DIY Watch Club Review
Nicely packaged kit from DIY Watch Club
Everything you need to start your very own build
Have you ever wondered what it takes to build your own watch?
Anyone who has spent a reasonable amount of time in the watch world will have come across the culture of watch modification, particularly within the realm of Seiko's. The world of DIY watch building and modifying is vast and fascinating, filled with endless possibilities.
The Allure of Personalization and DIY Projects
Modifying a watch carries a certain allure and trepidation. The idea of taking a watch and personalising it by swapping the hands or bezel is thrilling yet daunting. The same is true for building a watch from scratch. It's an investment in both tools and components, requiring confidence and precision.
Case, stem, crown and chapter ring to get a view before assembling
Enter DIY Watch Club
DIY Watch Club offers a unique solution to this challenge. Based out of Hong Kong, they provide complete watch kits, allowing enthusiasts like me to build their watches. The kit I received included a blue dive watch, complete with all necessary tools and instructional videos, a perfect gateway to watch building and modifying.
First Impressions
The Unboxing Experience
The unboxing experience was impressive. The kit was packaged meticulously with every component and tool you'd need, all contained in a zip-up case for organisation and safety. The attention to detail was evident, right down to the small stand provided for your phone to watch the instructional videos.
Dial with the crown and stem attached
The Building Process
A Journey of Skill and Patience The actual build process was a mix of excitement and challenge. The instructional videos guided me through each stage, from swapping the stem and crown to mounting the dial, hands, and chapter ring, and then assembling everything into the case. This journey was not just about putting parts together; it was about understanding the intricacies of watch mechanics.
Challenges and Triumphs
Fitting the hands was particularly challenging, requiring immense concentration and a delicate touch. This stage took up a significant portion of the build time, but the sense of achievement upon completing it was immense. Finally sealing the case and seeing the second hand begin to tick was a moment of pride and relief.
Assembled by hand !
Specifications of the DIY Watch Club Diver Watch
Model: DWC-DO1 Diver Watch
Case:
Material: Stainless Steel
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Water Resistance: Up to 200 meters / 20 ATM
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Case Back: Screw-down with exhibition window
Movement:
Type: Seiko NH35 Automatic
Functionality: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Power Reserve: Approximately 41 hours
Accuracy: -20/+40 seconds per day
The completed DWC-D01 Diver
Kit Contents of the DIY Watch Club Diver Watch
The DIY Watch Club Diver Watch Kit includes:
Watch Case: Stainless steel, houses the movement and dial.
Dial: Blue with sunburst effect, lume markings.
Movement: Seiko NH35 automatic.
Hands: Polished with SuperLuminova C3 filling.
Bezel and Insert: Unidirectional, stainless steel with blue insert.
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Gaskets: For water resistance.
Case Back: Screw-down with exhibition window.
Strap: Silicone rubber, black.
Tools: Including screwdrivers, tweezers, case back opener, hand setting tool.
Instructional Videos: Detailed assembly guide.
The Final Watch
A Reflection of Craftsmanship The completed watch, a blue bezel diver, exceeded my expectations. The details like the lume-printed dial, the polished hands with SuperLuminova C3, and the well-finished stainless steel case highlighted the quality of DIY Watch Club's kit. The Seiko NH35 movement, a reliable workhorse, promised years of service and potential for future projects.
Concluding Thoughts
Beyond Building a Watch This project transcended the act of building a watch. It was a deep dive into the art of watchmaking, instilling a greater appreciation for the craft. The DIY Watch Club not only provided the tools and parts but also a comprehensive learning experience through their detailed video guides. This kit is more than a set of tools; it's an introduction to the world of watch modification and building, offering a risk-free opportunity to engage with this intricate hobby.
Looking Ahead: The Future of My Watch Journey This experience has opened up new possibilities for future watch modifications. The DWC-DO1 will always hold a special place in my collection as the first watch I built myself. It's a testament to the journey, skill, and personal achievement - a truly priceless piece.
As I reflect on this experience, I'm already contemplating my next watch modification project. The journey with DIY Watch Club has been enlightening, and I eagerly anticipate where this path will take me next in the world of watchmaking.
If you are interested in building your own watch take a look at what's on offer at DIY Watch Club
And don’t forget to use coupon code MTRWATCHES for 5% off orders
