Building your own watch is a unique experience that transforms a simple timepiece into a personal masterpiece. The Mosel 35mm, a vintage-inspired dress watch, is my creation from a DIY Watch Club kit.
Assembling it myself made it more than just a watch—it’s a story of craftsmanship, pride, and connection.
In this post, I’ll share why the Mosel 35mm stands out, from its stunning design to the emotional moments it sparked.
Why Build Your Own Watch?
Watches come in all forms—luxury, budget, or forgotten in a drawer. Some wear them daily; others keep them as sentimental keepsakes. But what if you could create your own? A watch you build carries a special weight—pride, ownership, and a unique connection. The Mosel 35mm isn’t flashy or modded; it’s elegant, understated, with a subtle logo that sparks curiosity: “What’s that watch?”
The Mosel 35mm: Design and Features
The Mosel 35mm exudes vintage charm with its curved silver sunburst dial, which shimmers beautifully in the light. Its rose gold case and hands add sophistication, though some call its 35mm case and 18mm lug width “feminine.” In reality, this size echoes classic vintage dress watches —perfectly unisex and timeless.
The heart of the Mosel is the Miyota 8315 movement, a standout for its affordability and beauty. With a gold escapement wheel, heat-blued steel screws, Côtes de Genève decoration, and over 60 hours of power reserve, it’s a step above entry-level movements like Seiko’s 7S26. The 18mm lug width initially raised eyebrows, but the longer strap from DIY Watch Club ensures a comfortable fit for both me and my husband, who loves borrowing it.
A Personal Touch: My Dad’s Reaction
Last month, while visiting my parents in Kuala Lumpur, I brought the Mosel along. My parents, always supportive of my projects, had seen my watch-building videos. When my dad asked, “Is that the watch you made? Can I borrow it?” I was so flattered!
Seeing him wear it all day, smiling, filled me with pride. It was a moment that made the hours of assembly worthwhile. I’m now inspired to build another, perhaps with a custom rotor just for him.
Why the Mosel 35mm Stands Out
Compared to my old Hamilton Intra-Matic, which now feels oversized, the Mosel’s 35mm case is a perfect fit. It’s shifted my taste toward smaller, elegant watches, leaving my “big watch” phase behind.
This watch isn’t just for telling time—it’s a symbol of creativity and connection. Whether I’m wearing it or seeing it on my husband or dad, it feels like mine in a way no store-bought watch ever could.
Build Your Own Watch with DIY Watch Club
Ready to build your own? The Mosel 35mm kit from DIY Watch Club is a fantastic starting point. It’s more than a watch—it’s a story you create with your hands. Visit DIY Watch Club to explore their kits, and use my code ASHLEYTEE for 5% off your purchase. Your support helps keep my content going!
