After building my first watch, (read it here!) I wanted to build another, and Alex from hemsutwatchbands.com reached out to me and said, "How would you like to build a watch with your name on it?"

Would I?!?

um, YES!

And this time I'd try my hand at video for the build. So let's see how this goes.

Tools:

tweezers

sticky watch putty

tiny screw driver

Lint free cloth

Hand press.

Wire nippers

Sandpaper.

Magnifying headset. (The better you can see, the happier you'll be.)

Time:

From start to finish about one hour. Even with my fingers.

Step 1: The Video

This is my first build video, be gentle.

Step 2: Step 1: Movement and Dial

First, we put the dial on. This particular case holds a Miyota movement which I picked up for less than $40.oo. The dial has "Feet", the two little posts that slide into the movement and are held by two TINY screws. Once the dial was on, I secured it with those screws.

Having the dial, movement and case all made for each other is a dream build.

Step 3: Step 2: Hands

The real tool to help put hands on, is a good magnifier headset.

I wear reading glasses, then use both lenses of this headset to see the post the second hand sits on. Esslinger is an excellent source. The hour hand goes on first, then the minute hand, then finally the second hand. Each fits on the shaft. The hands are sized for the movement.

Step 4: Step 3: Clean and Pop It Into the Case. Then Adjust the Watch Stem.

Clean the dial VERY carefully. I use a lens cleaner and lint free cloth. Again, I'm wearing finger gloves to keep my greasy mitts from leaving fingerprints everywhere.

The watch stem that comes with the movement is long, to fit a multitude of cases. You have to trim it down. Do this SLOWLY. Millimeter by millimeter.

Snip, sand, install the crown, fit into the case... repeat.

If you snip it too short, you have to buy another stem. And you'll lose time waiting for that to come in. Go slow, sneak up on it. I took 6 snips to reach the final size. Then a drop of adhesive on the threads to lock the crown on.

Screw on the back, and install the bezel if you need too.

Step 5: Step 4: Bezel

There was a cover over the adhesive layer, which I peeled off.

Then lining up the bezel with the indices on the watch dial, I pressed it into place.

Trust your eye.

You can do it.

Step 6: Step 5: the Band!

We're getting the BAND BACK TOGETHER!!

This band comes with quick release levers. I LOVE that. The leather is top notch and the waxed string accents are perfect.

Step 7: Step 6: Wear It!

This second project just flowed together. Alex at Hemsut really put together a nice kit, and my name on the dial was just gravy. Don't hesitate to reach out to him for guidance.