3D Printed Watch Case Build

This build is an easy project that adds a little style to your watch collection. This is a simple 2 watch design using simple components and 3D printed parts. The cost is roughly $25 in components and it takes about 17 or so hours to print.

Step 1: What You Will Need

List of materials is available here.

Step 2: 3D Printed Parts

Print time is roughly 17 hours for all 3 pieces @ 60 mm/s. The difficulty I would classify as easy for both the printing and assembly.

Watch Case (decent surface quality to limit amount of sanding needed)

Filament choice not really important

0.2mm layer height25-30% infill (ideally you use multiple processes and use a high infill for at least the first 10mm if you can.

Support is optional depending on overhang performance

Brim optional

Cover and Cover Back Plate

Filament choice not really important

0.2mm or higher layer height15-20% infill

Support recommended

Brim optional

Step 3: Finish 3D Printed Parts

1. Remove any support material.
2. Sand pieces to the desired smoothness.
3. Start with 220 or 320 grit and move up until you have a nice smooth part without visible print lines.
4. Wipe the sanded parts with a lightly damp cloth or paper towel.
5. Apply even and a light coat of primer.
6. Allow enough time for the primer to dry, then sand lightly.
7. Wipe the sanded parts with a lightly damp cloth or paper towel.
8. Once the parts are dry, evenly apply light coat(s) of base coat spray paint.
9. At this point, you can either finish with a clear coat or you can hydro-drip your parts (you can see a full guide on how to do that here.)

Step 4: Assembly

1. Prepare acrylic by cutting to a 3.6” x 4.3” rectangle. I used painters tape, marked the lines, and then cut using a jigsaw.
2. Slide acrylic rectangle into the back of the cover.
3. Slide (glue optional) back cover plate behind the acrylic sheet.
4. (For a seamless look, slide acrylic into before finishing the cover and use Bondo Spot Putty to fill the seam and then finish.
5. Review how hinges operate and ensure orientation is correct before inserting into all 4 mounting holes.
6. Now you are ready to wrap your watches around the watch pillows, insert into the case and close the lid. I hope you enjoy your 3D printed watch case!

Step 5: Wrap Up

Thanks for checking out the Watch Case 3D Printed build! If you enjoyed it, I post monthly builds using 3D printing on my website, https://www.adylinn.com/builds/ .