Okay, so I’ve been seeing these super cool Rolex watches with colorful dials all over my Instagram feed, and I just had to try and make my own version. I’m no watchmaker, obviously, but I’m pretty crafty, so I figured, why not?

Getting Started
First, I grabbed an old watch I had lying around. It was nothing fancy, just a basic one with a plain white face. Perfect for experimenting! Then I headed to the craft store and picked up some supplies:
- Acrylic paints in a bunch of bright colors – think hot pink, electric blue, sunshine yellow, that kind of vibe.
- Tiny paintbrushes – the smaller, the better for those watch details.
- Some clear sealant spray – to protect my masterpiece, of course.
- Masking tape,Because I don’t have the most steady hand.
The Painting Process
This was the fun part! I carefully removed the watch face (which was surprisingly easy, just popped it out with a small screwdriver). Then I cleaned the surface, I don’t want the old dust to get mixed up with the paint.
I carefully use masking tape to cover the areas I don’t want to get any paint on.
I started by painting the whole dial with a base coat. I went with a light turquoise, because it felt beachy and fun. Once that was dry (took a couple of hours, patience is key!), I started adding some details. I tried to do a sort of swirly, abstract design, using the other colors I bought. Honestly, I just went with the flow and let my creativity run wild. It was a bit messy, but that’s part of the charm, right?
Finishing Touches
After the paint was completely dry (I waited a full day, just to be sure), I sprayed it with a few coats of the clear sealant. This is important because it protects the paint from chipping and scratching. I don’t want all my hard work to go to waste!

Finally, I popped the watch face back into the casing, and… ta-da! My very own custom “Rolex” with a colorful dial. It’s definitely not perfect, and it’s obviously not a real Rolex, but I love it! It’s unique, it’s colorful, and it’s something I made myself. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter.
I wear it on my hands to show it off to others.
It won’t fool any watch experts, obviously, but it’s fun, it’s colorful, and I made it myself. That’s what matters, right? It’s a cool way to add a personal touch to something ordinary.
It’s also a good way for me to practice my hands-on skills.