Building a watch is a process that goes something like this…

• You fill out the Custom Watch Request form.
• I respond with any questions or points for clarification.
• We have a back-and-forth conversation to nail down exact components.
• If necessary, I create a dial design and work with you toward approval of a final design.
• You pay a deposit.
• I build and assemble the watch.
• We make the exchange of the watch and remaining payment.
• You wear the watch.

Duel Time

My custom builds are comprised of parts sourced from all over the world and I will give you options if you are undecided about something. The best way to explain my builds is to show you examples. Keep in mind that as we work on choosing components for a custom watch, I will do my best to achieve the desired look, but will also work within the bounds of engineering and functionality. Also, minimal cost is likely to be around $500 and upward for fairly standard builds, while builds with custom dial making are usually around $1,000 and upward.

Dials

Design for a client’s dual time watch (Duel Time).

The dial is the face of a watch and what you see every day. My builds follow two paths: 1) modifying a generic and more readily available dial, and 2) creating a custom dial from scratch. I can do both printed and applied logos. Here are several examples.

The GMT Blue (left) has a dial I created from scratch, while Tea Party (right) has a generic dial with my logo applied. The lavender watch was a special project where the client wanted morse code on the dial. Carl was an artistic timepiece with very special meaning to the buyer.

Pool of Tears models in my Wonderland Series have pre-made dials with my logo split into two locations.

Movements

The movement is the soul of a watch, it keeps time. A movement is either quartz (battery powered) or mechanical (hand-wound or automatic). I work with all types and I source movements from a variety of places, being Swiss, Chinese, or Japanese in origin. The movement you select will be a primary factor in the cost of the watch. Here are several examples.

A Swiss ETA 2893-2 automatic (left) and a Swiss Sellita SW210-1 hand-wound (right)

A Chinese implementation of an ETA 6498 (left) and a Chinese Seagull ST36 (right)

Cases, Hands, and Straps

When it comes to cases, hands, and straps, we will work together to pick the best options given the movement and overall design. These components are sourced from all sorts of places.

I typically work with stainless steel cases in various forms (e.g., polished, brushed, PVD coated). Either mineral crystal or sapphire crystal can be selected, with sapphire being a little more expensive. These pictures show some variety.

Two watches in my Glass Series that show different cases and hands

Tea Party’s case and GMT Two show different black PVD coated steel cases

A detailed description of my “Duel Time” build. The dial construction is the primary focus, but I also talk details about the case, the custom window, 3d printing, ink printing, and the process.

Additional Notes

• I respect copyright and trademarks, so I do my best to stay away from the intellectual property of others.
• I build entire watches for customers. Typically, I do not do dial mods for existing brands or dial manufacture for other brands. But you can always ask me questions.
• Watch building is not a contiguous process. Here is an overview of what happens when I build and assemble a watch.
• Research and order components
  • Make any custom components, such as the dial
  • 3d-print dial blanks, for print testing or use
  • Test materials, paints, inks, lume
  • Assemble the watch: case, movement and holder, spacer ring (if needed), dial, hands, stem/crown, strap and buckle/clasp
  • Time testing and regulating as needed
• The time it takes for me to build a custom watch varies based on the components, complexity of the design, and what other projects are underway. An average estimate is 6-9 months.
• Although a computer-aided design might look perfect, my handmade dials have slight imperfections and quirks that make each unique. I am not trying to achieve, nor can I, Grand Seiko finishing quality. Like most handmade things, your dial and your watch are unique and what makes it unique are the variations.

A laser-etched steel plate with my logo and dial designs for pad printing (left); A steel case with 12-hour bezel, Swiss Ronda 515.24D Dual Time quartz movement, and lume kit (right)

3d printed dial blanks (left) and timegrapher (right)

Do contact me if you would like to discuss your interest in a custom 10/6 watch!