I Built My Dream Titanium Watch On AliExpress

LET'S BUILD A TITANIUM WATCH USING CHEAP ALIEXPRESS PARTS! Just make sure you avoid these simple mistakes!

TOOLS -

WATCH PARTS -

[WatchmakerErik]

I finished watching the video and I really liked your build. I would like to make a couple of pointers however.

First is that reading glasses are not generally adequate for watchmaking, so I would suggest getting an optivisor or similar product, or a cheap set of eye loupes.

The second is setting the hour hand... On a no date movement there is no need to align the hour hand with anything. Not taking the time to align the hour hand saves you a lot of frustration and a little bit of time and I highly recommend just plopping the hour hand wherever. You can wind the hour hand to 12 before putting the minute hand on, which will take some slack out of the motion works and make the hand alignment a little bit more accurate in the bargain.

Also regarding the size of hand pushing tools, when seating the hour hand select a tool with a hole that fits around the minute pinion but not around the hour pinion. This allows the hour hand pinion to work as a stop, and you will get a perfect hour hand seating every time not too low not too high. No need to go by feel. Select a pusher with a hole just big enough for the seconds pinion to seat the minute hand. I also recommend once you've got the alignment of the hands good to pick up the movement and look at the hands from the side, after you push each one on, so you can adjust its vertical spacing as well. I hope these tips help! Wouldn't believe how long it took me to figure out the thing about the size of the holes of the hand pushers. 😅

The type b pilots watch that you built is really cool and I think I'm going to build one of those at some point too. Also glad to see you use the nh38, I'm glad I'm not the only person who hates ghost date crown positions.

[Discoworx]

I followed the video and added to my Alix cart things i didn't have like plastic tweezers, the cushion etc. Defo need the right tools for these jobs.

Nice build. I think this is a good way to start before attempting a service. You can accomplish something in a short period of time. You can also get used to just how fiddly these things can be before committing to pulling something apart.

Now, where to find a solar perpetual date movement

[WatchmakerErik]

Probably aren't going to believe me, Kieron, but I clicked on your video while wearing a titanium military watch that I built less than an hour ago. The parts came today and I couldn't help myself. I'm a professional watchmaker and I'm doing watch mods/custom builds as part of my business. 😁. I think I'm using the same titanium 200m case that you are, but I went with a black wrist candy watch club NATO strap, an nh38 because my dial is a no date and I hate ghost date positions, and I'm using a field watch dial and hands inspired by the classic American a11 military watches.

This one is either going up for sale or it's going to be a gift for my father-in-law for his birthday.

[sweetcorn]

Your videos always get a like as a minimum. I'm loving this series of watch builds and will be taking the plunge soon. I would have done sooner but saw a watch very similar at a ridiculously low price.

[_all_around_us]

Hey, I think it would be pretty cool to build a watch using a Seiko VH31 Quartz mov (seeing as it has the sweep). Idk I would love to see that mov. used more often.

[thetattedpharmacist]

One tip for hand setting. I always put the stem in so I can hack the movement. I find it easier to get good alignment, and also find that without the movement running, it’s easier to seat the seconds hand in the pinion.

[MichaelMitchell-vklk]

Really cool build, well done.Thanks for sharing

[seanhughes]

Brilliant and timely video. I just ordered all my components from Ali Express this morning! I am a little unsure if the bezel and case back gaskets come with the case though. I’m going for a dive style GMT watch and have got a personalised dial logo coming. It did cost a lot for this but I know I will have a unique watch dial when the watch is together and working. I haven’t bought any tools just yet because I really didn’t know what to get - but this video helps. I admit to being a little nervous as it’s my first build it myself, and maybe I shouldn’t have gone for the expensive personalised logo for the first attempt. I’m also a little unsure if all the parts will fit. I’ll be in contact for advice if that’s ok??? Cheers - Sean

[sweetcorn]

C'mon everybody. Let's make him work for it.

[maxinahunt]

Wicked video! How inspiring! Lovely watch too.

[UGA.D]

Excellent job! I'm wearing a Titanium Maratac Field Watch as I watched.

[christianvalues]

Now we want to see you build a rolex from ali express parts ahah

[johnkem]

Titanium is great for a watch case. I like the Fleiger dial. 36 mm is also a good size for a daily wear. Nice build Kieron.

[DZG]

REALLY nice watch you’ve put together there buddy, might make the same for myself!

[erichjess]

Indeed a tasteful combination of parts that make up the watch. The finished product looks really sick. Kudos 👍

[rikdriscoll]

Absolutely fantastic Kieron! Seriously mate, you've done a great job.
Nice choice of style, parts and the strap is spot on!
I'm definitely going to have a go at my own build, you've inspired me!

Looking forward to seeing your next build, thank you my friend 👍

[Edyth_Hedd]

Nice work, Kieran! I really like your choices!

[deedahinkent]

Well done sir 👍 I'm loving these watch builds, must say I think you have got the style and colour spot on 🎯

[whoislucian]

Well done mate, it looks great.
Been thinking to do myself one as a beater watch.

[tn]

I've been wondering if a titanium build would be viable and you dropped this vid, perfect timing and great vid as always!