NH34A In SKX007: My 3rd Custom Watch Build!
Hey watch enthusiasts! I'm super excited to share my latest project with you: my third watch build! This time, I decided to take on the challenge of installing an NH34A movement into a custom SKX007 case. For those of you who are new to watch modding, the NH34A is a fantastic automatic movement known for its reliability and GMT functionality, allowing you to track a second time zone. The SKX007, on the other hand, is a legendary Seiko dive watch known for its iconic design and robust build. Combining these two elements seemed like a match made in horological heaven!
The Allure of the NH34A Movement
Let's dive deeper into why I chose the NH34A movement. As a watch enthusiast, I'm always looking for movements that offer both functionality and value. The NH34A ticks both of those boxes perfectly. First and foremost, it's an automatic movement, meaning it's powered by the motion of your wrist. No batteries needed! This gives it a classic, mechanical feel that I absolutely love. Secondly, it features a GMT complication, which allows the watch to display two time zones simultaneously. This is incredibly useful for travelers or anyone who needs to keep track of time in different parts of the world. The NH34A movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (VPH), or 6 ticks per second. This frequency is a common standard for many mechanical watches, providing a smooth and visually appealing sweep of the seconds hand. The movement also has a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, meaning it can run for nearly two days without being worn, which is quite convenient. Beyond its technical specifications, the NH34A's widespread popularity means there's a wealth of information and resources available online for modders. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced builders alike. The relative affordability of the NH34A movement compared to other GMT movements also makes it a great option for budget-conscious watch enthusiasts. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this workhorse movement, without compromising on reliability or functionality. All these factors combined make the NH34A a truly compelling choice for any watch build, and it’s why I was so eager to use it in this project.
Why the SKX007 Case is a Modding Favorite
Now, let's talk about the case: the legendary SKX007. This watch case is an absolute icon in the watch world, particularly among modders. There are several reasons why the SKX007 case is so beloved. Its classic design is a perfect blend of ruggedness and elegance. It's a dive watch, so it's built to be tough and durable, but it also has a timeless aesthetic that looks great on any wrist. The SKX007's cushion-shaped case, with its prominent crown guards and unidirectional rotating bezel, has become instantly recognizable. This iconic design provides a fantastic base for customization. One of the biggest reasons the SKX007 case is so popular for modding is the sheer availability of aftermarket parts. You can find virtually any part you can imagine for this case, from bezels and crystals to crowns and case backs. This makes it incredibly easy to personalize your watch and create a truly unique timepiece. Whether you want to change the color of the bezel, upgrade the crystal to sapphire, or add a custom dial, the possibilities are endless. The SKX007 case is also known for its comfortable wrist presence. The dimensions are just right for a wide range of wrist sizes, and the curved lugs ensure a snug and comfortable fit. This makes it a watch that you can wear all day, every day. Beyond its aesthetics and comfort, the SKX007 case is also incredibly durable. It's built to withstand the rigors of diving, so it can certainly handle the wear and tear of everyday life. This robustness, combined with the ease of modding and the readily available parts, makes the SKX007 case a top choice for watch builders of all levels.
The Vision for My Custom Build
Before I even started this build, I had a clear vision in my mind. I wanted to create a watch that was both functional and stylish, a true reflection of my personal taste. I envisioned a timepiece that could handle anything I threw at it, whether it was a day at the office or a weekend adventure. To achieve this, I knew I needed to carefully select each component and ensure they worked together seamlessly. I wanted the watch to have a classic, understated look, but with a few unique touches that would set it apart. Think vintage-inspired dive watch with modern functionality. The dial was a critical element in my vision. I wanted something that was both highly legible and visually appealing. A clean, uncluttered dial with bold markers and hands was a must. The hands themselves were another important consideration. I wanted something that would complement the dial and provide excellent visibility, especially in low-light conditions. The bezel insert was another area where I wanted to add a personal touch. There are so many different bezel insert styles available for the SKX007 case, from classic dive bezels to more modern and unique designs. I spent a lot of time browsing different options before settling on one that I felt perfectly captured the aesthetic I was going for. The strap was the final piece of the puzzle. I wanted something that was both comfortable and durable, and that would look great with the overall design of the watch. A leather strap would give it a more vintage feel, while a rubber strap would make it more sporty and practical. Ultimately, my goal was to create a watch that I would be proud to wear every day, a timepiece that was not only functional and reliable but also a true expression of my personal style and passion for watchmaking. And now, let's get to the exciting part – the actual build process!
The Build Process: Step-by-Step
Alright, guys, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the build process! This is where the magic happens, and I'm excited to walk you through each step. First things first, it's crucial to have a clean and organized workspace. Trust me, it makes a huge difference! You'll want to gather all your tools and components beforehand to avoid any frustrating interruptions mid-build. A well-lit area is also essential so you can see those tiny watch parts clearly. Now, with everything prepped and ready, the initial step was to carefully install the NH34A movement into the SKX007 case. This involves aligning the movement correctly and securing it with the movement holder. It's a delicate process that requires a steady hand and a bit of patience. The next step involved attaching the dial to the movement. This is where the dial feet come into play, and they need to be aligned perfectly with the corresponding holes on the movement. Once the dial is securely in place, it's time to install the hands. This is probably one of the most challenging parts of the build, as the hands are incredibly delicate and need to be pressed onto the pinions with precision. You'll need a hand-setting tool for this, and it's important to take your time and avoid scratching the dial or bending the hands. After the hands are on, it's time to case up the movement. This involves carefully placing the movement into the case and securing it with the case back. Before sealing the case, I made sure to check the alignment of the hands and the overall function of the movement. Once I was satisfied that everything was working properly, I installed the case back gasket and screwed the case back on tightly. With the movement securely housed in the case, the final step was to install the bezel and bezel insert. This is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to make sure the bezel clicks smoothly and the insert is properly aligned. And there you have it! A complete watch build, from start to finish. It's a rewarding experience to see all the pieces come together and create a functional and beautiful timepiece.
Challenges and Triumphs
No watch build is without its challenges, and this one was no exception. I definitely encountered a few hiccups along the way, but overcoming them made the final result even more satisfying. One of the biggest challenges was aligning the GMT hand correctly. The NH34A movement has four hands (hour, minute, seconds, and GMT), and getting them all perfectly aligned can be a bit tricky. I spent a good amount of time making small adjustments until I was happy with the alignment. Another challenge I faced was installing the hands without scratching the dial. As I mentioned earlier, the hands are incredibly delicate, and it's easy to slip with the hand-setting tool and damage the dial. I was extra cautious during this step and took my time to ensure everything went smoothly. There were moments when I felt a bit frustrated, especially when things didn't go exactly as planned. But I reminded myself to be patient and persistent, and eventually, I was able to work through each challenge. And then, there were the triumphs! The feeling of satisfaction when the seconds hand started ticking for the first time is hard to describe. It's a moment of pure joy and accomplishment. Seeing all the components come together and create a functional timepiece is incredibly rewarding. I was particularly proud of how the dial and hands looked together. I had spent a lot of time researching different combinations, and I was thrilled with the final result. The overall aesthetic of the watch exceeded my expectations, and I knew I had created something special. It's these moments of triumph that make the challenges worthwhile and keep me coming back for more watch builds.
Final Thoughts and Future Projects
So, there you have it – my third watch build, complete with an NH34A movement nestled snugly in a custom SKX007 case! I'm absolutely thrilled with how this project turned out. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I learned so much along the way. This build really pushed my skills and patience, and I'm proud of the final result. The watch looks fantastic, and more importantly, it functions perfectly. The GMT complication is a great addition, and I can't wait to put it to good use on my next trip. But beyond the technical aspects, this project was also a lot of fun. There's something incredibly satisfying about taking a collection of individual parts and transforming them into a functional and beautiful timepiece. It's a creative process that allows you to express your personal style and passion for watchmaking. Looking ahead, I'm already starting to think about my next project. I have a few ideas brewing, including exploring different movements and case styles. I'm also interested in trying some more advanced modding techniques, such as creating custom dials or modifying existing components. The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes this hobby so exciting. I'm always looking for new challenges and ways to push my skills. So, stay tuned for future builds! I'll be sure to share my progress and experiences with you all. And who knows, maybe my next project will inspire you to try your own hand at watch modding. It's a fantastic hobby that I highly recommend to anyone who's passionate about watches and enjoys a good challenge. Thanks for following along on this journey, and I can't wait to share my next adventure with you!