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Custom built watch

5K views 24 replies 20 participants last post by  K5MOW 
#1 ·
This is my second go at building my own watch.
The component parts are mainly from Ofrei.

Movement Ronda Powertech 500 series 517
The 28.5mm BPVD Case comes with crown and case ring
Dial is for an ETA 2836
Hands are 70/120/20
18mm Black leather band and white stitching from eBay

I'm not affiliated to Ofrei just used them as they have all the main component parts I needed on their relatively easy to use web site.
I'm not sure about the style of hr and min hands I've chosen but I really like the rest.

I started delving into quartz watches in April and find this all very satisfying. My first home built watch went to my youngest son for his 20th birthday present.

My next project is to have a go at spraying a dial candy apple green and engraving the case hatch with a Celtic design.
Thanks for looking,
Bern
 

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#8 ·
Congrats bro. You should be proud. That looks like a professionally built piece. When you do another one I'd love to see a step by step pic montage of the process. Well done!
 
#10 ·
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to offer your encouragement. It is very much appreciated. :happy:

Shane David,
Otto Frei have all the parts (except maybe that black band with white stitching) for people in the USA. I have to import them because the main suppliers here in the UK see customer service as an overhead as opposed to an income generating tool.

ZED073
There are quiet a few so called Philip Persio watches over here at the moment which have nice large cases/backs and are very cheap so I'll be using some of these to play with. I'll post back when/if I get any decent results.

I've been asked to do a plain black dial version (see attached) with a black PVD bracelet instead of the leather band in the photo. So I'll be off "Googling" to see what I can find. :)

Bern
 

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#13 ·
Thank you folks,

My son wasn't that enthusiastic when he got the black dial version for his 21st as he used his mobile when he wanted to know the time.

Then last week he asked me if I would "upgrade" the band to a black PVD bracelet.

It looks like we might have another Watch Freak on our hands! :)

Bern
 
#19 ·
Again my thanks to everyone for your positive comments.

Although the watches do have a case back gasket and I have put a small amount of silicone grease on before screwing it down I doubt they are more than water "resistant". They certainly aren't waterproof or pressure tested but then again they are everyday wear watches not intended for swimming or diving.

Engraved on the back = Stainless Steel Water Resistant

Hope this helps,
Bern
 
#21 ·
So cool! I would love to do something like this!!!!!

May I ask:

1. Did you first go through some sort of watchmaking class, or do you already have a watchmaking background?

2. About how much did you spend on all of the components?

3. How extensive is your tool collection?

Definitely keep posting your watches!
 
#24 ·
Hello folks,

Sorry I haven't had time to reply sensibly as we moved twice in December, first short term rented then into the house we have bought.
I am now doing a fair amount of basic building work as well as my day job. As a result I haven't even had time to open my boxes of watch making stuff, books and tools I packed up at the end of November.
One of my wife's watches needs a new battery. I've had to tell her she has to wait in the queue of priorities until I have time to set up my work bench and get my tools out!

I started last year with no previous experience.
I've bought a few books for beginners and spent a fair amount of time researching and getting help from generous people on forums like this. Apart from that it has been trial and error using relatively(?) inexpensive Seikos and kits from people like Otto Frei.

That's about all I have time to tell you at the moment.
Again my apologies for being so brief.
I will be back! :)
Bern
 
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