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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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:
- Rotor Swap: Replaced the standard rotor with a quirky blue wavy design (note: you’ll need a specific screwdriver for this, available from Namoki).
- Transparent Case Back: Switched to a see-through case back to show off the rotor.
- 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:
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Add a unique flair to your watch’s movement
My Review: The Experience and the Watch
The DIY Experience
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!
