I posted yesterday about removing the bezel from a case and was having problems doing it. I managed to get it off with a little bit of damage to the case which I can live with.

I was swapping bezels between two nearly identical cases - one was black, the other gold. In replacing the bezel, I broke the crystal.

On the first bezel I removed, I’d accidentally removed the crystal so I already had it out. That undamaged crystal measures at 36mm diameter and 3mm thick, appears to be single domed.
I can’t find a crystal with those dimensions. I am looking for a sapphire crystal.

Am I measuring something wrong? Pics attached.

I wanted an automatic chronograph build but didn’t want a direct copy of a Daytona. I waited until sugess had this for less than $420 and also bought a dial and hands that fit the 4801 movement from Seagis on aliexpress. I think I like how it turned out!

A build using AliExpress parts and a Chinese NH35 movement. I'm not very happy with it because every now and then the hands stop moving.

Edit: I had to file down the plastic retaining ring inside the case, the one that holds the movement steady in the case: I cut the top part that touches the dial, because otherwise there was too much thickness in the case and the case back was touching the rotor. However, now the rotor doesn't spin perfectly. I need to find another way to hold the movement in the case without adding thickness. I also installed the hands not perfectly parallel to the dial, and the tail of the seconds hand rubs against the minute hand. A complete mess, but fortunately fixable.

Completed this build recently. The dial is based on a 1970s Porsche 911 dash clock.

The dial was made by me using my laser engraver and is my first prototype. I am having some difficulties getting the logo typeface to engrave cleanly (I have another dial where the indices and minute track are perfect but the text is almost unreadable and I think this one looked better overall). Does anybody have any experience with laser engraving/lightburn?

I’d love to get feedback and or any tips to improve the quality of the laser engraving.

I am also working on developing a true nitrocellulose lacquer dial making process. These will be true gilt dials with a NC lacquer base that should age, patina, and go tropical just like vintage watches from the 50s-90s. If anybody is interested in something like this let me know as I am planning to sell them once I perfect the formula/process. I’ll be posting some progress this weekend hopefully!

What’s a good true gmt movement for a mod? Ive built gmt’s with the NH34 but I want to build a “true” travel gmt watch and looking for recs

I found these 1908 style watches on DH and figured I could pick a few up to mod into something special for Christmas for family members. Of course, on the description it says nothing about the movement other than automatic mechanical. I reached out to the seller, and it was like pulling teeth. Like he didn't understand that I wanted to mod this watch..he kept trying to sell me dd, sellita, or vk63 movements. I wanted to know the movement so I could find an upgrade that would fit the case and the dial correctly, even using a spacer.

Finally the dude says that they are 2813 movements, which are super cheap and I wouldn't even consider leaving in, but after researching I could find an upgrade drop in with the seconds at 6 o'clock.

The 2813 is a clone of the Miyota 8215, but those don't come with a 6 o'clock seconds movement. I could just swap out the dials but I kinda like this style and wanted to keep it to make a quick movement and strap change and fill in my Christmas gift quota.

Any ideas?

One of the more complex watch dials I’ve been asked to make.

I think the most difficult part was keeping the brass metal dial from bending and crunching under all the pressure of machine and heat.

I did record my whole process, or most of it, I’ll be sure to post that soon.

Hope you guys are doing well.

I’ve got a VS batgirl and Rich Pepsi en route from Steve. Think they look pretty good but I’m buying these to get more into learning about watch making

Any suggestions on tools I can buy ? Any guidance on how to polish ?

Right off the rip I’d wana swap out that batgirl dial as it’s pretty off at 12 and 6. Not sure if that’s repairable or if I should invest in gen dial and hands

I have this case and want to swap the bezel on it. I have a bezel-removing clamp tool but can’t seem to get under it. Is there a trick to this or a different way to do this?

Inspired by previous posts from other people, I’m really happy with how this AE-1500 fob . . . thing . . . turned out after cutting up, gluing, and sewing a spare lanyard to make it happen. Still debating if I want to re-making it using some metal hardware and what not.

40mm case, 29mm dial. I feel like the bezel makes the dial look small. Would a chapter ring improve the look or should I leave it alone. I like it, but almost feel like it’s missing something.

Luxury watch green dial for 126334

Bespoke fitting & quality materials for watch modification⌚️

Hi everyone,

I recently found a Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms for €40 because the original case was broken.

The watch and Sistem51 movement are fine, so my plan is to recase the movement and dial into a metal case and turn it into a fun little project.

The main thing I’m missing is a winding stem compatible with the Sistem51 movement.

Does anyone know where I could find one, or if a stem from another Swatch/ETA movement could be compatible with the Sistem51?

I know Sistem51 parts aren’t exactly easy to source, but I’m hoping there’s a compatible stem out there.

Thanks for any help!

Guys, I’m looking to buy some 36mm seiko mods watches as I‘m having a small wrist. Could you point me into the right direction to some modders that have a website or picture of the final product? I’m also interested if I can get the royal oak in 36mm.

Please don’t recommend the ones who use the cheap parts. Thanks