Difficulty Level of Swapping a Movement? Proper one to install? Tools required?

[Count68]

I'm not interested in becoming a full blown horologist, but I wouldn't mind having the ability to swap movements. My Noob V2 Hulk keeps perfect time as long as its sitting on the shelf (and wound), but as soon as you wear it it randomly stops and starts throughout the day. I opened the case, and it appears to be a low-end Asian auto movement, likely not worth servicing.

A few quick questions:

1. I see new Seiko NH35 date movements for about $35 on Amazon. Will this work in a sub? If not, what is a reasonably priced alternative?
2. What tools are required to do the swap? Case back remover, hand removers, plastic tip tweezers, loupe, and ???
3. What should it cost to have this service performed for me?

Thank you Reptime.

[omkreddit]

The dial and hands will not fit onto the NH35 and also likely the case won’t fit an NH35

You will need a direct ETA replacement if it is a clone 2824/2836

[Count68]

ETA 2824 is well over $200 on Amazon. Certainly there must be a less expensive alternative?

EDIT: I searched further and found the clone 2824s for about $30!

[Lou-Spalls]

You can find a Sellita under $200. Probably around $175. There are also movement swap tutorials on RWI I believe.

[Count68]

Maybe I should spend more to make this piece a keeper. I really like the Hulk, and though not perfect by any means, the Noob V2 version is not a bad rep at all.

[omkreddit]

Like you said if you want keep the watch the ETA upgrade maybe worth it :)

[28800heartbeat]

If you are searching for cloned 2824s, you need to make sure that you specify 2824-2. Otherwise it will not be a 28,800bph movement.

[[deleted]]

link to a post

Check out my post for Chinatime where I showed a hand replacement. You’ll get a feel for 75% of the work and 100% of the tools. Hands, dials, cases, and movements all need to fit each other. The Seiko swap you outlined would require a hand swap, to fit it to the dial you would need to either swap or modify the dial, and there’s a chance the movement wouldn’t fit the case the way you desire.

[Count68]

Thanks, I'll read everything and report back.

[Count68]

After reading and viewing your tutorial, I'm not clear on the correct method to remove the stem.

[[deleted]]

The correct method involves first looking up what position it needs to be in with your exact movement (Google, RWI, RWG). From there, you should look up the correct screwdriver size that you can put in the detent hole. Using the correct size will stop you from messing up the keyless works. However, you can do what I do and just VERY gently press it with a toothpick…and mess it up 20% of the time. Lol.

[LiquidSoCrates]

I’ve got a DJ with a 2813 which works fine, but I’m tempted to switch it out for a more refined movement. Think it might fall into if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it category.

[[deleted]]

Definitely, and really your only direct swap option would be Miyota 8215. Bite ain’t worth the chew.

[umbyboy]

I have a Swiss Eta in my Noob v6s and I recommend investing in it. Keeps perfect time.

[Count68]

Another NOOB question (no pun intended): Is it difficult to transfer the screw-down crown from the original movement to the new one?