Assemble Watches
How to Plan an NH35 Build: Parts List, Compatibility Checklist & Budget
To plan an NH35 build, you need to select a compatible case, dial (with NH35-spec dial feet), hands (with correct tube sizes for the NH35 pinion), bezel ring and insert, crystal, and bracelet or strap. Assemble Watches checks compatibility across all of these as you go.
- What parts do I need for an NH35 build?
- A complete NH35 build usually needs a case, NH35 movement, dial, hands, crystal, bezel ring, bezel insert, crown, caseback, and a bracelet or strap. Some case bundles include the crown, caseback, crystal, or bezel parts, so check what is included before buying duplicates. The critical checks are dial feet, hand sizes, case fit, crystal size, and lug width.
- What is the NH35 movement?
- The NH35 is a Seiko Instruments automatic movement used in many modern watch mods. It hacks, hand-winds, runs at 21,600 bph, and has a date display. It became popular because it fits the broad SKX-style aftermarket ecosystem and upgrades older 7s26 builds with easier setting and winding.
- What dial feet compatibility do I need for an NH35 build?
- An NH35 dial needs dial feet positioned for the NH movement layout. Most dials sold as NH35, NH36, or SKX-compatible use the right feet, but the listing should say so clearly. If the feet are wrong, the dial will not sit flat unless you clip the feet and use dial dots, which adds another possible source of misalignment.
- How do I check NH35 hand compatibility?
- NH35 hands need the standard Seiko NH tube sizes: about 1.50mm for hour, 0.90mm for minute, and 0.20mm for seconds. Most hands sold as NH35 or SKX-compatible use those sizes. Fitment is not only the tube size, though: the hands also need to be set level with enough clearance between the dial, each other, and the crystal.
- How do I use Assemble Watches to plan an NH35 build?
- Open the builder, choose a case, and add an NH35 movement or a compatible movement option. Then select the dial, hands, bezel parts, crown, and strap or bracelet while watching the compatibility warnings. When the build looks right, use the parts list as the basis for checking vendor listings and ordering.
- What is the difference between NH35 and NH36 for a mod build?
- The NH35 is date-only, while the NH36 adds a day display next to the date. They share the same basic footprint and hand sizes, but the dial aperture needs to match the movement display. If your dial has only a date window, choose NH35; if it has a day-date window, choose NH36.