I like to tinker. I do all my own strap changes but now I think I would like to try to build a Watch from parts purchased from the internet.

For those who have where did or do you buy your parts from. I have an Esslingers account but they really don't have what I am looking for.
I have seen all kinds of parts on other websites from overseas but have never ordered anything so I don't know what to expect.

Thanks

I don't really consider myself a watch collector but I wear a lot of watches of my own making. What style of watch are you wanting to build? Unfortunately almost all parts will come from overseas and with the tariff situation right now you might have a wait a couple months to start your project. I stick to pretty much Seiko automatic movements but all sorts are available. The issue will be getting all the right sized parts like movement, movement ring, dial, hands, case, crown as there are many different sizes.

I’ve built up a few Seiko automatic divers from OEM Seiko parts and aftermarket cases, crystals, hands etc. I like to get my parts from crystaltimesUSA,
& Namoki mods, and I like to source movements and donor watches/basket case projects etc from eBay.

The most into it I have delved is swapping dials, hands, cases, entire movements and cutting down crown stems when resizing to a new case.

Your parts suppliers will depend on the type of watch you are into. Swiss brand modded vs Seiko mod vs the clone homage market etc…

BlackTallonJHP
I like dive,GMT style watches.

One of my biggest concerns is knowing what movement will fit in what case. Or what hands will fit what movement.
I was looking at complete cases and Seiko movements for the most part.

I also would have to buy a few more tools but they would come from Esslingers.

Thanks for the info stickman I will look at the suppliers you mentioned.

I would really like to know what Stickman calls "A FEW"

Go to the gallery and look back over the years, He has banged out some really good looking Modded Seikos over the years.

OK, since you like dive/GMT watches I would probably just go with a Seiko NH build for your first build since you'll find lots of options for cases/dials/hands. Parts can be had from SeikoMods or eBay or AliExpress or NamokiMods. If you can't find the right hands or have any questions feel free to email, I might be able to give some tips or small parts.

I rebuild many watches from parts that I source. I build obsolete movements from several sources just to get them going.

Thanks guys.
I had to step away from the phone for a while last night to charge my phone.

BlackTallonJHP thanks for the info and the offer to be able to email you for help. This is something I have been wanting to try for a while but I have not known where to start. I have been watching Wrist Watch Revival on youtube for a while and it looks like something I could do.
I think starting with a built movement is a good place to start then maybe buying old movements to practice servicing.

Mars_Attacks thanks. My end goal is to do something like what you do rebuilding old movements. Like what Marshall from Wist Watch Revival does I would like to someday be able to buy old non running watches and restore them.

Again thank

I got my start with this channel. He has videos on tools to purchase and how to use them.

Has anyone tried swapping a Seiko into one of the Ti cases on eBay?

I’d like. Ti turtle or Willard, and it seems like the only way to get one.

If it’s possible, I’d probably hire a local watchmaker to do it, actually.

All of these except the Fortis on the top left and the Deep Blue on the bottom left.

Parts from Ali express, Namoki Mods and eBay. Tools from kind of all over.

No idea where the patience came from!



I like the fact that you can pick dial colors and cases the way you want, not just what Seiko ever came up with. Both the above were eBay dial finds, the bright orange listed as from a Nemo, but I love it in the Tuna case.



This one was a total parts build, I think everything came from aliexpress. It’s huge, and heavy, and utterly cool in my oh so humble opinion…

Last but not least…



Seiko movement, a bronze Tuna style case from eBay I think, and the dial is from a 1900s pocket watch.

Not going to find anything like that for sale, at least not that I’ve found.

So, yeah, I say go for it! It’s a learning curve, but definitely fun.

And yup, like so many other reasons my budget keeps screaming at me, this hobby started here, in the Watch Photo thread!

Bill R

WOW nice collection stylophiles.
My wife and I over the years have purchased a few watches while on cruises to the Caribbean. I am very lucky, my wife is not only interested in watches but she is also a gun and bourbon person she even has an account here but she doesn't post much.
I have always been interested in some day trying to build a Watch but not knowing where to start.
I have had account with Esslingers for several years but that for the most part has been for tools.
A few years ago I also bought a timegrapher and a pressure tester.
I kinda fell in to it head first.

Thanks for the info

quote:

Originally posted by Aglifter:
Has anyone tried swapping a Seiko into one of the Ti cases on eBay?

I’d like. Ti turtle or Willard, and it seems like the only way to get one.

If it’s possible, I’d probably hire a local watchmaker to do it, actually.

I’ve done it with a Seiko SKX011J1. Titanium is SUCH A SWEET mod to do! It is so lightweight! Even on something as small as a watch case you notice the difference.



Here it is before swapping out the Ti bezel for an OEM Seiko bezel/insert.




I’ll post up a pick of a stock SKX011J1 next to my Ti swapped SKX011J1 when I get off work.