Custom made watch - Possible?

[TVR_Steve]

Good afternoon!

I'm toying with the idea of a gift for a friend, and they have expressed a like for a watch of mine, a Rotary skeleton watch:


https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5287031

Now although the watch is only 40mm, it is a big big for her wrist, and I have tried to find (and contacted Rotary) a lady's version, but there isn't one.

My question is, is it possible to lift the hands, workings and numerals from the men's watch and transfer in to a lady's one? Or just "skeletonise" or use a lady's skeleton watch and transfer the hands etc. The colours of the hands are quite important, effectively it needs to be exactly the same as the men's watch but smaller.

Obviously this would be a one off commission, and there would be a cost associated with that, but I'm looking to see if it is possible first.

I'm thinking that this forum is a good place to post such a bonkers request, and I appreciate helpful replies.

Thank you,
Steve

[BS62]

As with cars, anything is possible if you chuck enough money at it!

I’m guessing, but from the very little I know from messing about with Seikos, the movement in that watch is probably a fairly standard sized one surrounded by a plastic spacer. If it is, it would be possible to put it in a smaller case. The tricky bit is finding the right case and parts necessary to do it.

I imagine your best bet is an independent watchmaker who might have suggestions on how to achieve what you want.

Edited by BS62 on Wednesday 20th February 20:22

Edited by BS62 on Wednesday 20th February 20:23

[lostkiwi]

Even if you get the movement into a smaller case the hands won't transfer to a smaller case easily. You'll almost certainly need to source new ones.
Your easiest route may be to start with something close then change the hands.
Slightly pricey but this might make a good starting point

[RickRolled]

You could speak to these guys, they do custom watches.

https://wilkwatchworks.com/customgallery/custom-wa...

[TVR_Steve]

Excellent replies, thank you.

[Lorne]

TVR_Steve said:

Good afternoon!

I'm toying with the idea of a gift for a friend, and they have expressed a like for a watch of mine, a Rotary skeleton watch:


https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5287031

Now although the watch is only 40mm, it is a big big for her wrist, and I have tried to find (and contacted Rotary) a lady's version, but there isn't one.

My question is, is it possible to lift the hands, workings and numerals from the men's watch and transfer in to a lady's one? Or just "skeletonise" or use a lady's skeleton watch and transfer the hands etc. The colours of the hands are quite important, effectively it needs to be exactly the same as the men's watch but smaller.

Obviously this would be a one off commission, and there would be a cost associated with that, but I'm looking to see if it is possible first.

I'm thinking that this forum is a good place to post such a bonkers request, and I appreciate helpful replies.

Thank you,
Steve

You can certainly find a smaller case for it to go in and use a smaller or no movement holder, but your problem is going to be firstly with the hand lengths and, a likely showstopper, the dial. No way will that dial fit into anything less than the case it's in, and filing the edges to make it smaller isn't going to work.

Watches on bracelets tend to feel larger, heavier and more 'wobblier' than the same thing on a strap, so how about putting a nice strap on yours and letting her try it. 40 mm is a perfectly acceptable size for even the smallest of ladies wrists.

[TVR_Steve]

Thank you. Another option would be to anodise hands and numerals from a similar looking watch.

The 40mm case was unfortunately too large on her wrist.

[Lorne]

TVR_Steve said:

Thank you. Another option would be to anodise hands and numerals from a similar looking watch.

The 40mm case was unfortunately too large on her wrist.

Or just buy the similar looking watch?