@smallthings I think it's just right. I think the friction point is a key one to make as I think it's perhaps more important than part strength when choosing materials, especially for the gear axles. I still have a bit of play in the minute hand, the sweep of the second gear axle can drag the minute hand out of position, but I'll keep tinkering.

@PJCrowther I had the same problem at one point and
a) discovered that my printer does not print exactly round
b) inside the holes there was some stringing that gave more resistance than anticipated. I cleaned the holes with a small round brass brush I had on hand which greatly reduced problems

The play comes from the geartrain in the motor itself mostly, one solution would be to use different motors, for example NEMA steppers but they are more expensive, heavier, bigger and draw a lot more power which I wanted to avoid.
I wish there was a Version of the 28BYJ-48 with a higher quality gearbox but otherwise the same size and properties, it would be perfectly suitable for such projects.

@schnub_258509 Thanks for sharing your make, the red holder with the red toniebox looks awesome!

@StuMeston_766704 ok thanks. I'll have a look at it but i may take a few weeks since I'll be on vacation soon and also the parts need a few weeks to arrive. Interestingly these gauges show much more expensive for me than the round ones.

@smallthings no rush at all! I've already built one of these, just thought I'd see if the other gauges were possible in case family or friends want one. I actually sent you a link to one of the more expensive ones, I've seen them as low as ~$2 on AliExpress.

@MelanieSchmu_1114022 Danke für das Feedback. Gut zu hören dass es auch mit Unterlegscheiben geht.

@gingerling_2801431 Thanks for sharing, looks awesome with multiple leaves. I wish IKEA would make the leaves in different shades of green and maybe different shapes.