I Built my Dream Watch from AliExpress Parts

LET'S BUILD A WATCH USING CHEAP ALIEXPRESS PARTS! But, make sure you AVOID the big mistake I made in this video.
TOOLS -
Plastic Tweezers - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_De3...
Finger Cots - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeX...
Dust Puffer - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDN...
Watchmaking Cushion - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dls...
Hand Pressers - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFl...
Caseback Tool - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBW...
Hand Removal - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dkm...
Gasket Greaser - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ddv...
Threadlocker - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDE...
WATCH PARTS -
NH72 Movement - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFn...
Movement Spacer - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCn...
Steel Case - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdG...
Dial Ring - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ddc...
Hands - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFk...
Strap - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcQ...
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[@Miina-y6m]

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!

[@jaredstephenson6468]

Ha. I love in every single "first time" video the builder blames the secondhand as faulty. I think EVERYBODY's first has no secondhand. You really need a loupe or magnifier to get it right.

[@TopTierTicker]

Is that right? 🤣🤣 Well, I was proper trying to jam it on the pinion. So much so that it stopped the balance 😂 I'll order a loupe and be much more careful next time

[@harizluqman9680]

Did my first build yesterday. Almost gave up on the seconds hand but finally got it in after 2 hours. Definitely will need a loupe after this 😂

[@gryffinsyme6357]

you just gotta be suuuper patient and gentle asf w it

[@LiamMcAleer]

Having built a custom watch a few years ago I have to say you've done a fantastic job of explaining it clearly for anyone to follow. It's surprising how many how to videos miss enough detail that it's difficult to know what you can buy. I didn't know about the commonality between those movements. I'll have to make another now!

[@HansAndrist]

Wow - kudos. Have been thinking about doing this and you've inspired me to take the plunge!

[@mariomanzo4116]

I recommend getting some Rodico. It’s a type of putty that’s very helpful when assembling watches. I use it clean dust and debris as well as to put the hand on.

[@stilianivanov3377]

If the seconds hand is hard to install just take a sewing needle and tap it in gently to open up the hole a little. Also x15 magnification and rodico are necessary to get it done just right.

[@davewelsby9737]

Excellent video and build. I'd say you will also need a pair of snippers and an emery board to cut the syem to size and clean the cut end up. A small pair of pliers is also useful to hold the stem. I would also say a block of rodico would be good to have in order to clean the parts and also useful to hold the fiddly seconds hand when trying to fit it.

[@Spectrecontrol]

The timing of this video is perfect, I have just been looking at doing something like this and now i feel much more confident that I can actually pull it off

[@Danny_Casolaro]

just a bit of advice on the second hand. I've built 3 ali mods so far and also struggled with the second hand. tweezers were a nightmare to use. i found rodico is really the key to lining up the hole on the second hand to the pin on the movement. also don't force it. line it up and when it starts ticking then you can press it. best of luck cant wait to see the diver and the v2 of this one

[@TopTierTicker]

Appreciate that! Rodico has been ordered

[@christopherhilton2539]

Great video. I have been wanting to build my own watch for a while now and I think you just gave me the confidence I needed to go for it. I think you watch came out good. 👍

[@maxinahunt8652]

Great video! Really interesting concept which you did so well to emulate. Nice second choices for hands too. I like the second set of that group - more modern. Looking forward to part 2!

[@ptzish]

The little metal "dress up" stickers that go over the automatic winding counterweight really do make a huge difference in the back of the watch. They're tough to get precisely aligned but if you get it right they look really good. If you want to shell out the $25 for a custom replacement counterweight - it's way easier to install and makes the back look even better.

[@TheTopStarz]

Didn't think it was a possibility, it really makes me want to try out ASAP, GOOD VID!

[@TopTierTicker]

Try it! So much fun and very affordable!

[@spex7503]

Cracking video. I've never really been interested in mods but a ground-up build looks tempting.

[@williammoskovitz7772]

Good video...Thanks !!! thinking of taking the plunge here. Just a little confused here. Found a case On Ali Express designed for the NH 35 Movement with a Crystal. Looks like some come with chapter rings and some don't. So naive question here... How do I know what size dial and or chapter ring to obtain ? Are there certain specs I should be looking for so everything fits ? And I am assuming that I will need the spacer ? Thanks

[@TopTierTicker]

Good question, I noticed this when buying parts. So the movement will fit everything. It's the case and dial that you need to make fit together. When you find a case you like, it will tell you what dial size fits inside. So this might be 28.5mm dial for example. All case and dial listing will tell you sizes so you can match them up

[@williammoskovitz7772]

@@TopTierTicker ok.. Thanks. Just was kind of overwhelmed here

[@joaoribeiro6641]

What a job mate!

[@darrenfry4695]

Well done 👍 looks awesome, I absolutely love the case, and good pick with the movement, I can see lots of people doing this mod, and for the money your getting a solid awesome looking watch with added bonus of saying down the pub(or wherever) "yep I made it myself,. That's gotta look good and feel good..lol.cheers

[@dadmodswatches]

Nice job! Next time start with better parts from somewhere like Namokimods and then you can compare the quality differences. The seconds hand just takes some practice, you'll get it next time!

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for the tips! I already have the parts for the next build, but I'll check them out for the one after. Hopefully I get the seconds hand right next time 🤣

[@Paul_Runkles]

I love this video, and I plan on doing this myself one day. Never thought I really wanted to, until watching this video.

[@dakistle]

I built a diver with a bunch of AE parts. It was pretty satisfying. I messed up the pinion trying to get the seconds hand on and cannabalized an old invicta. Got it right on the second attempt.

[@matthewbennett6330]

I've recently started building watches and had the same issue with the Seconds Hand, However I bought the tool from DIY Watch club and now it's a doddle to put them on 🤙👍

[@ikeman5774]

Really enjoyed this video. I think your watch looks great and I agree concerning the hands. The present hands aren't it, but you had to see it to realize it. I watch Wristwatch Revival as well and have acquired quite a bit of tools. This is something I feel I can do. Thank you.

[@richarddrew8351]

Useful video and you avoid the problem of sourcing a decent looking non-clone dial! I expect a video on hand-enamelling a new dial :-) Nice work.

[@j1d7s]

Thanks, that was a very inspiring video. I have most of the tools lying around, one of these days I will do such a project. For starters, I should replace the hands on a pretty (cheap) skeleton watch I got from ebay, the original hands make the time hard to read and I got some blue Breguet style hands I ordered a while back, I need to finally get this done...

[@TopTierTicker]

That would be a cool project! Get it done!

[@moneymikz]

Very informative thx mate

[@jacektravel1]

Haha I built my first watch (SKX007) last week. Same process, more time (3 hours) but only one stem… US$65. Works like a charm. Easy. I’ll assemble another one soon. By the way, I enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking the time.

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks a lot man. $65 for your build sound like a bargain!

[@ThrupleQuashimodo]

Great video and the watch looks fantastic. "The blind leading the blind" is used quite often in the states as well.

[@TopTierTicker]

Good to know! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@MD-uc8bx]

Yesterday, I finished my skeleton build. I must admit that the case that you choose is not ideal. Regarding skeleton movements, the alignments have to be nearly perfect, but the case has plastic housing of movement. It makes case alignment roughly impossible. I had to rethink my initial idea. I've used the homage submariner case and it fits ideally. A case that you recommended, I've used for a more traditional build with the full dial.

[@TopTierTicker]

Very nice. I didn't have much trouble with alignment. Once you screw the crown down, the movement aligns itself. My next build is coming very soon! It's a titanium military watch next up.

[@MD-uc8bx]

@@TopTierTicker looking forward to new build! It's super addictive xD

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

I’ve done a few builds now, and also quite a few mods to 5KXs and my Casio Duro. Such fun! Great job mate!

[@johnkloeden15]

I definitely would like to do this one day. I've just got into watches recently a few months ago. I loved the video and i totally agree that the hands you bought 1st kind of let the whole build down. Im curious if you're going to add lume to the new hands?? Keep up the great work my friend. 👍👊🤙

[@WatchWitt]

The seconds hand is quite difficult for me, too!

[@metrev]

I don't have a loop but I use my phone camera to zoom in makes it easier to see to get that seconds hand on .

[@rikdriscoll2160]

I think you've done a great job there Kieron! Nice choices of materials too. It's a great idea, create your own design and build it yourself! The choices are endless. I'll definitely give this a go myself. Thanks for another great video mate 👍

[@theONEwatches713]

fun video and you did your best. your editing, camera work, and delivery is fantastic. next time you'll get the seconds hand on and cut the stem so you are able to screw it down. Get a visor with the magnifier's so you can see the hands easily.

[@alexjaybrady]

Wow ive wanted to do this for ages so this video is perfectly timed, pun intended

[@jdejes]

Very nice!! Do you think I can change the movement of my Seiko SNK809 for the one you used on this video?

[@sweetcorn1968]

Maybe I could build my own watch for the holiday. Orange dial diver maybe?

[@anttiautere3663]

A great inspiration video !

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks! 🙏

[@brynroberts9880]

The Undone reminds me of the second version of the Tag Monza.

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for pointing this model out. It's exceptionally cool and I had no idea it existed!

[@user-cf4oi2gl7z]

good stuff.

[@TopTierTicker]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@searrell4508]

class video lad, its a great looking watch.

[@driftadt]

I love that 2 tone tag you have, what reference is it bud? What size aswell??

[@johanvandersandt8904]

I still want to do this! I think I will pick up a Namoki mod in the future and try one of those! I can see why you love that Undone case. Its rather pretty! I think your build could do with some rounded tip hands to suit the case. Lots of people struggle with the seconds hand man, dont worry haha! Came out looking decent! Well done! Take care Kieran!

[@TopTierTicker]

I hadn't considered rounded ends on the hands... I'll do a little edit on a photo and see how it looks 👌 For my first build, it turned out OK. They'll definitely get better going forward. Absolutely going to be doing more of these! It was so much fun

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@@TopTierTicker Do that! I think it might look awesome and symmetrical! I think you did great! It looks pretty good! Take care Kieran!

[@ScottPC]

9:23 If you eye ball it and only trim off a few mm every time its EASY! Can't go wrong!

[@TopTierTicker]

Lol, I'll measure it next time ;)

[@ihsanulkamil1999]

SUPER AWESOME ❤❤❤

[@Thomas1982]

Don't blow on the movement side, it can put oils in places it's not supposed to be. 👍

[@TopTierTicker]

This is unavoidable with a custom build though, no? I'd rather risk the oils leaking over visible dust and debris on the skeleton movement, personally.

[@Thomas1982]

@@TopTierTicker if debris, a single soft blow would do, at least keep to minimum. Nice build, very good quality video. 👌

[@TopTierTicker]

​@@Thomas1982understood! Thanks for the tip

[@LuisMiguelToscano]

This video is awesome. You know, I have a steady career that pays well, but if I could I would make watches.

[@TopTierTicker]

I'd say the same... But after my seconds hand cock up, I don't think anyone would hire me 😂

[@LuisMiguelToscano]

Lmfao 😂 I’m certain you’ll be able to do it for the next one.

[@samuelfitzpatrick9739]

Great video brother. Keep no producing this type of content and this Chanel will blow up

[@garyjohnson9847]

😃 Good Job.

[@SlimDonni]

Definitely inspired me to have a crack at it. Also you save more then half the money, i couldve spent buying from one of the build your own watch companies. ✌️

[@TopTierTicker]

Exactly. You save massively when sourcing parts yourself. And you definitely get a more individual piece 👌

[@Katya5cat]

My first one was problematic also. The dial was the first problem. Although the specs said 28.5 - 29.7, the 28.5 was so close to too small. There was a ring around the dial where it showed the need for a bigger dial. I had the dial installed and ready for the hands. I should have checked more thoroughly, but I didn't. It turned out they were for a 35mm dial. The hour hand looked great, but then I found that the minute hand was too long after installation, and the second hand could never work as is. The next set of hands were appropriately sized and fit well. The second hand was very difficult to get in place. I had been drinking coffee and couldn't line it up. The next morning, before coffee, I was able to install it. I must say that I could not see the pin where it went without a microscope. The best purchase that I've made for this hobby was the scope.

[@keithburford8589]

Bloody hands ! .They can be a ball ache in deciding what set to go for , and still after arriving at your decision they look shite. Luckily they are cheap as chips. One point for anyone tempted to have go is Dial feet , they have an uncanny knack of not snipping off flush to the back of the dial so a fine needle file of diamond nail file are good things to have in your armoury, just remember to keep the movement a mile away and preferably covered. Chapeau for having a go Kieron.

[@TopTierTicker]

Appreciate the suggestion. I noticed one of the feet didn't come off flush. Luckily it didn't interfere. I'll certainly be doing more of these in the future. So hopefully, they get more polished 👌

[@markthomas741]

You'll find the builds to be addictive.. I did! 😃

[@ignotdc]

Can i use this movement in a smaller case?

[@TopTierTicker]

Yes, you can. Just search 'NH35 case' and you can use whicher you want!

[@ignotdc]

Nice

[@John-P]

I've been thinking of building my own watch for a while, but when I go onto Alix an NH35 £9.80 put it in the basket it becomes £17.50 watch hands 80p becomes £4.45 this happens with almost every item am I being ripped off or is it me ?

[@TopTierTicker]

Prices definitely go up in the basket with tax and fees, but not by that much. But £4 for hands sounds right, and £17 for the NH35 also sounds spot on.

[@BURP39R]

I wish you'd used a lamp to light this build. But still, nice job.

[@TopTierTicker]

It was well lit, I just had the ISO settings on my camera wrong. It will be much brighter and more cohesive on the next one. Apologies

[@BURP39R]

@@TopTierTicker I'm just happy it wasn't perfect because I see builds like this and they always go to plan! I may have a try in the future but I reckon a magnifying glass light couldn't hurt.

[@ccooper8785]

If you are taking orders then I am after a 36mm vh31 quartz explorer, black dial with applied indices...🤔 I would not say no to a rivet bracelet 😱

[@TopTierTicker]

I think Addiesdive already make one?

[@2.Plus.2.Equals.5]

Not bad

[@XRAWatches]

.... and you will find its the watch you wear the most from this day forward.

[@XRAWatches]

For seconds hands, my tip is x20 magnification and view the pinion from the side. Pusher with a tiny piece of rodico on the end. Bed the hand in to it, line up and press on.

[@TopTierTicker]

Not at the moment mate. I'm really not happy with the handset. Maybe once they are changed for one I like more. I did thoroughly enjoy the process though 💯

[@JRPlantagenet]

Rodico

[@MD-uc8bx]

are you 100% sure that Movement Spacer that you listed below video is the proper one? on video I can see the white one 8:35, much bigger than this in offer. Can you double check a link or explain where I can find the same spacer like you have on video?

[@TopTierTicker]

The white movement holder in the video comes with the steel case. The spacer is an extra part that holds the movement that I didn't mention in the video. The spacer is what the dial feet sit inside. You will get a holder like the white one, with the case you buy for your movement. Is that clear? I tried my best to explain. Basically, buy the spacer in the description, and you'll get a movement holder with your case. You need both of them, it's two different parts.

[@MD-uc8bx]

@@TopTierTicker thanks for the explanation. Appreciate. Everything is clear. Once when I ordered a different case, it was too big for my NH35 and I didn't have this white housing in the case set. This is why it didn't fit. Now I know why.

[@samuelkim2611]

Just

[@astroboirap]

can you use regular condoms for fingers? i have flavoured ones too

[@michhil7]

425 likes to go

[@unknown-76090]

Still 425 to go

[@erickreyna7876]

i can 100% tell you that, that glass is not sapphire crystal....

[@TopTierTicker]

I tested it with my diamond selector, it is.

[@avinoavi]

be yourself bro i only clicked on that sh because i thought it was from that guy, you copied the thumbnail so perfectly it's concerning ❤