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Welcome to the DIY Watch Assembly Instruction

In the next two hours, you will dive into the world of watchmaking.

Please relax, take your time, and enjoy the fun of the craft of watchmaking!

 

Chronograph Assembly Instructions

Before starting, you can familiarize yourself with the tools and parts needed:

Parts:

  1. watch case

  2. crown and stem

  3. movement holder

  4. dial

  5. hands (hour, minute, second, non-chronograph hands)

  6. VK64 movement

  7. battery

  8. case back gasket (in watch case set)

  9. metal contacts for chronograph buttons

  10. straps

  11. quick release spring bars (optional depending on strap type)

Tools:

  1. tweezers

  2. finger cots

  3. hand pump

  4. suede

  5. Rodico

  6. loupe

  7. case back opener

  8. hand removal tools

  9. protective film for hand removal

  10. movement assembly holder

  11. hand setting tool (2 type)

  12. peg wood

  13. screwdriver

  14. phone stand

  15. mat

  16. registration card


Movement preperation


1a. Watch Making Hygiene

Watch this tutorial before kick start your Chronograph watchmaking journey. An introduction to proper watch component care and assembly techniques, covering essential tips. Remember to wear your finger cots.

Content:

  • proper watch tools usage

  • proper watch component care

  • assembly techniques with essential tips


1b. Component Introduction for Chronograph

Knowing more of your tools and components before starting your chronograph watchmaking journey. What special design you have on hand, how it looks on a side profile.

Content:

  • How to open case back

  • How to place parts

  • What to look out for


1c. VK64 Movement Battery, Circuit Reset, Stem and Crown Installation, Movement Tool

The movement is the soul of a watch. It takes great care to install it. In this part, we’ll show you how to kick start your Chronograph journey.

Content:

  • Introduction of a Meca-quartz movement

  • Insert movement battery

  • Reset circuit

  • Install stem and crown

  • Stem and crown positioning

  • Special design tool — movement assembly holder


Dial and non-chronograph hands installation


1d. Movement Function and Preparation. Dial and Non-Chronograph Hands Installation

Watch the tutorial once before continuing your journey. Getting the movement ready in position. Properly installing dial and non-chronograph hands with the correct hands installing tools. Tips for hands installation and hands position adjustment.

Content:

  • Movement preparation and positioning

  • Dial installation

  • Non-chronograph hands installation


1e. Hour and Minute Hands Removal

Chronograph hands removal tools introduction, technique for removing 24-hour hand, hour, and minute hand.

Content:

  • Which hand removal tools to use

  • How to remove hour and minute hands

  • How to remove 24-hour hand


Optional: How to remove the dial

To remove the dial, simply use a screw driver, and insert it in between the dial and the movement or movement holder. Inserting the screw driver next to the dial feet will give you a better control.


Side Profile of the Assembly with All Hands on


Chronograph hands installation


1f. VK64 Movement Chronograph Hands

This is a crucial part, watch the tutorial before moving forward onto the next step. Reset the Chronograph module, Sub dial Chronograph hand and Chronograph center secondhand installation. Special tools for secondhand installation.

Content:

  • Reset the Chronograph module

  • Sub dial Chronograph hand installation

  • Chronograph center secondhand installation with the specific designed tool

  • Chronograph center secondhand removal technique.


1g. Stem and crown removal for VK64 movement

In this part, we will cover both removing the stem and crown with a pair of tweezers, and with our bespoke watch assembly holder.

Content:

  • Stem and crown removal with tweezers

  • Stem and crown removal with tailor-made tool

  • Pick up the assembly from the assembly holder


Movement holder and Watch Case installation


1h. Movement Holder Installation

In this part, we will install the movement holder pins onto the movement holder. Then installing the assembly onto the movement holder.

Content:

  • How to install the movement holder pins

  • How to install the assembly onto the movement holder


1i. Installing Watch Case

In this part, we will install the movement assembly with hands into the case.

Content:

  • Installing assembly

  • Aligning movement and stem

  • Installing case back


If you need to reinstall any of the components, you can refer to this:


FINAL CHECK!

  1. Check for proper watch functions by winding and setting time. When hands are being turned, check if they come into contact with other hands or parts.

  2. Check for dust or dirt on crystal, hands, dial or other parts. If needed, you can remove the case to clean the inside.

  3. Check if the case back is securely fastened. If not, water resistance capability of the watch might be compromised.


Almost there!

Good job! You are now one step away from your DIY watch!