I'm a WATCHMAKER now! Assembling a DIVER watch - DIY Watch Club kit review

[@manuel_winde]

I got mine for my 40th as a gift from my mum- really happy with it and it looks great on a brown suede colareb. The lume is impressive and the dimensions and finishing are better than I expected too. It has double sentimental value being a gift and also something I’ve assembled myself- really pleased with it 👍🏼

[@Kanerade]

Are the movements second-hand or were they directly bough from seiko?

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Oleg, huge fan of Mr. Bond. Love that he is in all your videos. This was a great tutorial for me because I’m getting one in for review. It’s such a cool idea. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for this video.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Also, you get an education, learning how to assemble a watch. That makes the price worth it IMO.

[@jananilcolonoscopu4034]

A pretty cool introduction to learning basic watch modding skills too, if one is interested in getting into the hobby.

[@24hourstime]

Absolutely! And I like that you many tools left for future projects:)

[@kevorknourian5442]

Congrats for your new job ,was awesome

[@24hourstime]

Hahah thanks Kevork!

[@chrispenn715]

I think this is a really good idea. The presentation and packaging is good and nice to have a set of tools when you're done too. Watch look ok and I like the strap too!

[@24hourstime]

Someone in the comments mentioned that Seagull has a kit also. I will look into it:)

[@roamy3605]

That's a nice looking watch all in all. Sort of a Tudor Black Bay Blue color. Good thing Bond was around to coach you through it!

[@24hourstime]

I couldn’t have done this without Bond lol It does remind me of a new blue BB58. The colour scheme and strap are very similar.

[@765934]

Excellent. I am going to take the next step and build one. Thanks.

[@danspanos]

If you can align your chapter ring, then why can't Seiko? lol Looks like fun, but a tad too expensive!

[@24hourstime]

Exactly what I was thinking lol

[@danspanos]

@zack oblong Unfortunately, you're probably right! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MrMadvillan]

🏆 winner ‘most basic’ comment

[@danspanos]

@@MrMadvillan That's an odd comment coming from someone who didn't even leave one! 🤔

[@MrMadvillan]

Dan Spanos I 💯 did however it didn’t get any likes bc i respect real watchmakers. seriously tho the -seiko-diver-misaligned-chapter-ring- is low hanging fruit. i’d say it’s in every seiko review but it looks like it’s _eeeeevery_ watch video now. calling for a moratorium 🙏

[@Mark-sd7fc]

A terrific video, thanks for taking the time to do this one, modding is a lot of fun and it’s very rewarding, you assembled a very nice watch , give it to someone that means a lot to ya! 🙂

[@24hourstime]

Thank you Mark!

[@thomasont]

Hey Oleg, I am late to your DIY session!!. However, how cool is that you get to assemble your very own watch!! They fell short in my opinion as should have included a video manual instructions file and a certificate of accomplishment in the package to complete your DIY experience !! How dissapointing especially when I even heard you sighed. Best regards!

[@NickCheng93]

Hi would you be able to measure the lug to lug height (not strap width) of the case? I'm concerned it would extend past my wrist since I'm pretty skinny

[@simonwright6882]

Great video! I've been considering buying this kit. My birthday is coming up so maybe a present to myself. I also would prefer a sapphire crystal. 👍

[@24hourstime]

This was a fun activity! Let us know if you decide to purchase one:)

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another great video. You had me laughing throughout the video! Turned out great brother!!

[@24hourstime]

Haha thanks mate!

[@argonaut6386]

Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it I'm considering one. How do you push the hands in place without damaging the rotor on the rear o the mechanism? Kind Regards

[@csuk2009]

A Small question...with this kit, is the movement already assembled? This is the part that I am most interested doing/trying.

[@captainvector]

In these kits the movement is assembled. If you want movement kits check out rotate watches. They offer movement kits as well as watch kits. Good luck!

[@cesarnegrete6898]

It's a great idea. The watch it's pretty and that nato rocks. However the price could be a dealbreaker for many as you can buy a Zelos for that cost. Any idea wich movement this comes with? Guess could be a Seiko NH35

[@tom7719]

I to have the touch of a gorilla. Installing the hands is indeed the most difficult part for me. I learned from watching KZbin videos. Glad to see you taking the plunge.

[@FadeToBlack2181]

Very interesting, may have to try this sometime.

[@24hourstime]

It was more fun than I expected:)

[@piso11studio47]

"We don't want people to think this is a Seiko"... hahah killed me.. bezel alignment branding/marketing at its best

[@paulangelodavid7407]

Can you tell me more about the watch you are wearing in this video?

[@looplop]

"His couch!" That video!

[@0101UnknownUser]

The kits now appear to have several sapphire Crystal options.. and they are on sale atm 😬. I am guessing most nh35 style dials, hands etc would fit this build? Looks like a nice watch.

[@extrahundreedbucks2801]

How is reliability now?

[@chasfoster9895]

Oleg, we could never be good friends. You have way to much patience and I didn’t any cursing. Great video, thanks.

[@24hourstime]

hahaha just get some beer in me;)

[@chasfoster9895]

24Hours At A Time . Alright, we could be bro’s

[@jaysterling26]

Agreed : I'd have to record a voiceover as I'd be effing 'n' jeffing all over. Nice job Oleg.

[@Watchatete]

It is a fun idea only need more options for each kit theat they assemblt. More hands, more dials, more bezel inserts and probably more movements. I would like to have a PT5000 as an option and the final step adjust the time keeping to COSC standards using the mobile phone as timegrapher.

[@cristianmerono]

It would be great if you could put some light on the closer camera. Great video!!

[@ryanmrowka8970]

I know not one thing about watch making...I just bought the Explorer kit with the leather bag of tools ... I haven't been on their website yet 🤞hope it works for me because there's not instructions

[@felo6035]

Hello Oleg, Thank you for another terrific video. I laughed so hard at your comment regarding "gorilla hands" because I have thd same problem, and laughed even more when you were installing the bezel and made the comment about Seiko when lining it... lol. I absolutely lave the concept, and would like to try it out myself. Thank you again for your videos and perspective. All the best and regards, RBJ

[@hyndland65]

Great video, well explained.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

Where is this shipped from? Naturally the price in Canadian dollars is a bigger number so import duties are going to hurt. Please note I think it is a good idea that helps people understanding watches more and leaves us with a useful set of tools.

[@24hourstime]

Thanks Chris! I’m not sure where it shipped from. I think it was Hong Kong. I paid about $40 in import taxes to Canada.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

24Hours At A Time - Thank you.

[@rag_man673]

Personally I'd like to see more from them. eg. the ability to choose two sets of hands from the a group of them, choose different color dials and bezels, color of the case and exhibition/solid case back, chapter ring etc. That way each watch you build would be customized to your preference. If it's a build your own watch then you should be able to........build your own watch. Just my thoughts.

[@stusims6567]

I think I would have bought a sapphire crystal to install while the watch was apart! Lol. I love the concept of a learning kit for watch building. You made it look to easy! You want to see the touch of a gorilla, you should have a camera on me when I try it!!! Great video!!!

[@jeremyreed3318]

Good idea for the DIY people. Might be fun for a father/son project to get kids interested in watches.

[@24hourstime]

I was thinking to build this with my nephew but he didn’t want to be in a video. This reminds me of buying a lego set or those card boxes from Nintendo and building them with your kid.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I was just thinking about how my kids would only interrupt me while trying to do this 😂

[@nickbyrne1962]

Another really great video, Oleg - so good to see something different being reviewed 😀

[@oso13bravo]

So you don’t get to build the movement?

[@eddiehe7454]

i got my 2nd one, this is so addictive. I never look at the same after building my first one.

[@scottsj4625]

I think you did a great job and even better for not having instructions. The hands are probably the hardest part. I know I would not be able to do it. I think this is a great idea for people who want to get into modding watches. The tools provided would be helpful to do so.

[@markplayford5836]

Well done Oleg, the hardest bit would be the hands I think. After you got the 12pm do you set the minute hand to the 12 too or the six? See I’m clueless! It might be fun but I think it’s a bit of a shame you don’t get different bezels, dial options, straps or even cases. So you build your watch but then that’s it really, and your left with a lot of stuff you may never use again. You can tell everyone you built it but unless they are watch nerds too they really won’t care. Think I would rather buy a microbrand for around the same money. Great video though. 👍😃

[@corneliusscipio777]

Nice video! A swiss seller in ebay sells a kit, swiss made, for to assembly a "sea dweller" 500 m diver watch type. You can choose the movement. Cost from 360 until 540 €, depending the movement (SW-200, ETA-2824, ETA-2892, STP 1-11), but without the tools. BTW, are you using a Yema watch? Greetings from Germany ✌🏻

[@SwissWatchGang]

Looks like fun :D

[@mrmarco2803]

Nice video. Well done!

[@edteach3r]

A good looking watch, Oleg. I agree it would be much more enticing if it had a sapphire crystal.

[@johnravioli8376]

Good for you !! That was a great idea. Awesome video

[@24hourstime]

Thank you!

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Looks like a lot of fun! It's sure is a great gift idea for a watch enthusiast. I would probably find a way to completely botch it, but you did a good job with your gorilla hands and those finger condoms 😂

[@77cjam]

Interesting idea. I'm sure there is a market for this and the end product isn't too bad at all, especially given the main point is you are paying for the kit, not the end product. As I have zero interest in modding watches, the idea of building one doesn't float my boat ⛵. But as said I'm sure it would float others 👍

[@Ryan_Tinney]

Great video.

[@gergemall]

Thank you, great job 👏

[@jacobgreenmanedlion1863]

You didn’t secure the dial feet. I’m sure that was the purpose of the screwdriver.

[@tom7719]

I don't believe Seiko dials are secured like others are. Nothing to secure the dial feet with they are a friction fit type.

[@jacobgreenmanedlion1863]

@@tom7719 I have worked on Seiko movements extensively; if they do not have dial feet screws that’s a newer development.

[@watchjunkie1251]

Jacob Greenmanedlion there is no dial feet screws on this watch’s movement, which I believe is an NH35. Seiko 7S, 4R’s/NH movements are around for decades now, and they don’t have dial feet screws. You might be mistaken for the much older Seiko 7009 movements or Miyota movements which have dial feet screws.

[@braindmgindustries]

@9:01 dual function watch? 😂

[@quantumhelium]

Hello Oleg, nice to meet you.

[@Napperproductions]

That "So people don't think it's a Seiko" made me laugh so hard 😅🤣😂 still gotta love em tho

[@jacquesbothma6936]

They are called "finger cots" but 'finger condoms' gave me a good chuckle. 🤣

[@samanthabales1897]

Can you help me on a part?

[@NomadicPhoton]

That price seems a bit steep honestly. For about $150 CAD you could get an nh35 and a case, dial and hands.

[@AliasEveWatches]

$300 is a lot but i guess the watch itself is quite nice. There’s a $120 DIY watch kit from Seagull but the presentation and the watch itself is not as nice as this one.

[@24hourstime]

Yes, $300 is not cheap:( I will check out Seagull kit. This was fun.

[@AliasEveWatches]

24Hours At A Time I was trying to look for it on Aliexpress but i cant find it anymore. I was considering buying it last year but it’s now gone :(

[@Andreas0705]

Some watchmakers aren't big fans of Rodico since it can leave a greasy stain. It's not good for everything

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

Nice watch, as you say I wouldn’t buy one but would be a great gift (although I doubt anyone would buy me one, lol).

[@andreaiacolina]

Nice product! Watchmaker for a day.

[@24hourstime]

I should have worn a white watchmaker coat lol

[@EK_Beast]

But how does it do actually Diving?

[@EhRandomGuy]

I'm surprising your back didn't hurt from using such a low table + bending down so much

[@24hourstime]

I sacrifice for the video:)

[@jacc88888]

He’s still young! I agree though, I would have got a low stool or raised the table on blocks or books.

[@skepticaldude8169]

pretty cool.

[@rag_man673]

At $450 AUD it's a bit out of my price range sadly. Looks like an awesome project too. :'(

[@andrewd7586]

Good looking watch Oleg😎 I’ve seen this on another channel & pretty much the same conclusion as you. I’d give it a go. Oh & you did alright for a gorilla mate🍌🙊🤣👍🏼

[@rogerauclair1670]

I was a bit disappointed that we got no closeups of the watch as you were working and did not see a closeup until close to the end.

[@stevefox8605]

Pretty low price imho, tho can't say the idea of building a watch appeals to me. End product looks decent tho. Cheers mate 👍🏻

[@lucafwn]

When IKEA starts making watches... :) A cool idea, indeed. Now, if I got it right, this is kind of a side project of a watch mod fan club or something like that, so of course it has limited resources; but I can envision an expanded version, in which for instance you can order different dials, handsets, bezels, and even movements for a given case, or even have your personalized dial printed, and really build your own watch designed(ish) by you! OK, that would probably require many more resources and/or cost more than the current project, and I doubt it would be economically viable, but the idea would be cool.

[@24hourstime]

That sounds like a more advanced version of this. I hope something like that exists in the future.

[@sigbertogarcia]

Yep -- I finally ordered and assembled one of these because they're expanding their DIY options, as you suggested they should. Their dressy skeletons and open hearts didn't appeal to me, and then their original diver dial was boring, but now they have multiple colors of fume dials with applied indices. They are sharp and really improve the look. There are now multiple bezel options, too, though most are currently sold out. I will also note any NH35 Seiko hands would be compatible with the NH35 movement; not being a mod fanatic, though, I was happy to use what was provided. They're inoffensive. (Last note -- the lume on the hands, dial, and bezel is GREAT.)

[@alanwright3172]

Having made a field watch and an fleiger from Ebay/Aliexpress parts I have found this great fun and considerably cheaper , however I have had two attempts at changing a movement and have broken both second hand spindles!!!!! so it does have it's pitfalls :-)

[@mahmoudahmed2954]

I think it is great but If I wanted to do something like this I woulf buy the materials from Ali express due many different movements ,cases ...etc

[@이천이-z3i]

Korean here for you video

[@Frank_Audun]

300USD for a mechanical watch (parts), tools and instruction video is not a bad price really!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

"A Lego set for a grown men". I like that description.

[@nickjacobs1770]

There are adult Lego kits.

[@erickm6134]

Seen the adds about the diy watch assembling. Freaking Awesome depending on the Gorilla! LOL😂 Well done! We don’t follow instructions! we wing it!!!! LOL😂 Just kidding👍

[@hichambenmira]

I really like the kit. But for 300 dollars i think is a bit much. But the project was nice to see and would like to do it myself. But next time mr. Bond needs to help as well instead of sleeping 😜😜😜.

[@joe32623yr]

Looks like the seconds hand is on backwards to me. You are never allowed to complain about quality control again.

[@anthonyodwyer3261]

Well done Oleg, Dianne Fossey would be proud. Just too easy to get the Chinese special for $100-$200 without the cursing and sweating:)

[@campshay19]

its funny how most watch companies do this, since most watch companies don't actually make their own movements

[@EAsp100]

"I don't want people to think this is a seiko" 😂😂😂

[@cheetopuffs2580]

Once u build ur first one the second watch should be cheaper cause u dont need the buy the extra tools

[@MrMadvillan]

whatever you say ralph wiggum. looks more like casing a movement. if you don’t know what rodico is, i’m pretty certain you’re not a watchmaker

[@panosvrionis8548]

Why you have the movement stay on the table all this time?? Dust particles and humidity will enter.😭😭 I think that automatic watches like this assembled in a control environment and they dont have standard air with O² but nitrogen or other non reacting gas inside.

[@striker8380]

Lol, 78% of air is nitrogen!

[@panosvrionis8548]

@@striker8380 yes i know.

[@panosvrionis8548]

@@striker8380 do you know anything about chemistry??

[@striker8380]

BSc Hons in Chemical engineering, is that good enough for you?

[@panosvrionis8548]

@@striker8380 so you know how corrosive oxygen and humidity is Why you make the smartass of the company.i don't understand.

[@tods.9947]

If you had to assemble and oil the movement this would be like a Heathkit. Only folks of my generation would understand this comparison. 😊

[@mash7745]

Now we're cookin' :)

[@russellharris5072]

A good idea for watch nerds like us,not good for a novice.I have a dive watch which needs a new coil,which I have waiting but I also have essential tremor which means an easy job will now be keeping the local watchmaker in business.......................

[@24hourstime]

I am part-time supporting local watchmakers too 😂

[@MrFredrictai]

is that Bond snoring in the background? LoL

[@24hourstime]

Yes 😂

[@japd7897]

I am sending this video to Patek Philippe, Geubrel Forcei, Philippe Dufor and Hajime Asaoka, I am sure they will compete to hire you 😉.

[@24hourstime]

Haha I will not forget my humble beginnings as a KZbin watch reviewed.

[@jayebirdjb7143]

24Hours At A Time I wouldn’t forget either. 😛 Nice shirt too.

[@markelrod3852]

Up next, watch me DIY this patek perpetual calendar

[@mfrankel8321]

Congratulations on building the watch! You made it look easy. Having said that, I would think that for $300, you would have gotten a better movement instead of a Seiko NH35. The kit from what I see is not worth what they're charging.

[@Mark-sd7fc]

What kinda movement was it?

[@mfrankel8321]

@@Mark-sd7fc seiko NH35

[@Mark-sd7fc]

M Frankel that’s a very good movement that’s in a lot of watches priced well above $300

[@23727bgk]

If calibrated properly the NH35 can be +/- 2 seconds a day. Other than longer power reserve, what else can you want in a movement?

[@24hourstime]

Thank you! I agree a Miyota 9 series would be a better choice:)

[@Javysayajin]

That is cool. But I think a watchmaker assembles the whole watch completely, from the gears, rotor, spring, etc. etc. But good video.

[@24hourstime]

Thanks! You’re absolutely right a real watchmaker would be offended by this video lol

[@Javysayajin]

@@24hourstime Yes, that could be too. One or another Snob of watch making jeje

[@mathieut3197]

You must be fun at parties.

[@Javysayajin]

@@mathieut3197 ❤️❤️

[@mathieut3197]

@@Javysayajin 😉

[@thisnthat4318]

It’s like 80% make already

[@cheeseblog]

Enjoy all your videos. No, I wouldn’t purchase this kit. Not a watch I would want to have and to expensive in my opinion. Thanks.

[@24hourstime]

Thank you! Someone in the comments section mentioned a kit from Seagull that’s cheaper.

[@brianwelch3733]

Not for 499$. I can buy all these parts on ebay for 90$. They use the same cheap movments that micro brands use

[@williamsipe1151]

Bwahahahahaha! "Wouldn't want people to think this is a Seiko."

[@joshgiffen7350]

I've been trying to win this giveaway every week for like 2 months

[@kerwinhynes5047]

Lets see you take the movement apart, clean it, lube it and reassemble it Mr. "Watchmaker"

[@gusthesailor4885]

Unfortunately all the assembly operations are made in shadow .... only your hands and fingers are visible .... so I can tell that this video lack of a good position of lights or flood lights

[@jimmyschiel3863]

Great video! This is a fantastic idea. My only knock on your presentation is I wish you would've explained the tools more, for novice people. I work on watches a lot it's a great hobby, I'm not a Watchmaker by any means so this would be no problem for me. I know a lot of people that would love this. До свидания!

[@24hourstime]

Thank you! Good suggestion I will go into more detail in the future videos:)

[@Sr.D]

Next step, source parts from AliExpress and make your own watch

[@burdineestep4224]

$300. YIKES, total cost of all $75. tops. Buy a Glycine combat sub for $ 329.Sellita sw 200. Or ebay the parts for $100. 0r + - and pick your own. Just do your homework on what fits/what.

[@robbleecn]

They sell you the tools for over $200