Anyone had any experience with dyiwatch club? Wanted an intro on watch mod/repair and figured this would be a good starting point and hopefully get a decent watch out of it as well.
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DYIWATCH Club
- Thread starter TxAg_14
- Start date
I don't have any experience with DIY Watch Club specifically but I have a lot of experience making Seiko mods. It's a great introduction to modding and it looks like they supply you with the basic tools you need to get started as well. It is a lot more expensive than going on Aliexpress and picking out parts but you are more secure in that you know you're getting QC'd parts. Aliexpress can be hit or miss if you're not experience with it and know which stores have the good stuff.
Thank you. Just placed an order and hope to review my experience for anyone else you may have interest
I wound up going with Rafflesdials myself for my first DIY build, although next up will be a couple of Vintage Omega Pie Pan Constellations from a DHGate store. Both sell everything you need, other than the movement. The movements I picked up on Ebay for a few bucks less.
Raffles kits (mostly Rolex with a few Omega): https://rafflesdials.com/watch-set/
Ali Store with lots of options (Rolex, Omega, Patek, AP, Tudor, and others), although sorting through the options can be a bit tedious: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102222101?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.48.75721802O1byur
I ordered a couple of the Pie Pan watches assembled, the quality is very good, although the bracelets are pretty low quality. Would be good on leather straps.
Raffles kits (mostly Rolex with a few Omega): https://rafflesdials.com/watch-set/
Ali Store with lots of options (Rolex, Omega, Patek, AP, Tudor, and others), although sorting through the options can be a bit tedious: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102222101?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.48.75721802O1byur
I ordered a couple of the Pie Pan watches assembled, the quality is very good, although the bracelets are pretty low quality. Would be good on leather straps.
Raffles is a good one to start out with. You can get the vintage Explorer case and throw an NH38 in it for a nice piece.
I think that's what I'm going to try one day, I understand it's the cheapest way to go. Love a 1016.Raffles is a good one to start out with. You can get the vintage Explorer case and throw an NH38 in it for a nice piece.
The NH38 is actually a great movement for the watch. It's super reliable, it doesn't have a ghost date crown position and it beats at 21,600 VPH which is fairly similar to the Rolex 1570 movement that beats at 19,800 VPH. Great match in my opinion.
I'll get back to you asking for some advice for that. Later this year or maybe even later. First, summer vacation.
While you're on vacation you might like to check out https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/the-1016-the-under-appreciated-thread.8523377/
Oh, I know that thread. That's good for phase 2, the real deal. Raffles will be for practicing
You can go pretty ham on the raffles case as well. Case work to slim the lugs, better bezel, new crystal, drill and tap the case for a better tube and crown, drilling the lugs for 2mm spring bars, etc, etc, etc, etc,
Wow. Love this forum. You can definitely have whole other hobby inside this hobby. Quality of Raffle parts pretty decent? Where does everyone buy the movements from?
Purpose of DYI watch club was to learn and have reference videos on how to repair / mod my watches. But this definitely seems like a whole other rabbit hole. And more ways to practice. Thanks @dpd3672 @Feefo
Raffles parts are decent but for the most part not gen spec. You often need some work to get them really good but for the money you can't beat it.
I get my movements from Miuksi Store on AliExpress. Well known store amongst Seiko modders.
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ST2130 is a great 2824 clone for around $50-$60 and they also sell NH movements, DG movements and the 6397/98 movements if you're into Panerai cases. Also a lot of NH parts.
DS-Watch Mod Store sells the best Seiko branded dials on AliExpress and always has great lume on dials/hands if you want to go that route.
DS-WATCH MOD Store - Amazing products with exclusive discounts on AliExpress
Discover the wide range of products from AliExpress Top Seller DS-WATCH MOD Store. Enjoy ✓Free Shipping Worldwide! ✓Limited Time Sale ✓Easy Return.
a.aliexpress.com