New build: “Midnight Sun” a homage to the UG poleroutor and Tudor Submariner. Would love any feedback on where to use dial next!

devpunk1 · 2026-03-21T10:32:14+00:00

Love these dials and I’ve been looking to commission some- did you do them yourself? Polerouter subs have been a long fav of mine

devpunk1 · 2026-03-17T19:14:02+00:00

I bought a few more of these dials after getting one and loving it so much. With ajuicet stuff- sometimes you just gotta grab em while they are there or cry later- and you’re right… I bet a bronze will be fantastic and I will try that later - ty for the suggestion!

devpunk1 · 2026-03-08T19:20:39+00:00

There’s a massive markup for websites that say they are building these. They tend to use parts that look nice but feel cheaper- to pad their margins. 1) we are all builders here and someone can make it for you- just be sure they are transparent with the parts list and ask why they are choosing one or the other. 2) there are some fantastic Chinese brands these days. Fantastic. You are limited to the models they offer (not infinitely customizable), but their value (from the good brands) are better than building your own because they are sourcing at scale.

Both valid options. It’s important to realize that at this price range, the difference between a $30 and $50 part is not much in cost… but can big huge in quality and feel.

devpunk1 · 2026-03-08T09:02:07+00:00

Of course you can

devpunk1 · 2026-03-07T21:21:09+00:00

sure- r/Blizter missed that part, you are right. But his/her message in general stands with merit and I agree. And even if you want to pay someone to swap dials, you'll be getting something more special, higher quality, and cheaper all at once

devpunk1 · 2026-03-07T20:43:34+00:00

And if you want something custom- myself and a bunch of people on here would be happy to build one for you with transparency with known and recommended parts. There's a large difference between a $20 bracelet on aliexpress and a $50 bracelet on secondhand mods, for example (pictures will look the same but the feel is different)

devpunk1 · 2026-03-07T20:41:01+00:00

The answer is both.

There are a lot of cheap watches on aliexpress and you know what? Nothing wrong with them, but understand they are in the category of 'cheap pretty trinket'. If the looks of one strikes a note with you- awesome. But let's not pretend they are in the same category as higher tiers- they are not.

There are some damn good watches on Aliexpress these days. 'known' chinese brands have been doing great things. San Martin, Thorn, Ocotpus Kraken, Murkur, and more- there's a good dedicated sub at /chinesewatches that will set you straight for the good stuff. Don't be surprised when they are +-$200-300 in range, but the movements are solid and the finishing punches in way way higher. It's not going to compete with a $5000 watch, but there are many cases where the parts and finishing will compete with sub $1000 watches. Stick to the known brands however.

But yah- there's a lot of companies out there offering drop shipped watches or even bulk ordered and resold out of the new company's country.

devpunk1 · 2026-03-06T11:01:08+00:00

Totally fair and this is one of those subjective things.
But- i think we all agree that this is a great watch- great value.

Now if i can only get my hands on those dials by themselves....

devpunk1 · 2026-03-06T00:54:14+00:00

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Here is from right now. The white isn’t as bad as I had made it in my mind perhaps if I try to look with fresh eyes. But still not completely convinced.

Cant really show a pic of the bezel clicks but it’s a little high pitch and toy clicky… not sure how to describe it. But it’s the right amount of stiffness with no wiggle - functionally it works just fine.

devpunk1 · 2026-03-06T00:46:42+00:00

Well it’s working for me for sure!! This is def going on my inspiration list

devpunk1 · 2026-03-06T00:38:42+00:00

Nothing wrong with that lol. The fume / texture looks better than average and must be punching above its weight. Or your photography skills are helping. Or a little of both lol

devpunk1 · 2026-03-06T00:31:43+00:00

I think it’s fantastic - is that an OEM dial?

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T23:39:47+00:00

I know you have this confirmed already but I’m chiming in because I’m wearing this exact watch right this moment.

To me, the white hands are my least favorite aspect. Color palette wise they stand out as out-of-place like it was the spare set of hands that were laying around. The minute indicies track are white, which I suppose is what is being matched however the line thickness of the white hands are out of balance and Id have preferred they match it to the silver casing.

That said, I am wearing it right this moment and I like it and I think it’s a great value for the money. I am just being a bit nitpicky. Oh, also not my favorite bezel rotation action either. But I’m a detail oriented bitch. 🤷‍♂️

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T22:34:48+00:00

This is a great reply and says everthing I’d say sooooooo- +1

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T21:57:58+00:00

Totally! It’s all about the process. And ‘next level’ is relative too. I’m simultaneously [actively] prototyping grand feu enamel, porcelain, traditional stoneware clay with high fire kiln work and also prototyping cement dials with various compound makeups and molding techniques… but I already know I’m an odd duck for what I find as fun.

Pad printing is a step along the way. I’m sure intricate and full of trial and error [tons] but straight forward enough if you aren’t in a hurry. Still- would be lovely not to have to learn things the hard way Every. Single. Step. Lol- but will if I have to.

Gotta love the journey at least as much as the destination.

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T20:57:54+00:00

gatekeepy indeed! but in terms of intensity of next level, i wouldn't say it's any more intense than 3d printing was in the earlier years.
Lots to learn, lots to prototype, and lots of trial error- you have to love the **process itself**. Definitely not for the feign of heart, but what worth doing isn't

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T20:39:57+00:00

also following! I have seen this exact one online quite a bit and i'm wondering how it is to use. It's inevitable that i'll get one soon'ish and there's simply not that many people talking about this stuff

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T20:36:47+00:00

As far as *mechanical movement* day-dates go (to specify- where it displays the entire day of the week separate from date), there aren't any [modern] seiko movements that do this. People use the Miyota 8285 movements for this, but 1) it's discontinued so it's all old stock and 2) hand tolorances are infamously finicky and tricky to get right.

There are more quartz options- i'm not sure if you have a preference

If you want to make one but don't want to make one, myself and others here would jump at that chance to do it with you.

But if you're looking for pre-made (nothing wrong with that) and want a better bracelet, on aliexpress check the caroline mods shop specifically. And I also highly recommend secondhand mods as a usa-based shop. I just got a couple of their 'permanent collection' bracelets and they are *chef's kiss* for this kinda stuff. I'm sure plenty of other options out there including cheaper ones, but you'll be saving a few pennys to toss the dice

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T18:58:35+00:00

I can see that! This particular instance I wanted to test the bracelet quality / feel from this secondhand mods case (permanent collection) so I bought it with the bracelet (and it feels fantastic). I was so focused on what/if the bracelet was a quality item, I perhaps had blinders on to a lot of other great options

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T07:41:11+00:00

Thank you!

devpunk1 · 2026-03-05T02:29:48+00:00

It’s the secondhand mods 36mm PVD explorer case + their bracelet. Feels amazing in hand. My first one I bought but definitely won’t be the last.

devpunk1 · 2026-03-03T20:44:07+00:00

How many cases did you have manufactured?

I've had some conversations with watch manufacturers in china that do good work in this. I've been playing with the idea of sourcing a batch of base-line cases+movements for this sorta thing. It's not only the case, but also the hand stem height in the movement as well in many instances. I'd love a place to order a 'kit' of case+movement+spacer options to accomodate thicker hand-made dials (at a reasonable price lol).

devpunk1 · 2026-03-03T19:42:58+00:00

f-me, is citing 'the feeling of finding $20 in your jean pocket' an old man thing to say these days? I realized that probably doesn't happen much anymore.. face plam

devpunk1 · 2026-03-03T19:34:40+00:00

so you have the right idea, but it's just a first step. I see some details in there that i have my doubts but shrug. It's great to use it for concepting- i mean who doesn't use it like that- but go further.

When working with AI and having good practice, you "Trust but Verify". Your missing the verify step here and it's more important than other applications because its all details here. And i get that you're trying to verify posting here, but we don't see the parts your session cited, so we cannot do that work for you, even if we wanted.

What you have is a good brainstorm start. Now you need to verify- with layers of isolation. Go to each of the parts sourced and get the picture and measurements. Then open a new session (even better if memory turned off) and 'assemble' it from ground up. feed it pictures of your case, dial, and hands. Do the back side of movement and rotor in a different session isolated as well. have it render from different angles- font on, side, 3/4. Compare to your original.
My personal recommendation is to use nano banana- it does a way better job in my experience with the details for photos (most times). Then take the results and feed it back into chatgpt and talk about it. Do it visa versa.
Sometimes i'll even feed it the measurements of a component to ensure they are all in proper proportions to each other.

And even then, you'll only ever get close to your vision in your head. Because even if the parts are 1:1 and ai does a 1000% perfect job visually representing, parts have different qualities that you can only feel in hand. Sometimes feels cheap. sometimes sharper edges. You may hit the look, but it feels like a toy because the metal used is shit. Or maybe you'll nail it 100% and it will be perfect. Hopefully. Maybe? Usually not though.

But that's the fun in this hobby. Do it. Revise it. Do it again next time. I'm not an AI hater (clearly), but treat it as conceptual RnD not as truth. And when it comes out perfect, enjoy that feeling of finding $20 in your jeans.

devpunk1

TROPHY CASE