Luxury watchmaking kit
Experience all the pride of building your mechanical watch with your own hands
thanks to our luxury DIY watchmaking kit with all you need to learn what it’s like to be a watchmaker of yesteryear.
A Unique diy
watchmaking kit
Maison Alcée invites you to embark on a unique watchmaking journey during which you’ll build your very own mechanical desk watch clock in the comfort of your own home, immersing you fully in the world of watchmaking.
Each of the components and tools in this DIY watchmaking kit is backed by the expertise of watchmaking teachers and the knowhow of a Meilleur Ouvrier de France ‘Best Craftsman’ – guaranteed to give you an unforgettable DIY experience.
complete watchmaking kit
The DIY watchmaking kit comprises 233 components, complete with bridges, plates, keys and a chime – and including 169 parts for you to assemble yourself. The first thing you’ll see when you open your presentation box is a magnificent book, guiding you through the history of horology and packed with detailed instructions on how to build your very own mechanical watch. Step by step, you’ll be able to take pride in putting together this desk watch clock with your own hands.
The watchmaking kit also includes 17 watchmaking tools, painstakingly designed for use by novices keen to become makers:
- Four watchmaker’s screwdrivers, especially designed to prevent scratches
- Brass tweezers for delicate, accurate handling of even the smallest components
- A watchmaker’s loupe to inspect each part of the mechanism
- Oil bottle, oil stick and oil for pinpoint lubrication
- Finger cots enabling components to be handled with expertise and precision
- Microfibre cloth to keep your desk watch clock sparkling
- Membrane box to protect the regulating organ
This luxury watchmaking kit also includes a detailed guide to assist you as you build your mechanical watch.
Combining horological knowhow and educational content, the book will unlock all the mysteries of watchmaking for you.
DIY watchmaking kit offerING a return to the luxuries of yesteryear
Immerse yourself in an enthralling adventure that will take you back to the time in your life when you enjoyed the greatest luxury of all: having curiosity and wonder as your only priorities.
With Maison Alcée, horology takes on a whole new dimension with the prospect of assembling your very own desk watch clock in the comfort of your own home. Take delivery of your watchmaking kit and set out to discover the 233 components supplied for you to build your very own mechanical desk watch.
Maison Alcée offers you the chance to revisit the luxury of childhood with a unique experience for connoisseurs of horology and lovers of all things mechanical.
The mechanism of this beautiful desk watch clock is based on that used in traditional wristwatches, allowing you to learn just how a watch movement works by handling one at a larger scale. It’s a great way of rediscovering the world of craftsmanship, in which every gesture recalls the timeless elegance of wristwatches and other horological masterpieces.
Maison Alcée will be by your side throughout the assembly of your timepiece and beyond as needed for maintenance and repair – today, ten years from now, and for always, ensuring that your precious desk watch clock gets all the loving care and attention it needs through the years.
“Open up your watchmaking kit and immerse yourself in the secrets of the art of horology as you make your very own desk watch clock”
A watchmaking kit crafted from noble wood
Maison Alcée works closely with a cabinetmaker in Reims to produce each watchmaking set, a luxury storage case containing all the components. Our master craftsman painstakingly fashions a superb variety of precious wood essences: satin wood, French walnut, burl walnut and burl maple. Artisanal expertise in cabinetmaking is the ideal match for horological perfection – a sublime blend of expertise resulting in a wooden case embodying luxury and elegance.
Simply opening the wooden case never fails to reveal the harmony between the noble materials used and the art of horology as you experience time like never before, savouring the luxury of the moment.
“This DIY watchmaking kit has been designed with infinite attention to detail, ensuring total immersion in the fascinating world of horology.”
FAQ
What is the Maison Alcée watchmaking experience?
By opening this crafted solid wood case, its owner can be sure to connect with what Maison Alcée promises: awakening to the joy of creation, grasping the watchmaker’s gesture and understanding its true meaning.
Maison Alcée invites you to experience watchmaking in a singular way by assembling your own timepiece, including its mechanical movement. You will receive a solid wood case containing 233 components—169 of which you will assemble yourself—along with 17 specialized watchmaking tools. A beautifully crafted 150-page book, filled brimming with intricate details and beautifully crafted stories, will guide you step by step through the assembly process.
From the comfort of your home, let yourself be guided through a ten-hour journey to create your own desk watch clock.
Upon receiving your case, you will be invited to an exclusive WhatsApp group, where our watchmaking team will be readily available to answer all your questions with care and expertise.
Seasoned collector, devoted enthusiast, or insatiable novice—each, for a moment, becomes the guardian of this centuries-old craftsmanship and experiences the pride of having created something with their own hands.
How does Maison Alcée ensure a successful assembly?
As soon as you receive your watch kit, you will be invited to join a private discussion group between you and our watchmaking team. This way, we can support you throughout the assembly of your desk watch clock and answer any questions you may have.
The watchmaking book, included in the watch kit, along with step-by-step video tutorials for each stage, will guide you through the assembly of your desk watch clock.
Watchmaking professors have brought a true educational dimension to our high-end DIY kits. Their expertise in horology and watches, enriched by their experience in guiding students through challenges, has allowed us to refine our movement and overcome certain technical aspects of the assembly process. This experience has been designed as both a practical and theoretical learning journey, ensuring that both enthusiasts and novices can successfully build their own desk watch clock.
Every detail has been carefully considered to offer you a complete DIY watchmaking experience.
Do I need to be particularly meticulous to assemble my desk watch clock?
The desk watch clock you will assemble has a movement similar to that of a wristwatch but measures 10 x 16 cm. This timepiece allows you to understand the movement of a watch while reducing the complexity associated with the precision required in smaller watches.
Assembling your desk watch clock will offer you an immersive DIY experience in the universe of watchmaking, requiring only a moment of concentration and calm, providing you with a truly enchanting break.
This DIY watchmaking kit has been designed to offer anyone with curiosity the opportunity to discover the art of watchmaking.
What should I do if I lose a component?
Among all the tools in your wooden case, the blades of your screwdrivers have been specially designed for Maison Alcée. They are made of beryllium copper and have a lower hardness compared to traditional screwdrivers, which protects the integrity of your components while ensuring precise handling. During assembly of your desk watch clock, slight marks may appear, but these are natural and part of the learning process.
In the case of losing a component during your DIY experience, our Maison is at your disposal to send you the necessary part so you can continue with the assembly of your desk watch clock.
Where are the watchmaking components manufactured?
In our wooden case, we have chosen to manufacture over 90% of the components of your desk watch clock in the Franco-Swiss Jura region, listed as a UNESCO world intangible heritage site.
Is the mechanical movement manufactured?
Yes, the mechanical movement of your desk watch clock was designed by a team of watchmaking experts exclusively for Maison Alcée. Manufactured in the heart of the Jura region, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the movement was specially developed to come to life in the hands of watchmaking enthusiasts and the non-initiated.
How is the Maison Alcée DIY experience personalized?
Upon receiving your luxury DIY watchmaking kit, an exclusive exchange group will be created between our watchmaking team and yourself. We will grant you access to a private WhatsApp group specifically created to answer any questions you may have and guide you throughout the assembly of your desk watch clock.
Your success and satisfaction are at the heart of our priorities. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive support throughout your DIY experience.
What are the values of Maison Alcée?
At the heart of our watchmaking Maison are the fundamental values we hold dear: transmission, accomplishment, and emotion.
Transmission
The Maison Alcée DIY experience guides every curious mind toward discovering the art of watchmaking. The book that accompanies you in assembling your desk watch clock was written with the support of professors and horological museums to pass on both the history and science of watchmaking. Hands-on assembly fosters deeper learning, as craftsmanship and intellectual understanding go hand in hand.
Each participant is provided with all the necessary tools to experiment, to build a unique desk watch clock that can be cherished and passed down through generations. In some cases, the assembly process becomes a symbol of family heritage—a moment shared with pride and affection, forever engraved in memory.
Accomplishment
Maison Alcée ensures the success of every enthusiast through the watchmaking book, as well as videos that can be consulted if desired, and a private exchange group dedicated to answering any questions. The DIY experience represents a beautiful personal challenge and requires focusing entirely for a few hours.
By assembling their desk watch clock, enthusiasts thrive and experience a moment of accomplishment—a satisfaction that goes beyond mere possession of the product.
“To make you proud of your own desk watch clock” is the aim of Maison Alcée.
L’émotion
In our DIY watchmaking kits, whether through the quality of the finishes or the meticulous attention to detail, Maison Alcée is committed to offering exceptional desk watch clock that inspire admiration. For Maison Alcée, beauty is not limited to the finished product; it is expressed in this sensory DIY experience that invites wonder.
Are there video supports available alongside the book?
Maison Alcée provides videos to guide you through the assembly of your desk watch clock. Each section of the book, included in our clock-making kits, is accompanied by QR codes that you can scan to access these visual contents directly.
These videos are a valuable supplement to the book, offering a visual perspective and practical demonstrations to support you in your assembly process. Whether you prefer to follow the explanatory videos, the written instructions, or both, Maison Alcée ensures the success of the assembly of your desk watch clock.
Is it possible to share the DIY watchmaking experience with a loved one?
The Maison Alcée DIY experience can be enjoyed by two, such as a parent and child. This moment of connection allows you to come together around this unique DIY experience, where each person contributes their personal touch and sensitivity.
A watchmaking enthusiast had the pleasure of sharing this experience with his 8-year-old child, who enjoys hands-on activities like LEGO. Together, they assembled their own timepiece, a shared horological creation that became a symbol of a precious bond and a legacy meant to pass down through generations.
How do I change from horizontal to vertical position and vice versa?
The Persée desk watch clock has been designed to be positioned both horizontally and vertically, depending on your preference. To change its display position, simply follow the final assembly steps outlined in the watchmaking book (pages 92 to 109).
Is it possible to disassemble the ‘Persée’ desk watch clock?
Yes, it is possible to disassemble your desk watch clock to further enhance your watchmaking know-how, perform maintenance, repair, or add future complications. Before any disassembly, it is essential to release the mainspring, a step that is thoroughly explained in the book included in your DIY watchmaking kit (see page 101). You can then follow the reverse of the assembly steps.
What are the quality control steps before my timepiece leaves the workshop?
Before leaving our workshop, each desk watch clock goes through a thorough inspection carried out by our expert watchmakers. First, they perform a complete assembly of your timepiece to ensure its proper functioning. If any defective or underperforming components are detected, they are immediately replaced.
Once assembly has been verified, our experts set the desk watch clock to the correct time and carefully adjust the rate as required. Various measurements are then performed to check the amplitude, workings and settings of the regulating organ. As part of this process, the desk watch clock is positioned vertically for seven days, followed by another seven days in the horizontal position.
Once the process is complete, your timepiece is carefully dismantled and placed in its presentation kit, featuring a noble wood veneer finish.
How does Maison Alcée guarantee the precision of its desk watch clock?
In our watchmaking kit, more than 90% of our components are manufactured in the Franco-Swiss Jura region, with an emphasis on the highest quality. Additionally, our watchmaking experts perform a lantern setting for each desk watch clock, a meticulous process during which they ensure that each desk watch clock leaves our workshop boasting top performance and maximum longevity.
How often should I perform the maintenance on my desk watch clock?
We recommend performing the maintenance on your desk watch clock every 5 years.
Does the timepiece come with a warranty?
All ‘Persée’ clock-making kits are covered by a 2-year warranty against defects and hidden flaws.
What should I do if my desk watch clock requires maintenance?
If your desk watch clock requires maintenance or repair, we invite you to contact us via the exclusive WhatsApp group created between our watchmaking experts and yourself upon receiving your DIY watchmaking kit. Our experts will be delighted to guide you through each step of the assembly of your desk watch clock.
Alternatively, if preferred, the desk watch clock may be returned to us for a thorough inspection by our watchmaking team. Upon receipt, it will be meticulously examined, and any necessary maintenance or repairs will be carried out. Your desk watch clock will then be promptly returned to you in optimal condition.
What are the delivery times?
Delivery times vary depending on your order.
– The Persée Azur, Persée Nuit, and Persée Douce cases are shipped within 1 month.
– The Persée Or cases are shipped within 2 months due to their uniqueness.
– The book is shipped within one week.
– The workbench is shipped within one month.
Once your order is shipped, the delivery time is generally within 2 to 3 working days.
If your order is intended for a special occasion, feel free to contact us. Our Maison will do everything possible to ship your order within an exceptionally shorter time frame.
Is delivery available worldwide?
Yes, Maison Alcée aims to make the beauty of watchmaking craftsmanship accessible to everyone, everywhere in the world, allowing both enthusiasts and curious minds to discover the complexity of this exceptional heritage and learn about the art of horology, no matter where they are located.
Are Maison Alcée clock-making kits insured when shipped?
Yes, Maison Alcée kits are insured during shipping. The package is sent with complete confidentiality (no visible mention of the brand or the product). The delivery is made via DHL, a nationally recognized carrier known for its reliability. Furthermore, you are guaranteed that your package will be handed to you personally against a signature.
In the case of loss, Maison Alcée commits to preparing and reshipping your order at no additional cost.
Can I track my order online?
Yes, you can track the progress of your order online. In the private exchange group between our watchmaking team and you, you will receive your order’s tracking number.
You will also have the option to choose a delivery date that suits you by clicking on the link sent by DHL, either via email or SMS, once your order has been shipped.
Can I collect my watchmaking kit directly from your workshop?
We would be delighted to welcome you to our watchmaking workshop located in the heart of Reims. Passionate about high-end watchmaking craftsmanship, we would be happy to hand you your presentation kit in person and share the history of our Maison with you.
You can make an appointment here ici.
