How to Build a watch using the Miyota 9015

Interested in building your own automatic watch using the Miyota 9015? This guide covers the main components, tools and assembly checks involved in fitting a dial, hands and case around this slim Japanese automatic movement. Watch our build video above, then use the written instructions as a practical reference.

About the Miyota 9015 movement

• Movement: Miyota 9015, automatic mechanical, three hands and date
• Thickness: 3.90 mm
• Size: approximately 25.6 mm casing diameter
• Beat rate: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
• Power reserve: approximately 42 hours
• Jewels: 24
• Functions: hand winding, hacking seconds and quickset date
• Manufacturer accuracy specification: 10 to +30 seconds per day

Parts you will need

• Genuine Miyota 9015 movement with a compatible winding stem
• 9015-compatible dial with the correct dial-feet position and date-window arrangement (or an appropriately designed no-date dial)
• Hour, minute and seconds hands specified for the Miyota 9015
• Case designed for the 9015, plus the correct movement spacer or holder and retaining components
• Compatible crown and crown tube, crystal and gasket, caseback and seal, plus strap or bracelet

Recommended tools

• Dust-free work mat, finger cots, non-magnetic tweezers and movement holder
• Dial protector, hand-setting tools with suitable tips, and a hand remover for corrections
• Loupe, air blower and dust-removal putty used carefully away from delicate parts
• Fine flush cutters or stem cutters, small file and appropriate crown/stem adhesive where specified
• Caseback opener and (where required) case press and gasket-safe lubrication

Step-by-step: assembling a Miyota 9015 watch

1. Confirm compatibility before starting

Check that your case and holder are designed for the 9015. Confirm the dial feet and date window match your particular 9015 calendar version, and that all three hands are designed for the 9015's hand posts. Do not assume NH35 parts fit. Check the crown and tube interfaces before making permanent alterations.

2. Prepare the movement and set the calendar safely

Place the movement in a suitable holder. With the stem installed, gently wind it clockwise in the normal crown position to confirm it runs. Move the hands forward until the date advances so you can identify midnight; then move them to roughly 6 o'clock before using the quickset date. Do not use the quickset date around 8:30 - 2:00 am, when the calendar mechanism may be engaged.

3. Install the dial

Orient the dial with the crown opening and date display. Seat compatible dial feet into their corresponding positions, and secure them with the movement's intended dial-fixing method. Do not force the dial flat if the feet do not align. Check that the dial is level and that the date is centred in the window.

4. Fit the hour and minute hands

Set the movement precisely to midnight at the date change. Place the hour hand at 12 and use a correctly sized hand press, applying straight downward pressure only to the hand hub. Install the minute hand at 12 using the same care. Gently turn the time forward through a full 12-hour cycle and confirm the hands remain aligned and do not touch each other or the dial.

5. Fit the seconds hand

Under magnification, align the seconds-hand tube with the centre seconds pinion and press it straight down using an appropriately sized tool. Do not press on the hand's delicate arm. Check that the seconds hand clears the minute hand and the underside of the crystal throughout a full rotation.

6. Fit the movement into the case

Clean the underside of the crystal and check for dust. Fit the correct movement holder or spacer, seat the assembled dial and movement in the case and engage the case's intended retention components. Verify the dial is centred and that the crown-stem axis lines up without side loading.

7. Size and install the crown stem

Measure the stem length with the movement seated in the case and the chosen crown fitted. Trim gradually, deburr the cut end and trial-fit repeatedly until the crown reaches its intended closed position without compressing or pulling the movement. Secure the crown to the stem according to the crown manufacturer's instructions, and test winding, quickset date and time-setting positions.

8. Close the case and test the watch

Inspect the caseback seal and gasket seating before closing the case. Wind the watch, verify time-setting and hacking, check the date changes around midnight and observe the hands for rubbing. Inspect for dust and confirm the crown operates smoothly. Do not claim water resistance without proper pressure testing.

Common issues and troubleshooting

The hands are rubbing or stopping

Check that the hands are parallel, fully seated at the correct heights and clearing the crystal and dial. Remove and reinstall a misaligned hand instead of forcing the movement to run.

The date does not line up

Check that the dial and calendar version match, that the dial is properly seated, and that the date window is correctly located. Avoid date quickset within the prohibited hours.

The crown does not sit flush

Check stem length, crown-tube compatibility, movement position and spacer fit. Trim in small increments: an overly short stem generally needs replacing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Miyota 9015 thinner than an NH35?

Yes. The Miyota 9015 movement is 3.90 mm thick, making it a popular option for slim automatic watches. Altough at this stage, options are very limited when it comes to specialized thin cases for this movement.

Can I use NH35 hands with the Miyota 9015?

No, NH35 hands will not fit the Miyota 9015.

Does the Miyota 9015 stop the seconds hand when setting the time?

Yes, the 9015 has a hacking function which stops the second hand when the crown is pulled out.

When should I avoid changing the date?

Miyota cautions against quick-setting the date between approximately 8:30 pm and 2:00 am.