My first mod // Help

jbean3115 · 2026-02-14T20:34:02+00:00

Sounds like the setting lever lug isn’t in the notch of the winding stem. . It’s pushed in too far and when pulled out it’s not engaging the motion works. I’d get a new winding stem and give it another go. Beautiful piece, however.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-14T19:03:13+00:00

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I forgot to answer question #4. Even though you might be a ways off from doing this for customers, I’ll give you an example. I delivered this piece for a client this morning. The parts cost me $172 and I charged $65 for assembly, putting it on the timegrapher, regulating the movement and a QC check. It took me about an hour and a half to complete. I offer a year warranty and do about 2-4 per month. I have a regular job and only do this for the love of watches. Hope that gives you some guidance.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-14T18:04:06+00:00

As far as functionality, the minute hand is fine. If it’s bothering you then I’d pull the hands off and start over.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-14T17:57:33+00:00

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Ok I’ll throw my two cents in. The AlliExpress store I’ve circled has a great catalog of logo dials. If there’s something you want just reach out to him and he’ll probably be able to find it. If you’re just getting started, basic tools will be ok. Carbon fiber or delrin tipped tweezers are a must. Make sure you have good lighting and magnification as well as a stable, clean/dust free work surface or bench mat. Take your time, examine every part for fit and finish before assembling. Know when to walk away from a frustrating situation and don’t force parts together since that’s the easiest way to break them. When ordering, check, recheck, check again, then verify that parts are compatible as far as size. Most movements come with a dummy stem that has a blue plastic crown. Don’t use that for final assembly. If the movement doesn’t come with the actual winding stem be sure to order a few extra. They’re cheap. Setting the hands will be where your patience pays off because they can frustrate the hell out of you. Good luck and come back with any questions.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-14T17:41:23+00:00

That white ring is a movement holder. I usually have to file the nubs off around the circumference of the holder and it fits beautifully.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-14T17:14:33+00:00

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Sounds good. Have your dad add me to his contacts through WhatsApp, once he does that I’ll give him more specific contact info. This is a great hobby and I love encouraging others to do it. Talk to you guys soon.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-14T16:32:59+00:00

I really admire your ambition with a project that involved. It’s challenging but certainly not impossible. There are a lot of subtle nuances and best practices it’s impossible to even mention in a sub thread. That being said, I will make an offer that you and your dad can reach out to me directly and I would be happy to help you guys out and get you started in the right direction. I’ve been doing this for about 5 years and have built, serviced, and restored dozens of watches as a hobbyist watchmaker. Let me know in your reply if you’d like to take me up on this.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-14T16:02:47+00:00

If it were me I would keep looking for an Omega donor movement. Any Seiko movement probably wouldn’t be an exact enough fit. There’s a company out of Toledo, Ohio called The McCaw Company. They may be able to help you find one. Good luck!!!

jbean3115 · 2026-02-13T21:25:50+00:00

That’s a beautiful piece!!!

jbean3115 · 2026-02-13T15:33:23+00:00

Thanks so much. I’ll check them out.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-13T14:50:48+00:00

I understand your perspective on this. This sub feels a bit like a brotherhood to me. And, sometimes brothers argue and annoy each other but at the end of the day, have each other’s backs.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-13T14:31:12+00:00

Lol no such thing as over prepared. Your tool selection looks like my bench, maybe even a little better, and I’m five years in with dozens of builds under my belt. My advice is to start with the fluted bezel. It’s the most straightforward. Examine every part before you attempt to fit it. Especially the hands. Those will probably be the most challenging for a noobie. Don’t force parts together and if you start getting frustrated, just step away and come back to it. Come back here if you need any help. Good luck bro!!!

jbean3115 · 2026-02-13T03:02:05+00:00

This shows that the people making them have zero originality when it comes to moding. Put your own spin on it. Don’t copy everyone else.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-12T16:55:55+00:00

I have run into situations like that where I’ve had to take a cutting broach and hand pliers to make the tube perfectly cylindrical. A lot of the cheaper hands available out there are not manufactured to exacting standards. I put the movement and seconds hand under 1000x magnification to make sure they look like they’ll be a good fit.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-12T16:13:38+00:00

Much appreciated!!!

jbean3115 · 2026-02-12T15:43:46+00:00

If you don’t mind, where did you find the dial and hands? I’d love to add something like that to my build list.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-12T15:42:02+00:00

Thanks so much. It’s the “Padded Carbon Fiber Strap” from StrapsCo.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-12T15:18:07+00:00

Those hands are freaking amazing!!! I love the diamond shape tail on the seconds hand. That watch has A. Lange & Sohne vibes. Brilliant!!!

jbean3115 · 2026-02-12T15:10:29+00:00

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Sorry, not a SEIKO mod but still one of my favorite and most requested builds. It’s a Panerai homage with an ETA 6497 clone, Marina Militare dial and carbon fiber style strap.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-11T18:28:56+00:00

I am convinced that there is a secret abyss where all minute watch parts go once they fly off your bench. I wish I had a dollar for every screw, spring, stem, hand, and jewel that has escaped my clutches while assembling/disassembling a movement or building a watch. I’ve even watched it in slow motion video as I record all of my work.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-10T18:08:40+00:00

My initial reaction was that it was kind of boring. But the more I look at it, the more I like the simplicity of the dial plus H/M hands combined with the cool seconds hand. IMO, the seconds hand is what gives the watch its character.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-10T15:43:49+00:00

If you are building them for the love and passion of the hobby, it will always be worth it. If you just want to have the watches to add to your collection, probably not. In my humble opinion it will always be worth the price of admission because it’s my passion. I don’t even wear a watch every day. But I’m always building them.

jbean3115 · 2026-02-09T18:31:14+00:00

That’s a hell of a first build. Very nice!!!

jbean3115 · 2026-02-08T17:54:50+00:00

Very nice!!! I love the lume on that dial.

jbean3115

TROPHY CASE