I decided to try to “build” my own watch from Ebay parts. I bought the case, movement, dial, and hands separately and assembled them and then regulated the movement (in 1 position only for the moment). I followed the steps explained in the very good video from the Watch Repair Channel.
The movement is a clone of an ETA/Unitas 6497. I would have preferred a 6498 to have the small seconds at 6 o’clock, but wanted to have a 42mm watch rather than 44mm or above and the only dial I could find for that size of case were for the 6497. Once the dial arrived, I had to fix an hour marker that had fallen off with a tiny drop of super glue applied with a toothpick.
I then added the hands, making sure the hour and minute hands could move over the small seconds.
I shortened the stem with a pair of Ikea pliers and then smoothed the end with a knife sharpening stone (that I otherwise use for my screwdrivers).
To finish, I adjusted the movement by getting rid of the beat error. I only adjusted the timing in one position and set it to zero even though it means it will probably loose time once worn. The lower amplitude after regulation might be because the barrel was not as full as in the first test.
The movement fill the whole case and is pleasant to look like despite the quite basic industrial finishing.
