Old watches may stop ticking, but their charm never really fades. Instead of tossing them into a junk drawer or letting them collect dust, why not turn those forgotten timepieces into something bold, beautiful, and full of character?
In this collection, we’ve gathered 20 time-turning DIY projects that breathe new life into broken, vintage, or unused watches. From elegant jewelry and home décor to whimsical sculptures and heartfelt keepsakes, these ideas prove that time doesn’t have to be linear.
Whether you’re a crafter, collector, or simply someone who hates throwing away cool stuff, these upcycled watch creations will spark your creativity and maybe even your nostalgia.
#1. DIY Upcycled Watch Strap Heels
This is where fashion meets rebellion. Every step feels like stomping through timelines and it cost barely anything thanks to thrifted parts.
Materials Needed
- 1 pair of black open-strap heels
- 7–9 old wristwatches (varied sizes, 2.5–4 cm face diameter)
- 6–8 silver chain bracelets (15–20 cm long)
- 15–20 jump rings (6 mm)
- 12–15 metal spike studs (0.8–1.2 cm tall)
- Jewelry pliers
- Strong craft glue
- Optional: Faux gemstones or rhinestones
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Disassemble the old watches, keeping the watch faces and metal bands.
Step 2: Wrap the watch bands and chain bracelets around the heel and ankle straps, layering tightly. Use jump rings or glue to secure in place.
Step 3: Attach spike studs along the lower strap or near the toe area for a bold accent.
#2. DIY Vintage Watch and Charm Bracelet Collection
Whether you wear them solo or rework them into other projects, they’re miniature art pieces worth showing off.
Materials Needed
- 8–10 old gold-tone watches (oval, round, square; 2–3.5 cm face size)
- 20–30 decorative charms
- Gold watch link bands (15–20 cm each)
- 15–20 small jump rings (gold tone, 5–7 mm)
- 2–3 toggle clasps (gold finish, 1–1.5 cm)
- Jewelry pliers set
- Optional: Glue-on flat backs
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Remove the faces from old watches or leave a few working ones for variety. Keep any decorative band links intact.
Step 2: Lay out your bracelet design using watches and charms. Mix shapes and textures for a luxurious, layered look.
Step 3: Use jump rings to link the pieces together, attaching charms between watches or at ends for balance.
Step 4: Finish by adding a clasp to one end and a ring to the other. You can also convert them into bag accessories or necklace chains.
#3. DIY Vintage Photo Watch Keepsake
You can use this to honor a loved one, commemorate a wedding, or simply hold onto a moment that matters. It’s nostalgic, intimate, and incredibly meaningful.
Materials Needed
- 1–2 old wristwatches
- Small printed photos
- Precision scissors
- Tweezers
- Glue stick
- Optional: Resin or clear epoxy
- Soft cloth
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Open the watch case and carefully remove the old dial or clock mechanism to clear space.
Step 2: Print and cut your photo to fit the inside of the watch face. Use tweezers for clean placement.
Step 3: Secure the photo inside with glue or tape. For extra durability, you can seal it with a thin resin layer (optional).
#4. DIY Upcycled Watch Handle for Your Bag
Why settle for plain bag straps when you can turn old watches into a fashion statement? It’s surprisingly lightweight, eye-catching, and gives any basic bag a luxury vintage upgrade.
Materials Needed
- 8–10 old watches (with colorful or shaped faces, 2–3.5 cm in size)
- 10–12 watch bands
- 2 large jump rings (2–3 cm diameter)
- Jewelry pliers
- 1 sturdy base bag
- Optional: Small connector hooks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Disassemble the watches, keeping the full watch face and metal straps intact.
Step 2: Arrange the watches in a straight line to form a strap, alternating shapes and colors for variety.
Step 3: Use pliers and jump rings to securely connect the watch links into a single chain-like strip.
Step 4: Attach each end to a jump ring or connector loop on your bag’s handle rings.
#5. DIY Beaded Watch-Face Spiders
These charming little bugs are surprisingly easy to make and ridiculously fun to customize. Ideal for Halloween, steampunk decor, or quirky accessories.
Materials Needed
- 1 small round watch face (2–3 cm diameter)
- 16 assorted glass beads (4–6 mm)
- 2 large oval beads (2–3 cm)
- 2 headpins per leg (16 total) (5–6 cm long)
- Jewelry wire (24 gauge) (30–40 cm total)
- Needle-nose pliers and round-nose pliers
- Optional: Glue-on pin back
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut eight equal wire lengths (about 5–6 cm) or prep eight headpins. String on beads to form each spider leg, then bend into a gentle arc.
Step 2: Use wire or jump rings to attach four legs to each side of the watch case. Secure tightly using pliers.
Step 3: Glue or wire-wrap two large beads to the top and bottom of the watch face to form the spider’s abdomen and thorax.
#6. Vintage Watch Heart Shadow Box
I gathered old watches and brooches, laid them into a heart shape, and glued them onto rich fabric. It became a deeply personal piece, part memory board, part home décor.
Materials Needed
- 10–14 vintage watch faces (mix of silver, gold, round, square; 2–4 cm)
- 6–10 brooches
- 1 fabric-covered backing board (velvet, 20×25 cm)
- 1 shadow box (25×30 cm)
- Strong craft glue
- Pencil and heart template (optional)
- Ruler and tweezers
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Use a pencil to lightly sketch a heart shape on the fabric board. Or place a paper heart template underneath transparent fabric for guidance.
Step 2: Arrange your watches and jewelry pieces within the shape. Start with the biggest watches at the center and blend outward with smaller pieces.
Step 3: Once you’re happy with the layout, glue each piece in place. Let dry overnight for strong adhesion.
#7. Watch-Face Snowman Shadow Box
This festive little guy is made entirely from old watch faces and he’s got more personality than your average holiday décor.
Materials Needed
- 3 vintage watch faces (small, medium, large sizes)
- 1 ornate brooch
- 2 gold chain pieces (10–12 cm)
- Mini embellishments (tree charm, lantern pin, leaves, ribbon, etc.)
- 1 sturdy black shadow box frame (20×25 cm)
- 1 black glittery backing sheet
- Strong craft glue (E6000)
- Tweezers and pencil
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Arrange your three watch faces vertically in the center of the backing to form the snowman shape. Glue them in place from top to bottom (smallest on top).
Step 2: Add a brooch or charm at the top to act as the hat. Use gold chains to form arms, attaching them diagonally outward.
Step 3: Decorate around the snowman using themed pins like lanterns, trees, or holiday charms. Add ribbon or leaves for detail.
#8. DIY Spoon and Watch Cuckoo Clock Ornaments
These tiny cuckoo clocks blend old silverware and vintage watch faces into ornaments straight from a fairy tale. They’re perfect as heirloom gifts, holiday décor, or quirky wall charms.
Materials Needed
- 8 vintage watch faces (oval, round, or rectangular; 2–3 cm wide)
- 8 ornate silverplate spoons
- Assorted brass charms (leaves, acorns, grapes, pinecones, 1–2 cm each)
- Jewelry findings (leaf shapes)
- Jump rings (6–8 mm) and small chain pieces (5–8 cm)
- Strong jewelry glue (E6000)
- Round-nose and flat pliers
- Optional: Ribbon loops
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Flatten the bowl of each spoon with gentle hammer taps. If needed, bend the handle to create a flatter back for wall mounting or hanging.
Step 2: Glue the watch face onto the spoon’s bowl center. Let it dry.
Step 3: Attach grapevine charms and leaves using jump rings or glue to form the “weights” and decorative trim of a cuckoo clock.
Step 4: Add a chain or wire loop to the top of the handle for hanging. Optionally, add a small ribbon or name tag.
#9. DIY Upcycled Watch Choker Necklace
This choker turns broken watches into wearable art. It’s a blend of steampunk, vintage, and soft goth, handmade from spare parts and secondhand chains.
Materials Needed
- 3–5 old wristwatches (2.5–4 cm faces, any shape)
- 4 silver chains (30–40 cm each, mix styles)
- 20–30 jump rings (6–8 mm)
- 2 lobster clasps (10–12 mm)
- Jewelry pliers
- 5–7 small charms (keys, bows, faux gems, etc.)
- 2–4 filigree connectors (optional)
- 24–26 gauge jewelry wire (30 cm)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Disassemble the old watches carefully, keeping only the faces and any pretty metal links.
Step 2: Plan your layout flat, place watches, charms, and chains where they’ll layer best.
Step 3: Connect watch faces and chains using jump rings; layer them for a cascading effect.
Step 4: Add charms between links, attach clasps at both ends, and adjust to fit your neck.
#10. Watch Part Mini Motorcycle Sculpture
This little beast is built from time itself. I used broken watches, scrap wire, and bits of metal to create a tabletop motorcycle that looks like it’s revving toward the future.
Materials Needed
- 2 large round watch faces
- 2–3 metal watch bands
- Assorted small watch gears, crowns, and cases
- 2 copper wires (15–20 cm each)
- 1 spent bullet casing or brass pipe (optional)
- Strong epoxy glue
- Jewelry pliers, wire cutters, and needle-nose pliers
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start with the wheels, glue two large watch faces to circular metal watch bezels or ring gears for tire bulk.
Step 2: Build the body frame using metal watch bands bent into a triangle or elongated “Z” shape. Secure with glue or solder at each join.
Step 3: Use small gears, a crown, and a case back to create the engine block and fuel tank area.
Step 4: Bend copper wires into tall handlebars. Glue them onto the front wheel section and add rubber or black tube bits as grips.
#11. Vintage Watch Hourglass Shadow Box
You can craft yours using old watch parts, charms, and jewelry scraps, arranging them to visually “pour” from the top chamber to the bottom.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden frame (at least 25×30 cm)
- Sturdy backing board
- Gold cord
- 10–15 small vintage watch faces (1–3 cm sizes, mixed styles)
- 20–30 found objects (gears, brooches, beads, charms, old jewelry)
- Small 3D hand charm
- Sky print paper
- Dark paper
- E6000
- Tweezers, scissors, ruler
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sketch a large hourglass shape on the backing board. Fill the top half with cloud or sky background, the bottom with darker tones.
Step 2: Outline the hourglass with gold trim, ribbon, or beading.
Step 3: Glue watch faces and charms into the top chamber, looking like they’re “about to fall.” At the center neck, add a hand or funnel-like charm to represent the flow.
Step 4: In the bottom chamber, cluster heavier or darker elements like gears, clocks, dense metals to represent time collected or passed.
#12. DIY Vintage Watch Christmas Tree Wall Art
This piece is a time-traveling tribute to the holidays. You can turn broken wristwatches into a shimmering, framed Christmas tree, layered with clock faces like ornaments.
Materials Needed
- 18–24 vintage watch faces (varied shapes, sizes: 2–4 cm each)
- 1 sturdy backing board (35–45 cm tall)
- Assorted rhinestone brooches
- 1 angel ornament (topper, 4–6 cm)
- Heavy-duty craft glue
- Measuring tape & ruler
- Optional: Gold ribbon, frame embellishments
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Lay out your watch faces in a tree shape on the board. Start with one at the top, then build out wider rows as you go down. Add the angel or star to the top.
Step 2: Once satisfied with the layout, glue each watch firmly to the surface. Let dry completely.
Step 3: Fill in the spaces between watches with rhinestones, small brooches, or faux jewels to create depth and shimmer.
Step 4: Add a watchband, buckle, or vintage brooch at the bottom for the tree trunk. Optional: Frame your piece or add hooks for wall hanging.
#13. DIY Vintage Watch Pendant Necklace
I turned an old broken watch into a delicate pendant, dressed it with pearls, and added just enough sparkle to keep it ethereal. It’s romantic, nostalgic, and perfect for gifting.
Materials Needed
- 1 small vintage watch face (1.5–2.5 cm wide, oval or rectangular)
- 1 necklace chain (copper or gold tone, 45–50 cm)
- 8–10 faux pearls (8–10 mm diameter)
- 3–4 crystal charms
- 2–3 headpins (2–3 cm)
- 5–6 jump rings (5 mm)
- Jewelry pliers and round-nose pliers
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Remove the watch straps and clean the face. Add a decorative rhinestone embellishment if needed.
Step 2: Attach the watch face to a jump ring and connect it to the chain.
Step 3: String pearls and beads onto headpins, form loops, and attach them as dangles beneath the pendant.
#14. DIY Upcycled Watch Skirt
I made this skirt from thrifted watches and a lot of patience. The result? Futuristic, post-apocalyptic elegance.
Materials Needed
- 60–80 old watch faces (mix of round, square, oval; 2–4 cm wide)
- 50–60 metal jump rings (8–10 mm)
- 15–20 mini connector loops
- Pliers set (flat and needle-nose)
- Optional: Nude mesh base skirt
- Hook closure
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Disassemble all the watches, keeping only the faces and metallic strap pieces if useful.
Step 2: Lay out your desired shape on a table, start with horizontal rows, spacing faces evenly to allow movement.
Step 3: Connect each watch to its neighbor using jump rings, building out from the waist down in a grid-like pattern.
Step 4: Once you reach desired length and width, add connectors at stress points, then attach the top row to a base waistband or mesh lining for support.
#15. DIY Watch Face Wall Clock
Why have one clock face when you can have twelve? I made this using a marble base and old, broken watches I had lying around.
Materials Needed
- 1 round clock base (25–30 cm diameter)
- 12 old watch faces (2–3.5 cm in size)
- 1 clock movement kit
- Strong adhesive
- Drill
- Optional: Hanging hook
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Arrange the 12 watch faces evenly around the circle like a traditional clock. Use a ruler or trace a light guide to space them out.
Step 2: Glue each watch face down at its hour position. Let them dry completely.
Step 3: Install the clock movement in the center. Attach the hour and minute hands, securing with the included cap.
Step 4: Add a hanging hook on the back and mount your new time-twisting creation on the wall.
#16. Pocket Watch Pendant
This pendant is like wearing a story around your neck. It’s vintage, it’s poetic, and it makes a beautiful handmade gift or personal memento.
Materials Needed
- 1 vintage pocket watch case (3–5 cm)
- Mini 3D paper ephemera (flowers, birds, custom message)
- Small dried flowers (optional: rhinestones, beads)
- Tweezers, scissors, toothpick
- Clear-drying glue
- Necklace chain (45–60 cm)
- Optional: Scrapbook paper background
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean the inside of the pocket watch case thoroughly. If there’s a mechanism, gently remove it.
Step 2: Cut a small piece of patterned paper to act as a backdrop and glue it inside the back wall.
Step 3: Arrange your collage using tiny cutouts, fabric florals, and layered elements. Use tweezers and a toothpick to carefully glue everything in place.
#17. Upcycled Watch Mosaic Mirror Frame
This frame is a little chaotic, a little glam, and completely one-of-a-kind. Every corner tells a story, and the finished piece brings vintage warmth and sparkle to any space.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden mirror frame (20×20 cm)
- 15–25 old watch faces
- 30+ beads, brooches, buttons, charms, and small trinkets
- Glass cabochons, rhinestones, or flat-back jewels (optional)
- Heavy-duty adhesive
- Tweezers and cotton swabs
- Clear sealant (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean and prep the frame. If it’s glossy, lightly sand for better adhesion.
Step 2: Plan your layout by loosely placing larger items (watch faces, photo charms) first. Fill gaps later with smaller accents.
Step 3: Begin gluing down pieces one by one, working from largest to smallest. Use tweezers for precision and cotton swabs to clean excess glue.
#18. DIY Upcycled Watch-Face Bag Strap
This strap is a cheerful mash-up of pastel nostalgia and crafty flair. I collected broken watches from thrift bins, then turned them into a candy-colored chain of vintage timepieces.
Materials Needed
- 12–14 watch faces (assorted colors, shapes, 2–3.5 cm each)
- 12–14 matching watch bands
- 2 swivel clasps (1.5–2 cm wide)
- 20+ small jump rings (6–8 mm)
- Jewelry pliers
- Black handbag
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Disassemble watches, keeping the face and connecting band links intact.
Step 2: Arrange your watch faces in a color flow or shape pattern, then connect them using jump rings.
Step 3: Secure the two swivel clasps at each end of the strap using pliers and extra rings for strength. Clip your new strap onto your bag’s loops and adjust to desired length.
#19. DIY Vintage Watch Lamp Base
I covered a plain lamp base with vintage watches, and the result is part steampunk, part art deco, and fully mesmerizing.
Materials Needed
- 1 lamp base
- 25-40 old watch faces or full watches (2–4 cm in size)
- Optional: Faux gems, buttons, or rhinestones
- E6000
- Tweezers and cotton swabs
- Protective gloves
- Clear sealant spray (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean the lamp base thoroughly. If it’s smooth or glossy, lightly sand the surface to help the glue stick.
Step 2: Begin at the top. Glue one watch at a time, working your way down in spirals or rows. Press each piece firmly and allow time to set before moving on.
Step 3: Fill in any small gaps with accent pieces like buttons or stones. Avoid layering too thickly so the lamp stays balanced.
#20. Watch Face Holiday Ornament
I crafted this ornament using a broken but beautiful watch, some ribbon, and a few silver pear ornaments I had stashed away.
Materials Needed
- 1 decorative watch face (oval or rectangle, 2.5–4 cm)
- 1 large metallic ribbon (silver, 4–5 cm wide, 30 cm length)
- 1 white bow
- 3–4 small ornament pears (silver, 4–5 cm long)
- 3 artificial pine picks
- Gold and pearl berry picks (optional)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors and floral wire
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Create the base by layering the greenery sprigs into a fan shape and glue them together.
Step 2: Fold the metallic ribbon into a soft loop and glue it behind the greenery to add height.
Step 3: Attach the watch face at the center with hot glue. Surround it with berries or small accents.
Step 4: Tie or glue the white bow at the base of the watch. Add the silver pears beneath for a festive finish. Trim and adjust everything neatly.
