I couldn't find the watch I wanted, so I made it myself with Namoki Mods.

Check out Namoki Mods: www.namokimods...
Ts and Hoodies: justthewatch.com
Parts list for this build
Case: NMK924 $76
Watch Dial: Spork Black Finish $38
Bezel: SKX013 Coin Edge Bezel: PVD Matte Black Finish $38
Bezel Insert: SKX013 Steel Bezel Insert: Dual Time Mk2 Black Triangle with Markers $26
Crystal: NMK321 - SKX013 Double Domed Sapphire Crystal $45
Hands: Watch Hands: Pilot White Finish $21
Movement: Seiko (SII) NH35A Automatic Movement (Black): $51
SKX013 Spare Parts: Click Spring & Gasket Set : $23
SKX Slim Caseback: Brushed Finish : $20
SKX013 Sterile Crown: PVD Matte Black Finish: $23
Pilot Leather Strap: Black: $25

[@mrsunshine8753]

I think it’s precious that you filmed with your sweet child in your lap. You my friend are a good father.Bless you!

[@obcane3072]

13:35 That's a dad with great understanding how to redirect a child that is exploring! No frustration. Miss those days! Enjoy them cause they fly by quickly.

[@kapooktu]

Love how your kind joined in too. My 4-year-old son actually helped me pulling out the crown and stem from the movement when I was putting the movement back into the case. Credit to him for sure.

[@troynasello2085]

Pro tip; when holding hands so you can press them on, don't use tweezers. Use rodico to hold the hands. Just pick the up at the tip & center the hole over the hand stack & press it on with your hand pressing tool. No scratches plus it holds the hand steady & stable. Makes it a lot easier to place the second hand.

[@slateization]

I like the tweezers with nylon tips. But if your Rands are really steady rodico works great

[@kbest666]

If you're having trouble holding the hands with tweezers, just use a pair of pliers, if you grip them with a lot of force you won't keep dropping them

[@sinesaii]

Any tips regarding crystal insertion? That is my weakest point

[@WatchmakerErik]

Great video! I just gotten into watch modding myself as a professional watchmaker and I have to say it's one of the most fun aspects of the screwdrivers and tweezers side of the hobby. Personally I think the parts you chose have a really unique look at a very satisfying "pandaness" to them. I even particularly like the black bezel with the stainless insert! I'm glad you enjoyed the process and ended up with a piece that was not only unique but to your exact liking and I hope that you continue on your watch modding journey.

[@shogun884]

That is a fine looking watch, I would honestly say if I came across a microbrand selling this I would seriously consider buying it, well done I say!

[@gamesetmatt23]

I think it looks great! You've clearly got a good eye for design 👁

[@iFyvie]

Congrats on the build! And doing with a baby on your lap is impressive.

[@palicar]

That’s exactly the type of watch I’ve been looking for as well! I like the contrast between the bezel and the insert. Looks like a really cool project. You have to name it. Maybe JTW Pilot’s Timer Mark I? 😀👏

[@khronokraze]

Watch modding is pretty cool and fun. I've done several several years ago. And this was back when they had a lot of parts, but not nearly as much as are available these days. So I had to come up with a lot of customizations to make certain dials,case finishing, and configurations. I learned a lot from it. What I found is that I enjoy coming up with the idea and building the watch. But, oddly, I rarely keep those watches that are modded and put so much time and effort into. Secondly, I gained enough experience messing around with so many intricate parts within a watch, i feel perfectly comfortable taking apart a brand new watch and making it "better", if needs be.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Honestly surprised how few brands understand how useful a rotating bezel is. These features are essential for my daily life and are probably the best argument for getting a traditional watch.

[@RUBIZEN]

When you're taking things apart, or clipping stems, wrap a cloth around the item or stem. It keeps things from flying about the room. It prevents crawling around on carpet with a magnet looking for springs and other parts!

[@cappy2282]

Great vid and really nice watch. I appreciate your channel because you're a genuine dude who loves watches 👍

[@aadrick3174]

when fitting a crystal always make sure the caseback is on. It helps keep the case level with the press on all sides and apply even pressure. Saved me time

[@paulelliott7493]

You are brave to do that yourself Dave, not something i would try. Good result too, it looks good!

[@gregoryuk]

Wow. I have never heard of a site where you could create a watch with the only features you require. Thumbs up 👍🏾

[@johnsmith-gs4qf]

Nice looking watch. Modding a watch is definitely on my bucket list.

[@ryankather6076]

Looks great to me, including the size.

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

Very nice watch. I like the subtle colour scheme.

[@mikev3245]

Dave, this was great! The dial and handset look like the Sinn 556. I have a Wenger split second chronograph that uses a 13J Ronda movement with those type of hands but the bezel is a steel count down. The 12 hour GMT bezel would be more useful for me.

[@Fischi4711]

Very brave of you to assemble the watch with the kid on your lap.😅 I was looking into Namoki mods a couple weeks ago. The Nautilus case looks awesome.

[@bignz721]

I made an identical dress watch. Black matte explorer dial (AliExp), flieger hands, NH35 from old watch, CrystalTimes Explorer case. Its my go-to dress watch. Looks awesome & is a strap-monster !! I usually cycle between Bond NATOs & a compatible SKX013 Jub strap (Strapcode).

[@BlackLoneWolf]

Did it cost over 250$?

[@charles_the_elder]

I've built a few watches now. I have a bronze 6105 "Captain Willard" case that I'm getting ready to build up. After a while the second hand gets easier, figuring out how to set it on the pinion was the key for me. I've made a few watches as gifts for friends, and wow, that is a nice gift that they will cherish. I really enjoyed this video.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Nice original aesthetic to this one Dave, wouldn't expect anything different from yourself! Love build projects, always enjoyable and slightly challenging also

[@fossilimprint2954]

I did not realize that this sort of "thing" existed. Love it, and thank you!

[@larrydalton2205]

Dave, nice change of pace video, and the watch looks very nice. Agree the watch with bezel looks a little small on your wrist. I just recently did two small watch mods on Orient watches, and now you have me thinking of expanding to a full watch build.

[@vlax12]

You have not made a watch, you've assembled one. The difference is fundamental.

[@walther9161]

Admit it… your little one did all the work! Nice video and I’m going to check their site asap.

[@TYPEV3]

That’s an amazing design! The pvd bezel + steel insert is 🔥🔥🔥 and who doesn’t love a 12 3 6 9?

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Very nice watch you designed! Thanks for sharing that with us. You may have just inspired some of us to venture into making our own watch. Well done!

[@Post_Leako]

This video got me thinking of what complications I consider "essential." I got my first Seiko 5 earlier this year, one of the old 7S26 models, and its my first automatic watch. I didn't realize how useful the day/date thing on there would be, so much so that my ideal mechanical watch would always have one. It might be especially useful for me given the nature of my changing work schedule, but I love it. I think another complication I'd really like is a power reserve indicator, and maybe a GMT function for if I ever move from home. It's hardly an essential complication, but I'm also a fan of moonphases and small seconds.

[@michaelw1669]

I don't get why make it but I am glad your happy. It looks like a Casio MDV106-1AV 200 M WR with a leather band

[@cylentone]

Build the watch you couldn't find - cool video, and a very nice watch as a result 🤩 Thanks for sharing! I hope you repeat a project like this in the future...

[@paulandress6358]

I have a Sinn 556a and I think your build looks every bit as good - better actually with the brushed bezel insert. I LOVE that addition. I also think the 38 is perfect for your wrist. In my own journey I’ve gone from favoring 44s to 42s to 40s and now 38-39s. All my watches are now in the size window. Nicely done and thanks for your vulnerability in sharing the challenging parts. You give a realistic view of beginning modding. Thanks Dave.

[@joestoat2502]

That is a really nice looking watch. I think the steel bezel works perfectly and give a good balance of tones.

[@shatterstone3045]

I've been wanting to make my own watch for a while now, but never knew where to start. So, thank you, that is a very interesting video. Also, very happy to see another Firefox user!

[@grahamwallace]

I think it does look a little small for you (and me) and get what you said about 38mm with bezels looking smaller. I think some 40mm bezel watches look small too. For me, I like to know the diameter of the dial but alas not many reviewers ever give the actual dial size. Nothing worse for me that a 40mm watch with a huge bezel and an astigmatism inducing 32 mm dial. 🤓

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

I think in this age its easier for you big guys to find your watch than us with much smaller wrist. On my hand 38mm diver looks on mark, anything bigger looks bad. But my wrist is just above 6',

[@jamesblank2024]

Outstanding selection of hands and dial on this watch. You need to consult at Citizen.

[@clark3830]

Bidirectional click spring is just curving down the straight end to allow it to turn both directions.

[@sheeno888]

I’ve been looking into mod my 5kx, seeing you do it with your baby’s inspired me for sure. My baby’s almost a year and a half so I think it’ll be fun to build together, even more sentimental value that way too 🥹thank you so much.

[@AgeofEon]

The new Seiko GMTs probably fit your needs just fine. Date, GMT hand, rotating GMT/Timing bezel (if you get a little creative on the timing part) and a date complication. All for under $500.

[@onepoh4680]

couldn't find the watch I wanted...proceeds to build the most generic pilot style watch xD but now in all seriousness mad respect for trying this out, is always cool to see more people join the mechanical watch world

[@kristiangustafson4130]

Great build. And man, so cute with your bebe on your lap.

[@Aaron48219]

The wire cutter used for snipping the crown are often used to cut the frets on guitars. Just some info for anyone looking to get some.

[@user-me9em9vy6v]

Cool vid. And also thx for the awesome tee shirt, just got one from your merch store! Love it, wearing it now.

[@2manysigns]

Looks good . I think that style watch is good for me as well . I'm looking closest at the Guinand Flight Engineer . I've a 7" wrist and the Guinand is larger but I'm still considering it the most currently . Maybe someday I'll save up and get one ordered . Cool project !

[@VMIyanks04]

Love your baby helping you too! Fun!

[@namenotavailable11]

I like the build but 40mm would be the perfect size for me. The issue I have is that for a self-made watch Namoki is pretty expensive. Buying parts on Ali Express yields pretty much the same thing, at half the price. I guess if Namoki has a dial that you have to have or a hand set that you can't find anywhere, then go for it. Otherwise, I can usually find comparable parts for cheaper elsewhere.

[@tk_com]

That's build turned out great. Looks upmarket and modern. 👍

[@perrybucsdad]

Love it! I wish they had a a face that worked better for a GMT watch as I would love to build one. I know they offer the movement, but I would love to find a face that was more of a pilot watch face (Flieger B style), but they do have a field face that might work. Really cool seeing you with your daughter. That's what makes this one of my favorite watch channels. You're a good Dad Dave!!

[@aaron3890]

I've gotta say that my favorite part of the video was your daughter swiping her hands over the desk haha. My daughter is the same age and does the exact same thing on my desk. Glad that you have recovered from covid and back to making videos!

[@eo8813]

Thanks my friend for posting this video..👍👍👍

[@NCFXSTI]

come for review, stay for the Opinel at the end

[@mr22guy]

In my experience, putting a little bit of sticky grease on the bezel o-ring can increase the turning friction. Normally I use a very thin silicone grease (feels like warm butter on the fingers), but there's also thicker silicone grease (which feels more like cold cream cheese).

[@VMIyanks04]

That’s a sharp watch! Great design picks! Good job!

[@wieg86]

I like the sinn-like look. Really interesting.

[@harithhumam4372]

Nice assistant you got there

[@LexAngel]

Literally there's only NamokiMods that you'd have as a brand on a dial at the end of your build.

[@deancase8951]

Super cool! Nice work with baby on board. I’ll be in Japan this July, my mission is to add to my current Seiko collection. I’ve been enjoying your videos and would love to get some vintage watch store recommendations. Once again nice job with the diy project.

[@ivan.rusanov]

Dave, I think you should use a bigger attachment at the bottom so it does not get into the case, but support it the back. It should be slightly bigger than the one you're using for the crystal at the top. I've built 3 watches myself and the second hand is always the hardest. Planning to do a very similar mod, but with a bigger SKX007 case. Cool idea with the black bezel, will use that too.

I have an outrageous idea for a watch, and now I am going to throw money at that

[@dunderhay9169]

Watch modding with your baby on your lap, brilliant 😎. As a rule, I think 38mm is fine for a man's wrist if it is all dial, if there is a rotating bezel, I look for 40 minimum.

[@patmoostach6580]

Great discovery, thx!

[@ChitownRon]

I think the crystal press is fine what I would suggest is clamping it down to the table, so does it move because you’re fighting the crystal alignment and the press moving at the same time which is a Nono you get that press clamp down you don’t worry about it and you can put 100% it to the crystal alignment

[@danspencer4235]

As I age, big date has become more important to me. Good concept to just build the watch you want.

[@Hrethgir]

Modding is so much fun! Except for the seconds hand, like you said. Hour hand, no problem. Minute hand, piece of cake. Seconds hand, pray for me.

[@toniwertman4818]

Nice. Very nice. Worried about scratches on the bezel

[@robch4414]

Nice. Congratulations.

[@pb6839]

This is pretty much where I’m at, I can’t find a watch a like and I’m trying to build one. Namoki is really expense though, I’m not sure if they make their own cases and dials in house or something.

[@MichaelOCallaghan-fq4ej]

Thought you had four hands for a moment. Great video. 👍

[@Papilikes1]

I learned a lot from Lumeshot. I've done at least ten watches; some for my self, some as present for some love ones.

[@vincebrickner5529]

Hey thanks for the video I really do like the parts that you picked out Watch looks great. The problem I have with it is it's too small. I'm not sure why but everybody seems to shoot for small watches nowadays I keep up the good work. And I like your little helper you had there probably need to throw on a Baby G on your little helper.

[@Z-S-H]

Very cool company to cover and I have a future build to do myself now lol

[@slashdotism]

By the way you can modify the click spring to be bi-directional, it's a pretty easy job, I do it to my GMT mods.

[@RaianF1]

I had no idea a diy watch was even a thing! Even then, I'd personally go with a swiss certified movement and watch because I don't trust myself or anyone but an actual career pro with assembling and QA-ing it to make it perfect hahaha. It does come at a price, I know but if rather pay a premium for peace of mind

[@RaianF1]

A certified Japanese would also do the job lol, nothing against Seiko or Grand Seiko

[@PartikleVT]

Yeah, it's possible to do this with aliexpress parts for maybe 50$ or so, but I highly recommend going through mod stores like namoki, because compatibility and QA are a clusterfuck if you try to source all the stuff yourself from the not so transparent sellers. Also, the bezel on my seiko j-something (japan domestic market) watch is also a friction fit, and apart from once getting gunk lodged between, it works fantastically, enough friction but somehow smooth turning without any lubrication.

[@coffeemarshall3484]

I see you purchased the upgraded platinum package and got the in-house visit from Seiko quality control. ;)

[@JinxPalm2023]

The process is quite rewarding 💯

[@sirshinypants3244]

love the watch, cool set

[@marcgoulding5230]

Great looking!

[@frankdefranco9436]

You could have gone with a GADA type watch instead of a diver. But this looks good too, good job!

[@calebnewton_]

That looks great!! Now I want to build one.

[@2manysigns]

Oh ! I meant to say hope everyone is better . being sick sucks .

[@adnanlatif1722]

Excellent achievement can you make exactly same design in 48mm ? If you can I am interested to purchase from you thanks plz reply

[@natearch80]

I would like to see a walk through on how to pick parts. Their website has so many things and I honestly don't know where to b start. Thanks

[@bagzhansadvakassov1093]

I was also looking for ultra minimalist pilot type a flieger. The only thing that came close to this is watch from ali - "escapement time" with seiko movement. Now, out of stock.

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

I really want to dive watch with actual numbers on it. Every single day I've watched on the market just has indices. Well I would absolutely love is a field/pilot watch with a 200 m dive case and bezel. They currently don't offer that on the market anywhere. I tried to make my own Seiko but the dial was the wrong size. They don't even make dials with numbers on them that will fit in a submariner style case.

[@PpaStrmpf]

Namoki is good. Used to order some parts from them and all parts were in perfect condition. Their loom could be better IMHO. Some parts are expensive but they are waaayy above generic ali or ebay parts.

[@RobinhoodarrowsRHA]

Use Rodico to pick up and position hands 😉 Nice build!

[@salmanalqahtani6943]

Nice watch dude

[@bignz721]

The Islander ISL-91 ticks those boxes. It's also compatible with SKX007 bezel/strap mod parts. I will probably buy this & swap the black bezel insert for a steel, like in this vid. I just wish they sold SKX compatible H-link straps for the full Sinn look

[@ae-ca602]

Not exactly. ISL-91 doesn't have date. You also need to change the bezel insert to get the second time zone tracking. Case size is different.

[@Donnybrook10]

Dude...if your crystal isn't fully seated, put it back on the press. Push down, then rotate the watch 90 degrees, push again, 90 degrees ...again and so on. You can push it out and start over if you're not happy. Make sure your bottom die is the proper size too.

[@Weedandwatches]

Morning from the east coast…. Dave!!!

[@davidinghram2494]

Dave, that`s a mighty fine looking watch. Do you suppose she will someday remember helping you?

[@mikewheeler9011]

reminds me of the NH35 mods on aliexpress. It interests me, and if I ever have some money burning in my pocket I would do something.

[@EudesRJ]

I want to do something similar but very different, I was thinking on getting a San Martin “Explorer II” GMT with NH34 movement, putting a flieger type B dial with snowflakes hands.

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

Snowflake hands is the main reason i dont like Tudor watches.

[@ArtoftheDial]

@@unwokeneuropean3590 Snowflake hands are by far my favorite stye by a large margin. I haven't found anything else that provides an absolute instant differentiation between hands at quick glance, high legibility, lume potential and aestetic appeal.

[@EudesRJ]

@@ArtoftheDial exactly, easier to read and more lume = ⌚️🥰

[@giovanniyorke7455]

Very nice adventure. I wouldn't mind getting a package from them

[@paulb9453]

The Watch is gorgeous, great choice, the metal bezel is perfect, it blends with the case. Agreed, the face is small, too many people fixate on case size and forget the legibility and proportions of the features that are most important. A dive Watch should be thick, not thin, strangely, my thinner Hamilton and Orients are more cumbersome and less comfy than my Victorinox Inox on a 6” wrist.

[@markrhode5069]

Great video, I really Enjoyed seeing you resourcefulness.

[@jacc88888]

The reason it only took an hour is because there were 4 hands working on it 😆 Seriously, good job. I like most aspects of the watch, I think the stainless steel insert and PVD bezel look great!