Ever fancied making your own watch, with specifications exactly as you’d want them? Borna Bošnjak’s 2022 account of assembling a DIY Watch Club kit shows both the appeal and the frustrations of that idea: some of the watchmaking steps went smoothly, but a detached crystal, a missing tool and disappointing finishing left him wishing he had sourced parts separately.
What happened with the kit?
In his first-person review for Time+Tide Watches, published 17 July 2022, Senior Contributor Borna Bošnjak describes assembling one DIY Watch Club mechanical watchmaking kit. It is an account of that kit and his experience, not a controlled comparison or evidence of how frequently similar problems occur.
The parts arrived in separate boxes. Bošnjak says the larger box closed with a strong magnet, which concerned him because the movement was in the other box. He also found that the supplied tools did not include a screwdriver. While unpacking, the case’s plastic crystal came loose; he was unable to refit it securely.
The instructions were accessed by scanning a QR code and entering an email address. The review does not establish whether that instruction-delivery process or kit contents are the same today.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How did assembly go?
The review identifies the movement as a Miyota 8S20. Bošnjak writes: “The Miyota 8S20 comes well-packaged and with some minimal striping decoration.” He describes installing the plastic movement holder, removing and reinstalling the stem, and fitting the dial and hands. He found those tasks manageable, although he noticed some play in the dial.
He completed the assembly, but the finished watch did not resolve his concerns. He criticized the caseback’s feel and said the strap’s tang had been fitted backwards. Along with the crystal problem, these were observations about his individual kit—not proof of a broader defect or of current product quality.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What did the reviewer conclude?
Bošnjak’s view was mixed: he saw convenience in having components selected to fit, but felt the assembly experience and finished design disappointed him. He said he would rather source components separately. That preference reflects his priorities and this build; it is not a comparison of multiple kits.
The review gave a historical listed price of A$300 in 2022. That figure is not current pricing. Bošnjak also reported that this individual watch ran at -2 seconds per day on a timegrapher, while noting poor amplitude and beat error. He cautioned that the lift angle should have been set to 49 degrees. This is his reading under the review’s stated caveat, not a verified movement specification, independent test, or guarantee of performance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What this story can—and cannot—tell you
The review is useful as a candid account of one build: the Miyota 8S20 assembly steps were manageable for Bošnjak, while the loose crystal, absent screwdriver, caseback feel, strap fitting and overall experience detracted from it. One account cannot establish defect rates, typical assembly difficulty, or the quality of DIY Watch Club’s current kits. The review also does not establish current availability, prices, specifications, support, or replacement-part policies.
If you are considering a mechanical watchmaking kit, check the current listing for the exact tools included and how instructions are provided. Confirm which movement and case are in the kit, whether compatible parts can be sourced, and what support or replacement parts the maker currently offers. Do not assume that a kit sold today is the same one Bošnjak assembled in 2022.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
