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
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.
Seeing my dad wearing the watch that I built – nothing tops this moment!
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!
As a budding watchmaking enthusiast, I was thrilled when DIY Watch Club offered me the chance to try their Mosel 35mm watchmaking kit. This vintage-inspired, 35mm dress watch is a rare find, and the opportunity to assemble it myself was too exciting to pass up.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my unboxing experience, share my first impressions of the Pro Tool Kit, and highlight the beginner-friendly features that make this kit a must-try for watch lovers.
Whether you’re new to watchmaking or a seasoned hobbyist, this journey is packed with insights and tips.
For the full experience, including my live commentary and assembly blunders, I highly recommend watching my video
Unboxing the Mosel 35mm Kit: First Impressions
The component pack greeted me with a welcome envelope containing clear instructions, a URL, and a QR code linking to detailed instructional videos.
These resources estimated a 2-hour assembly time, which I hoped to manage despite my baby playing downstairs—parent life means squeezing projects into tight schedules!
The kit’s thoughtful packaging immediately set a high standard, making it accessible even for beginners like me.
The Pro Tool Kit: A Game-Changer for Watchmaking
I specifically requested the Pro Tool Kit to see how it compares to my basic tools, and it did not disappoint. Housed in a premium box with dedicated slots for each tool, it exudes quality.
From the spring bar tool remover to the blower, every piece feels high-end.
The tools’ premium feel and organization elevated the entire experience, making the assembly process smoother and more enjoyable. For anyone serious about watchmaking and look forward for more DIY projects, the Pro Tool Kit is a worthy upgrade over basic tools. However, for this particular watchmaking, this is a bit ‘overkill’.
Beginner-Friendly Guidance from DIY Watch Club
One of the standout features of the Mosel 35mm kit is its instructional videos. Beyond just assembly steps, they explain critical details, like which parts of the Miyota 8315 movement to avoid touching and where to safely apply pressure.
This guidance was invaluable for a beginner like me, transforming a potentially daunting task into an educational experience.
Why the Mosel 35mm Kit Stands Out
The Mosel 35mm kit isn’t just about building a watch—it’s about embracing a hands-on journey. The 35mm size, rare in today’s market, evokes vintage charm, while the high-quality components and Pro Tool Kit make it accessible yet rewarding. The detailed instructions and videos ensure beginners can dive in with confidence, while the premium tools appeal to enthusiasts looking to elevate their craft.
Start Your Watchmaking Journey with DIY Watch Club
Ready to build your own watch? The Mosel 35mm kit from DIY Watch Club is perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike.
With its vintage-inspired design, quality components, and optional Pro Tool Kit, it’s a fantastic way to create a timepiece that’s uniquely yours.
Visit DIY Watch Club and use my code ASHLEYTEE for 5% off your purchase. Your support helps keep my content going!
DIY Watchmaking Kit | 35mm Mosel – Silver x Rose Gold Vintage Dress Watch
Conclusion
Unboxing and starting the Mosel 35mm kit was an exciting step in my watchmaking journey. From the premium Pro Tool Kit to the beginner-friendly instructions, DIY Watch Club makes watchmaking approachable and fun. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this kit offers a rewarding experience.
Many of you know my Seiko SNXS79—it kicked off my YouTube channel with my first review, served as my wedding watch, and remains one of my favorites. But when I cracked the crystal, I stopped wearing it, and it broke my heart a little. After months of emotional debates, I finally decided to fix it myself. This post shares my journey, with screenshots from my latest video (check it out here). Let’s dive in!
Why This Watch Matters
This isn’t just any watch. It’s my first dress watch and holds sentimental value from my wedding day. When the crystal cracked, I felt lost—until your amazing suggestions poured in. Shoutout to Escapement & Watch Video, I gained the confidence to tackle this repair myself.
Seiko SNXS79 as my wedding watch
Seiko SNXS79 – sentimental piece
cracked seiko snxs79 crystal
The Repair Challenge
Fixing this wasn’t straightforward. Unlike typical crystal replacements, the SNXS79 has a crystal sitting atop a gasket, secured by a bezel. That means prying it open carefully—not popping it from inside after removing the movement (like a typical watch). Plus, I couldn’t use a generic crystal; I needed one designed for this Seiko model, which meant higher costs due to currency differences and shipping (I’ll share the amount I paid in the video). I ordered two crystals to avoid disaster and gathered my tools. I got my sapphire crystals from monsterwatches.
Step-by-Step Process
Here’s a quick rundown of how I did it—watch the video for the full play-by-play!
Remove the Bracelet: Start by taking off the spring bars—easy enough with the spring remover tool like this one here:
easier to fix the watch with the bracelets removed
2. Pry the Bezel: Use a yellow tool (after testing a few) to gently open the bezel. I highly advise taping it to avoid scratches (especially if you’re a beginner). This yellow tool works the best for me.
3. Remove the Old Crystal: The bezel popped off, revealing the damaged crystal. Carefully remove the crystal and put aside.
Seiko SNXS79 Dial without any crystal
4. Clean the dial: With those cracked pieces of the old Hardlex that came off, some might still sit on the gorgeous dial. Use a peg wood with a Rodico on it to pick up any of those crystals on the dial.
Rodico is a sticky, plasticine-like material used primarily in watchmaking for cleaning, holding, and placing small parts. Add a squeeze of compressed air for extra caution.
cleaning seiko snxs79 dial with Rodico
5. Install the New Crystal: Initially picked a flat crystal with anti-reflective coating, but last-minute curiosity led me to try a double-dome. I loved it! It somehow made this $100 watch even more expensive.
Note: Remember to install the gasket first before putting the new crystal & bezel on.
6. Secure with Case Presser: Used a cheap case presser (surprisingly effective!) to lock it in place. A satisfying “click” confirmed it was done.
Seiko SNXS79 with double-domed sapphire crystal
The Result
I can’t believe it—I fixed it! The double-dome crystal adds an expensive vibe, and the movement still works perfectly. This win boosted my confidence for future repairs. The video turned out shorter than expected because I didn’t expect it to be this easy.
As you expected, this has been one of my favorite watches, find out why here
Discover the joy of crafting a custom watch with Namoki Mods’ beginner-friendly Sakura Dress Watch kit. Follow my step-by-step guide and create your own Midnight Sakura Tide!
Ever dreamed of building your own watch from scratch? In my latest YouTube video, I teamed up with Namoki Mods, a Singapore-based one-stop shop for Seiko modification parts, to try their Sakura Dress Watch DIY kit. As a total beginner, I was thrilled by how approachable and fun this experience was! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the process, share my honest review, and reveal how I customized my watch to create the Midnight Sakura Tide.
Use my discount codes ASHLEY10 or ASHLEY5 to save on your Namoki Mods purchase! Watch the full tutorial here or read on for all the details!
Complete Watch Components
Why Choose Namoki Mods’ Sakura Dress Watch Kit?
Namoki Mods offers a wide range of watch parts, from cases to bezels, but their DIY watch-making kits truly stand out. Among their selection, the Sakura Dress Watch kit caught my eye, and it wasn’t just because of its beginner-friendly design.
The real star is the Sakura dial—a stunning, original design that doesn’t mimic or pay homage to other watch brands.
Its intricate, black textured pattern evokes a sense of elegance and individuality, making it a standout choice for anyone who wants a watch that’s uniquely their own.
Unlike many modding kits that lean into familiar aesthetics inspired by luxury or mainstream watches, the Sakura dial feels fresh and authentic. I was drawn to its bold yet refined look, which feels like a statement piece without trying too hard. Plus, the kit’s all-inclusive nature and customization options sealed the deal.
Here’s why this kit is perfect for beginners:
All-Inclusive: Includes tools, parts, and instructions—no extra purchases needed.
Beginner-Friendly: Pre-cut stems and clear guides make assembly less intimidating.
Customizable: Add your personal touch with optional parts like rotors or straps.
Disclaimer: Namoki Mods provided this kit for free for this collaboration. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.
Unboxing the Sakura Dress Watch Kit
The kit arrived promptly with solid packaging and everything needed to build a watch:
Watch parts (case, dial, hands, movement, crown, strap, etc.)
Tool kit (tweezers, hand pushers, case back opener, etc.)
Warranty and instruction pamphlet
Included: Tool kit (tweezers, hand pushers, case back opener, etc.)
One note: the included movement holder felt a bit flimsy for a beginner like me. I used my own, but I recommend grabbing a sturdier one from Namoki Mods if you don’t have one. Get one from Namoki Mods here.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building the Sakura Dress Watch
Here’s how I assembled the watch, with tips for first-timers:
Step 1: Attach the Dial to the Movement
Trim the dial’s legs using the provided tweezers
Slot the legs into the movement’s holes for a secure fit.
Pro Tip: Double-check with the instructions manual & the movement that you are trimming the right legs!
Step 2: Install the Hands (The Tricky Part!)
Rotate the crown clockwise until the date changes, then set the hour hand at 12:00.
Use the hand pushers to attach the hour, minute, and second hands. This took trial and error—be patient!
If the hands don’t sit snugly or misaligned, use the included dial protector and hand remover tool to try again.
My Experience: This was the hardest step. The second hand was especially tough, but the kit’s tools (like the dial protector) saved the day.
Step 3: Assemble the Case
Release the stem from the movement.
Place the movement and dial into the case, ensuring it’s dust-free and seated properly.
Insert the pre-cut crown stem (a beginner-friendly feature—no cutting required!).
Tighten the screw-down crown and case back using the case-back opener.
Pro Tip: The screw-down crown feels sturdy and well-made, adding a premium touch.
Step 4: Attach the Strap
The kit includes a quick-release leather strap, which is super convenient.
For my custom Midnight Sakura Tide, I swapped it for a solid end-link bracelet from Namoki Mods because the leather strap was too big for my 150mm wrist.
Customizing into ‘Midnight Sakura Tide’
The standard Sakura Dress Watch is gorgeous, but I wanted to make it extra special. Here’s how I customized it:
Silicone Gasket: Added silicone for a better seal.
Bracelet Strap: Opted for a solid end-link bracelet, which felt surprisingly high-quality compared to my other watches (like my SKX’s Jubilee bracelet).
The result? A stunning watch with a black Sakura dial that I named Midnight Sakura Tide for its unique, personal flair.
Products Used in the Tutorial
Here’s a quick recap of the key components I used:
Want to grab these products? Check out my affiliate links below and use ASHLEY10 or ASHLEY5 for extra savings!
Start your watchmaking journey with this all-inclusive kit.
Building this watch was a blast! The kit is a fantastic gateway for anyone curious about watchmaking. Highlights:
Complete Kit: Everything you need is included, from rodico for dust removal to a hand remover tool.
Beginner-Friendly: Clear instructions and pre-cut parts make it accessible.
Room for improvement: While the kit is impressive, a couple of areas could be better. The leather strap felt a bit too large for smaller wrists like mine (150mm), which made it uncomfortable until I switched to a bracelet.
Also, I found the hand pushers confusing—there wasn’t clear guidance on which pusher to use for the hour, minute, or second hands, leading to some trial and error. Labeling the pushers or including a quick guide in the instructions would help beginners like me.
Overall, it’s a perfect first step into watchmaking. The process was rewarding, and I can see why modding enthusiasts love it!
The Watch Itself
I’m obsessed with my Midnight Sakura Tide! The black Sakura dial is gorgeous, the bracelet feels heavy and premium, and the custom rotor adds a playful touch. I’ve been wearing it everywhere, and I love snapping photos of it. Maybe it’s the Ikea Effect—psychology says we value things more when we build them ourselves—but this watch feels special because I made it.
Watch the Full Tutorial
Want to see the process in action? Check out my YouTube video for a detailed look at building the Sakura Dress Watch:
Final Thoughts
Namoki Mods’ Sakura Dress Watch kit is a must-try for anyone interested in DIY watchmaking. It’s fun, approachable, and lets you create a watch you’ll love to wear. Have you tried watch modding, or are you tempted to start? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more DIY projects!
