A one of a kind Chronometer Investigations watch.
A robust, reliable, and elegant mechanical field watch designed for everyday wear, inspired by mid-20th-century military watches. Minimalist, readable, and purely mechanical—with a touch of modern craftsmanship.
Lets build one.
🔧 Specifications:
- Movement:
Hand-wound mechanical movement (e.g., Seagull ST17 or Miyota 8N33 equivalent)- 21,600 BPH
- 42-hour power reserve
- Hacking seconds
- Manual wind only – no rotor
- Case:
- 316L Stainless Steel
- Brushed finish with polished bevel edges
- 38mm diameter
- 11mm thickness
- 20mm lug width
- Solid screw-down caseback
- Engraving: “Vintage Collectors Edition. CHRONOMETER INVESTIGATIONS.”
- Crystal:
- Domed sapphire crystal
- Inner anti-reflective coating
- Dial:
- Matte black or military olive green
- Sandwich dial or painted lume
- Large Arabic numerals: 12, 3, 6, 9
- Railroad minute track
- Subtle red triangle at 12 o’clock
- “Fieldmaster” printed under 12, “Manual Wind / 50M” above 6
- Hands:
- Cathedral or syringe-style
- Super-LumiNova C3 or BGW9
- Sweep seconds hand with lume tip
- Crown:
- Large, signed push-pull crown (onion-style or coin edge)
- Easy grip for winding with gloves
- Water Resistance:
- 5 meters
- Strap:
- Thick canvas strap with leather backing or rugged NATO strap
- Military khaki, brown, or black
- Brushed stainless buckle
- Packaging:
- Comes in a rugged tin box with vintage-style service card and cloth pouch
📜 Unique Features:
- Field-Ready Construction: Scratch-resistant crystal, robust case, luminous hands.
- No Date Window: For symmetry and historical authenticity.
- Engraved Coordinates: Optional version with GPS coordinates of a famous battlefield or exploration site etched on the case back.
- Customization Option: Choose from 3 dial colors (Black, Olive, Desert Tan)
🔖 Logo:
Fieldmaster Co. – uses a small shield emblem with a compass arrow through it.
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AliExpress-compatible parts list to build one “Fieldmaster Classic 1965”-style hand-wound mechanical field watch — inspired by Merkur and vintage military timepieces — with rough pricing (as of 2025). Prices may vary slightly depending on seller and shipping options.
🧩 PARTS LIST — ALIEXPRESS SOURCING
Component Description / Notes Estimated Cost (USD)
Mechanical Movement Seagull ST17 / ST36 (ETA 6497 clone) — hand-wound, 21,600 bph $22–30
Watch Case (38–40mm) Brushed 316L stainless steel, display or solid caseback $15–25
Dial (Vintage Style) Matte black or olive green, Arabic numerals, no date $8–12
Hands Set Syringe or cathedral style, lumed (hours, minutes, seconds) $5–7
Crystal Domed sapphire (fits your case size) $8–15
Crown Push-pull, onion or coin edge style Usually included in case
Caseback Solid stainless (optionally blank to engrave “Chronometer Investigations”)
Strap Canvas or NATO 20mm (olive, khaki, or black) $5–10
Movement Holder + Spacer Depends on your case + movement match $3–5
Gaskets / Seals Usually included in case —
Watch Hands Tool Kit Basic press, tweezers, hand setter, case knife $10–20 (one-time)
📦 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST PER WATCH:
✅ Parts Only:
$65–95 USD
✅ With Tools (if you don’t have any):
$80–115 USD
🔧 Suggested AliExpress Search Terms:
“Seagull ST3600 hand-wind mechanical movement”
“38mm field watch case stainless steel”
“vintage military watch dial no date”
“domed sapphire watch crystal 38mm”
“syringe hands luminous 6497”
“canvas watch strap 20mm NATO vintage style”
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Another alternative is to purchase a watch making kit
that includes tools.
https://rotatewatches.com/products/galileo-watchmaking-kit
$205.00
The Galileo DIY Mechanical Wristwatch Building Kit possesses a rich blue reminiscent of the Cosmos. What better compliments a dreamer than a watch that captures the mystique of the stars, a fascination that has entranced humankind for millennia.
Create a personalized timepiece with the Galileo watch, customize it with an engraved watch strap, and enjoy the satisfaction of wearing a watch you built yourself. Ideal for anyone interested in DIY watches, this kit is a perfect gift or a unique project for watch enthusiasts.
Seagull ST3600 – Movement
Specifications
Size: 36.60mm
Height: 4.50mm
Accuracy (per day): -20-+40 sec
Running time: >40 hours
Vibration Frequency (per hour): 21600
Jewels: 17
To fully wind: Turn crown 35 half-turns
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This is what I call a real watch.
If you forget to wind it, it doesn’t run.
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