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Exploring the DIY Watch Club GMT: A Journey in Timepiece Crafting

Earlier this year, I was scrolling through Instagram when a new addition to the Seiko 5 lineup caught my eye. The latest reinterpretation of the Seiko 5 sports, now available in a GMT configuration, immediately piqued my interest. It's rare to find an automatic GMT movement in a nicely designed sports watch at the £400-500 mark from a well-known brand. My curiosity led me to Seiko, but the lack of sapphire crystals at this price point was a letdown.

Fast forward a few months, and the kind folks at DIY Watch Club reached out with an intriguing proposition: to try out their version of a Sports GMT. While this isn’t a direct comparison review, the parallels between the DIY Watch Club GMT and the Seiko 5 Sports GMT are undeniable.

My Watch Building Journey

As a relative newcomer to watch building, my experience with DIY Watch Club over the past two years has been a voyage of discovery. Having built and tested three kits from them, I've been consistently impressed with the quality of the parts and tools included. The NH34 movement in this kit, a publicly available version of Seiko's 4R34 featured in their Sports 5 GMT, showcases no difference in performance or features. The manufacturing origin might vary, but that holds little significance for me.

The DIY Watch Club GMT: A Modern Interpretation

The DIY Watch Club GMT diverges from being a homage to the Seiko 5 sports GMT. Its modern look, more in line with the Rolex GMT models, is distinctive, offering bezel inserts in classic color combinations like Batman and Coke, and even a sprite version for something different. The case shape, with its traditional 3 o'clock crown position, is a nod to the conventional sports diver watches. The screw-down crown, 41mm case diameter, and 22mm lug width are complemented by a display case-back that showcases the GMT movement.

Dial and Handset: A Fusion of Style and Function

The sandwich dial, consistent with their diver range, features BGW9 Superlume for night visibility. The highly polished handset, accentuated with a bright red GMT hand, ensures easy readability. The 3 o'clock date window integrates seamlessly into the standard layout. While a color-matched date wheel would be a bonus, it's a minor detail in the grand scheme.

The Pro Tool Kit Experience

For this build, I experimented with DIY Watch Club’s Pro tool Kit. A step up from their standard toolkit, it includes precision tools essential for a more intricate build process, like a premium precision screwdriver and quality hand installation tools. The additional tools, such as a higher quality loupe and a case cushion, provided in a leather-bound wooden box, enhanced the overall building experience.

Do You Need the Pro Kit?

While not essential, the Pro Kit's quality is evident. Its tools are more durable for long-term use, making it an excellent choice for regular builders or as a luxurious gift. The standard kit is sufficient for any of the kits DIY Watch Club provides, but the Pro Kit adds a touch of professionalism and ease.

Specifications of the DIY Watch Club GMT Watch

Case:

• Material: 316L Stainless Steel

• Diameter: 41mm

• Height: 14.5mm

• Water Resistance: 200m

• Crystal: Domed Sapphire (optional top-hat sapphire)

• Bezel: Unidirectional 120-click rotatable, ceramic "Coke" insert

Movement:

• Type: TMI NH34 GMT by Seiko

• Power Reserve: 41 hours

• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date

Dial:

• Type: Matte black sandwich dial

• Lume: BGW9 Superlume

Strap:

• Material: Black rubber (optional leather or textile)

• Buckle: Stainless steel pin

Kit Contents of the DIY Watch Club GMT

• Watch Case: High-quality 316L stainless steel with display case-back

• Dial: Matte black sandwich dial with BGW9 Superlume

• Movement: TMI NH34 GMT by Seiko

• Hands: High polish with luminous inserts, including a red triangular GMT hand

• Bezel Insert: Ceramic "Coke" bezel insert

• Strap: Black rubber strap with stainless steel pin buckle

• Tools: Premium precision screwdriver, quality hand installation tools, higher quality loupe, case cushion, and other essentials for assembly

• Instructional Videos: Access to detailed digital instructions and tutorials

A Versatile and Enjoyable Project

The DIY Watch Club GMT is not just a timepiece but a project that offers immense satisfaction upon completion. It's an excellent option for those seeking a hands-on experience in watchmaking, whether for themselves or as a gift. This GMT model from DIY Watch Club is another testament to their ability to combine quality, functionality, and the joy of watchmaking.

If you want to check out their range of GMT or other watches, you can see them all here. Don’t forget to use code MTRWATCHES for 5% off any order.