Introduction to your KIT

Hello and welcome to this step by step guide to your DIY kit. 

If you are reading this manual, you have picked up one of our DIY watch kits and you are ready to start your watchmaking journey. Over the next pages, we will dive into the step-by-step instructions for assembling your watch kit.

This kit is developed by FINK Watches, an independent watchmaking company in London and a member of the British watch and clockmaker alliance. Together we developed a kit that contains all of the parts and tools that you need to start your watchmaking journey. In addition, the kits are designed as an enjoyable experience for anyone with any level of prior knowledge.

In the first part of the instructions, we will show you what is included in your kit and how to use the individual tools, as well as general precautions and some helpful tips. In the second part, we will start with the installation of your dial on top of the movement, followed by the placement of your hands. Then follows the preparation of the case and finally the insertion of the watch mechanism into your case and the close-up. The final steps are the installation of the watch strap and a check on the functioning of your watch.

You can either view the video below or read the guides available on these pages.

If you should have any questions throughout the guide or on the videos, please let me know under Hello@Watch-supply.co.uk.

Best regards and i hope you will enojy your assembly,

Felix from FINK Watches

First Layer of your kit

Your watch components

We start with the first layer of your kit. It contains the components you picked for your watch, which we are going to assemble throughout this guide.
This layer contains three plastic containers, labelled “Case”, “Dial & Hands” and “Movement”, as well as your watch strap. Please keep in mind, that the components in these boxes are delicate and you should not remove the protective layers until you need them.
The larger container holds your chosen case, together with the installed case crown. You will only need this box for the final step. Your dial and hands container includes the dial, which we will install in the first part and your hands in an additional, smaller container to prevent damage. Lastly, your movement box contains your NH-35 movement. After this introduction, we will start the instructions with a section on how to safely handle your movement.

Second Layer

The watchmaker tools

Remove the first foam cushion and the polishing cloth from the box and you will find a second layer below. In this layer, you will find several tools critical for watchmaking.

From the top to bottom you will find two precision tweezers (please handle them carefully, they are very pointy – always keep them away from your eyes or skin) with a straight and slightly curved end. The curved tweezer is excellent to lift and hold any parts that you need to install, e.g., the hands or gasket. Meanwhile, the straight tweezer can be useful in picking up individual components without leaving fingerprints and for moving parts into place. However, both tweezers can largely be used interchangeably, and it is up to you to decide which way of working you prefer.

The third pocket contains the watch hand presses. A specialist tool with hollow pipe ends in varying diameters. We will use them to press the hands onto the watch movement stem, without damaging the stem itself in the process (we will explain that in more detail in the hand installation section).

Lastly, the fourth tool are the two watch hand levers, which can be used to safely remove the hands from the stems. This can be necessary either because you need to correct the positioning, or you later decide to exchange them for a different type.

Cleaning and larger tools

The toolbox

Next to the individual foam layers, you will find several additional tools which are used throughout the assembly.

The largest tool is the blue friction ball, which is used to screw down the back of your case without scratching it (the ball is purposely slightly deflated to increase the contact surface and friction). Just press it against the case back, while holding the case in your other hand, and you can tighten or loosen the back.

Next to the friction ball is a package of Bergeon Rodico. This cleaning putty is a real all-rounder and can be used to pick up components, e.g., watch hands, or to clean dust particles from your watch parts. To use it, rip a piece off and roll it between your fingers to form a small tentacle. Ideally wear your finger cots for this, as it avoids any contamination from your hands.
The dust blower has a somewhat similar function, allowing you to remove any traces and dust particles from your parts or from inside the case. When you use the blower, be careful not to scrape the watch part with its tip by getting too close.

The large black, soft cushion is called a movement cushion and will be your base for any work on your watch or the movement. You can safely place your movement on the cushion without any fear of scratching it.

Your kit also contains a watchmaker’s loupe, together with a metal wire to wear around your head. Remove your loupe from the cotton bag and place it inside the wire cage. You can now wear your loupe around your head and flip it over your eye if needed during the assembly. This hand-free tool will allow you to spot the finer details of your watch during and after the assembly.

At the bottom of your kit, you will find a small package labelled “cleanroom products”. (Here I would capitalize like you did before with how it appears on the label)Within this box, you will find your finger cots, which you should wear at any time during the assembly. Just roll them over your index finger and thumb to ensure that you don't leave any fingerprints on your parts.
You will also find a collection of swabs in the bag. These swabs have various functions during the cleaning of parts, with the cotton swabs being ideally used to remove smudges or to polish fine parts while the cut-off rubber swab is ideal to remove the last dust particles or to get close to the edge of your watch chamber.
Lastly, the box also contains a dial cover, which we will need to remove the watch hands without damaging the dial underneath.

Now that you are familiar with your kit, it is time to start with the assembly process. We will begin with the inner parts and gradually move towards the final step of securing your watch in the case.
To start, please find a clean, even surface and ideally wipe it down beforehand. During the assembly, dust will be your worst enemy to achieve a clean, satisfying finish for your watch.
The assembly process should take 60-90 minutes, depending on your speed and your drive to perfection. However, please take your time and read the instructions to avoid any misunderstandings and if you are stuck, don't throw the watch against the wall but instead take a deep breath and try again.

If you ever feel that you are completely lost or you don’t know how to proceed, please reach out to us (our contact details are on the back) and we will be happy to help you out.
If you think a component doesn’t fit or perhaps was damaged during transport, don’t try to force it into place as this could damage the other parts of your watch. We can provide any component as a spare part to make sure you can finish your watch.