Okay, so I’ve been wanting to try my hand at watch modding for a while now, and I finally took the plunge. The target? A Jaeger-LeCoultre JLC Master Control Date. This is such a classic, elegant watch, and I found a pretty decent replica that I thought would be a good base for some upgrades.
First things first, I had to gather my tools. I got myself a basic watch repair kit – you know, with the screwdrivers, tweezers, and all that jazz. Then, I ordered a few extra parts, like some extra pins, a strap, a movement. Nothing too fancy, just some basics to get me started. Also I used my phone’s flashlight. It’s pretty helpful to see those tiny parts!
Next, I had to get the right movement. So I took a look at the movement of this replica. Then I ordered a replacement that is similar, but with a better power reserve. It was pretty hard to find one that would fit. Finally, I found one that’s pretty good. I had to be really careful to find one that matched the original movement’s dimensions.
Alright, so I laid out all my tools and the watch on my desk. Time to get to work! I carefully used the screwdriver to remove the case back. Those screws are tiny, man! I almost lost one, but luckily, I found it. Once the back was off, I could see the movement in all its glory.
With the tweezers, I carefully removed the old movement. I had to be super gentle here because I didn’t want to damage any of the other parts. The balance wheel, that thing that makes the watch tick. Then the other parts, it was a bit nerve-wracking, but I managed to get it out in one piece. Then I used the screwdriver to remove the hands and the dial. I had to be really careful with these, especially the hands because they’re so delicate. The dial is also pretty fragile, so I made sure to handle it with care. I also put all the parts in a container to keep them safe and to make sure nothing gets lost.
Now for the fun part – putting the new movement in! It was a bit tricky aligning everything perfectly. But after a few tries, I got it in there snugly. I then put back the dial and the hands. I also had to install a new second hand, which was a bit fiddly. I had to use the tweezers to place it in the right position, and then carefully press it down with a tool to secure it. It took a few tries, but I got it in the end.
Finally, I put the case back on, making sure all the screws were tight. It’s a bit of a process to get it back together. I used the screwdriver again to get them in and make sure the case is tight. Then, I attached a new leather strap that I thought would look better than the original one. And there it was, my modded JLC Master Control Date!
Honestly, it was a bit of a challenge, but I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. The watch is running smoothly, and it looks even better than before, in my opinion. I don’t know much about the accuracy, but I will try to wear it for the following days and let you guys know.
This whole experience has definitely sparked my interest in watch modding even more. I’m already thinking about my next project. Maybe a Rolex Submariner this time? Who knows! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little adventure of mine. If you’re thinking about trying watch modding yourself, I say go for it! Just be prepared for some challenges, and remember to have fun with it.