I Built a Vintage Pilots Watch from AliExpress

[@16bitrpglabs68]

I've gotta be completely honest with you bro. Ive never cared, even a little bit, about making watches. But seeing your videos on the subject has given me a renewed zest into the matter. So here we are. We've come from the best of the best of GBA games and hardware mods, to making watches. As far as I'm concerned, that's about as full circle as it gets.

[@agostinonapodano3120]

You should try building one... they're addictive!

[@OccyP]

This is the exact same thing that happened to me! No interest, then addicted to these watch videos.

[@Sc0ttmarvel22]

Same haha I've made two since lol

[@edwardlin2941]

he’s very enthused and contagious in a good way…

[@mpenny2008]

Just found your page. Having recently become a fan of buying Ali express watches. I also love the idea of building my own . You do make it look easy. And the fact you put the links to the parts is brilliant. I'm tempted to make this one. As seems a good affordable first watch to make. Subscribed so looking forward to seeing more 😉

[@wockstarsosa]

I can just binge watch videos of him building watches. I need more ASAP these are so addicting to watch!

[@alessandrobucca545]

The nh38 is the equivalent of nh35 but with no date. Next project keep in mind this. Really lovely job!

[@Crushanator1]

yeah! the 34, 35, 36 and 38 (as well as the 70) are all identical in size, which is good for interchangeable cases, dials and hands

[@digitalbots]

I just wanna say your videos gave me the courage to start building my own watches.

[@bryanbeckett869]

I've been into watches for years at this point, and it's so good to see people in the comments giving a shot when they'd never been interested before. One thing I will say to anyone getting into them; take your time. It's not a race, a collection will take your lifetime to complete. Your tastes WILL evolve, and stuff you get early on you may actually not like even after a few months to a year. Check what brands have to offer, do some research, stick to your own budget, and have fun. I've been toying with making my own for a little while now, and I may just make a feild/pilot's watch. I've loved the idea of a Hamilton Khaki but prices are too high now, I might just build my own dirty dozen replica, or something similar. Cheers mate.

[@rocket7241]

STOP! I just bought 3 different movements, cases and dials from Ali express cause of your watch videos!!! However I am saving money building my dream watch. So thank you!

[@maxvanopdorp9108]

Really has that Hamilton and IWC vibe. Amazing !!!

[@adrianmanea4921]

Ok I just got the parts and for the last 2 hours I have been at it. What a treat man :) thank you

[@matthewbishop9342]

Mate, since I last commented on your watch builds, I've built two and got parts for a gmt and a pilots watch on order, thanks to you 😂😂😂 P.s. don't bend and twist the extra feet off the dial. If your not careful, you can deform the dial

[@erik4864]

I just made my own watch from aliexpress!! In the same style as your black vintage seiko you made 3 months ago.

[@summeryrelic8619]

nice

[@jonaaaaaaah]

Man your vids have sucked me in. Ive ordered parts for 2 builds so far and a buttload of watch repair tools. Still waiting for everything to arrive but super stoked. Love to see your enthusiasm with your builds 😊

[@user-kq6tt7oo3x]

that was incredible. what a beautiful watch and what great work you did on it!I love AMZWATCH watch!! Dream watch! Everytime I wear it, makes me feel amazing!

[@lucascarlton9395]

You should have a look at making a skeleton watch with the NH70-72 movements (depending on your colour preference), if you're interested in the look of them. Loving this watch building series and a skeleton watch would be a great addition to your growing collection!

[@JulianM_Col]

It seems that you have been severely bitten by the watch bug. There is no antidote and no turning back, watch addiction is as strong as any other... Just two words for you, now that you're fully into watch building: "open heart". Building and using your own open heart watch is even more satisfying than the ones with regular dials, there is something about seeing the thing alive and beating every time you look into it that is difficult to describe in words. Thanks for sharing your content, in particular your watch-related content

[@patricksutton588]

It's great to see someone doing videos like this again. I used to enjoy the snk007 mod videos from a few years ago and really miss them. What's old is new again. Great job.

[@belair9]

That was relaxing, I love Pilot watches, my father used to have breitlings, I bought my first one 2019, but the one you have remembers me of the glasshuette my father had, appreciate

[@jae2249]

This is such a great video. This to me highlights the passion people have to this kind of thing and I’m so glad to see that it’s still alive in young people too. So great to see this. Thank you for making.

[@JahangirMohan]

I love watching your videos and MAMACOO to keep myself updated on the world of watches

[@williamking6019]

And this is how u start working on watches keep up the great job

[@edwardnagy7903]

We need more build content! Awsome job on that watch!

[@JDS8]

I haven’t built my own first watch yet (have a bunch of parts lists in the works though so it’ll happen soon) and I have to say your excitement is infectious, I love how excited you get

[@DaksheshCorado]

Watches are so delicate and intricately designed, so I have intense respect and admiration for MaMaCoo watch makers

[@moro8274]

These watch building videos are 10/10!!

[@ChrisMetz-c1e]

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

[@Catorlyt]

I love the military logo on the dial. I'd definitely go for one that has that

[@dsouza8015]

Keep the watch videos coming! You've earnt a new subscriber. The next step is delving in the the servicing of automatic movements. These clone movements often come bone dry from the factory which isn't good for the longevity of them. Time regulation is also worth learning.

[@fatinfyusuf]

This is the new ASMR!

[@Frank8721_]

Your videos are so cool,i love watching you building watches

[@Oozywolf]

I legitimately have everything wishlisted to make my own sometimes soon 😂. Absolutely LOVE these videos.

[@CDPattricko]

All my parts are on the way, these videos have been a big help and inspiration ✌

[@kovko69]

3 things (some of these are for viewers who are looking to do this themselves, as you're making it look easier than it may be): (1) Measure the part you need to cut off the stem twice (or more). (2) Cut the stem a little bit shorter than the measured distance, as you can file away the burrs and shorten it to the correct length later. That's just in case you measured wrong, you slip, etc. That tiny buffer can mean the difference between a workable stem and one you have to throw out. (3) You are pretty good at setting the seconds hand, especially if you've only done a few of these. For simple assemblies, as opposed to say complete movement assemblies, the seconds hand is notorious for being the most difficult part of putting together a watch (as a basic build like you do in your video).

[@retro_yoyo]

Love your custom watches doe actually watched them all through and through 😂

[@anas.s_]

Keep these videos pumping, I absolutely love them

[@fragzwill7012]

Enjoyed this one dude 👌

[@YechielAlawadhi]

My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from MAMACOO

[@Mikelost101]

I would definitely buy that from you, you do an amazing job!

[@Sherlock-py2hh]

I really enjoy your enthusiastic approach to watch building and the fact you don't edit out all the fumbling about that happens. One thing I noted is when you blew the filings from the back of the dial it was very close to the uncovered movement, I cringed a little. Keep up the good work.

[@ForSquirel]

These videos have convinced me I need to take my smart watch off a few days a week and go back to analog.. just because.

[@climberman8]

I love the evolution of your channel! From Nintendo to custom watch building. Keep it up!

[@tylereastman8163]

You need to make a watch with a custom logo on the dial! That would be epic!

[@getwhtugiv]

I am going to build this watch! Thanks Elliot.

[@joaovitorsantosvieira4283]

Hello mate! I am from Brazil and have been passionate about the world of watches since I was a child. Recently, I found myself even more interested, researching great brands and so on. However, one great frustration of being passionate about watches is not having the money to buy them. A few days ago, I watched your videos assembling your own watches, and your excitement motivated me so much that I have already bought parts to build my first project. I must thank you for introducing me to this world of DIY watches, because to be honest, I feel much more excited about owning a watch that has meaning to me than one that is important just because it is expensive, etc. Anyway, thank you very much and keep it up, you are amazing! P.S. My project will be very unique and sentimental to me. When I finish it, I will definitely send you photos of it completed.

[@joaovitorsantosvieira4283]

P.S.² I have a few questions about customising the dial. If you could help me, I would be very grateful.

[@elliotcoll]

Fantastic! Best of luck with it. I don’t know much about custom dials unfortunately!

[@marcinizbicki9837]

@@elliotcoll is it a 36 or 39 mm case, mate?

[@davekat4680]

……love these watch build vids Elliot 👍 great taste. I’m getting ready to dive in 🍻 cheers

[@doctorbalthazar]

More!! We want more!!

[@TheSuperbaconator]

Love the channel man! You inspire me to want to make my own custom watches. Keep on building!

[@yoavweinberg3276]

Great video, actually that has turned into a beautiful watch

[@WaveyWatches]

you beat me to it !!! good build.

[@James_D.]

Alright, another watch! 🙌🏻

[@PWRSLV]

Damn these watch builds videos are great. Good choice on the case. 👍🏻

[@AinatMorrissette]

got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on mamacoo 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.

[@marcinizbicki9837]

could you post photos?

[@quentinaoustin7543]

You inspired me to do one ! I am still waiting on a custom dial and I am throwing myself under the bus !

[@He11cth3r3]

I have a green dial version of this exact watch on right now and I love the designs of them. Only difference between the build and mine is it has 200 meters of water resistance and I don’t know about that ones but probably had the same

[@MD-uc8bx]

I would rather to name it a field watch. but a site of that it looks great. Grats

[@Soundz_11]

4:01 Maybe try nail clippers? Never done it, just a suggestion. Also your watch videos are brilliant, keep up the good work!

[@matthewbishop9342]

@@Soundz_11 that what I use. Well, it was until the wife caught me using her really expensive ones 😅

[@motopixel50]

and don't do it above the open watch movement!

[@Soundz_11]

@@matthewbishop9342 😂

[@nitinknight]

I've been waiting for this since you mentioned it in the last video!

[@Mistermister1123]

So you made a Tandorio watch basically 😂 love it 🎉

[@DaleDix]

I don't know how this got into my feed, but I'm addicted now.

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

Just beautiful.

[@TofuGimpel]

i love your excitement my man! ❤👍

[@pkneeyahx]

Why is everything so over the top stunning to you?

[@Crushanator1]

that bigger case could look very cool with some deep chapter rings, which i dont think youve used on any builds so far. theyre sort of an ornamental depth border or an additional horizontal border which can have additional spots for lumes and things Your videos inspired me and im super happy that I just got the email saying my parts now have a US tracking number so they'll be here any day

[@francescobarbaro7114]

Mate, I've just built a pilot's watch with the same dial!!! My only issue has been with the hands: even though they were said to be right for the movement (NH38, the one without the date disk) the hour one went on easily, but I had to file the minutes hand's hole, while the seconds hand wasn't just right (and too tiny to work on it). So, I'm now in doubt if buy another set of hands and try to put the seconds one on or leave it as it is, since it's incredibly precise... 🤔

[@JoshuaLovesWatch]

Just wanna comment and say you inspired me to assemble my own "Oyster perpetual" bubble dial watch. Found a homeage on ali express, but it is too expensive. Hence, I decided to diy my own.

[@AneeqUrrehman-yj7xe]

I have been waiting for another watch making video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@LordStevenStone]

I didn’t even know you can make your own watches I’m definitely gonna look into that

[@East_of_Hightower]

Great video. You should consider putting blue thread lock on the stem to affix the crown more securely. It should give you some more reliability if you end up using that build a lot. And blue not red, red stuff will cause more problems than it solves. 🖖🏽

[@JenniferJones-t8f]

amzwatch is best watch factory!!!

[@evil1st]

Pilot watches typically have a compass dial and an altimeter along with very legible fonts on the face. Some altimeter watches can acurately show how far above sea level you are up to even 40k feet.

[@ckkbleev]

You've got to look into building a skeleton watch with an NH70 or NH72 movement. Super easy to build since there would be no dial.

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Really enjoyed watching.

[@NezuChan]

A bit unrelated but I was gifted a Michael Kors watch a few years back and I love the fact that it has independent timer dials on the face. Not a feature I see all that often, but I'm not a watch nerd. Maybe it has become obsolete due to how easy it is to time things using phones? I also want a Seiko because of you, Elliot! :P

[@toddacheson]

Love your channel. Please take a minute or two and give us a LUME shot of your watches after you build them

[@tombry874]

awesome mate congrats

[@weeeeee831]

if you dont have calipers for measure the stem.... I found using a mechanic pencil works great as a ghetto alternative. just tick the graphite out to make the measurement

[@kevinpham7276]

i need more of these videos

[@icyds]

You definitely own watches if you play gameboy, so this fits very well :)

[@snafu673]

The movement that you need for that type of dial is a NH38 has no day or date function to it.

[@shahriarswopnil5104]

Hi Elliot love your video. Requesting you to make a dress watch with manual wind movement (not automatic) with leather strap to make a pure vintage vibe.

[@Carlitow]

Man that tiffany GMT looks amazing

[@iannicholls2790]

The ghost (?) date mechanism means you shouldn't adjust the time backward if it's within two hours of midnight, or you might break something in the date part of the mechanism. Adjust the time until the date clicks over before putting the dial and hands on, so you know when it's midnight.

[@iiTyrull]

Just an FYI, next time you look for a no-date movement, search for NH38. Great watch!

[@indeedentertainment]

I already have a hamilton khaki field...but this is tempting even though it looks similar...

[@Albert-ru7ob]

It looks amazing!

[@liesofgasandpilesofshoes]

i woul have to get radium lume on that to really set it off. nos radium mixed up with fresh zinc sulphide and an epoxy base will keep it from ever crumbling and becoming a danger.

[@ChaFairchild]

Loving the video but it's time to start kicking things up a notch. Practice things like filling the case so the edges aren't too rough then polishing it up. Or screen printing a custom logo to the watch face. Keep increasing those watch skills!

[@jacdavis]

Dude grew up watching the QVC channel 😂😂😂 Looks great, I'd say its more field, than pilots watch though.

[@grneal26]

Don't forget to grease the o-rings that are on the crown as well. Just to make sure it is as waterproof as possible.

[@ianfeltham4771]

Absolutely love these..can you specify the sizes on the links you do for the parts? Thank you and keep these builds going..love them

[@dopetoast3575]

I feel like Tactical frog already makes that watch

[@autoclub99]

great video

[@matthewbishop9342]

Hey Eliot, check out the nh70 movements a.d skeleton dials . Very nice and it's going to be my next build 👍

[@djspeed85]

For Pilot's Watches I use the NH38 Movement, it doesn't have the date to worry about.

[@AmeerKhan-gd7hw]

Nail clippers are best imo for snipping dial feet off.

[@stanbanning1557]

love thes video's!!!!!!!

[@Ridley-ku5dc]

So nice, i still have my grandads ww2 watch which is very similar to this. Unfortunately the radium has degraded.

[@theotimepirmolin9058]

as i said in your previous video, i feel like it would probably easier for you to have a much lower chair/much higher desk (that is the setup most watchmaker use) other than that great job

[@sterkriger2572]

Depending on the case and the thickness of the strap you can get away with a actual accurate (to Air Force issued watches) single pass nato strap

[@anthonybates5030]

Great build. Is this the 36mm or 39mm case?

[@inkdretro]

Should check out the marine nationale straps bro, super comfortable and not as bulky as a Nato

[@moggimoggi]

Remember when Elliot made retro gaming content? Good times