I Built my DREAM GMT Watch from AliExpress

[@TheTl33]

Would you be able to put out a video tutorial on how to search for and find the parts? Like how you make sure the parts will all work with each other, keywords you use to find specific styles of hands, cases, faces…

[@patrikhejnar9495]

I am purchasing only 2 types- sizes of cases for now and hands that I know will fit that size of dial cause I don´t know if other will fit good. When I bought my first hands and discovered they were too small xD Smaller dials for 36mm cases are 28.5-29.3mm in size The other one is ,,cocktail case,, used for seiko presage dials , 40mm, dials are 35mm Haven´t tried any other size so far.

[@spankmygimp]

Nh35 or nh36 movements so search nh36 dial, case, or hands they are all the same just note the 36 has day and date the 35 only date so buy dials that have correct window

[@TheTl33]

@@bosco1603 I ended up just diving into more after this comment and have stuff on the way to build my first! I went with an nh35 but I guess where I was getting most lost was not wanting to use a mechanical or automatic movement. I really want to make one with the VH31 movement but kept getting in a loop of a case that would fit, but a face that wouldn’t, then all around again. I’ve also never used aliexpress before and that site is a damn labyrinth lol. Thank you though for the tips!

[@karladlington3112]

​@@bosco1603 where do you get 'branded' dials?

[@karladlington3112]

​@@bosco1603where do you get 'branded' dials from?

[@BiDbMAK13]

Done! I never did watches before, but you inspired me, and now, the brilliant watch is already on my wrist, built half an hour ago and it's pure gorgeous, I'm endlessly thankful to you that you showed me this, and I built the watch which I wish for! 🙏❤

[@elliotcoll]

So happy to hear! Enjoy!!

[@owainjones2643]

Dang, what timing. Just sat down with a cup of tea and this pops up

[@elliotcoll]

Enjoy!

[@H_tudor]

Same kind of just sat down on the toilet and bam this beaut of a video pops up

[@raulsdrsd]

​@@H_tudorMe too man, me too

[@KL005]

@@elliotcoll ALLONZ Y HON HON HON

[@Greeneyes3005]

I love your excitement and enthusiasm!! 😁Yup that’s a lovely looking watch 👍😃

[@jmdwatchcompany]

I have to tell you, you did the assembly better than a majority of the do it yourself watch guys. You did it with confidence and you have dexterity. I am a watchmaker and I can see you did it mostly correct except I would never case up a watch unless the hands line up perfectly. In this case it is your personal watch so I guess it doesn’t matter. I recommend that you use an eye loupe for the future, it helps. Great job and definitely an interesting color scheme.

[@user-yk1cw8im4h]

Funny how easy it is to call yourself a watchmaker these days.

[@rakshankumar1115]

​@@user-yk1cw8im4hWhy?

[@jmdwatchcompany]

After years of horology school and spending months hand filing and working on a lathe making balance staffs, studying movements and building my own shop for 14 years while doing countless restorations makes me a watchmaker not just the trade school degree hanging on my wall.

[@KutWrite]

@@jmdwatchcompany I've learned over the years it's easier for people to throw tomatoes than to grow them. Don't let the "throwers" get to you!

[@jallen418]

I did not watch the whole thing, but I prefer an Optivisor or low power microscope or dissecting scope. The eye loupes are super clumsy.

[@BegleyCefalu]

Picked up a AMZWATCH's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!

[@Karumu3213]

that is just so clean looking, the yellow stands out in a good way. i may need to make my own too....

[@KyekOfficial]

Your excitement is contageous, please keep making more of these! 🔥

[@waqas-qammar]

Finally build it. First time. That was exciting. Second hand was the most difficult. My rodico was sticking to finger condoms.l and actually creating more mess. Few mistakes happen. 1. The rotor sticker is not pressed down properly. 2 the crown needle is a little longer. 3) date change at around 10 minutes after 12. But for the first timer, I am really happy. It works. Looks good. And I am happy.😂

[@benjamindillemann1569]

😂😂 I've actually ordered everything on the 25th and I'm waiting for everything to arrive!! Hopefully it goes well...

[@waqas-qammar]

​@@benjamindillemann1569 good luck. The journey and the end result are really satisfying. i already ordered parts for two more watches 😂

[@benjamindillemann1569]

Hey mate, I received the dial the other day, but haven't tried fitting the dial or hands on the movement. Before I received them, I tried putting the movement into the case. Unfortunately I wasn't able to screw the caseback down with the movement in it. I'm hoping I had just put it in wrong and also that when I put the dial on it that it will be easier to fit the movement in the case. Did you encounter this same problem?

[@waqas-qammar]

@@benjamindillemann1569 hi, No, first of all I didn't use the same links. 2nd I did some research on namoki and diy watch club and figured out that the minimum thickness of case to work with GMT is 13.5 by that time I already had ordered a 13.2mm case and it worked for me. Maybe your case is 11 or 12 mm thick. Please check the height of the case and let us all know. GMT is a little bit thick around 0.4mm more than nh35 so it will not fit any nh35 case

[@marshmallow_mia]

It's time to take apart the movement, clean and reoil it. You will love it! It's really not as hard as you think. For the first time you should take pictures of the disassemble process tho.

[@zeuss1353]

What’s recoiling if I may ask

[@marshmallow_mia]

@@zeuss1353 I was just to stupid to write reoil xD Damn autocorrect

[@zeuss1353]

@@marshmallow_mia oh, that makes more sense now, yeah igotchu

[@TheCaptain008]

I was wondering that. I just did the Seiko 62mas build he did. And it's keep incredible time, especially considering my oily fingers touch HD squeezed the movment while trying to assemble. But once I had it on wrist I wondered if it's oiled at all. Like would Aliexpress even care to do that?

[@M1LAD81]

But doesn't at least one of the oils cost an eye-watering amount of money? Moebius? I watch a lot of watch restoration videos and Moebius is very expensive 😢

[@epic27]

I've started looking at NH-35A movements to replace my broken movement on my watch, now you've inspired me to build my own! Awesome video, and absolutely beautiful! Thanks for this video.

[@halfdanmonie]

These videos are just making me excited every time. Please make more watches. I build my first watch after I watched your first custom watch video. Thank you 🙏

[@AlexandreMedinas]

I always liked to do something like this but I tought it would imply too many watchmaking tools to buy and now thanks to your video I know they aren't that many, one thing: It really needs a Jubilee strap to be the most beautiful thing ever. I have a Pagani design GMT with the Sprite Bezel. I love how accurate it is for the price.

[@Albert-ru7ob]

“I’ve created the nicest looking watch on the planet!” You really have Elliot! It looks amazing!

[@X85283]

I would avoid those rotor covers. Plenty of decorated replacement rotors out there. You're introducing random adhesive into the sealed movement, which can break down over time and end up coating the movement. Probably not a huge deal with an NH but overall a stick-on decorating just seems low quality compared to an actual new rotor.

[@ytown4]

I love white dial wrist watches.

[@shogun9032]

I just ordered the Invicta Diver Pro 1953 yesterday. It's so cool to watch your video while waiting for my order! Cheers, mate!

[@Skulzontop]

wonderful looking watch mate

[@n.j.crawler]

Love mine

[@MantisDanyel]

As always the most thoughtful , well researched & eloquent watch channel around , keep MAMACOO coming !

[@JaPesTube]

This video was my gateway to assembling a watch from component parts and a Seiko NH series movement. As long as I can source the parts, I can create anything I want. It’s ruined me on buying popular brand Chinese homage watches. Thanks so much for creating and publishing this video. It’s relatable for novices.

[@jayjayhooksch1]

I agree. Unless you have some kind of dexterity issue and you physically cannot do the assembly process, there is so much more value in this diy watch building than in homage brands. You get exactly what you want and even watch snobs will respect a self completed mod.

[@SebastianEnger-h7t]

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.

[@kndr2094]

How many watches are you dreaming about, bro?

[@julius.2003]

Haha

[@user-kq6tt7oo3x]

It always amazes me how much beauty and precision are added to the parts of AMZWATCH's watch 99% of people will never see.

[@LuRoat]

I just got into watch collecting. I've loved watches since I was young but I never had anyone teach me or bring deeper into the world. amzwatch brought closer to a community and hobby I always wanted to get into more and that is incredibly meaningful to me !

[@ciuciobelo]

It looks amazing and I just love the fact that it is "labelless" . .

[@xStyxBleichx]

All of these videos are super fun to watch. Build my own a few nights ago and im in love. Already have parts for another watch and working on what a want for another two. The amount of joy you have in the videos is incredible. Doing something like this yourself is so much fun

[@blacklangster1141]

Sweet! Personally I couldn’t resist the Martini colourway. Baby Blue bezel insert, red GMT hand and the white dial. Martini pattern strap would be cool.

[@BoboacaDoxaras]

It always amazes me how much beauty and precision are added to the parts of amzwatch's watch 99% of people will never see.

[@jackpaxton9391]

These videos are so fun to watch!

[@therealblackflea]

Did you have to order this case spring separately or did it come with the case?

[@dee-kay4311]

This video gave me the inspiration to make my own gmt watch from ali express. Thank you

[@ptzish]

That really is a great looking watch! If you have a Dremel tool with a grinding wheel you can quickly grind the stem down and not even bother with the cutters. I've found this method works well for getting the length very precise. I saw how you hold the stem with the tweezers when you're tightening it down. If you use the back part of the tweezers, where they connect, you can really get a good clamp on the little flat segment of the stem. Also, I've never seen any of the gaskets, including the ones in the crown, with grease on them. It's a good idea to grease the crown gasket too. This also verifies that there is one in there. I've had two crowns come with no gasket. Good news on that - both times I asked the seller to send me a gasket they just sent me a whole new case for free so they didn't have to bother with pulling one out. Most sellers don't build their watch cases from parts so if there's an issue, they don't have spare parts lying around. I'm not sure but I think they also don't get paid until you clear the item with AX so it's in their interest to just get the sale closed out. If you have a crystal press you can take the crystal out and use some lithium grease to lube up the crystal gasket. This is not really necessary but might give you a bit more waterproofness. I don't get any of my watches wet. If you don't have a press - do not pop the crystal out. You'll never get it back in correctly. Last tip - I used to not clean the inside of my cases until I saw some crud in one and cleaned it with rubbing alcohol and a Qtip. They're really dirty on the inside. I now clean all of them with 90% alcohol and a toothbrush prior to assembly. So far, no issues with crystal coatings.

[@johnmorataya5129]

“I don’t want & try to pass it off as something as it isn’t” titles the video my dream “Rolex”

[@jimzucker]

he put the Rolex logo off camera

[@PietroCozziTinin]

There's no need to move the bezel. You can move the gmt hand yes?

[@RabbitWatchShop]

Looks great, mate. Perfect fun colorway for the summer months ahead.

[@biggustago2812]

Nice! I'm finishing my first build tomorrow. I started it today, but I'm missing a tool. I'm sure it will be rubbish and I'll salvage it for parts at some point, but I'm looking forward to it!

[@GM-qq1wi]

I already assume GMT means greenwich mean time, but I'm utterly lost as to what that has to do with anything here. Google tells me nothing more. I'm not big into watches, so I'm assuming GMT, as it refers to watches, is some kind of specific watch builder's nomenclature?

[@CoolWatchesOnly]

ha, it's easy, it means it has a 4th hand to track a second time zone, for example I work for a client on LA, and live in Spain, ideally the bezel should rotate on both directions to quick check for other time zones at a glance. this one, the NH34 is what's called a Office GMT or caller GMT, it's very interesting if you like that kind of stuff, look it up

[@idonjohnson6999]

Or use it as the 24h indicator to show if 4 is 4(am) or 16:00 (4pm).

[@RowdyDust]

How did Google not help here? This is VERY BASIC terminology in horology.

[@manuelsilva5712]

I’m just starting to do this exact build. Can you please recommend the best movement I can purchase for this build? I see the link for the movement but wondering if you have an upgraded movement in mind. Thanks for the video!

[@nmkjd]

The dial you link to is no longer available. Can you provide another suggestion?

[@moniepanda13]

Damn Elliot, seeing you happy makes me happy also for this Series.. literally. Thank you for this content. makes me wanna start building my own watch also. 😊

[@bubbajones7486]

I agree, seeing Elliot just about fly off his chair in joy and glee is what makes this channel more exciting.

[@sid2168]

Hey Elliot the reason pieces are bent inwards is because if it was straight the chance of it bending outwards is high meaning when you bend it back into a straight it has the chance to warp back outwards. Therefore bending it inwards slightly allows for a warp to happen inwards thus actually tightening the dial into a fixed position. Hope that helps 5:10

[@Alonsoman4000]

What a beautiful watch. This inspired me to go and try a project like this! Loved it

[@waldevv]

The ice blue bezel looks so nice that i had to make my own version with a slight twist, I was so freaking nervous while assembling it and bent the seconds hand quite badly but I was thankfully able to save it. Had only one of everything so I feel like I got lucky not breaking any parts. For the next watches I'll definitely get several sets of hands and I probably will be a lot better simply because I wont be as nervous 😄 Thankfully they also bundled most of the parts I ordered into single packages even though they werent all from "choice" sellers and everything was from a different seller as well. I was worried about having to go to the post office every single day for just one part

[@curtis8516]

Literally bought my first automatic watch the other day, a Citizen Tsuyosa - not super fancy but I love it and it's Tiffany blue too.

[@Heet07-gaming]

What is the yellow hand for ? Why are there 4 hands in the watch ,I dont get it ?

[@NameMyCat]

The yellow runs 2 times slower than the hour pointer. So when the hour pointer completes 2 full rotations, the yellow one will complete 1 full rotation, and that means that a full day has gone by. That's why you see the date changing when the yellow pointer reaches 12

[@Heet07-gaming]

@@NameMyCat thanks !

[@BienvenuMotorsports]

The link to the dial is broken

[@Aryan-ho6yv]

Did u find it

[@EastbayGolfer]

Don't you need to check the movement timing or do they come pretty much spot on?

[@nitinknight]

That is a beautiful watch! I really like the colour combinations

[@continuum_logic]

Hi Sir, wondering if the steps you shown in the video is sufficient for me to build one watch from scratch, with those stuffs purchased from aliexpress. I didnt have any prior knowledge/hands-on skills about watchmaking and after watching your video, I'm also keen to make one custom watch for myself. could you please advise? Thank you.

[@Zalazaar]

Looks better than most actual rolexes

[@whiteblackgrayman]

This is the beauty of the aftermarket

[@alperKd33]

Hey there, great tutorial! I am actually doing the same build and run into a weird issue. The original stem (with the blue plastic thingy) locks into place no problem, but the new stem (longer, that needs cutting) does not. What might be wrong? They look exactly the same apart from the fact that the new stem's second section (counting from the tip) is rounded while the original stem is not

[@richneil5819]

Very nice! Great color selections.

[@chetanvmalhotra]

videos like these make me curse my government for banning aliexpress in India. Watch is beautiful Elliot!

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

Why did they ban it?

[@chetanvmalhotra]

@@pauliewalnuts5241 China was capturing our land. So government banned tik tok, and several Chinese apps and services to hinder trade as well. Majority of the Indians don't like China because of capturing of Tibet, China occupied Kashmir, China occupied Arunachal Pradesh so that's why people although hurt, didn't complain much

[@Satrrrrr]

Same, in Indonesia Aliexpress also illegal

[@lupin8876]

​@@chetanvmalhotraim havin the same problem dawg 😭😭

[@Thecohostobviouzx]

*sniff*😢 “Those aren’t finger condoms, they’re normal size condoms, right guys? ………..guys?”

[@AnaEstefanRodriguez]

🤣

[@koolkid12795]

Does this case come with a chapter ring installed already? If not do you know what size would be needed?

[@CoolWatchesOnly]

oh boy! don't give me ideas 😆

[@devoidsloth]

What tools do you need for this. I was thinking of buying a super cheap watch (like a $2 Rolex clone) and disassembling it. Maybe swap out the dial and hands. I’ve never done any watchmaking before so not sure about everything.

[@spf49]

I've been looking for someone to tell me about the tools too, if you find out please let me know

[@CocheAin]

MAMACOO is one of my favorite watch manufacturers they do offer beautifull dials, good workmanship & moovements.That smooth sweeping second hand is truly mesmerizing！

[@hardrive76]

Used your links to buy the parts but I've added a white chapter ring and a blue ar double dome crystal and a knurled crown as well. Had to order different hands as the one you specified were out of stock. Can't wait to build this. Cost of everything for my build came to £156 just hope 🙏 I don't mess it up

[@reddyfreddy]

Where did the case spring come from? My case didn't come with one.. 😮

[@qeesterthesearcher8423]

Great videos. I am just starting to build my first watch and have been inspired by yours. 1 question can you replace the chapter rings in the case you use or does that require a different case?

[@SlimMuss]

Outstanding video.I have to go with the AMZWATCH, especially with that green dial as my favorite

[@andrewbunoza7912]

Hey Elliot! I’ve really been loving your watch making videos! Super random request, but have you considered making a video series detailing how you go about selecting your parts/how you confirm they’ll work together? You’ve inspired me to build my own custom watch for my wedding day in about a year, so I’d love to watch a how to guide from you on how to do it. Thanks for considering!

[@sneekerstattoo]

Cracking job! Tell me was it waterproof?

[@billmcneil2279]

dial is out of stock any thoughts on what to buy same with GNT hand or should i wait thank bill.

[@benjamindillemann1569]

Hey I just went and searched for a new one myself... Pretty easy to find actually, just stick to the dials with minimum over 100 sales and you'll be fine. Always check that the dial you're ordering is fitting nh34(A). I've personally ordered everything on the 25, and I'm waiting for it all to arrive. Hopefully everything will! Good Luck to you bro.

[@jangrabler]

Great Watch, well done, but the link for the Dial is not working, did you habeve an tipp ? Thanx Jan

[@BrookingsDavia]

Outstanding video.I have to go with the MAMACOO, especially with that green dial as my favorite

[@alejorag]

This is probably my favorite content currently on KZbin and I REALLY want to start this as a new hobby. Are there some recommendations you could give for which tools are necessary for a newcomer and how to select parts? Even better, could someone point me to something like a full toolkit and/or a full parts kit for a first build? I'll go crazy doing my dream combos afterwards but I really just want something to start learning soon!

[@oglynch1921]

Same

[@__idk...]

the blue bezel, hands, and lume are such a good combination!!

[@iron883cd]

HEY MY FRIEND WHEN I BUY A NH35 MOVEMENT, DO I NEED TO BUY THE PLASTIC HOLDER OR I JUST PLACE IT AS IT COMES?? THANKS

[@KashNYC1]

This is absolutely gorgeous. Do you have any for sale by chance?

[@vsaraceno10]

Can you share a new link for the dial please?! Only piece I’m missing! Thank you!

[@neilbarnett3046]

11:08 It may have already been said (I'm not reading 354 comments to check) that the main benefit of lubricating the sealing ring is to stop it from warping or twisting or wrinkling just at the final moment of tightening. This is the same as pre-oiling seals on a car, the seal is between two surfaces, one "fixed" and the other moving.

[@Andeoppaa]

Are all of the lume the same color as the dial? Cus when ordered from the list the hands are green and the dial is blue.

[@mattblack133]

Nice job kid! It was fun watching you build that. 👍

[@JoshuaLotion]

The link for the dial seems to be down. Do you have an alternative?

[@riobluespartan6350]

Does the gmt hand dial move to separately to hour hand ?

[@PhilbyFavourites]

The hour hand takes two full revolutions for 24 hours. The GMT hand takes one full revolution for 24 hours. The GMT hand can be set separately to show “home” time when you are away on holiday. Go to Florida (5 hours behind UK) and set the GMT to vertical (12 o’clock - and 24 on the GMT bezel) then set the hands to 5 am. The watch will then track the 5 hours difference until reset.

[@MicahDanielSmith]

Having built 1 watch before, I absolutely loved this video because it hit on a lot of the stuff I too struggled with

[@Ali-sz3yc]

Is there any list of the supplies that i need to buy to build my watch ?

[@murraypeacock9316]

Has anyone put together a list or ranking of which movement is the best? What complications are on what movement? I’m new to this and want to give it a try.

[@KushbiZ]

yaaa you just convinced me to build my dad a watch for Christmas. I could get him a nice expensive watch...but i know he would love a custom watch i built.

[@natashapina5003]

Amazing ! 🤩 This video made me want to try and make my own custom watch. Does this case comes in 36mm?? Can someone help please! 🙏🏼

[@xioneksdot4660]

Does the movement come already lubed or do you have to do all the servicing yourself so it'll last?

[@sethbraley4088]

Looks great. Id love to see these movements put on a timeographer to see how accurate they are. Iv been wanting to do this for awhile.

[@travism3510]

so why did you use the grey tip for the gmt hand, the grey tip as well for the hour hand, the red tip for the minute and the blue tip for the second hand? is that something you always do or is it always different ??

[@Abdullah-tc8qb]

I don't know , but as soon as I saw the thumbnail, it put a smile on my face

[@atomicgoofball]

Great vid! I followed your advice and ordered some parts for my first build ever. Is it just me, or are these movements etc smaller in person? They seem so tiny when I first opened the package

[@admahecha]

I'm glad you protect the language!!! who ever doesn't like it can go to to other channels

[@snafu673]

You might want to think about using a bonding agent i.e. Red #638 Locktite to put in the crown to keep it from un screwing...

[@qz.vision]

maybe just me missed something but it is what you just builded is an automatic watch so doesnt have batteries, right ?

[@ROCKY44]

The dial in not available on aliexpress at the time of my posting . Also on your watch it does not have GMT stamp, but in the link to the product, all of those dials have GMT printed on them...?

[@davewilliams6555]

Hi all. Is there a parts list at all for this stunning watch build. Thanks in advance

[@iamaraindog385]

Has a very summer/beach feel. Not sure how this ended up on my feed, but it was interesting. I don't know much about bespoke watches or the customization community, so all I can say is while aesthetically beautiful, the face lacks a bit of readability, maybe that's just a trick of the camera? I'm thinking vintage guitar here, but pairing a mint green or a neutral grey face might add further contrast.

[@trentpurches220]

Im having trouble with watch running. After about 45 seconds it just stops. Any clue how to fix it?

[@lwood5375]

What are the dimensions? I wish they had slim diver watch parts that would be fun to build it seems like everything is so thick.

[@user-irkdj248dkdollii]

Could you put new link for the dial? Hard to find the same one..

[@user-pc5gf3yo9p]

Awesome idea, I would love to build it! The dial is no longer available, does anyone have a link where we can get it?

[@2exel.fitzjearl]

I love this.. Do you take commissions?

[@dieterforrest2965]

Hey Elliot, I made my first ali watch, but now the watch won't start. I can regulatie the hour's, minute, gmt dial and date dial but it won't start. Did I break something?

[@specopchannel8990]

Going to be ordering parts to make my own in december!

[@pablorages1241]

OMG ... The most stunning watch that has ever existed !

[@TheIMobile]

Love the excitement. I have one question when placing the dial on the movement do you use a dial spacer? I’ve seen other gmt builds using the NH34 and they always use the tiny washer like spacer. I’m not experienced enough to know why it’s needed mind you