Shenanigans in 2023 and 2024
Hello everyone! In this website update, I try to capture what I’ve been up to since 2023 and into 2024, preview some upcoming topics, and discuss my approach to blog posts. I release content on my YouTube Channel more regularly, so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already.
After my review of what I considered to be The Watch of 2022, I took a winter vacation and then slowly ramped up activity in the new year (2023). In February 2023, I shared a video that discussed what has been up in my world, along with some information about where I get watch logos made and the watch I’m wearing the most.
The Singapore based microbrand Vario has been on a tear as of late with a couple great releases and more in the pipeline. I reviewed the Versa, along with showing how to take this dual movement watch apart to change the batteries. The next release was the 1945 D12, Dirty Dozen style. I recommend both watches if you are looking for something that blends vintage and modern and isn’t obtrusive on the wrist.
What keeps me most busy, and my most enjoyable watch work, is making custom movement holders and spacers. Two examples I detailed in 2023 were the re-casing of a Bulova 96B85 and a two-piece holder design to fit a Ronda 1015 Slimline quartz in a dive case.
Although I’ve given many specifics about making custom holders for certain combinations, in the video below I show a couple examples from this past year not in other videos, including a custom copper ring for a Rolex Datejust and fitting a Ronda 515 in a Seiko 7002 case. I also talk about the details that matter most when making custom holders.
Along with the above video, I revamped my custom movement holders page so that the process is more clear and has quick access to the request forms. You can either submit a request for a movement and case combo I haven’t done before or submit a request for existing combos.
Combos coming soon that will be detailed on YouTube and on the combos page are fitting the ETA 2824, Sellita SW200, and Seiko VH31 series of movements to the SKX007 case. Subscribe here and on YouTube to stay updated! A couple more obscure combos are detailed on the combo page, like fitting the Miyota 9015 to a Panerai style case (featured photo).
A couple other watchmaking activities I published in the past year were on making custom watch hands and how much a good set of tweezers matter.
My most recent reviews in 2024 have been of the Christopher Ward Twelve, the updated Christopher Ward Moonphase that I compare to my original C1 Moonphase from 2017, and then the Time Red Watch from RedCo. Initially, it was supposed to be a Kickstarter campaign, but due to some sort of conflict they launched their own site and are shipping orders. I wear the Time Red Watch A LOT, it’s so cool and I highly recommend you take a look at it.
Lastly, I’ll give my thoughts on publishing blog posts. It’s a time sink, just like filming, editing, and publishing video content. In hand with the watchmaking time, I’ve had to pick and choose where I spend my content time…and let’s be honest, video is where it’s at. I will occasionally publish blog updates here a couple times a year and I’ll keep the site updated with new info regarding WC and Ten Six Watches, but the latest work from my desk hits YouTube first. I’ve also cut back on making complete custom builds for other people (still do some for my own purposes) and chose to focus on making custom parts.
Thanks everyone for your continued support and messages across platforms! –Brian