The Right case for the Right movement

[DenisT95]

Hey guys,
I'm building my first watch and I'm wondering which case fits my movement. It's a miyota 8215, should be 28mm in diameter. So when I ask Google the answer comes up that 30-40mm cases would fit? If my Movement measures 28 mm and I use a 40 mm case, would the thing not wobble around in it or is it fixed via the crown? But that is actually a bit imprecise. So regardless of which movement I'm using, is there a simple rule or guide to what exactly is important in general when it comes to this question?
Sorry for this noobish question, I know there are enough cases online that are meant for my movement, but I would like to understand, especially for other projects

 

[Rx4Time]

There's more than case inner diameter to be concerned about, you have stem height, movement height, clearance from the dial to crystal, dial foot position, etc. What exactly are you looking at building?

 

[DenisT95]

There's more than case inner diameter to be concerned about, you have stem height, movement height, clearance from the dial to crystal, dial foot position, etc. What exactly are you looking at building?

Thanks for your reply!
Nothing special, I wanted to build myself a summery dress watch. A case type like the Omega DeVille in vintage style with a leather strap. What exactly do i habe to consider when it comes to the mentioned dial foot Position, or what is ment by that?

 

[Rx4Time]

On the bottom side of the dial you have two feet that fit into specific holes within the top of the movement which holds the dial in position. The other option is if you don't have dial feet you would use dial dots. Here's one good source for Parts you'll need for your project. Another option that you would have would be to take a standard Rolex case and use a movement ring. The DG 2813 should be the same dimensions as your 8215 since it's a clone of that particular movement.

Raffles Store

rafflestime.com

 

[KramT]

I just finished building my first watch a Panerai Luminor more of a homage than a replica I just looked for a case that would fit the ST3600/ETA 6497 movement that I would be using and compatible cases on the e-commerce site I use were listed. I'm sure Miyota compatible cases are listed on ebay and the like. A couple of pics of the finished build.

 

[WatchSmith.US]

I would suggest going to one of the many Seiko modding sites that supply cases, movements, dials, etc, that are made to work together. I have a drawerful of various cases that are supposed to fit specific movements, but do not. Your odds are better if you do a one stop shop with a supplier that knows what they're selling. The ebay sellers will say anything to make a sale, and most really don't know anyway. Just because the movement "fits" inside, does not mean the stem height is correct or any other small things that can spoil the job.

 

[DenisT95]

Thanks for the advice, I'll take a closer look at the Seiko modd sites. Maybe the movement will find a home soon

 

[DenisT95]

I just finished building my first watch a Panerai Luminor more of a homage than a replica I just looked for a case that would fit the ST3600/ETA 6497 movement that I would be using and compatible cases on the e-commerce site I use were listed. I'm sure Miyota compatible cases are listed on ebay and the like. A couple of pics of the finished build.

Nice project! Could you tell the case size? I also wanted the 6497 but I have read that it is very large from the measurement

 

[KramT]

The case size of this one is 44mm I have two more cases awaiting movements, one the same as this, but 47mm and the other a 45mm Radiomir case. As soon as the other movements arrive I will build them up as I already have the dials and hands. The smallest cases I have seen for sale for these movements is 42mm, my wrist size for reference is a 'flat' 7''.

The most commonly used movements for builds are the Seiko NH*** movements and specifically the NH35A there is a huge amount of choice of case design, dials and hands for these. I have seen Miyota 8215 compatible Submariner and Datejust type cases, but they are far less common than the same cases made for the NH movements.

I would, by the way not be too concerned about the tolerances of Chinese made cases available on ebay etc I have watched a load of build videos using ebay sourced cases and never once have I heard mention of poor tolerances being an issue. Not that it couldn't happen, but it's not a discussed problem.

Good luck with your build I'm sure you'll find it fun and a little challenging!