Homage Forum

8 years ago, someone gave me a rep watch... My first mechanical watch as an adult.... I thought how cool would it be to make my own watch.... So i visited the more main stream websites and felt ridiculed and belittled for even having to notion of making my own time pieces.

I found this place (HF v1) soon after and This was home. No question was too silly... No project was scoffed at... Though these were the days when we worked with hammers. I came with a $100 budget and this was my first ever build. A 46mm pilot case with a drop in molnija 3602



The bug had caught on and i went through building a bunch of builds mostly in 3646 cases...californias, 2533s, high bezels, mega bezels, mega mega bezels... I always knew i wanted to make different one off pieces. Watches that had aspects of different designs i loved from looking at thousands of watches and vintage clocks over the years. One of my earlier experiments outside the PAM world included this. A 24 hour movement in a 40mm watch. Unfortunately she isnt with me anymore as she was given away as a birthday present.



Somewhere during what felt like tens of 3646 builds for myself and eventually for some members i caught the 8 day bug..... Anykind that would fit in a decent sized watch... From 28mm to 36ish mm movements..... Anything from a 36mm bubbleback inspired piece



To a 42mm Abercrombie Marked Angelus 240 powered A&F homage...



To a 44mm so ugly i like it! diving style 8 day with a center seconds hand build on a highly reshaped case.



Then came briefly a chrono phase... Ugh




The last watch i built what must have been 2 years ago was this. A homeless Squale dive watch case that was a build with nspiration from 1950s-60s dive watchs. She is my go to waterproof waterpark, float down a river watch.



Since i took a break 2 years ago because of work and personal issues, I've since kept my watch cases and movements in boxes. I might have to pull them out again soon though.

Along the way, i have made many ugly builds and many mistakes. But most importantly, I've made many friends and hope to meet many more. If you are new, welcome aboard. Please try your hand in making something that's yours...even if it's
a cheap mod that customizes a timepiece so its uniquely yours.

The true HF spirit! Thanks for sharing this with us.

Well said !

Tanukjaju wrote: ↑April 11th, 2018, 7:02 pm

I don't believe I saw this one before. Superb.

Love your builds Tanu

There is nothing like your first custom build
Well until the second one comes along

And he fails to mention he has an impeccable nose for finding 8day movements!

Nice story and unique builds! Someday when I grow up I want to build an 8-day watch

Tanukjaju wrote: ↑April 11th, 2018, 7:02 pm a 36mm bubbleback inspired piece

Hey @Tanukjaju , beautiful builds! Was this one a Felsa 745? I might have one on the way and was wondering what your experience with it was. How are these to do a service on? Any thoughts on if there is another Felsa that might have a long pinion fourth wheel that is compatible to add a seconds hand?

Also, I will remain forever jealous of that Abercrombie & Fitch!

"(...)I thought how cool would it be to make my own watch.... So i visited the more main stream websites and felt ridiculed and belittled for even having to notion of making my own time pieces.
I found this place (HF v1) soon after and This was home. No question was too silly... No project was scoffed at... Though these were the days when we worked with hammers.(...)"

Hey @Tanukjaju - I went the same way and HF has become a steady home for me now. I browse here nearly every day and none of my questions ever were left without an answer. Thanks you guys.