Okay, so I’ve been messing around with watches lately, and let me tell you, it’s a rabbit hole. I wanted to get my hands on a classic Rolex Submariner, the no-date version, because it just looks so clean and simple. But, man, those things are expensive! So, I decided to try and build my own “homage” version. Basically, a watch that looks like the Submariner but doesn’t break the bank.
I started by looking for parts online. It’s crazy how many options there are! You can find everything from cases and bracelets to movements and dials. I spent hours going through different sites, comparing prices and styles. Eventually, I settled on a case that looked pretty darn close to the real Submariner. It had the right shape, the right bezel, and even the crown guards looked spot on.
- Sourcing the Parts: This was a whole adventure in itself. I was scouring forums, reading reviews, and trying to figure out what was junk and what was decent quality.
- Choosing the Movement: This is the heart of the watch, and it’s what makes it tick. I went with a reliable automatic movement.
- Dial and Hands: I found a simple black dial with those classic Submariner markers. The hands were also pretty standard, but they looked good.
Next up was the movement. Now, I’m no watchmaker, so I wanted something that was reliable and easy to work with. I ended up going with a movement. It’s a solid movement, and it’s known for being pretty accurate. I also picked up a simple black dial and some hands that matched the Submariner style.
Assembling the watch was a challenge, I won’t lie. It took a lot of patience and a few YouTube tutorials. I started by carefully pressing the dial onto the movement. Then came the hands, which was super fiddly. I had to use tweezers and a magnifying glass to get them in the right place. Finally, I put the whole thing into the case and screwed on the case back.
The Build Process
Putting it all together was a bit nerve-wracking. I was worried about messing something up, especially since I’m not exactly a seasoned watchmaker. But I took my time, followed some online guides, and managed to get it all assembled. It wasn’t perfect, but hey, I built it myself!
Honestly, it was a blast. I learned a ton about watches, and I ended up with something that looks pretty cool, if I do say so myself. It’s not a real Rolex, of course, but it scratches that itch for a classic diver without costing an arm and a leg. Plus, I can say I built it myself, which is pretty satisfying. Would I do it again? Maybe! It was definitely a fun project, and I might even try building another one someday. Who knows, maybe I’ll get better at it with practice!
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