DIY Watch Building Kits

[Dolf Stoppard]

Anybody had any experience of this sort of kit?

https://www.watch-supply.co.uk/

It looks like the kits contain all the parts and tools you need, plus access to videos. Cost is about £250.

I’m thinking about buying one as a present so buying loads of old bits off eBay is not really an alternative.

It’s for my Dad who is in his 70s and who loves his watches. Any comments on difficulty would be really helpful.

[Geffg]

Be interesting to hear if anyones bought one and what they’re actually like.

[Mr_C]

The watches look really nice in the pics (though they’re clearly other peoples designs…).

[Caddyshack]

Would dad’s eyesight and hand steadiness be up to it? It’s a great gift but may frustrate him?


Just looked properly at the kit, sorry, I can see it is basic…I assumed it was cogs n springs etc, not popping the bits in the case.

They look great kits.

[Macneil]

I've pissed about modding old seikos and it's pretty simple. The crystal is already fitted so that's one awkward job done. Setting the hands might be an issue, it isn't something that you get right first time, but once done, fitting the assembly into the case and screwing down the back is easy. The Fink brand itself isn't one that most people interested in watches would take seriously, and the kit looks like off the shelf mod parts with branded dials.

[Dolf Stoppard]

Thanks for the comments so far.

Not too bothered about the brand really as it’s more about the idea that he can wear a watch he’s assembled which I think is a pretty cool idea. He has a JLC for the times he wants to impress people. Which at his age is never!

Installing the hands does seem to be the trickiest bit and has always scared me. I’ll do a bit more research and if I make a purchase will update this thread.

[Dan_1981]

Here's my thread on a very similar proposition...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...