Instructions

Familiarizing Yourself with Tools and Components

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the tools and components you’ll be using to build your timepiece. A comprehensive image will guide you through identifying each part and its function, allowing you to feel confident in your process.

Preparing Your Workspace

Set up in a well-lit, comfortable area. Make sure everything is within easy reach for smooth assembly.
Slip on finger cots on one or both hands, ensuring you handle each piece with care, keeping them free from fingerprints or dust.

Assembling the Dial to the Movement

Components:

Movement
Dial

Tools:

Watch pad – to protect the movement as you work.
Tweezers – for precise handling.
Cutter – for trimming the necessary pins on the dial, only if needed, as some dials may already come pre-trimmed.

Steps:

Gently place your movement on the watch pad.
If trimming is required, carefully trim the appropriate pins on the dial, aligning them with the movement’s pinholes.
Securely press the dial into place, ensuring it fits snugly against the movement. This delicate step marks the beginning of your creation.

Attaching the Watch Hands

We know how important this step is, so we’ve included an extra set of hands—just in case.

Components:

Dial with attached movement
Hour, minute, and second hands

Tools:

Watch pad – to safeguard the movement.
Hands pressers – with color-coded tips for precision and control.
Loupe and ring – to magnify your view and achieve perfect alignment.
Tweezers – for careful placement.
Rodico and cleaning cloth – to ensure your dial and hands are pristine.

Steps:

Rotate the movement stem until the hour hand is aligned just after the date switches at midnight.
Using your tweezers, gently position the hour hand at 12 o’clock, then press it firmly in place with the black-tipped hand presser, applying just enough pressure as if you’re writing with a pen.
Rotate the stem again to ensure smooth movement.
Next, align and secure the minute hand at 12 o’clock, using the same precision and technique.
Shift the hour hand to 1 o’clock and prepare to attach the second hand. This step requires close attention, so use the loupe to perfectly align the second hand on the central pin of the movement.
Carefully press the second hand into place using the white-tipped presser, ensuring a smooth and delicate fit.

Tip: Ensure the hands don’t rub against each other during movement by adjusting the stem. Now, with the most intricate step complete, feel the pride in knowing you’ve successfully brought your creation to life!

Troubleshooting (Optional):

For those extra careful moments, we’ve included instructions to remove the hands if needed. You’ll need two hand lifters and a protective plastic sheet to avoid scratching the dial.

Removing the Temporary Stem

Components:

Half-assembled watch

Tools:

Loupe and ring – for accurate viewing.
Pin driver – to release the temporary stem.

Steps:

Gently press the temporary blue-handled stem inward to activate the movement, then locate the release tab with your loupe.
Carefully press the tab and remove the temporary stem, keeping the hands and movement safely suspended. Your watch is now ready for the next stage.

Inserting the Movement into the Case

Components:

Half-assembled watch with cleaned movement, dial, and hands
Watch case

Tools:

Watch pad
Rodico and cleaning cloth – to clean every surface.
Watch case opener/closer – if required.

Steps:

Ensure everything is clean and free of dust. Use the Rodico and cleaning cloth to carefully clean the hands, dial, and watch case.
Once cleaned, place the movement into the watch case and gently press it into place. You’ll hear a reassuring click.
Insert the temporary stem again to stop the hands and the movement from operating. You’re now ready for the next stage!

Cutting the New Stem and Attaching the Crown & Bezel

We understand precision matters, so we’ve included an extra stem—just in case.

Components:

New stem and crown
Bezel
Watch case

Tools:

Watch pad
Cutter – for precise trimming of the stem.
Tweezers – to remove the adhesive backing on the bezel.

Steps:

Place the movement and watch case on the watch pad.
Measure the new stem against the watch case, leaving enough space for the crown to fit snugly.
Trim the stem to the correct length, ensuring a perfect fit for smooth operation.
Attach the crown to the newly cut stem.
Remove the adhesive backing on the bezel using tweezers, align the bezel, and press down firmly until it snaps into place.
Your watch is now beautifully sealed and ready for the final steps.

Attaching the Straps

Components:

Watch case with movement, dial, and hands fully assembled
Straps
Strap pins

Tools:

Watch pad
Hand lifters – to aid in strap assembly if needed.

Steps:

Insert the strap pins into the straps.
Position the strap buckle on the upper side of the watch case and gently press the pin into place. Repeat for the second strap, attaching it to the lower side.

Congratulations – Your Watch is Complete!

Tools:

Your smile and pride – for designing and building your own timepiece!

Final Steps:

Take a deep breath and admire your work. You’ve successfully designed and assembled your very own custom watch.
Now, it’s time to set the time and proudly wear the watch that reflects your unique style and creativity.

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Familiarizing Yourself with Tools and Components

Preparing Your Workspace

Assembling the Dial to the Movement

Components:

Tools:

Steps:

Attaching the Watch Hands

Components:

Tools:

Steps:

Troubleshooting (Optional):

Removing the Temporary Stem

Components:

Tools:

Steps:

Inserting the Movement into the Case

Components:

Tools:

Steps:

Cutting the New Stem and Attaching the Crown & Bezel

Components:

Tools:

Steps:

Attaching the Straps

Components:

Tools:

Steps:

Congratulations – Your Watch is Complete!

Tools:

Final Steps:

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Start Your Watchmaking Journey

How to Reach Us

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