I Built my DREAM Vintage Watch from AliExpress

WOW. This is just absolutely gorgeous.
I DO NOT reccomend buying a dial which has branding on it when its not made by the original manufacturer.
Parts used:
Case - s.click.aliexp...
Dial (NO LOGO) - s.click.aliexp....
Hands - s.click.aliexp...
Strap - s.click.aliexp...
Movement - s.click.aliexp...
Thank you for watching! Follow me:
Twitter - / elliot_coll
Instagram - / theretrofuturephotos
#Seiko #TheRetroFuture #Watch
Aliexpress links are affiliated.

[@sandr6769]

You've got yourself into watches? You're done, mate. Absolutely done. This rabbit hole just doesn't end.

[@Chancer]

😂😂

[@lejezza2492]

Yeah I have all the parts for an aquanaut in my AE basket. It is hard not to just click buy. Who the hell needs an orange watch??! I just can't stop.

[@varadhkaloor3290]

So damn true😂

[@cupcaketatted610]

facts i wanna build a watch for the channel

[@nixice]

Now you have scared me... I've been interested in watches and watch repair/building since watching quite a few of wristwatchrevival's videos, and I just threw everything for this watch in the cart and clicked buy. I know nothing personally about watches, nor have I ever worked on one, let alone built one. I hope this goes OK...

[@yogsoy]

nothing needs to change about this channel's format in my mind. you're clearly having a good bit of fun trying out new things with these watches :)

[@salvatoreocello]

Agree

[@FattyOn2Wheels]

i agree

[@charles_the_elder]

I've built a lot of watches using Seiko movements. I agree with not using a Seiko marked dial if I'm building it. One tip I can offer is have wooden toothpicks in your toolbox. Wooden toothpicks won't scratch anything on the watch, can be used for lining up the hands, and removing the stem and crown.

[@bryanb4308]

Tooth picks all day baby!

[@robindewolf3702]

Where do you buy the parts?

[@avinoavi]

i NEVER thought i would enjoy watching someone builds a knockoff watches so much man keep it up u found your succes formula on yt

[@ndigerolamo]

Love the build. Something I learned from a buddy of mine who services Omegas - when setting the hands, after you set the date and place the hour hand at 12, you can rotate the hour hand to the 3 o clock position to set the minute hand back at 12. Then do a full rotation and let the date change over again just to make sure all is well. Then you can set the seconds hand on back at 3 o clock. From my understanding, it’s a bit easier to set the hands this way, and this is the way Omega authorized service centers set the hands.

[@johnathankohlhepp624]

Not sure how many people actually went ahead and purchased the parts and also put one of these together but I ended up doing so and this was my first watch build. Turned out great on my first try! Thanks, Elliot!

[@randomlin5301]

4:40 that's exactly what you want to do as far as I know. Sometimes there are some extra feet on the dial for different crown positions of the movement (like 3.8 o clock or 4 o clock position of the crown) so it can be used for different movement/case combinations.

[@F-Tier_Physique]

Yup, its so you can use for several feet positions. Prolly shouldve used something sticky like blue tack to get all the metal dust after filing.

[@danjrash]

Rodico is best for that, it doesn't have a ​greasy residue.

[@Illeeegal]

Yo a question for you, if I buy a 28.5mm nh35 dial then can I use the same movenment as the one he used. I’m very new to this!

[@gk7CodM]

@@Illeeegalpretty sure you can as he is using nh35 movement

[@Illeeegal]

@@gk7CodM cool

[@James_D.]

Let’s watch Elliot build another watch! 👀

[@kerrybayton8356]

A word of advice, always whenever possible use a piece of rodico to move/ pick up/ place delcate objects like hands etc.. Without scratching the item.. A great looking homage.. Nice work.

[@ckkbleev]

I build these as a hobby and I can tell you that you did the exact right thing using the flush cutters to get rid of the extra legs on the dial. They're meant to be there just in case your case has a 3 or 4 o'clock position. The only bit of advice I could give you other than to get a proper case back tool is that you absolutely need to get yourself a loop or handheld magnifier with 30-40x magification so that you could set the hands properly. I've found it way easier to set the movement on the cushion at the edge of the table and look at the movement through the magnifier on my knees, that way you could stack one hand on top of the other and see exactly how far you need to press before you go too far.

[@saintofstreets]

Is there a website or resource for people who are interested in building affordable watches as a hobby?

[@ckkbleev]

@@saintofstreets I learned mostly from my dad, but also from KZbin. There are tons of videos out there of specific things like how to measure and cut crown stems, how to stack hands and install crystals.

[@JF-lt5zc]

I do HO model trains as a hobby. My eyes aren't what they used to be. So, I use a ring lit magnifier. It clamps to my work bench, can rotate 360 degrees and has a collapsible arm. I can position it in a variety of ways and then let it go, freeing up my hands to put small parts on.

[@nathanjbrad]

Keep these builds coming absolutely love them!

[@johnnyc.3261]

I’d like to see a video where you build the fanciest/most elaborate watch possible. Maybe loaded with as many features as possible or make it as high end as possible.

[@KarolaSteigler]

My watch was purchased 2 years ago from amzwatch and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.

[@brunof.6452]

These skin divers case have such a classic design, I love it!

[@jimbob1426]

would love to see this become a series

[@dinosoup]

Shout out to you for branching out and succeeding, most youtubers do new content and it just flops. Nice job.

[@ShamimAjee]

God!!! MAMACOO Who would have thought those gorgeous watches go for that low!!!

[@jedleary5819]

Put the hand set on with Rodico, it’s the easiest way. Need to get yourself brass or plastic tweezers, get yourself a NH35/36 movement holder also. Also get a magnifying glass so you can see the gaps between the hands while you are putting them on / before you rotate them

[@kennethdarbonne4455]

Quick tip, when taking off dial feet, grip the foot with a needle nose plier and twist until the foot pops off and you won't have to file anything down!

[@liorsavion9313]

Hey, I would love to eventually give it a go myself it looks incredible. I would love to have a complete guide that explains how to do it that also includes the shopping part (how to find matching parts) and also all the tools needed to do this

[@andyhorne9747]

I just ordered my first bunch of parts, I did a search based on the movement - nh35 case, nh35 dial, nh35 hands etc. I also ordered a tool kit but when I got it realised it was missing some stuff so had to order more - hand press, hand lifters, back removal ball and cushion.

[@trulydivined]

Good ol' pot noodle and a Elliot Coll watch video.

[@GerardinaObst]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the amzwatch's watches are the most intriguing.

[@hardilghotra632]

I’m a jeweller so I do this all day! watching you do it reminds me when I first did it. Keep this shit up.I love it!

[@irenewieringa4634]

Jewellers aren't trained and don't (well hardly ever) work on watches - WATCHMAKERS / HOROLGISTS do. I'm a watchmaker and only do watches and a few clocks - not jewellery. Correctly define your terms and your trade (if you are actually a jeweller).

[@burger116]

@@irenewieringa4634calm down man, stop crying

[@jackm4567]

More of this, assembling modern versions of vintage styles for everyday wear.

[@nic9302]

it's super common for aliexpress (and similar) sellers to photoshop off the logos in listings to prevent copyright takedowns, especially with the popularity of "unauthorized" or duplicates of luxury watches. always check the reviews to see what customers say about logos. you can also message sellers and ask, theyd much rather answer your question than risk getting a return for inaccurate pictures

[@HitnRunTony]

I can’t wait to see you build a grandfather clock 😂

[@fidelcatsro6948]

That would be easier to do..

[@arn0ld93]

Hey mate, loved the last few videos, do you mind linking the tools you brought too?

[@JacobSmith-tr7fu]

The dials will never show Seiko in the listing since they are not official and it is illegal. However, they usually mention in the item title or description that the dial is an ‘S-dial’. If anywhere in the description or title it says S-dial there will be a Seiko name on the dial when it is shipped even if it is not in the picture. I hope this helps!

[@Chris_Smith-uo4ct]

Thank you for that information bc I was wondering about that. ❤

[@soaremicheledavid6020]

They are easy to polish! Just use a piece of toilet paper (one square) a car polisher paste (headlight polisher is the best for this), rub the hands on that paper and use a ear stick to clean after that.

[@ItsAboutTime28]

this is such a bad idea lmao

[@TC-iv7dn]

Me and my dad both have the same watch. We talk about it often, its one of the things that we always talk about when we see us 😂

[@OldWatchRestorations]

Cool series, on the vintage watches I work on I generally polish the hands if they’re scratched up. You could give it a try on your first set after your replacements come. I usually use a polishing stick with something like 1000-3000 grit (depending on how bad they’re scratched) to start then work up to 7000 and follow with a quick metal polish on a Q-tip like polishing stick. Afterwards I use Renaissance wax to keep them from oxidizing. It’s a cool hobby, glad you’re enjoying it!

[@RozelleTajkhan]

When it comes to fine imitation watches, amzwatch delivers. I've bought from them several times, and I've never been let down.

[@chaschuky999]

In my opinion the best watch is the watch you wear. So much of this industry is about inflating prices through artificial scarcity and exclusivity, instead of the art of horology.

[@greamepenney5947]

hi Elliot you need to add a dial washer it's quite important.it goes between the dial side of the watch and the dial .it looks like a double bent washer .also a dab of thread lock on the crown thread to prevent it unscrewing. And also the movement needs either a retaining ring or screws to hold the movement in position, at the moment all that's holding the weight of the movement to the case is the crown stem. If your going to do more watch builds it's best you fix the ones you have done first. Otherwise you could ruin a more expensive build later on. There are a few good watch build channels on KZbin just watch the assembly processes and you will see what you missed.

[@albancho]

Any advice on a channel to learn from the very basics and also which tools to buy?

[@forestboy52]

wristwatchrevival is a really good watch making channel

[@mstrwul1]

He doesn't need any of that. Ive been building watches for years and the nh35/36 dont need (washers) 💩. As for a retaining ring the case back is the retaining ring. Some case backs are made for the nh35 and nh36. You can always swap the grey ring on movement to suit case back. These grey rings on the nh35 and 36, one is slightly bigger than the other.

[@CarlRencer]

Nh movements don't require washers.

[@CarlRencer]

The plastic movement ring holds the movement in the case.

[@BlueRam3395]

Awesome that you started doing this! I’ve been in this hobby for a while. You should try a build with a 2824/PT5000 movement. The higher beat rate is beautiful. Just don’t but the one that has blue screws…

[@NaraTrotter]

I like the watch I got from amzwatch. That rubber strap combo looks really cool! Been wearing it since last year and love every minute of it.

[@drewbreezy5854]

Lololol your assessment of the finished product is hilarious. It is a handsome watch. Nicely done.

[@oldmovieslist]

I had the same issue with a logo, I removed it with a little alcohol on a qtip. It went completely of. This works only on glossy dials though, be carefull not to ruin the dial.

[@CremildaBernas]

Thank you for making high quality videos!Love amzwatch ’s watches

[@dawidz9511]

Congrats, you've pulled me into this hobby as well. I've ordered the parts and can't wait until I get to build my own watch now

[@osetra6751]

There are extra sticks on the dial if you want the crown at 3.8 oclock position, so ali express makes it accessible for you to choose and remove which ones

[@madmike6942]

i have a tissot t-touch solar...love it...over 1 year now and the watch is fenomenal...went thru sea water,wearing it at work and i am a bike mechanic....no scratches,no dents nothing..the watch is fantastic

[@dayganeagar7749]

Is it a self build? would love to see the parts list for that

[@ChritelleLinger]

Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the MAMACOO, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.

[@UncleThor]

Wristwatch Revival is a great channel! I watch every video.

[@ItsAboutTime28]

his techniques are so bad

[@mooseknucklesmosley]

Marshall, from WW Revival, technique is bad?

[@KuxinSlvl]

All dat MaMaCoo watches sssssoooooooo gorgeous！

[@itsallrobbish]

Good for you, that is a great result, well done. I really fancy having a go myself.

[@loleklolkowski8567]

Hi elliot, very cool videos. I would love to see the process of how u select all of the parts to make sure that everything works together when you assemble it.

[@claudioordonez1103]

The channel is amazing! I’d love to see an aliexpress Cartier-like watch

[@official_wutnot]

Because they need to support many types of movements, they have more legs than needed. Just remove and file down the ones you do not need.

[@justinc8157]

Ceramic is harder than steel. So ceramic tweezers might not be a good idea. However, you can find brass tweezers or even plastic tip tweezers which won't scratch steel

[@06stangsc]

Wristwatch Revival is amazing

[@ItsAboutTime28]

he has such bad techniques its not even funny

[@rudelfs]

Hey man! Loved this video as well as the past two watch building videos. I would love to see more videos in this direction but maybe doing something different? Maybe a digital watch? A G-Shock mod? Big fan, keep going!

[@Broadshore]

I believe the dial you have is make for two Different Movements. Depending on your movement. You have to clip the dial post.

[@gabmaia23]

Id love to learn more on how to figure out parts compatibility!! How do you make sure all the parts you order are gonna fit?

[@Unlucky1776]

Keep these videos coming! Youre getting alot of people into watches AND retro stuff. Youre too cool

[@thebillybonney]

Until watching a few of your videos, ( and discovering your channel ) it has never crossed my mind to build a watch. That's all about to change now though. Gone through your parts list and I'll be building my own watch as soon as they arrive. Wish me luck! 😁

[@krsrxs]

Keep the watch content coming! Especially seiko! You can also use rodico to pick up the hands while setting them rather than tweezers. It is a moldable putty that can also be used to pick up dust on the dial.

[@alazevedo97]

I have been passionate about watches since I was a teenager. One day, watching The Godfather 2, I saw the Omega Constellation PiePan on the Don Corleone wrist and that watch became an obsession for me. However, it is difficult to find one in good condition and that does not cost the price of a kidney. At that moment Aliexpress came in, I found a seller who had the kit to assemble the watch, the only difference was that I put a Swiss ETA movement instead of the original Omega one. Now I have the watch of my dreams without having to go into debt to do so.

[@johnharman3442]

I’m so glad you include the mistakes! You might save me from the same fate.

[@richardbriansmith8562]

Awesome Video Elliot Coll More Watch Making please🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@tuur6211]

Could you make a video on how to find the right parts on ali express?

[@maukka138]

So well made stuff 5/5 . I was watching this and my wife said: "again that fcking funnyman".😂 seikolove.

[@truenorthmuskoka9077]

I purchased the same hands this week and noticed in the description it said With S Logo. I asked the seller and they said the dial only comes with the Seiko logo. I wasnt happy about that but I bought it anyway. Great tip about using ceramic tweezers. Im buying them today. Im building my first watch. Your videos are so helpful

[@simonosborne3047]

I've made about a dozen scratchbuilds. A tip - I use a pair of plastic tweezers for all dial & hands work. I've scratched a dial or two with metal ones.

[@420RcPilot]

Case screws and clamps are a must. Right now your movement is being held only by the stem and the movement likely can rattle around in the case...it might work for a while but it will fail eventually.

[@WatchmakerErik]

2 minutes in and I'm already a big fan of this video. A very worthwhile and extremely well worded note about counterfeiting, and a great argument for why I an homage watch makes sense. It's the same reason I would want a replica Cobra instead of a real one, I don't have to baby it.

[@ste4282]

This is awesome. I just got the sje093 and the real only difference is the case back, movement, and big crown (which is dependent on the 62MAS reissue/reinterpretation you have and/or prefer). Very nicely done!!

[@saldoom]

love that you're into this now, looking forward to seeing more!

[@heyjohnsmith]

Thank you, after years of watching Nekkid, Wristwatch, etc.. You're the first KZbinr to give me confidence to build my own! Will order the parts after this.

[@serlolol]

That dial has 4 dial feet so that you can choose to postion the crown at the 3 o'clock or 4 o'clock position according to the case. Simply choose which orientation you're gonna stick the crown at, then cut accordingly and sand the nubs flush with the movement. You're spot on with figuring out what to do, the only bit of advice would be using rodico as well to make sure you get all the filings off.

[@YZFMANIAC08]

Did the exact mod today on my San Martin, makes it look like a completely different watch

[@thechunkyhen]

Just did this same build with the blank nonbranded dial (my first build ever) and it turned out great! Getting the second hand seated properly was a PAIN IN THE ASS!! Lol, I'm already looking forward to my next watch build.

[@BlueRam3395]

If you want to get the dial without the logo eBay is a better bet, or make sure the listing says no “S” logo on Ali

[@norvillesdingus3917]

Just built a feiko this week! All parts sourced from Aliexpress. Looks like you are having as much fun as I am!

[@halfdanmonie]

Please make more videos of you making watches. It’s super fun and just ordered parts for my first custom build

[@timecowboy]

A lot of times, those "fake-o" dials you get from resellers will have 4, 6, sometimes even 10 extra dial feet. This is normal, this is so that you can affix that dial to a wide range of movements, just nip the feet you don't need off and file, exactly like you did.

[@olinsalty1670]

I love wristwatch revival’s channel! Nice callout

[@ItsAboutTime28]

his techniques are so bad lmao

[@layzbean430]

Rodico putty instead of new pliers are more of a priority IMO. Useful for holding hands and picking up specs of dust off dial faces and such!

[@DecemberNames]

brings back a lot of memories builing my own watches with china parts. good stuff man.

[@joewongtube1]

Wonderfully done. Thank you for taking my suggestion from the last video and listing the parts!

[@antimatt_r]

Happy to see you didn't mean to have a Feiko dial, lol. That's where I draw the line as far as "homages" go as it shouldn't be advertising itself as something it's not. More of these! It's slowly giving me the confidence to pull out my half finished Vostok Amphibia mod that's been languishing away in a box for the last six years

[@xnamkcor]

If you plan on anything close to serious measurements, get an analog caliper. Make sure it has the thumb rolly thing.

[@aceede7444]

I would love to see an Ademars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton type watch getting built :)

[@Sowhat300]

I was in a bad mood until I watched your video. Now my spirits are uplifted. Your commentary is brilliant! 😂

[@thomaskolb623]

You can view the levels of the hands from the side to ensure the hands are parallel to each other. And then rotate the hands slowly while viewing from the side. Also, a screw down crown is only waterproof if there is a rubber gasket on the barrel of the crown or in the case tube. And typically, the stem can go in without pressing the detent. I’m new to your channel, but have 20 years in watch refurbishment. Love these great ideas you share.

[@thejames666]

Would like a video about your tools, what you decide to upgrade, what you need, what you don’t, how much you should spend etc.

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

With the deep set dial from the crystal it reminds me of marathon SAR

[@Tink-GB]

Again get some threadlock (blue - semi-permanent, not green - as that is permanent) for the stem and crown

[@vhfgamer]

Red is permanent. Blue is permanent until you apply heat.

[@coop8267]

Purple would be better I think. You can loosen it without applying heat.

[@vhfgamer]

@@coop8267 It doesn't take much heat to loosen blue. I do it with a soldering iron.

[@konradb.1420]

Have you thought about making a video describing the process of looking for parts that match?

[@DanD-yp7ni]

Welcome to the wonderful world of watches. It wasn't that long ago that I started my own journey down that particular rabbit hole. The video is pretty good. Have you looked at any of the other channels that are dedicated to assembling parts like this into rather nice watches? Several of them address some of the things you figured out for yourself in this video, but with some added details and techniques you mind find helpful if you keep going on this path. A channel called "It's Another Watch" and "Watch Me Build It" are particularly good resources to learn from. There are others, but those two go into details you will likely find helpful. I'm not affiliated with either, but have actually learned from both those creators. Enjoy the watch journey! (P.S. Rodico is your friend, get some, it's not expensive.)

[@JoeRabone]

One thing I’d recommend is getting some decent spring bars for your strap, the ones you get with the cheaper cases tend to bend quite easily

[@SuperJoeboyd]

I ordered them bits but from here in Thailand they were a lot cheaper. Can't wait to put my homage 62 mas together.

[@Harshithcollooru1]

I'm really keen on building a watch after watching this video! Really helpful to see all the links to the parts you can buy. Could someone be kind enough to list the set of basic tools I need to buy for this please considering I'm a beginner?

[@cseivard]

Thanks very much! Now, I can finally fix what has quit working!

[@dperreno]

Pretty sure you mean plastic/nylon tweezers. Ceramic is even harder than metal and would be sure to scratch any metal or glass that it comes into contact with.

[@philipmccloy6502]

Very nice. A simple face but exufes elegance.

[@josemiguelbuenoguerra5890]

Thanks for sharing the links to every product!

[@ailestriker9888]

Except the fake dial thankfully

[@Sherice-j6w]

All dat amzwatch watches sssssoooooooo gorgeous！

[@Ashaned3zilva]

make more watch videos, they are really entertaining and nothing needs to be changed

[@thomaskolb623]

I nice NATO mesh woven strap is a nice alternative.