A noob's journey into building watches
Step-by-step builds, honest clone movement reviews and the beginner tools I actually use.
Latest guideHow to Cut a Watch Stem and Case a MovementCasing the movement is where most first builds go wrong. Here is how to get the stem out, cut it to the right length and close the case properly.Read the guideWatch Builds
Rolex Submariner 16610 Franken BuildAfter my scratch-built 5513, I wanted the classic five-digit Submariner Date. Starting from a complete base watch is the smartest route — here is everything I learned.
Franken Rolex Datejust 16013 Two Tone Build with Gold DialA franken or frankenstein Rolex is known as a watch build using some genuine Rolex parts.
Aged Vintage Build Rolex Explorer 36mm with Coffee!After building my last explorer, I wanted to take it one more step and try my skills at an aged explorer.
Rolex Explorer Vintage 1016 36mm with Cartier Stamp WatchOnce I built my vintage submariner and owned a Rolex from the 1980s my love for vintage watches has gone crazy.
Rolex Datejust 16234 36mm Fluted Bezel Silver Dial Watch BuildAfter owning a genuine Datejust 36mm 16220 with a blue dial, I have always had a sweet spot for the Datejust with a silver dial.
My First Build - Vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 No DateUpon starting my adventure to build my first watch, I embarked on a trail of reading forums, watching YouTube videos and reading pages across the web.Movement Reviews
Guides
My Tool Kit - Beginner tools for watch building
How to Build Your First Watch: A Start-to-Finish Guide
Where to Buy Watch Parts in the UK (and What to Avoid)
How to Fit Watch Hands Without Damaging the Dial
Watch Hand Sizes Chart: 2813, 2824, 2836, 8215, NH35
Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Guide: Years, Dials and Prices