Watch hands installation tutorial (and hands removal)

Tutorial on how to remove watch hands from an automatic watch with date complication. The hands are then re-installed, with the whole process explained and demonstrated.
Check out my Instagram below.
/ zlk_watches
Edit: I fixed the autofocus issue after I watched the footage during editing.

[@lorenjohnson6878]

Thank you for showing the crown removal , it’s the hardest part once the hands are on

[@kiduswardsnowden_bd]

⁠ Such an informative video bud! We’ve been trying to figure out the best place to find a replacement watch hands installation for my dads old AP timepiece. Should I (1) simply go to a watch repair shop be the easiest place to check?? Or should I (2) just buy the replacement hands online so that my dad can try to fix it following your video?? (3) when you change/install watch hands can they also be generic watch hands or brand name watch hands?? This is an issue I’ve been trying to find solutions for the LONGEST time & your knowledgeable insight would greatly be of help to me! Links would be very helpful too so I’ll know what to search.

[@zlkwatches5949]

Hi @Bossman_D . A watchmaker will find hands to match and shouldn’t charge much to swap them out. However if you are keen to have a go yourself you can order the hands from AliExpress, but you will also need some basic tools as well, you get these from the same website. Good luck.

[@kiduswardsnowden_bd]

@@zlkwatches5949I appreciate it. I bought the watch hands part, I’ll take it to the watch repair shop to swap out the seconds hands part. I’ll keep you updated on the good news once they’re successfully swapped. All the best to you with my fingers crossed!

[@Skyler.Santana]

Thank you for making this video. I would like to get into watch modifications and eventually gradually start Watch service and restorations. Do you have any directions as to what are some things I can be doing? So far I have bought basic tools more geared for modding from DIY watch club using a NH35 movement. (I successfully changed the date wheel, hands,and dial to aftermarket seiko parts not given by the company) I’ve read practicing on a pocket watch works well being that the parts are bigger and easier to work with. I also want to try and disassemble and reassemble the movement. Any advise on good books, schools or things that has best served you in the past to help build your skills. Thank you in advance! 😁

[@zlkwatches5949]

I started with ‘The Watchmaker’s Manual’ by Henry B. Fried. When I say started, I’m still a complete beginner and learning as I go. A basic tool kit is all you need to start, then replace with better tools as you need them. You can get plenty of old broken watches on eBay to practice on. Also check out the ‘My Retro Watches’ channel, that guy is great.

[@Skyler.Santana]

@@zlkwatches5949 Thank you so much for the Advise. I will definitely check out both the book and the channel you recommended.

[@zlkwatches5949]

@@Skyler.Santana no problem. Check out my Instagram at Instagram.com/zlk_watches for more watch related content!

[@kiduswardsnowden_bd]

@@zlkwatches5949 Such an informative video bud! We’ve been trying to figure out the best place to find a replacement watch hands installation for my dads old AP timepiece. Should I (1) simply go to a watch repair shop be the easiest place to check?? Or should I (2) just buy the replacement hands online so that my dad can try to fix it following your video?? (3) when you change/install watch hands can they also be generic watch hands or brand name watch hands?? This is an issue I’ve been trying to find solutions for the LONGEST time & your knowledgeable insight would greatly be of help to me! Links would be very helpful too so I’ll know what to search.

[@rubinsteinway]

On my quartz watch the minute hand is slightly off, i.e. when the minute hand is pointed at "12" the hour hand is not exactly pointed at the hour. Can I simply nudge it to the correct position without removing the hands? Thanks for your advice on this.

[@MG23623]

no advise ei 😅