New member, interested in learning about modding

[dsm_pdx]

Hello! New member, here because I'm interested in learning more about modding and hobbyist-level watchmaking. I have a first project in mind, with no particular expectations about time or budget.

I'd like to end up with a high quality black pvd 16610-esque submariner homage with a sterile dial, to put on a variety of nato straps, and using an ETA or high quality Japanese movement. I'm a designer and have access to lots of fun tools and a suitable workshop. Short term plan is to mine this forum (and other places, youtube obviously) for information about where to source components and tools, and to learn basic techniques. Thanks to the mods for making this place possible! looking forward to some reading.

 

[mrtwelvetwelve]

Okay, it's a broad question there..

You can certainly source casings from Aliexpress that look like PVD 16610 but you have to decide on what movement you want to fit first.
For ease of modding and dependability I recommend ETA clone.
Then you have to find the right hands for them (as hands have different fitment depending on movement type)
Most ETA are interchangeable, but you can't interchange between i.e. Miyota hands vs ETA hands.
You'd have to source the dial to fit the case size AND it needs to match the movement type.

That should get you started in the right path..

invest in some decent watch tools, i.e. precision screw drivers, movement holders, Rodico, finger cots, dust blower.

 

[dsm_pdx]

Okay, it's a broad question there..

You can certainly source casings from Aliexpress that look like PVD 16610 but you have to decide on what movement you want to fit first.
For ease of modding and dependability I recommend ETA clone.
Then you have to find the right hands for them (as hands have different fitment depending on movement type)
Most ETA are interchangeable, but you can't interchange between i.e. Miyota hands vs ETA hands.
You'd have to source the dial to fit the case size AND it needs to match the movement type.

That should get you started in the right path..

invest in some decent watch tools, i.e. precision screw drivers, movement holders, Rodico, finger cots, dust blower.

Thanks for the reply! I'll look into tools first as per your suggestion. And maybe watch 1000 hours of youtube videos! Regards.

 

[dsm_pdx]

Okay, it's a broad question there..

You can certainly source casings from Aliexpress that look like PVD 16610 but you have to decide on what movement you want to fit first.
For ease of modding and dependability I recommend ETA clone.
Then you have to find the right hands for them (as hands have different fitment depending on movement type)
Most ETA are interchangeable, but you can't interchange between i.e. Miyota hands vs ETA hands.
You'd have to source the dial to fit the case size AND it needs to match the movement type.

That should get you started in the right path..

invest in some decent watch tools, i.e. precision screw drivers, movement holders, Rodico, finger cots, dust blower.

Thanks for the reply! I'll look into tools first as per your suggestion. And maybe watch 1000 hours of youtube videos! Regards.

 

[kentlik]

Hello! New member, here because I'm interested in learning more about modding and hobbyist-level watchmaking. I have a first project in mind, with no particular expectations about time or budget.

I'd like to end up with a high quality black pvd 16610-esque submariner homage with a sterile dial, to put on a variety of nato straps, and using an ETA or high quality Japanese movement. I'm a designer and have access to lots of fun tools and a suitable workshop. Short term plan is to mine this forum (and other places, youtube obviously) for information about where to source components and tools, and to learn basic techniques. Thanks to the mods for making this place possible! looking forward to some reading.

Hey! I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I have spent several months combing this and other sites over the course of several years actually. I found lately the market and availability changes rapidly. What was available yesterday may not be available in mere months. The hand and bezel fitment is quite a tricky element depending on the case. Looking forward to what you come up with! Good Luck!