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

WATCH PARTS -

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[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!

[jaredstephenson]

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.

[BBLlN]

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.

[subar]

I am 14 and just built my first watch even though quartz, which I realise is much less impressive. Every part of the watch was from watches I had previously owned. I had no proper tools i just had a flat head and a safety pin for the whole thing. Everything worked out well but I couldn’t for the life of me put the second hand. I really hope that someday I can build a mechanical watch proper tools.

[mariomanzo]

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.

[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

[ManneBharath]

Right by the 5th minute mark, this is by far THE best build your own watch video I've seen so far, so informative and valuable. You earned my sub.

[johnkloeden]

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. 👍👊🤙

[Smoer]

I never even considered this an option but now I so want to build my own watch. No. I WILL build my own watch. Thanks for the education, mate!

[jackmccourt]

There are some nice dials for the nh72 that follow the same pattern of the movement so you can still see into it. It would also fill that gap you seem to have between the movement and the bezel and just make it look a bit more finished.

Nice build though. It inspired a build I'm about to do!

[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.

[HansAndrist]

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

[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

[Citrumoothy]

Hello! I was thinking of bulding my first watch. How do I find the right gasket size? I was going to use a 33mm case

[xdevs]

10:30 for the second hand, you can use some bluetac/rodico/patafix, roll up a tiny ball and stick it to the hand placement tool. Then, stick the second hand to the tool and place it on the pinion and wiggle it around until you feel that it's right on the pinion, then you press it down with a gentle push and voila.

[huvixy]

How are these aliexpress diy wathes holding up? is the n72 movment still holding up strong?

[rikdriscoll]

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 👍

[williammoskovitz]

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

[jptrip]

what can kind of ring chapter do you use? is it included in the case?? thanks

[linamorales]

what kind of glasses to do you use? thanks