Should You Build Your Own Watch?

A lot of you have told me that you have thought of building your own watch, but don't believe that you have the patience/dexterity for it. Well, DIY watch club has created a kit that supposedly makes the process simple. In this week's video, I take a look at what their pilot watch kit. I have some experience building seiko mods, so I feel like I am in a good position to judge the quality of these parts. Plus I give away one of these build kits at the end as a celebration of the channel hitting 30k!
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[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

WatchCrunch Thread: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/diy-watch-club-pilot-watch-review-giveaway-13039

[@akwaf]

Looking at the two watches, one looks like the start of a watch collecting journey, and the other the end.

[@manwhaop5205]

Bro she was literally my aunty

[@user-lg3fc7gt2m]

❤❤❤ 0:57 😊

[@user-lg3fc7gt2m]

Mnielijah

[@tmdmlgb1741]

I am 34 years old and I have just assembled my 400th automatic watch as a hobby.

[@adediranoladapo]

Which software do you use for the design?

[@tmdmlgb1741]

@@adediranoladapo I just use the parts from aliexpress or taobao. Also,I found some old parts in a warehouse.

[@Zelenik21]

Congratulations, that's amazing!

[@Marco_55555]

That's amazing

[@mizankhan608]

Hiii bro I also watch to learn

[@Vel0ciraptor]

I’ve never used DIY Watch Club, but I have made over 50 custom watches using many different movements from hand wind ETA movements to Seiko and Miyota automatic movements. Also, with the right tools you can adjust even cheaper yet reliable Seiko nh35 movements to be very accurate. Whenever I become fascinated with a watch, it’s always fun to make my own version and make the slight changes to my build that I wish existed in the original models. What I end up with is sometimes even better quality than the original watch I became fascinated with because I color match date wheels to the dial (or find/make a dial without the window), make sure the crystal is ar coated sapphire, make sure more appropriate case size for my wrist is used, make sure case has screw down crowns for water resistance, creating and applying my own logos, etc. I made all my groomsmen custom watches for my wedding and have gifted many other watches to family and friends. It’s the best when someone texts me to let me know they got complimented on a watch I had made for them.

[@snuffying]

hey man! how do you apply your own logos? do you also design your own dials?

[@Vel0ciraptor]

@@snuffying I have used a lot of different methods, but the one I would recommend trying out is 4customize (just google it, posting a website in my comment causes the comment to not post and I don't want to risk having to type this info out a third time). They have a Custom Watch Dial Decals service that allows you to upload a file of your design. They have a few different color options and use layered nickel printing so the logos are actual metal and have a good shine. They are printed onto a very strong 3M adhesive that allows you to just peel and stick your design onto the dials. I would practice a few times before placing onto the dial you plan to use. Once the design is applied it is very hard to remove. The file you provide with your order could probably just be a sketch, but I like to use CADD software like MicroStation or AutoCAD to make and test my designs in 3D software before sending them to print so I can make sure all the proportions and dimensions are exactly how I want them. Then I send a pdf of my design with dimensions with my 4customize order. Make sure you dimension your design so they know exactly what size you want everything printed. I hope this information helps!

[@eddierueda1057]

What websites do you use to source some of your parts?

[@bigbennn25]

same question, where do you buy and search for parts? i want to build a custom watch for my mom on her 50th birthday but dont know how to start

[@jonathanlau6964]

I bought my first DIY watch 2.5 years ago while in Australia. They do a great job of helping you through the process and just going through it increases your enjoyment of that watch. It was a diver and it has worked well without any issues while swimming and only once did I ding it enough to knock off the second hand and have to redo it. I then decided I would buy 3 watches for friends (yes I am fortunate enough to be able to afford to do so). One for my professional mentor, one for a colleague I trained with and one for a family friend who helped me get a bit of a deal on a JLC Ultrathin Moonphase. They all have nicer watches, but also enjoyed the experience. I bought myself the "Explorer" homage with a red dial which was also fun as a second watch from DIY watches. Finally I just recently bought a 6th one for another young man who is into watches and just moved to another place where he has no friend or family (cool skeletonized diver). I think these things are great and are fun and if you have friend or family who are into watches I think it makes a great gift (to split with others or to give on your own should you be able to afford it). Great work Max and DIY watches!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Wow, you've been a long time customer! Yeah they have some attractive designs 👍

[@alandavies1662]

Hi I bought the same pilot watch kit three months ago which was very easy to use and gave me a great watch to wear for the money. It gave me the confidence to build other watches. I'm now building two for my two grown up sons but using parts from all over the globe with Swiss movements.

[@gaziaOG]

I held off getting DIY watch club build kits for as long as I've seen them around no matter how tempting as I wanted something more in-depth rather than placing the movement into the case and putting on the hands. I wanted to work on the movement. I signed up for a full day workshop with Watch Wonderland Singapore (this isn't an ad) and they actually spend the entire day guiding me to dissemble a manual-wind seagull movement and assembling it back up, even learning how to tune the watch with a timegrapher. I was so pumped and satisfied when the day was over. Although some older gentlemen brought home watches that didn't run as they destroyed theirs too much for the instructor to keep replacing. Definitely not for everyone.🙃

[@Andrew-J316]

Yep! Exactly what I do! I actually enjoy building my own and change it up every 2-3 years for a "new" watch. The model you built is very nice!

[@mr22guy]

Building a watch is a great way to deepen your appreciation for the art of watchmaking. Particularly if you ever have to do something on a movement, like even just swapping a date wheel.

[@markbyrum4743]

I've built multiple watches. I didn't want to pay the freight for the real ones, so I've built watches similar to Seiko Alpinist, Doxa Diver, and Tudor Black Bay 58. It's fun to imagine what the brand "could" have done, and do it! Good vid Keep at it!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Good deal Mark! Keep it up 👍

[@elazarkotkes]

Where do you order from?

[@spavliskojr]

Its so much fun to hunt down the perfect parts to design your own watch! been doing it for close to 8 years now and find that my favorite part.

[@ESUNintel]

My younger nephew is getting into watches and enjoys watching videos of Rolex, Omega, and other nice time pieces being rebuilt; says it’s therapeutic 🙂 …think he’d love one of these kits. Maybe I’ll get one for myself as well cause I depend on the local watch shop a lot, and sometimes I wonder if the 10-minute fix is worth $35. Thanks for the awesome review!! Happy that a company like this exists.

[@coreydavidson8221]

The move videos I see about DIY Watch Club, the more interested I am in trying one of their kits. Awesome video, Max!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Corey!

[@edwardbudriss4475]

I got into this hobby when my son and I built our first SKX style watch’s. The sickness has only grown over the years. Love your vlog!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Edward, glad you enjoyed the vid 😉

[@jongkim9634]

I like the fact that you enjoy all levels of price points on your watches. Enjoyed this video!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks! This is true 🤠

[@ryantinney]

These kits look great and a brilliant gift for watch enthusiasts. I believe these will be wonderful for holiday gifts for my children.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Great gift to get the kid into watches/tools 👍

[@jonbravo6262]

Great vid & message… it’s worth having a go at self build. Yes lots of things to learn, but the reward can be a watch you cherish because you built it.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Definitely, just gotta drive in!

[@davelowey3074]

Building your own watch is very fulfilling rewarding and all the things you could think of as long as it looks the business when done, i've made 2 now in 2020 during pandemic i made datejust like watch looks amazing, and 2022 a diver but i'm a partime watchmaker and pulled everything apart and serviced the movements too because it's enjoyable, there's lot's of parts on ebay even if you want to go vintage,(be careful) diy watch club is great too i love both of mine, if your thinking about it do it just don't rush take your time watch youtube videos on the subject and enjoy yourself. I'm thinking of joining watch crunch, but i don't even use Facebook or Instagram only have youtube on my phone. Just put together a new one, to me anyway 9/2022, i got a eta 2824 1st gen from 1972 out of a lovely Rotary serviced it, and a 2783 but went for the higher beat rate, and a 36mm diver and 5 link bracelet, running under +1sd and it has black dial gold date wheel and lumed dauphine hands by me, it's excellent if i do say so.

[@br9421]

Hi! Have watched several of your videos and subscribed. Decided to buy the kit and awaiting delivery. Your content is solid with good humor. Keep it up and have fun

[@spavliskojr]

I really wish they had these kits when i started doing it. 8 years ago no one had all in one starter kits like this. You had to do it the hard way and learn what worked and what didnt on your own. The level of quality they are putting into these kits are awesome!

[@khronokraze]

Having a decent number of watch mods and building projects myself, doing such stuff doesn't scare me anymore. I've even taken a movement apart to repair myself.. the magic lever system in a Seiko 4R movement was kind of broken. Having seem the DIY kits.. they seem to offer a lot of bespoke options and the quality of parts, especially the included watchmaking kit, seem overall such a great value for the prices. Lume also seems usually surprisingly pretty good. I think the DIY are great for not only the seasoned watch modder, but great to source a decent base to mod from for the parts. But, also for those who want a good starting point to learn how to mod and build a watch from all the key components one may need to do so.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yep, get this to start, then move on to bigger projects 🙌

[@devinfahada4880]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial how much does it cost to diy submariner with nh35?

[@claytonmedders6907]

I have this exact watch with the leather strap and 8315 movement. For a first time watch build, the one difficult part was setting the minute and second had. Overall very pleased with the watch and seriously considering getting another one.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Oh the second hand can be a B 🤣.

[@eliaslai5177]

where did you get the strap? what that type of strap called?

[@claytonmedders6907]

@@eliaslai5177 The strap is leather and came with the kit.

[@bignz721]

Built me a Sinn 556A homage out of frankenstein-ing of an old NH35 movement, AliEx dial, hands from an old flieger, & "explorer" case from crystal times. Looks awesome. Only thing missing is the H-link case, which no one sells, but it is a strap monster that is SKX013 compatible. Quite easy to mod your own if you know what you are doing. Yes ... use Rodico to hold the hands when you mount them to the movement.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Nice work dude 😎

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

I've built a few watches with ebay parts - it is much more frustrating than it seems in your video 😂. Perhaps this is because everything needed is in the kit, all fits perfectly together and the winding stem is already the correct length. Great video! I enjoyed it and would like to see a more in depth one.

[@ManoloVintage]

I personally like the reference number at the logo spot. I think it gives balance with that added text.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I think they can keep the DWC without the word "Ref"

[@edjustice7755]

Apart from the Ref # being on the dial, I think the other styling is okay. For sure they need to remove the "Ref" on the dial the actual model number could stay if they have to have it. Other then that I would be a buyer at this price point. Great content as usual M!

[@elgarxu9636]

It's fun to build your own watches and very satisfying. As for this pilot style, it will be better to slide in a eta2824-ish movement, and try different combinations of dials and hands.

[@astrogalaxytraveler]

Finding this after framework, In the coming days all consumer electronics/goods will be made by consumers themselves good for manufacturers then no extra step of assembling, as reduced and cost more produce/yield.

[@TK42715]

thanks for the informative video! Do you know if it is possible to swap out the watch face for say a iwc spare face (or anything similar) or would it not fit?

[@faisalingalong]

Looks great and well worth the money. Definitely keen to try this out.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Good stuff 😃👍

[@uralpilot]

I would SO love to get into this hobby but have no clue where to start !

[@wrenside]

very interesting WC video. sitting the hands looks like one make / break moment in the process. thanks for the presentation.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Exactly, that's the hardest part

[@Kenzabukuro]

Yes, build your own! It's great fun and a good way to learn.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Exactly!

[@sticustom]

I agree with your comments about the REF number and band but the size and font are perfect for someone like me with old eyes. Smaller to me would make the numbers blur together. Having said that I am old. Also I’d like to see a 44mm case size. I like my watches bigger.

[@mikeindovina5565]

Nice review but according to Wini at DIY, this watch does in fact have AR coating on its crystal (you said that it did not)

[@michaelanthony5441]

Thanks Max, I have watched your builds before and enjoyed the experience. DIY seems to be a good project, however I am still lacking that confidence of watch building. I have tried taking apart a watch( an cheap automatic) just to understand the workings. Ask me if I was able to put it back lol.. thanks again great video keep them coming.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Keep at it Michael! Experience counts 👍

[@fieldwalker]

It’s a fun build, but it’s not making something you’ll treasure. Also, I bought the “high end” tool set with my DIY… don’t do this! They are low end tools in a fancy case. Get the free basic tools, and if you love building buy some Bergeron proper tools. 👍

[@JamyRyals]

I haven’t really considered this before but I just got a bracelet sizing kit and it went really well! Down the rabbit hole I go…

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Have fun with it! 😎👍

[@idid1866]

Looked like a Fun build, Max... thanks for the info👍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

You got it bud 😁

[@mohdnoor9511]

Thks for the video. You inspired me to build a wrist watch.

[@Martin000-45]

I've only thought about building my own watch, maybe it's time to pull the trigger. Looks like a decent watch!

[@GiulioSciorio]

So dope! Thanks for the video. More super macro shots please

[@milanchristi7939]

Even if I don't win the giveaway - I think I might have to give one of these projects a try. Thanks, Max!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers Milan! Good luck 🤞

[@chemist2517]

Great giveaway again Max. Something a bit different to a ready made watch for sure!

[@binder946]

Diy seems like a great 💡

[@zulu6ix290]

I like the look. The ref number gives it a military feel that I think they were going for.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Great video, Yes putting on the hands is definitely the hardest part.

[@elaurel951]

I like it, but I don't think I'd have the dexterity to make it look as good as the completed version here. With the minimal work I've done on bracelet changes and even cleaning, it almost looks as though it was Frankenstein'd together. I went a different route. I went with a micro brand watch company that can do custom logos on an homage watch. Very happy with the results. In fact...many people owning Rolex and Tudors asked me where I got my custom dial done and fitted. They thought my pieces were real Rolexes and Tudors. Though I love those watches, I wouldn't pay the price since I'd wear them everywhere. And now that the prices are unstable...it might not be the investment some people make them out to be. At least, not right away. Still, I really do wish I could build my own watch. It's just not meant to be.

[@peterfoskett]

Great review. I would love to have a go at that build

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Peter! 👍

[@ArticulateDesignASMR]

I searched "how do I make my own watch" and clicked this :D I was curious what the difference was that you referred to in the building process? Fantastic video regardless and maybe I'll pick a kit up! (Unless there is another you'd recommend)

[@WatchWitt]

I actually like the reference number line below the logo! Ha! I thought it was supposed to tie into the whole military issue vibe. But I’ll give you that it is a little kitschy…

[@walther9161]

DIY need to let you use your own brand on the dial instead of the mvnt number. Also it wild look nice with crown protector lugs… Nice video and thanks for posting

[@billiondollardan]

I didn't even know I could do this lol. I just found watchcrunch after watching a Peter Kotsa video. This is super cool

[@IShootWatches]

Nice to see some watchmaking on the channel!

[@dougrowell7817]

I love watches and have a few relatives who collect them. If I can trust my clumsy hands to be steaady enough, this will be a ggreat experience. And a good excuse to but more nice tools. :) Great video. Thanks.

[@ottowilliamhalim4116]

what was that thing you sprayed on dial before you closed with with the case and the glass ? thanks in advance

[@Number_006]

Thanks for the vid - excellent content, I really enjoyed it!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@kayanhaider50]

I want to take 2 watches and kinda combine them. I like the case of one and the face of the other. But they’re hybrids and expensive. What’s my best course of action? (If my goal in the end is to have a custom face swapped watch)

[@UltraDoug]

That was excellent. Great gift idea for my mechanically inclined son 👍🏼

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

He will love that 🙌

[@nathandietrich1004]

Nice build for the price. I’ve always been hesitant to try a build.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah it's really a pretty good value 👍

[@zillsburyy1]

i think you can with undone watches. i use to have their 36mm terra nightfall

[@vesternesse]

I just found this video. Very interesting idea, but I would put it a level further. I could pay extra premium if there would be a company that would offer also a bespoke dials for the client. Majority of watches even if they are matching the dimensions and features, movement etc. are still having some downside with a dial or hands. If there only would be some company that would allow for both thing, that would be perfect

[@morganthedruid1]

That really looks good once it's built, my builds in the past always throw up difficulties and I've come to realise I'm not very good at it but still would love to win this . Another great one Max👍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Morgan, they sure make it easy with this kit 👍

[@palemale2501]

Am doing my first (seiko) mod - have just understood why I see so many mods with no SECONDS hand lol

[@fossilimprint2954]

Thank you for this.

[@moboei]

Thanks for making this video.

[@ipprchen]

I built my first mechanical watch today by all parts from Taobao worth US$50. It took me 5 hrs and pretty proud of the result.

[@neonman1604]

That’s a good price, link to kit?

[@ICBBZZ]

I wish I had known of these kits before I decided to try and build a watch from assorted eBay/aliexpress parts and not necessarily buying the right tools... A good video and the kit/tools is a great idea and reasonably priced imho. The minor criticisms I feel are fair, but this watch ends up being a very nice one to own...

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah it's a great place to start 👍

[@billj5645]

I think if a person wants to build their own watch they should try it. There are some things to know- there is little stuff that you have to be careful with. Doing things like installing hands requires you to be patient and calm. If you get frustrated and impatient it might not be for you.

[@DIYWatchClub]

thank you! 😊

[@jaysho5461]

$300???? You can build a Seiko mod for $85 or so ..

[@Caltex2010]

What brand leather strap is that? Looks like a single pass zulu-style leather?

[@jdstarek]

Yes, you should build your own...it's fun. You should also pick up an IWC...they are beautiful. I have a Portuguese, it's my favorite piece. I don't get to wear it that often (quite dressy), but it is literally a piece of art.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

IWC watches are best appreciate in person 🤌

[@spavliskojr]

I agree with the ref number on the dial. It doesnt do it justice to have it on there.

[@neoroxx]

the Ref number is the deal breaker here.

[@MisterTwo92]

I’m trying to make a decent super clone of a navitimer now.

[@manuel_winde]

I got the diver watch for my 40th as a present from my mum who knew I loved watches 😊 2 years later and I’ve changed the dial and added an orange second hand, added countless straps and still love the watch. I’m pleasantly surprised at how well it wears, the quality (I added some silicon lubricant to make the bezel move nicer) and overall look. Agree about the dial layout- would be great if you could design the name/logo a bit more. Also I wish they had a bracelet option, they keep saying they will soon but still nothing.

[@Anirossa]

Got a numbered limited editon oliv Laco 39mm for around the same price as the DIY cost, its priced higher, but because of circumstance, I got it for less than the kit. I want to get into fixing up and servicing mechanical watches, but don't think this kit is for me.

[@SteveG1337]

Which of the 3 kits provide the best value and contain everything a first time watch DIY would want/need?

[@vsaapw2799]

Just bought the watch. Im stuck on how to remove the stem crown. Can someone please help? Very much appreciated.

[@craig2100]

Great kit...looking to buy one soon...Great share!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah it's really well thought out!

[@yukonthornsaengsanoh7942]

From my experience, If you bought a DIY set, a watch would be perfect. Anyway the DIY set wouldn't be diversity much. Usually they offer DIY sets for Japanese movement. Buying part from EBAY could be your answer, but many risks you would face. About my case, I bought a new Swiss movement that the seller told me it was new. Anyway after I used it for 6 months, I had to take it to service that I think the lubricant on some parts were dry. For the most concern, if you focused with Swiss movement like me, only a few watch case would be fit with the movement.

[@barnabu5]

Can you recommend a waterproof watchmaking kit?

[@solstar4778]

$300 you build it your self !!! Incredible!

[@xRedXLV]

Wish there was an extra level where you can make the mechanical motion

[@perfectdiver1]

I bought a watch from DIY watch club last Christmas but the experience was not as good as it states. my advice is that you better get their most expensive tool set or your own, otherwise from my experience, their entry level tool set didn't come with all the tools required for building the particular watch model that i bought. And their customer service is pretty bad as well. When I contacted them of my issue, i didn't get a reply and got completely ignored.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I found this kit pretty compete, sorry you had a bad experience

[@UncleVoodoo]

I started with a Seiko mod and ended up with a spare movement. I ended building another watch based on that extra movement. Not bad. My next build was done by gathering all the parts 2nd hand from around the web and got an ETA 6497 from an old pocket watch off eBay. Now I have a sweet Panerai that cost me $600 to build myself.

[@JamesKnudsenAW]

That is dope, my friend

[@kenildoggy]

Hi Max, that brown watch stand is beautiful! Where did you get it from?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's an aubliq

[@sr49yt]

Where can I found the leather strap?

[@badrinathbandaru235]

Where can I get my own watch making kit since the one used in this video is a bit too expensive

[@paulhiggins8774]

Great watch to start building watches

[@choraemon17]

Thanks for sharing!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers 👍

[@vincentpun123]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Vincent 😊

[@xavshelby967]

Very interesting video! Thanks for sharing.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers 👍

[@HistoVonnegut]

Is there any build your own watch kits for the watch assembly?

[@jim2950]

I have a small wrist. Forty mm is too big. I would like to try building my own watch. I own a 1943 Omega black war watch. It is a 34mm. War watches were smaller so they would not get in the way. But most 1940's were 34 or 36 mm. Some were as small as 23.6 mm. Most of my watches are vintage Omegas which are small. You have to have a arm like a bear to wear many modern watches i top aout at 37mm.

[@Valera_Scotland]

Man.... the new Mark XX looking like a good option

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, it's beautiful 😍

[@pomka2154]

Hi , where i can by parts for this watch?

[@BudiandLeo]

Funny enough, I think the DIY looks better than the IWC's odd choice of minor details. For example, the IWC lumens look a little off color and doesn't go well with the faded look of the watch face. The IWC numbers are also a little more bulgy and not as sharp looking as the DIY's numbers. The smoother black finish and the slightly larger frame of the DIY makes it look more sharp than the IWC's. It's as if IWC didn't really want to try to make their watch talk as much as its price tag.

[@fenwickc2274]

ok so here's the thing I do not get if their is a danger zone on automatic watches and you cant move the date between 9pm to 3am, how is it safe to turn the date wheel (hands not on the watch) when you don't know what time would be displayed on the hands and you might be in the danger zone ? hope I didn't butcher the explanation, can anyone chime in on this. Thanks

[@vincentbenavides23]

A great idea from diy to to get rid of manufacturing process and hand it down to consumers. Kinda like self checkout at grocery stores.

[@Deusmecumest]

Being a flieger just put it next to a Stowa and get it with history and a full warranty. For 4 times less money.