an ad for stone setting in Croton, NY... the Croton Watch company! The plan was that I would set the cases and dials in my apartment, being paid piece work. I was hired, but then got a call that Croton's insurance agency nixed the idea that valuable stones and watch parts would be carried by me back and forth to the shop. I offered to insure myself, but they declined. Instead they offered me the job in house... but I didn't want to work in the shop there, so that was that. But in the process I had a few tours of the Croton Watch factory. One thing that impressed me was the pad printing... I had no idea what it was called, but would watch with interest the woman printing the dials. She explained the whole process to me This was long before the internet, but years later I did look up the process. There was not much info on the web twenty years ago, but now there are many sites explaining it. And I also thought about building my own machine, but also never got around to it. BTW, I have often wished I did take the job at Croton, even if for only a couple of years. They did shut down not long after I applied. But it would have been a great experience, and I missed it. I doubt I would have been setting stones all day, and probably would have been involved in many other operations there... and learned a lot. It would have been an historic opportunity, too.

[@romaniguanzon663]

I do enjoy watching your videos and it’s very interesting,you making everything look so easy! How ever ,how I wish I could design my own watch or build.i just love watches. Thank you for sharing.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Looks like you knocked it out of the Park. Great video!!

[@vapingwithjames3370]

I think the results are great and you can do it without purchasing a bunch of equipment you will probably only use the one time. Great video thank you.

[@manuel_winde]

Great video- really informative thank you. I’ve just completed a DIY Watch club diver and live it but already have the itch to build a watch that’s more personal (better movement, with dial and hands chosen by me). Will keep working through your old videos, have liked and subscribed 👍🏼

[@malcolmbartle5188]

Very well presented, clear and quite concise. Thank you

[@patricioveliz4509]

Amazing work. Love yellow strap!!!

[@c.w.9615]

Great job! Such a nice movement to use for a homemade watch. I love it! My one critique is that the lettering could be smaller for a better look. But obviously, if it was made to your liking, it is therefore a correct size font.

[@aecdesignpartners7825]

This is a great video. I'm looking forward to watching more.

[@skaminsky102]

Really nice solution for custom dials!

[@chriscairns8615]

Thanks Mark, really interesting way of doing a dial. I might give this a go one day.