I Built a Vintage Pilots Watch from AliExpress

I have been wanting to build one of these for a while since I think they look absoltuely gorgeous. I love a brushed steel case, patina on the dial and hands, a nato strap and a black dial. So this is absolutely perfect!

Watch:

Tools:

(Links are affiliated)

#Watch #WatchMaking #ElliotColl

[bitrpglabs]

I've gotta be completely honest with you bro. Ive never cared, even a little bit, about making watches. But seeing your videos on the subject has given me a renewed zest into the matter. So here we are. We've come from the best of the best of GBA games and hardware mods, to making watches. As far as I'm concerned, that's about as full circle as it gets.

[alessandrobucca]

The nh38 is the equivalent of nh35 but with no date. Next project keep in mind this. Really lovely job!

[wockstarsosa]

I can just binge watch videos of him building watches. I need more ASAP these are so addicting to watch!

[kovacskovacs]

3 things (some of these are for viewers who are looking to do this themselves, as you're making it look easier than it may be):

(1) Measure the part you need to cut off the stem twice (or more).

(2) Cut the stem a little bit shorter than the measured distance, as you can file away the burrs and shorten it to the correct length later. That's just in case you measured wrong, you slip, etc. That tiny buffer can mean the difference between a workable stem and one you have to throw out.

(3) You are pretty good at setting the seconds hand, especially if you've only done a few of these. For simple assemblies, as opposed to say complete movement assemblies, the seconds hand is notorious for being the most difficult part of putting together a watch (as a basic build like you do in your video).

[digitalbots]

I just wanna say your videos gave me the courage to start building my own watches.

[matthewbishop]

Mate, since I last commented on your watch builds, I've built two and got parts for a gmt and a pilots watch on order, thanks to you 😂😂😂
P.s. don't bend and twist the extra feet off the dial. If your not careful, you can deform the dial

[JulianM_Col]

It seems that you have been severely bitten by the watch bug. There is no antidote and no turning back, watch addiction is as strong as any other... Just two words for you, now that you're fully into watch building: "open heart". Building and using your own open heart watch is even more satisfying than the ones with regular dials, there is something about seeing the thing alive and beating every time you look into it that is difficult to describe in words. Thanks for sharing your content, in particular your watch-related content

[bryanbeckett]

I've been into watches for years at this point, and it's so good to see people in the comments giving a shot when they'd never been interested before.

One thing I will say to anyone getting into them; take your time. It's not a race, a collection will take your lifetime to complete. Your tastes WILL evolve, and stuff you get early on you may actually not like even after a few months to a year.

Check what brands have to offer, do some research, stick to your own budget, and have fun.

I've been toying with making my own for a little while now, and I may just make a feild/pilot's watch. I've loved the idea of a Hamilton Khaki but prices are too high now, I might just build my own dirty dozen replica, or something similar. Cheers mate.

[jae]

This is such a great video. This to me highlights the passion people have to this kind of thing and I’m so glad to see that it’s still alive in young people too. So great to see this. Thank you for making.

[rocket]

STOP! I just bought 3 different movements, cases and dials from Ali express cause of your watch videos!!!

However I am saving money building my dream watch. So thank you!

[erik]

I just made my own watch from aliexpress!! In the same style as your black vintage seiko you made 3 months ago.

[lucascarlton]

You should have a look at making a skeleton watch with the NH70-72 movements (depending on your colour preference), if you're interested in the look of them. Loving this watch building series and a skeleton watch would be a great addition to your growing collection!

[patricksutton]

It's great to see someone doing videos like this again. I used to enjoy the snk007 mod videos from a few years ago and really miss them. What's old is new again. Great job.

[jonaaaaaaah]

Man your vids have sucked me in. Ive ordered parts for 2 builds so far and a buttload of watch repair tools. Still waiting for everything to arrive but super stoked. Love to see your enthusiasm with your builds 😊

[maxvanopdorp]

Really has that Hamilton and IWC vibe. Amazing !!!

[yngyoyo]

Love your custom watches doe actually watched them all through and through 😂

[moro]

These watch building videos are 10/10!!

[edwardnagy]

We need more build content! Awsome job on that watch!

[weeeeee]

if you dont have calipers for measure the stem.... I found using a mechanic pencil works great as a ghetto alternative. just tick the graphite out to make the measurement

[DaksheshCorado]

Watches are so delicate and intricately designed, so I have intense respect and admiration for MaMaCoo watch makers