How to Make a Wooden Watch from Scratch (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

A wooden watch is more than just a timepiece; it’s a unique blend of craftsmanship, style, and sustainability. 

Making one by hand might seem hard, but with some basic tools and a little patience, you can build a beautiful wooden watch yourself.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step, based on the visuals from a woodworking tutorial video.

🧰 Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your materials and tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother:

Materials:

• Hardwood (walnut, maple, cherry, or any durable wood)
• Watch movement kit (quartz movement with hands and battery)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Finishing oil or clear varnish
• Leather or pre-made wooden watch bands

Tools:

• A scroll saw or a band saw
• Drill with small bits
• Rotary tool (Dremel or similar)
• Clamps
• Small files or carving tools
• Safety goggles and a mask

Step 1: Cut the Watch Face from Wood

Start by selecting a small block of hardwood. Using a compass or round template, trace a circle (usually 35–45 mm in diameter) on the wood. 

This will be the face of your watch. Cut out the circle carefully using a scroll saw or band saw. Precision is key here, and an even, symmetrical disc will give your watch a professional appearance.

Make sure the wood is thick enough to house the watch movement—around 8–12 mm is typical, depending on the depth of your movement mechanism.

Step 2: Drill the Center Hole

Find the exact center of your wooden disc and drill a small hole through it using a drill press or handheld drill. 

The hole should be just wide enough to allow the shaft of the quartz movement to pass through. 

If you’re using a press-fit movement, ensure the fit is snug but not too tight. This hole is where the watch hands will be mounted, so accuracy is crucial.

Step 3: Install the Watch Movement

Insert the movement mechanism through the hole from the back of the wooden face. Secure it according to the kit instructions some use screws, while others rely on friction. 

Then, gently press the hour, minute, and second hands onto the shaft in the correct order.

Before finalizing the assembly, test the movement with a battery to ensure the hands move freely and do not touch each other or the wood surface.

Step 4: Sand and Finish the Wooden Face

Use sandpaper (starting with a coarse grit and moving to finer grits) to smooth all surfaces and edges. 

Focus on refining the edges of the watch face and eliminating any saw marks or rough patches. 

You can also use a rotary tool for more intricate detailing or to add bevels and curves.

Once the surface is smooth, apply your chosen finish. Natural oils like tung or linseed oil will enhance the wood’s grain, while clear polyurethane offers stronger protection. 

Allow the finish to dry thoroughly, usually overnight, before handling the piece.

Turn Wooden Disc Into a Wearable Watch

Now it’s time to turn your wooden disc into a wearable watch. You can choose from various strap options:

• Leather straps are Simple and elegant, they can be glued or pinned into notches on each side of the face.
• Wooden link bands take more work and need small pins, but they make a watch that looks great and is made fully from wood.
• Hybrid straps combine wood and leather or canvas for a unique, mixed-material look.

Use a strong adhesive and small screws or pins to attach the bands securely. Make sure the connection is firm and comfortable on the wrist.

Optional: Personalize Your Watch

To make your wooden watch special, you can add initials, burn on hour marks, or decorate it with small pieces of metal or stone.

These decorative touches can elevate your project from functional to unforgettable.

Final Tips and Troubleshooting

• Choose the right wood: Dense hardwoods like walnut or cherry are ideal for durability and appearance.
• Measure twice, cut once: Precision matters in watchmaking. Take your time with measurements.
• Don’t rush the finish: Let your oil or varnish cure fully for the best protection and feel.
• Test the hands: Before gluing or final assembly, run the mechanism to ensure the hands move freely.

Wrapping Up

Making your wooden watch is not just a project, it’s an experience. 

From picking the right piece of wood to seeing the watch tick for the first time, each step is a fun way to be creative and build something with care.

Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift, a handmade wooden watch is both a functional accessory and a personal work of art.

Take your time, enjoy the process, and wear your craftsmanship with pride.