DIY Watch Build: Crafting My Dream Dress Watch for Under $100
Watches have always been more than just functional accessories for me. You might’ve noticed in my past videos that I’ve worn several different watches. Today, I took on the ultimate DIY challenge: assembling my very own custom dress watch from scratch—all for less than $100! It’s stylish, it’s personal, and it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted. Let me share how this affordable yet satisfying project came together.
Why Build a Watch at Home?
There’s something empowering about wearing a watch you’ve assembled with your own hands. Sure, you could spend hundreds or thousands on big-brand watches. But by building one yourself, you not only save money but also get the joy of creating something unique. In this case, I decided to use high-quality but budget-friendly components and bring my dream dress watch to life.
The Components
Here’s what I used to build this watch:
36mm stainless steel oyster-style case
NH35 Seiko movement with a black date window
Sterile dial (because, let’s be real, wearing a fake Rolex felt wrong)
Watch hands set, with a second set for parts
A bracelet (if not part of the case you already have)
Grab your favorite tools, and let’s get to crafting!
Everything you need to assemble a Seiko Mod watch at home.
Prepping the Case
I chose a sleek stainless steel case with a modest 36mm diameter. It’s the perfect size for my wrist—not too big, not too small. First, I removed the bracelet to get easier access to the case. Using a simple rubber ball, I popped open the case back and took out the crown stem. Everything needed to be put aside carefully, especially the gasket. This is crucial for keeping the watch water-tight and ensuring it has a long-lasting seal. A quick lubrication of the gasket, and I was good to go.
The Dial: Keeping It Sleek and Authentic
While tempted by the thought of recreating a Seiko or Rolex, I ultimately decided to go with something more genuine—a sterile dial. No logos, just an elegant design that I absolutely love. Not to mention, wearing a fake watch just isn’t my style. The dial has a timeless, minimalist design, which I think looks pretty stunning without any branding.
I took a moment to file off one pin from the back of the dial, as my case’s crown sits at the 3 o’clock position. This ensured everything lined up perfectly when placing it onto the movement. Details like this can’t be rushed. Precision is key.
The dial and it's beautiful 3D wood grain texture
Handling the Movement
The NH35 movement I used is reliable but affordable, making it a great choice for this project. I printed a 3D tool to secure the movement while I fiddled with the delicate parts—trust me, you don’t want this thing rolling around on your desk.
Before adding the hands, I needed to set the time exactly to midnight. In most watches, this is the point when the date changes, so it’s the perfect reference. Once the clock was set to midnight, I moved on to adding the hands, starting with the hour hand.
Setting the Hands Right
The hour hand was easy to press into place with a makeshift 3D-printed tool. It lined up pretty well at midnight, so I moved on to the minute hand, then finally the second hand, which is the fiddliest part of the build.
For a pop of color, I “borrowed” a second hand from a different set as it featured a bold red color, and I think it adds a nice touch of flair. Pro tip: If you’re assembling a watch for the first time, be prepared for how tiny everything is. Balancing that second hand onto the pin feels like threading a needle in the dark — but more satisfying when you get it right.
Final Tweaks and Testing
After a few adjustments, I was pretty happy with the way the hands aligned at midnight. I wound the watch, watched the date jump exactly when it should, and tested to ensure everything worked smoothly. Being careful not to bend anything, I lightly tweaked the minute hand to ensure it didn’t graze the hour hand.
Once I saw everything move without any rubs or resistance, it was time to seal it all up. A few final twists, screws, and puffs of air to keep dust out, and I was ready to close the case.
Securing the Crown and Stem
One last step was cutting the crown’s stem to the perfect length. This involves some precision work, and since my trusty calipers are on their last leg, I had to measure a bit more manually. After cutting the stem, I locked it in place with a dab of Loctite, making sure everything was tight and secure for the long haul.
The Final Assembly
I gave the glass and interior one last cleanup using Rodico putty—a tacky substance that picks up even the tiniest of dust particles. Rodico is like Play-Doh’s perfectionist cousin and an absolute must when assembling watches. After cleaning up both the hands and dial, I secured the movement into the case, gently tightened the case back, and... voilà! The watch was finished.
The End Result
So, here it is. My very own dream dress watch. The sterile dial complements the oyster case beautifully, and that little dash of red on the seconds hand adds just the right amount of personality. It’s not too flashy, but it’s certainly not plain. While it’s reminiscent of higher-end watches, it’s a unique creation that doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
It may have only cost about $100 to assemble, but to me, it’s priceless. Every time I look at my wrist, I see something I made with my own hands.
What’s Next?
Would I do it again? 100%. Assembling this watch taught me patience, precision, and the satisfaction of building something from scratch. If you’ve ever been curious about making your own watch or are just looking for a new DIY project, I highly recommend giving it a go.
Did you enjoy watching this build come together? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe if you’re into more DIY projects. Also, don’t hesitate to check out my Patreon for early access to videos. Thanks for reading, and I hope this inspires your next craft adventure.