Homage Forum

Hi all,
First, thank you all for your inspiration in this watch building world. Because of the info I have gained from here I have been able to built 2 Pilot Homage Watches in the past year.

So to the question. I am on a team of guys at work. The guys are aware of the watches I have built (one was for me, and the other for a guy from work). They have asked about me building watches for them that are customized to have some work emblems on them. Our emblem at work is a set of wings similar to Breitling wings. They have specifically asked if I can get the wings on a dial between the 12HR position and the hands base. We have 3 groups of guys. I have asked the 10 I work with and they are all wanting watches. So I assume I will get a similar response from the other 2 groups. So there is a potential that I will need to buy components and build about 30 watches.

So, I am asking for advise.

1. Buying in bulk, is this something that would be even worth while for ME to attempt? Assuming I get somewhat of a discount buy purchasing ~30 watches, would it just be better to pay a little more and have somebody build the watches for us? If so who would you suggest?

2. Is there someone you would suggest to make custom dials?

3. The guys also mentioned possibly having engraving done on the casebacks. Is there a suggestion on who to go to for that?

I live in USA. So I would prefer it to be American suggestions (not set on that though) because of customs and shipping that many pieces. I don't know, maybe it wouldn't be an issue.

The design that the 10 guys I'm around have settled on is a Tudor Black Bay 58 style. They like the model M79030N-0002. So I will be aiming for something in that genre.

Thank you in advance,
Andy

Hi, on Alibaba, this model is available with dial customizations. search, ask the questions. that's probably the least expensive way. They will not do something they never done before just choose from what they offer. the tolerance of understanding your taist could be big, just be ready for misunderstandings.

Thank you for the reply. I am pretty sure I have found a US based watch company that is willing to build what we want. I believe because of the quantity, that the price is going to be close enough to justify having a professional build them up.

Thanks again.

I am looking forward to see the pictures of your custom dial!

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wwwEvgeny wrote: ↑December 12th, 2024, 9:20 am Hi, on Alibaba, this model is available with dial customizations. search, ask the questions. that's probably the least expensive way. They will not do something they never done before just choose from what they offer. the tolerance of understanding your taist could be big, just be ready for misunderstandings.

"just be ready for misunderstandings."
perfect summary about dealing with Chinese sellers

Keep in mind that 99% Aliexpress sellers are just reselling parts,
with no experience in watchmaking.

IMHO:
- 30 pcs is not enough to have a dial pad printed, I mean by a dial factory, not by an artisan.

If you just need to add your wings logo on an existing dial,
the cheapest way would be:

Option1: Have dials stickers produced.
These are plain nickel and can be very good quality.
You can find listings on Aliexpress.

Option 2: Laser mark the logo, but it will be brass color.

As for case backs, you’ll easily find a laser guy in USA.

pad printing 300 is a possible quantity
the price is 200usd. it's a good option even if you will keep 270 pieces in your drawer

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but.... big BUT... if you get in touch "by chance" with resellers little daughter who is temporarily replacing a secretary, you can lose a lot of time and your emotions

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dj57 wrote: ↑December 13th, 2024, 10:13 am

Many open in a garage a small family business. if you watch how some products are assembled, you will be amazed. On the picture. How much time do you think, the person spent on the research, to produce this master piece?
Because of the big tolerance for everything, the growth of the market is amazing, while some procrastinate, others go ahead. I learned a lot living in China.
CG special edition. And with 50% discount and Japanese name.

wwwEvgeny wrote: ↑December 13th, 2024, 8:06 am but.... big BUT... if you get in touch "by chance" with resellers little daughter who is temporarily replacing a secretary, you can lose a lot of time and your emotions

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I can feel the bitter sweet taste of long experience in CN

"no problem my friend"