The Ultimate DIY Watch getting started kit: 40mm Skeleton Diver edition

This is likely the ultimate starter DIY experience, perfect for beginners and watch modders just starting out.

We had a few requirements for this kit:

• It needs to be a tried and true component - video instruction combo. This is our best selling model with the best track record. Enjoy high-definition step-by-step video instructions for a 2-hour hands-on build.
• The tools needs to not just do the job, but make things easy. This updated "basic" tool kit has everything you need to get started on this journey. For some key tools we even designed them in-house so you can have the best experience.
• The DIY WATCH CLUB Second Hand Setting Assisting Tool V2 is a must for this kit. It makes the second hand installation and the stem removal step significantly easier
• It needs to be modding friendly. With a reliable TMI NH70 (SEIKO) and this dive watch case design, you can easily mod this watch. We included an extra strap and bezel/insert set to help you get started with modding. With these extra components you have 4 unique looks from a single watch.

I chose a skeleton movement because this is a great introduction to mechanical watch. After you build this watch, as you wear it you can appreciate the intricate components working together to tell time.

The watch case draws inspiration from vintage divers like the Rolex 5512/5513. Its 40mm size, slightly compact body, fits comfortably on most wrists. The high-dome crystal is crafted from Acrylite 8N, a specialty material that reduces perceived thickness and adds an authentic vintage appearance without the optical distortions common in modern high-domes.

The exhibition case back maximizes the viewing window, giving you a full view of the stunning automatic Seiko NH70 movement inside.

With refined proportions, a proven design, a reliable TMI/Seiko mechanical movement, specialty tools, and top-tier instructional materials from the world’s leading DIY watch brand, this kit is unbeatable. If it’s your first watch assembly, this is the perfect starting point.

The DIY kit includes:

• Complete components of one 40mm Diver series mechanical watch 

  Watch Case:	40mm DWC Vintage Diver Case Material: Stainless Steel Crystal: Acrylite 8N specialty vintage high-dome acrylic  Case size: 40mm (40mm bezel, 38mm body) Lug size: 20mm Lug-to-lug: 47.5mm Thickness: 13.3mm (including high dome crystal) Water-resistant: 10ATM (assuming correct assembly)
  Case Back:	Stainless steel Exhibition case back (Hardened Mineral Crystal)
  Bezel:	40mm DWC Silver Classic Bezel (Stainless Steel) x 1 & Silver Coin Edge Bezel (Stainless Steel) x 1
  Bezel Function:	unidirectional 60-click
  Bezel Insert	37.6mm DWC Aluminum Diver Bezel Insert - Black & Red
  Watch dial:	28.5mm VD03 Silver Crystal Skeleton Luminous Dial (Japan C3 Lume)
  Hands:	Silver Diver Hands with C3Superlume (TMI NH Series)
  Movement:	TMI NH70A movement by Seiko
  Strap:	20mm DWC Stainless Steel Bracelet (With endlink)  20mm DWC Vintage Leather Strap - Brown

• Watchmaking tool options:
• DWC Essential tools for this experience + Second Hand Setting Assisting Tool 
• Complete video instructions  (English) 

Time required：120~ mins (Simply enjoy the watchmaking process at your own pace)

Mod potential：★★★★ (With great potential for modding due to Seiko Mod compatibility. Details below)

Difficulty Level: ★★★★ (without the new second hand installation tool)

• Key challenge: second hand installation

Difficulty Level: ★★★ (With the new second hand installation tool. Details below)

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  A post shared by DIY Watch Club | Watchmaking (@diywatchclub)

• We made the hardest step much easier!

  Hand installation assisting tool is included in this combo

  We know. Installing that second hand for the first time can seem a little daunting. That's why we spent a year to invent this second hand installation tool for everyone.

MODDING SUGGESTIONS

A Seiko made original rotor with Côtes de Genève finish, customized by us. A perfect icing on the cake for the watch you assembled yourself or a mod you are proud of. Best paired with an exhibition case back. Design your custom rotor