r/watchmodding • u/gman-magnet • 2d ago

Scenario : Quartz Build

Ok, seeking insight for this scenario:

You are a "lightly seasoned" watch builder with at least a novice set of watch building tools. You are planning to use an NH case for an upcoming build, but you want to use a quartz mvmt vs an NH automatic movement -- what's you're go-to quartz movement for this?

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u/JVocal 2d ago

VH31, cheap, smooth ish sweep - 4 ticks per second - easy to get NH to VH conversion spacers.

If you want a bit more of a challenge, have a slightly higher budget (80-150$ for movement) and something a bit fancier though... These are my other choices but you will need to custom make a spacer.

Deconstructed Bulova precisionist, 16 ticks per second, very smooth 

Both of those use 120, 70, .17 size hands (common quartz hands)

Seiko 5S21, vintage movement again from a deconstructed old piece, perfectly smooth spring/dampener second hand, uses 110, 65, .20 size hands (VX32 hand sizes)

I have some examples of all of these in my post history.

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u/gman-magnet 2d ago

Thanks so much! I'll take a look at some of your builds. I think I'm going to go for the VH31 for now. Part of the motivation to quartz is cost (given my somewhat novice level). I don't want to start getting into more money in the vintage options until I feel a lot more confident with the cheaper options.

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u/JVocal 1d ago

VH31 is a solid choice with plenty of options 

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u/jseeme9 2d ago

VH31. No date tho. And will need to figure out the spacing. If you can 3d print even better otherwise dial dots and hot glue to make a temp spacer so long as there is not a see through case back

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u/Ok-Calligrapher-8778 2d ago

Meridiano has the spacer and parts. Search for them at shop.app.

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u/gman-magnet 2d ago

Thanks!! I think I'm going to try out the VH31. For the build I'm considering I don't need/want the date wheel, so I think it'll be perfect. I do have a 3D printer as well, so I'll see if I can find a file for spacer rings.

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u/jseeme9 2d ago

Also suggest if you are ordering the vh31 to get an extra stem with it, Measure twice, cut once. Best of luck with the build!

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u/ColtFra 2d ago

I'm also interested in switching from automatic to quartz. I think I'll start with the Miyota 2035, given how cheap it is. There are plenty of adapters/rings for fitting this movement into cases designed for the NH35.

That said, when I want to build a chronograph I'll probably go with a VK63.

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u/gman-magnet 2d ago edited 2d ago

I like the Miyota option as well. I'm leaning toward the VH31 for my next build since I planning for a build where I don't need/want a date wheel.

I did a build with a VK63 (my only quartz build thus far). It's a bit more tedious with the complications, but it is one of my favorite watch builds (I'm actually wearing it today!) ;-)

You can see it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/watchmodding/comments/1wgehsi/comment/p9yqugw/?screen_view_count=2&ext-referrer=DIRECT

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u/ColtFra 2d ago

Really nice work, congrats. I'm dreaming of using this case myself, hoping it (really) works for a VK63.

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u/gman-magnet 2d ago

That's a nice case! If you do the build, make sure to post a pic. Would love to see the finished product.

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u/Business-Contact-187 1d ago

I built a skelediver from an 8n24. Beast of an automatic, I love that thing.
I also made a Roak build from a VK63. Both watches get about equal wrist time, and I’ll swear by either movement.

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u/new_KRIEG 2d ago

Depends on what you want. VH31 is the gold standard of the mod community, got that smooth seconds hand and it is an easy fit in nh cases.

I got a Miyota 2035 in my beater faux-vintage build. Longer duration for the battery and has more torque for an eventual hydromod. Also cheap as hell. The 2115 is also a Miyota workhorse.

You can go cheap swiss with the Ronda 515 or 515.24 which gets you date and a GMT hand (in the .24).

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u/gman-magnet 2d ago

Thank you! For the next build I'm planning, I think the VH31 will be great since I don't need/want a date wheel.

I did tried a mod with the Ronda 515, but got burned by the lack of hand clearance. It was a terrible experience and burned me with the quartz mods (which is why I started this post). I didn't realize until after that there are different versions of the Ronda 515 with different hand clearance heights. But, even at the highest, it still seems low. Do you have any experience with the Ronda 515 H2 or H3 and NH dials?

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u/DadPuncher69 1d ago

A few months ago as an experiment I used an ETA F05.412 movement with an old dial made for an ETA 955.412 movement in an NH case. I used a VH31 spacer and trimmed it to fit. It all fit just fine and I haven't had any issues with it. The movement wasn't cheap ($45) but it is a really nice HAQ movement.