{"title":"ARES Custom Build","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"ares-founder-build-experience","title":"ARES 2026 Founder Build Experience","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"1725\" data-start=\"1659\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1701\" data-start=\"1659\"\u003eRemember when you used to make things?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1704\" data-start=\"1701\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1725\" data-start=\"1704\"\u003eWe never stopped.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"314\" data-start=\"262\"\u003eMost people buy a watch.\u003cbr data-end=\"289\" data-start=\"286\"\u003eAlmost nobody builds one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"551\" data-start=\"316\"\u003eThe ARES Founder Build Experience is the only place in American watchmaking where you can cut your own steel, finish your own case, personalize your own dial, assemble your own movement, engrave your own case back, and walk out wearing the Mission Timer \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eyou made.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"766\" data-start=\"553\"\u003eBecause a watch you build isn’t just a watch.\u003cbr data-end=\"601\" data-start=\"598\"\u003eIt’s proof you were here.\u003cbr data-end=\"629\" data-start=\"626\"\u003eIt’s evidence of your hands, your time, your life — pressed into steel.\u003cbr data-end=\"703\" data-start=\"700\"\u003eIt’s not purchased; \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eit’s made.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"738\" data-start=\"735\"\u003eAnd that changes everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"893\" data-start=\"768\"\u003eWhen you’re gone, they’re going to sell your house.\u003cbr data-end=\"822\" data-start=\"819\"\u003eThey’re going to auction your cars.\u003cbr data-end=\"860\" data-start=\"857\"\u003eThey’re going to pawn your Rolex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"946\" data-start=\"895\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBut they’ll fight over the Mission Timer \u003cem\u003eyou built.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"946\" data-start=\"895\"\u003eNo other American watch company can do what we do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1080\" data-start=\"948\"\u003eSo if you’ve ever felt the pull to make something real,\u003cbr data-end=\"1140\" data-start=\"1137\"\u003ethis is the place you cross the threshold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1229\" data-start=\"1184\"\u003eCome make something worth fighting over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"611\" data-start=\"592\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"611\" data-start=\"595\"\u003eAvailability for 2026.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"671\" data-start=\"613\"\u003eWe don’t do this often, and we don’t do this for everyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"935\" data-start=\"673\"\u003eARES is a working shop first — a place where steel is cut, parts are made, and real production happens every day. Opening the doors for the Founder Build Experience isn’t a product decision. It’s a commitment of time, tools, focus, and hands-on guidance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1015\" data-start=\"937\"\u003eBecause of that, we offer only 7 Founder's Dates in 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1015\" data-start=\"937\"\u003eNot classes.\u003cbr data-end=\"1032\" data-start=\"1029\"\u003eNot sessions.\u003cbr data-end=\"1048\" data-start=\"1045\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1061\" data-start=\"1048\"\u003eWeekends.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1064\" data-start=\"1061\"\u003eOne at a time.\u003cbr data-end=\"1081\" data-start=\"1078\"\u003eSmall, personal, founder-led.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1319\" data-start=\"1112\"\u003eMost years, only a handful of people will ever stand at these machines and make their own Mission Timer. The rest of the world will keep buying watches in glass cases from sales counters under mall lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1357\" data-start=\"1321\"\u003eYou’re choosing something different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1631\" data-start=\"1359\"\u003eIf you see a date available, take it. When the calendar fills, the door closes until the following year. We don’t oversell spots. We don’t expand capacity to chase demand. We keep it small on purpose — to protect the craft, the experience, and the story you walk out with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1701\" data-start=\"1633\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is the one watch in your life you won’t regret making time for.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"402\" data-start=\"348\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"402\" data-start=\"351\"\u003eThursday Evening – Arrival \u0026amp; Reception\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"470\" data-start=\"404\"\u003eYou arrive in Stanwood at ARES HQ and step straight into the ARES community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"663\" data-start=\"472\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"503\" data-start=\"472\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"503\" data-start=\"474\"\u003eWhiskey \u0026amp; Watches reception\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"541\" data-start=\"504\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"541\" data-start=\"506\"\u003eMeet Matt and the local ARES crew\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"575\" data-start=\"542\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"575\" data-start=\"544\"\u003eFood, fellowship, and stories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"596\" data-start=\"576\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"596\" data-start=\"578\"\u003eShop walkthrough\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"616\" data-start=\"597\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"616\" data-start=\"599\"\u003eSafety briefing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"663\" data-start=\"617\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"663\" data-start=\"619\"\u003eWatch configuration and material selection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"760\" data-start=\"665\"\u003eThis isn’t a warm-up —\u003cbr data-end=\"690\" data-start=\"687\"\u003ethis is where you cross from the outside world into the maker’s world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"818\" data-start=\"767\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"818\" data-start=\"770\"\u003eFriday – Machining the Heart of Your Timer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"858\" data-start=\"820\"\u003eThis is the day steel becomes purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"942\" data-start=\"860\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"873\" data-start=\"860\"\u003eTHE LATHE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"876\" data-start=\"873\"\u003eCut your raw steel into the beginnings of your Mission Timer case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1068\" data-start=\"944\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"956\" data-start=\"944\"\u003eTHE MILL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"959\" data-start=\"956\"\u003eDrill, profile, and machine your geometry on our Haas VF-1 —\u003cbr data-end=\"1022\" data-start=\"1019\"\u003ethe same machine that cuts every ARES we make.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1147\" data-start=\"1070\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1088\" data-start=\"1070\"\u003eTHE BLAST TANK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1091\" data-start=\"1088\"\u003eTexture your case by hand and bring the surface to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1190\" data-start=\"1149\"\u003eEvery cut guided.\u003cbr data-end=\"1169\" data-start=\"1166\"\u003eEvery decision yours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1244\" data-start=\"1197\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1244\" data-start=\"1200\"\u003eSaturday – Finishing, Dial Work \u0026amp; Assembly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1299\" data-start=\"1246\"\u003eThis is where your timer becomes a reflection of you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1372\" data-start=\"1301\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1319\" data-start=\"1301\"\u003eCERAKOTE BOOTH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1322\" data-start=\"1319\"\u003eApply your chosen finish under direct supervision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1454\" data-start=\"1374\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1390\" data-start=\"1374\"\u003eDIAL STATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1393\" data-start=\"1390\"\u003ePersonalize your dial — print, apply, or refine your variant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1616\" data-start=\"1456\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1474\" data-start=\"1456\"\u003eASSEMBLY BENCH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1477\" data-start=\"1474\"\u003eSet your movement.\u003cbr data-end=\"1498\" data-start=\"1495\"\u003ePress your hands.\u003cbr data-end=\"1518\" data-start=\"1515\"\u003eSeat your stem and crown.\u003cbr data-end=\"1546\" data-start=\"1543\"\u003eSeal and torque your caseback.\u003cbr data-end=\"1579\" data-start=\"1576\"\u003eBuild your timer from the inside out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1684\" data-start=\"1618\"\u003eYou’re no longer watching a watch being made.\u003cbr data-end=\"1666\" data-start=\"1663\"\u003eYou’re making one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1684\" data-start=\"1618\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2044\" data-start=\"2025\"\u003eLUNCH \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2047\" data-start=\"2044\"\u003eA closing meal with the ARES team before heading home, wearing the Mission Timer you built with your own hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1913\" data-start=\"1821\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1838\" data-start=\"1821\"\u003ePRESSURE TEST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1841\" data-start=\"1838\"\u003eDepth testing and verification — the same standard every ARES must pass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2023\" data-start=\"1915\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1935\" data-start=\"1915\"\u003eFINAL INSPECTION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1938\" data-start=\"1935\"\u003eYou approve your own work.\u003cbr data-end=\"1498\" data-start=\"1495\"\u003eYou sign your QC card. \u003cbr data-end=\"1546\" data-start=\"1543\"\u003eYou engrave your caseback with your serial number.\u003cbr data-end=\"1579\" data-start=\"1576\"\u003eYou take your first wrist shot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2023\" data-start=\"1915\"\u003eThe final steps before you return home with something no one else on earth has.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2162\" data-start=\"2025\"\u003eGuaranteed for life. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1468\" data-start=\"1449\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1468\" data-start=\"1452\"\u003eAVAILABILITY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1604\" data-start=\"1470\"\u003eThese are the only available Founder Build Weekends for 2026. \u003cbr data-end=\"1535\" data-start=\"1532\"\u003eSmall. Personal. Founder-led.\u003cbr data-end=\"1567\" data-start=\"1564\"\u003eIf you see a date available, take it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1604\" data-start=\"1470\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe will contact you directly regarding scheduling and travel information. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1609\" data-start=\"1606\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1750\" data-start=\"1611\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1648\" data-start=\"1611\"\u003eFull payment required at booking.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1651\" data-start=\"1648\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1670\" data-start=\"1651\"\u003eNon-refundable.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1673\" data-start=\"1670\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1711\" data-start=\"1673\"\u003eTransferable with 60 days’ notice.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1714\" data-start=\"1711\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1750\" data-start=\"1714\"\u003eTravel and lodging not included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ARES Watch Company","offers":[{"title":"March 19-21","offer_id":43537391124615,"sku":null,"price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"April 16-18","offer_id":43537391157383,"sku":null,"price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"May 14-16","offer_id":43537391190151,"sku":null,"price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"June 18-20 Father's Day","offer_id":43537391222919,"sku":null,"price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"September 10-12","offer_id":43537391255687,"sku":null,"price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"October 15-17","offer_id":43537391288455,"sku":null,"price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"November 11-13 Veteran's Day","offer_id":43537704812679,"sku":null,"price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/5382\/3879\/files\/IMG_5246_2.jpg?v=1764566720"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.areswatches.com\/collections\/ares-custom-build\/built-to-order.oembed","provider":"ARES Watch Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}