DIY Mechanical Watch from eBay Parts ETA-2824

I build a mechanical watch from parts I sourced from eBay. I've always been fascinated with intricate moving parts. When I started to research making mechanical watches, I knew at some point I would want to try it myself. So I bought some tools from Amazon and bought parts from eBay. I highly recommend Chronoglide Watchmakers @ChronoglideWatchmaking for all sorts of knowledge about watchmaking.

Parts List: All parts were from eBay.
Movement: ETA 2824 top grade (Swiss made with unknown Chinese parts)
Case: 38 mm Sapphire Crystal exhibition back 100 m water resistance; 60 clicks unidirectional bezel (German made)
Dial: lumed, generic dial (Chinese made)
Hands: lumed hands (Chinese made)
Watch Band: handmade by John Zhu

How to adjust timing on a wrist watch:

Follow me on on Twitter for behind the scene stuff.

John Z Zhu
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023

[an_innocent_bystander]

this isn't DIY, it's just buying a bunch of pre-made components... You might as well have bought one of those clock kits and mounted it to a piece of plywood calling THAT diy...

[michaelking]

From one who is just beginning my watch making/modding journey, I really enjoyed your build process. Great pace of the videography, and your straightforward explanatory narration is top notch. Well done!

[frankagee]

It is good to see you back. I have always been interested in watches but my hands are more fitted for a sledge hammer and never have tried it. I envy your skill in this area thanks for the very interesting video. Hope to see you again soon. God Bless, Frank.

[Khethatipet]

Wearing a 2824-2 right now, thanks for the peek inside and the app recommendation. Gonna see what the regulation is like. Cool channel, subbed.

[pigskinfanboy]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. I like how you explain everything as you go and even include the tough stuff. Maybe one day I’ll give this a try. I just have always been fascinated by old watches and have a few that need some love lol.

[vivianhenriettamatekoattah]

John Zhu??!!
Where the hell have you been?
Your presence back is highly welcomed!

[accazita]

Brilliant, amazing work. Greetings from Brazil!!!

[Boankofa]

I appreciate this. That's actually exactly what a lot of micro brands are doing but at a much lower price

[scottlake]

That was helpful to see all the steps and the tools. Seems like the putty is perhaps the most important thing next to the vise

[kingston]

Thank you for this video. I have been wondering if it was possible to do this myself.
Making a watch in a wood working shop! Your shop must be super duper clean.

[garylangford]

Great video thankyou. Its like the mitoyas. Pretty hard to assemble. I guess thats why nh35 is more popular

[MRrwmac]

Dang John! Didn’t know you were into the very small mechanical. This watch buikd video is amazing! Thanks. I’m guessing you have the little miniature steam engines also? So how old are your kids now? My granddaughters are 12 and 8. Good to see you! Have a good life!

[Indykid]

Very cool! Thank you for the parts list. How about a tool list too?

[carcar]

Nice video, very interesting!!! I just need to find Rolex dial...

[truenorthmuskoka]

I just bought parts for my first build. I decided to go with the NH35. I read that its easier to work with as a beginner.
I hope I bought the correct parts. The case has the crown at 3.8. I was told the NH35 will work just fine. I purchased a dial with date at 3 o’clock.

[orbitsolutionltd]

Great video thanks.
I’ve literally started to do exactly the same today with a ETA2824-2 movement but ran into issues. I pressed the stem release too hard and the keyless works dislodged the other side so I then had to break apart the other side to fix them and in doing so I’m now struggling to keep the date wheel in place, it’s jumping out of place. What a mare this hobby is. You make it look way too easy.

[Yakena]

Can the date wheel be removed for a no-date watch? Or, can you buy it without a date wheel?

Thanks!

[carcar]

The only reason I have Invicta with Seiko movement is because I found it. But it was not free, I paid $15 for extra strap link. It is automatic watch, but I wear it once a week and it really pisses me of to wind it manually

[rawleramsammy]

Hey i am in love with that case, can you send the link to purchase the case?

[blacksmithmods]

I've built a lot of mods with NH36 and NH35 movements but this time I have a ETA 2824-2 on my table. I was wondering about the tiny washer where the hell it would go and does the spacer ring belong between the dial and the movement or between the movement and the caseback. Thanks for making it very clear. :)