Watch Building

[Foxy1]

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD1TW2-qRnM

I am sure this has been asked many many times from people with wonderful dreams of creating their own watch.

Has anyone ever made or had made their own watch, if so tell me more, where did you source parts, where is the best place to, movements and metals to make the watch case from stainless steel to gold.

Is there anyone on this site or if anyone on this site could recommend someone that could build a watch from scratch.

Would also like to hear peoples experiences and if you were to design your own watch what would you incorporate into it, what metal is your favorite etc etc even colors.

Feel free to post your favorite designs of a watch but please do explain why.
I think that this should be in this section as it is asking about resources and their links, if not please feel free to move it.

[tavv160]

In Mannheim in Germany with Blancier you can do a weekend of building your own watch for €950 including hotel and all. And you can take the watch home. Seems pretty cool. I've always wanted to do that.

[Foxy1]

Sounds great fun, but the problem is then you would have to use what they have in stock and not have a choice to have parts made, but it does seem a cool idea and worth doing.

[mario848]

www.ofrei.com

[Foxy1]

Hi Mario

Yes I know about them, thank you very much though.

[Foxy1]

More American watch companies

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/top-all-...-watch-makers/

[drifter01]

I have made a watch. Used various parts from other watches for the gear train and an available case, but made all the plates, dial, and some other items. Cost me about $25,000 in labor time. Not worth the effort and never did it again.

Dave

[Foxy1]

LOL I hear you, I was looking more for an independent watchmaker capable of actually making a watch not a company as they normally will just use their stock items.

[anilzat]

a long time ago a watch maker would build a watch in his shop using hand tools.

[Foxy1]

That is totally what I am looking for or a young person of course LOL I know very few seem to be going into the trade which is such a shame.

[Rolex tom]

Throughout history most almost all watchmakers never made a watch 100% by themselves. Many different trades were involved in the production of watches such as gear cutters (for pinions and wheels), dial makers, silversmiths for case making, engine turners, engravers,stone cutters for the jewels even hairsprings were usually made by others. We also have of course the assembler usually the name engraved on the watch itself or somebody in there employment. also other trades were involved that i cant remember right now. Even George Daniels couldn't make a watch by hand 100% from scratch he had to buy in his hairsprings and mainsprings. He is about the closest to an individual who has almost made a watch 100% by himself. George daniels took years to make one single watch and as such the economics for making a watch by hand from scratch are not viable then or now. Only really with advent of modern technology such as CNC machines is making watches from scratch buy one independent company such as Rodger Smith viable. Clockmaking is a bit different.