Today, I go hands-on with the Explorer D03 from DIY Watch Club with the objective of describing my journey into watch modification or “modding.” The Singapore-based DIY Watch Club offers a high-level entry into the world of watchmaking. Once on their website, you can find all styles available: pilot, divers, GMTs, and even a tourbillon! You can also opt to buy individual parts to create your watch with your own style. I tried the D03 Explorer Kit, which provides everything you need to assemble something attractive and reliable to wear every day. The Explorer D03 is not particularly complex, but it is a category that everybody loves, a blue steel sports watch.
The Explorer D03 was my first choice because of its versatility. The case is 38mm wide with a lug to lug under 47mm and is just under 12mm thick, fitting my 6.25-inch wrist well in a variety of situations. The case is rated for 100m water resistance — assuming you have assembled it properly.
The kit comes very well organized. DIY Watch Club’s instructions help you avoid mistakes. It’s kind of like Ikea furniture with no extra bolts at the end. Buyers can opt for kits with or without a set of tools (screwdrivers, hand setting tool, dust blower, loupe, etc.). I already had a set of tools from a previous project, so I only ordered the watch parts. The dial, hands, case, and the Seiko NH35 movement (fully assembled) arrived in an array of smaller boxes. Your job is to case the movement, install the stem, and, hardest of all, set the three hands on the dial.
So what is the process like? Well, once you are all set, just pick up your smartphone and scan the code that comes with the kit. This will take you to a home page showing several videos of around two minutes each. The videos detail all the steps for the correct assembly of your watch. It is easy to follow, but I will suggest tackling the task with plenty of time and a clear mind. It is not impossible, and if you are up to a bigger challenge, there is always the aforementioned tourbillon version.
I believe that from start to finish, the Explorer D03 took me around 1 hour and 50 min. That is not bad at all, considering that I took pictures while putting the watch together. Everything was going smoothly. The sandwich dial construction was easy to do, and I had no problems installing the hours and minute hands, but the fragile seconds hand was pretty challenging. It is good to note that DYI Watch Club includes a replacement handset in case you bend or crack it on the first attempt.
I had a bit of an idea about the cleanness necessary when building a watch. Dust is your enemy, and everything needs to be as spotless as possible. Otherwise, it will show on the final product. In addition, every part is tiny and fragile. It made me understand how careful a professional watchmaker must be at every step, from handling screws to manipulating the dial; everything requires the utmost care. It really made me appreciate the skill of watchmaking.
The D03 has a sapphire crystal on the front and a mineral one at the back. This allows you to see both parts on the watch. Although is not a masterpiece in ‘’haute’’ horology, it’s a constant reminder that you put this mechanical wonder together.
The completed Explorer D03 is a very friendly watch to experience. It’s a fun and versatile design, just what you want for an everyday piece. The 20mm lugs accommodate many strap choices, and the navy blue dial means business.
The supplied bracelet has solid end links and feels good on the wrist. I put my watch on a blue rubber strap, and it looks incredible. The shine of the polished bezel gives more life to the dial, and the framed date window at 3 o clock is very well executed. BGW9 SuperLuminova glows strong and contrasts beautifully with the blue dial.
For me, seeing that seconds hand sweeping and almost touching the perimeter of the chapter ring is something else. It may be a small thing to other observers, but for me, it’s a reminder of the amount of effort that this hand required. I really enjoy it.
The DIY Watch Club Explorer D03 is a project that will make you fall in even deeper love with the watch world. There is something emotional about building your own watch. Sure, we are not talking about assembling a bridge or even adding the rotor to a movement, but the time I dedicated to successfully completing the Explorer D03 project is something that I will always remember. The watch is great and performs as well as any other mechanical piece in my collection, but the fact that I saw each part unassembled well brings out the romantic in me. Now, under that glass, everything is working together in harmony.
This watch is more than a conversation starter; it’s your own personal accomplishment.
The Explorer D03 Kit starts as low as $290 US with no tools and a “Lite” edition bracelet and ranges up to $460 with a full boxed set of pro tools and a standard bracelet. Right now, they are on sale, so those prices run from $245 to $390. This is very reasonable — even more so when you consider that you only need to buy the tools once. You can find more information or order your own at https://diywatch.club/.
Specifications
- Case: DWC Expedition series 38mm 316L stainless steel case (Sapphire Crystal) – 10ATM
- Case Back: Exhibition case back (Mineral Crystal)
- Movement Holder: Movement holder for TMI NH Series
- Crown: Standard expedition watch crown with logo (Stem pre-assembled for TMI NH Series)
- Dial: DWC D03 Blue Sandwich Lume Dial (TMI NH Series) – with BGW9 lume
- Hands: Diver Hands with BGW9 Lume (TMI NH Series)
- Movement: TMI NH35 by Seiko
- Strap: DIY Watch Club Stainless Steel Bracelet (Lite / Regular options) – Lug size: 20mm
