Dive Watch Mod Idea: The Cafè Noir Mod

A watch mod for formal occasions

The combination of black bezel insert and brown fume dial makes this modding a modern piece.

Dive watch is not necessarily a sporty watch. If you wish to have a classy watch for some formal occasions, this watch mod would be an excellent option for you. The chocolate brown fume dial grows seamlessly into the classic black bezel insert, making this watch a chic and modern piece. The onyx black alligator strap adds a touch of sophistication. This design goes well with any smart casual and classic attire.  

What’s on the mod

• Dial: The original DWC D01 luminous dial is replaced with the DWC brown fume dial, which is especially made to fit the dive watch. This new series of refined fume dials is created with sunburst effect. Once the timepiece is exposed to the sun, the chocolate brown dial would shine with stunning transitioning colors in radial lines.

A deluxe look with the fume dial

• Bezel insert: We've changed the blue bezel insert into our newly designed black bezel insert with vintage minute markings.

  We’ve embraced the vintage aesthetics with this insert, adopting a smaller minute mark compared to the modern counterpart, which feature bold minute instead. The muted minute markings offer better balance to the overall watch, which contributes to the classic overtone of the mod.

  At the same time, the black insert allows the brown fume dial to transition seamlessly from its edge to the insert, giving the mod a refined touch.

The markings are used to track the elapsed time underwater

• Hands: To match the colour of the dial lume and bezel insert, we've decided to change the original hands, whose lume colour is green, to the silver hands with the Japan blue Superlume BGW9 applied.

In the dark, the lume glows in blue.

• Strap: In this watch mod, we've swapped the black parachute strap into the black alligator strap. Leather strap conveys an impression of elegance and luxury, so the watch looks particularly tasteful with it.

Alligator straps are always the popular choice among the watch enthusiasts.

Tools Needed

• Case back opener

• Watch hands removal tools and dial protecting plastic sheet

• Watch hands installation tools

• A pair of tweezers

• A screwdriver

• Watch case knife

This modding is a perfect option for formal occasions.

Step 1: Open the case back

There are different types of case back opener. You may choose a suitable opener based on the type of your watch case and open it with the opener. For detailed instructions, please read the article “here”.

Step 2: Remove the hands and the dial

To change the dial, you have to remove the watch hands first before removing the old dial. 

You may then place a pair of tweezers in the gap between the dial and the movement and run it underneath the old dial, then the dial may come off.

Step 3: Install the new dial 

Align the dial feet with the hole and press the new dial down.

Step 4: Install the new watch hands

Then, you may place the new watch hands onto the dial. 

Step 5: Close the case back 

After installing the new dial and watch hands, you may install the assembly into the case and close the case back. Remember to clean the parts and movement assembly with Rodico and hand pump before closing it.

Step 6: Replace the bezel insert

With the case closed, you can now replace the bezel insert. You can follow the following video guide for detailed instruction:

In short, pry the bezel insert off with a watch case knife by insert the knife into the gap between the case and the bezel. Push it firmly all the way in and the bezel will come off. Then remove the old bezel insert with a screwdriver. Apply adhesive on the new insert, and align it to the bezel. Press firmly onto the bezel to secure the installation.

Step 7: Change the strap

To remove the parachute strap, you need to remove the springbars to take the strap off.

Then, simply align one tip of the springbar on the strap with the small hole on the interior side of the lug, then push down the ball-shaped handle in the springbar, and align the other tip to the other hole.

That’s it!

If you enjoy this watch mod, make sure to let us know in the comments down below!

Now have fun with your own watch mod!

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