How to Fabricate a Custom Watch

This instructable will describe the process of making a custom watch.

Overview:
Watch Case
- design 3D computer model
- print plastic model via 3D printer
- cast metal model of watch case via lost wax method
- additional assembly
Watch Face
- design watch face
- hand craft work
- install pre-made movement
- additional assembly
Wristband
- hand craft work
- additional assembly

Materials:
-casting bronze
-sheet metal
-leather
-watch crystal
-watch movement
-watch stem
-watch crown
-watch hands
-watch band pins (spring-bar pins)

*watch supplies can be purchased online from websites like http://www.esslinger.com/
*casting bronze and metal supplies can be purchased online from websites like http://www.riogrande.com/

Equipment:
-3D printer
-centrifugal casting facilities (or other lost wax metal casting facilities)
-oxy-acetylene torch
-dremel/drill/rotary tool
-various jewelers metalworking tools (saw, files, pliers, tap and die set, etc)

Step 1: Design and Print the Watch Case

Design your watch case in whatever program you find easiest. I went to school for animation so I know/used Maya, though it would probably be more accurate to use something more CAD oriented.

Considerations:
1. There are various sizes of watch crystal to choose from. Model accordingly and leave a lip for the crystal to rest on
2. The watch face attaches to the other side of the lip. Leave enough room for the cannon pinion of the movement and hands between the crystal and the face.
3. Make an indent for a corresponding tab on the watch face to secure into.

Print your model in plastic via 3D printer. Since I used the Cupcake CNC I built, the surface wasn't very even and additional clean up was required to achieve a smooth finish. Getting your model printed professionally may be an easier option

Comments

[j-vega]

Sure, it's so easy! But, if instead of the 3D printer, use my flux capacitor? JA JA JA JA JA

[AD Gores Freak Factory]

WOW, that is awesome!

[fred27]

"invest it into a mold for burnout and casting"

Half a sentence? Any chance for a little more detail than this on how to do the casting? Even just a link if you think it's really basic stuff.

The final result looks great but I feel you've assumed a lot of prior knowledge from those reading your Instructable.

[cwix09]

What kind of bronze did you use/ where did you get it?

[williamyang87]

http://www.riogrande.com/Category/Metals/104/Alloy/164

I used the "Caster's White Bronze Chunks." I've also used the "Ancient Bronze" which is a nice option if you're looking for a warm color.

[lianekatie]

This is really beautiful. I might actually wear a watch if I had one that looked like this!

[paqrat]

Beautiful design. Wonderfully executed.

[his heart, my art]

Beautiful!!!

So basically, to do this we would need 3D designing software, casting equipment and materials etc.? Wouldn't this be expensive to create or are there sources online we could use? Any places for outsourcing? Would love to know more about gettting to this place to do this. Thanks!

[paqrat]

I have not tried to do this myself but I believe if you wanted you could use a computer program to design your watch then transfer the pattern to a piece of either carvable wax or plastic then there are places, perhaps jewelry stores in an area near you that would do a lost wax casting from your wax model. I know there was at least one in the town where I live. If you haven't anyone in your area that does this check out some of the lapidary magazines. Lapidary Journal has run ads for companies that do castings for individuals.

[williamyang87]

I'm still a student so I used my school's equipment. There are a number of free 3D modeling programs out there that can be used. In terms of 3D printing there are websites like Shapeways that can print 3D models for you (even in metal), though that can be expensive. If you don't have access to metal casting equipment, you can spraypaint your plastic model with metallic spraypaint, but of course that will look a bit different and won't be as durable as metal. I did all of the handcrafted metalwork in my school's jewelery studio, there might be local educational facilities near you that you could look into.

[mpintovsj]

too beutiful, for be easy to do

[cjrush1009]

It would cost me 5,000 dollars to put together a studio with the right equipment to make this watch. OR I can buy a watch for 100 bucks... hmmm.

[williamyang87]

you are correct, custom fabrication can be very expensive. Luckily I'm still a student and can use my school's studios.

In terms of raw materials this was a fairly inexpensive project. The bronze was $12/pound and I used less than a couple hundred grams, and all the watch components add up to just under $20.

[thewoodcarver]

Very nice work , do you think i could adopt ( in your opinion ) with a Bradley or Westclox pocket watch ( wind up ) I have the insides but no case and am always looking for something different in a pocket watch but have never made one out of metal got a wooden one somewhere .....wonder if I could if my son would miss Mickey Mouse.......he he

[williamyang87]

i'm pretty sure you could as long as you have the parts in working order. let me know if you do, i'd be curious to see how it works out. i haven't worked with mechanical movements yet, though i'd like to learn to build by own in the future.

[CatTrampoline]

Wow! You have mad skills!

I am going to file this in my future projects file. I think I could upscale a wall clock inspired by the watch face.

[Smash Eye]

Cool !
I'll Try That !

[calskin]

This is beautiful!

[Appollo64]

Where can I get the watch movement?

[williamyang87]

www.esslinger.com
I used the Hattori PC21HCP, it has a taller canon pinion so it doesn't require the watch face to be as thin. There's also the PC21.3XHCP that has an even taller canon pinion, which could be useful if the watch face needs to be thicker for some reason.

[williamyang87]

That website also has movements that display date and/or day. Different brands require different sized watch hands so you'll have to match and choose the movement to the hands that you want. (not all hands come in all sizes)

[spikepickstock]

THATS INTENSE!!!

winning for sure