Why Handmade Still Matters in Watch Modding
When everything’s automated, the human touch stands out.
In a world full of mass production, laser-cut perfection, and AI-generated everything, the watch modding community is still drawn to something real: the handmade.
Why?
Because every dial made by hand has soul — flaws, quirks, textures, and light play you simply can’t 3D-print into existence.
At Carbon Chrono, every dial is poured, shaped, sanded, and finished by a real human — with burnt fingertips and a head full of build ideas.
When you mod with handmade parts, your watch becomes more than a build — it becomes a story.
If you want to stand out in a sea of sterile parts and Amazon knockoffs…
Go handmade. Go real. Go Carbon.
How would you build it?
The NH35: Why It’s the Modder’s Best Friend
Bulletproof. Customizable. Affordable. No wonder it’s king.
Ask any seasoned modder what movement they recommend for a first (or fiftieth) build, and you’ll probably hear: NH35.
So why does this Seiko-built movement dominate the modding world?
📅 Reliable as hell — It can take a beating and keep ticking.
💲 Inexpensive — You won’t cry if you scratch one.
🔌 Compatible — Tons of aftermarket parts are made for it.
🕒 Modern feel — Hacking + hand-winding for budget builds.
Every Carbon Chrono dial is designed to fit NH35 (and NH36) builds — so whether you’re going for diver, field, or wild experimental, you’re covered.
If you’re new to watch modding, the NH35 is your playground.
If you’re experienced? You already know the deal.
Build bold. Break nothing. Build again.
How would you build it?
Failed Forward: Why We Show the Dials That Don’t Make It
Progress isn’t pretty — and that’s the point.
We’ve melted resin. We’ve cracked carbon. We’ve overcooked lume. We’ve made dials that warped, faded, flaked, or just straight-up fell apart.
And guess what? We still show them to you.
Why?
Because in the Mod Lab, failure isn’t shameful — it’s fuel.
Every ruined dial teaches us something new. A better mix. A cleaner cure. A more interesting texture. Some of our best designs came out of what started as a total disaster.
So yeah, we’ll keep sharing the ugly stuff.
Because it’s real. Because it matters.
And because that one “dead” dial might just spark your next custom build idea.
Every scratch is part of the story.
How would you build it?
One dial, two paths — what kind of modder are you?
At Carbon Chrono, we handcraft carbon fiber watch dials designed to kick your build into another dimension. But once you’ve got that dial in hand, there’s a choice to make:
Do you build the watch yourself?
Or do you let us build it for you?
There’s no right answer — only what works for you. So let’s break it down.
You’ve got your case, movement, hands, and tools ready. You know your NH35 from your Miyota. You want to feel the dial slot perfectly into place.
Why build it yourself?
- You love the process.
- You already have parts lined up.
- You’re chasing that “I built this” flex.
- You want full creative control.
- It’s satisfying. It’s obsessive. It’s yours.
But hey — if your screwdrivers are still sealed in plastic and you’ve never pressed a crystal before… maybe read the next section.
Let Us Build It — For the Watch Lover Who Wants It Done Right
Maybe you’re more into wearing the watch than building it. Maybe you’ve got the vision, but not the time (or tools) to make it real.
Why get a custom Carbon Chrono build from us?
- We use pro tools, tested builds, and clean finishes.
- You still choose your dial, lume, case style, and strap.
- We’ll assemble it, test it, and ship it ready to wear.
- You skip the headache — and skip the learning curve.
No stress, no tweezers flung across the room. Just a beautiful custom piece that shows off your taste and our craftsmanship.
One Dial. Two Paths. Zero Wrong Choices.
Whether you’re knee-deep in gasket grease or just want to skip to the good part — we’ve got you.
Shop our dials if you’re building your own.
Check out our Watch Builder service if you want us to assemble it for you.
Because at the end of the day…
How would you build it?
Ready to start?
Browse handmade dials
Want us to build it?
Don’t let a tiny part screw up your mod — get your spring bar sizing right.
When it comes to modding your watch, most of the attention goes to dials, hands, crystals, and bezels. But ignore your spring bars at your peril — those little metal rods are the only thing keeping your strap (and watch) from flying off your wrist and into the abyss.
So how do you choose the right spring bar size?
Let’s break it down — quick, clean, and modder-friendly.
What Is a Spring Bar?
It’s that small, spring-loaded metal rod that connects your strap or bracelet to the watch case. It sits between the lugs and holds everything together.
If the bar is too short? It’ll slip out.
Too long? You’ll damage your lugs.
Wrong thickness? It won’t fit the strap.
Wrong shoulder type? Good luck getting it out later.
Spring Bar Length = Lug Width
This is the golden rule:
Your spring bar length should match your watch’s lug width.
Here’s a quick size reference:
Strap / Lug Width Spring Bar Length
18mm / 18mm spring bar
20mm / 20mm spring bar
22mm / 22mm spring bar
24mm 24mm spring bar
Not sure your lug width? Measure it with calipers, or look up your case specs.
Spring Bar Thickness: 1.5mm is Standard
For most builds — especially NH35-based divers or dress cases — a 1.5mm thick spring bar will do the job.
That said:
Thicker spring bars (1.8mm–2.0mm) = tougher, but may not fit narrow strap holes
Thinner spring bars (1.2mm) = better for tight spaces or vintage-style straps
Stick to 1.5mm unless you’ve got a reason to go thicker or thinner.
Shoulder or No Shoulder?
Spring bars come with or without “shoulders” (the little notches near the tips that help with tool removal).
Shouldered spring bars: Easier to remove, good for regular strap changes
Shoulderless bars: Cleaner look, but a pain to remove without a tool made for it
For modding, we recommend shouldered spring bars — especially if you like switching things up.
Bonus Tip: Curved Spring Bars for a Cleaner Fit
Using a strap that curves tightly around the case? Curved spring bars give a better fit and help avoid lug rub.
TL;DR – The Modder’s Spring Bar Checklist
✔ Match the spring bar length to your lug width (e.g. 20mm lugs = 20mm spring bar)
✔ Stick with 1.5mm thickness unless you have a specific need
✔ Use shouldered bars for easy swapping
✔ Use curved bars for tight-fitting straps
Want a Quick Guide?
We’ll be publishing a printable spring bar + strap sizing chart in the Mod Lab soon — make sure you’re on the list.
And as always, before your next build, ask yourself:
How would you build it?
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