Build Your Own NH35 Automatic Watch
Key steps and checks
- Check component compatibility. Before buying, check NH35 case and movement-holder compatibility, dial diameter and feet, hand sizes, stem type, and clearance for the dial and hands.
- Prepare a clean workspace. Set out the movement holder, hand-setting tools, blower, finger cots, tweezers, Rodico and caseback tool. Keep dust and fingerprints away from the dial and crystal.
- Fit the dial to the movement. Confirm dial feet match the movement and secure the dial without forcing it. Avoid touching printed surfaces.
- Install and align the hands. Move the hands to a known reference position, install hour then minute then seconds hand with the correct presses, and check that the hands do not touch each other or the crystal.
- Prepare crown and stem. Test-fit the supplied stem before final trimming. Make incremental cuts, deburr, and verify winding and setting positions.
- Case the movement. Ensure the spacer and movement are correctly seated; check the crown action, seals and movement retention before closing the case.
- Test before wearing. Check time-setting, date change, hand clearance, running and case closure. Do not claim water resistance without appropriate pressure testing.
Common questions
Can a beginner build an NH35 watch?
Yes, with compatible parts, patience and the correct hand-setting tools. The second hand and crown-stem sizing tend to require the most care.
Do I need a watch press?
A suitable hand-setting press is important; a crystal press may also be useful depending on your components.
Is an assembled watch waterproof?
Not automatically. Water resistance depends on the case, gaskets, assembly and proper pressure testing.