Pocket Watch Costume for a Droid Bionic Phone

This is my first ible so be nice. Also any constructive feedback is always appreciated.

Once upon a time (read: last September) I got a job with a Fortune 100 company. Which was great. Unfortunately, the head of my department was pretty much anti-fun so when it came to Halloween he banned everyone from wearing costumes. Being the corporate rebel I am, I decided if I could not enjoy my favorite holiday while at work, my trusty (and at the time, shiny and new) Droid Bionic would. I toyed around with a couple ideas but in the end decided upon the pocket watch theme as it was quick, simple, and cheap to make. Also since completing this case mod/phone costume I have not forgotten my phone anywhere because it is literally attached to my pocket, which makes this a double win because I tend to be forgetful.

Step 1: The Materials

While this particular phone costume was made for my droid, the basic concept should work for all phones. With the possible exception of iPhones because, as we all know, they are perfect and too good for costumes <snark>

1) A cheap plastic phone case (ebay is a good source for this as you can get one for a few bucks)
2) Spray Paint (gold, silver, bronze, or copper are all good choices for the desired effect)
3) a length of chain at least 24" long (most craft stores have this for about $1 or if you are really feeling rebellious raid your company's or school's supply closet for a box of paperclips to make a chain*)
4) some kind of clip
5) twisty tie
6) phone with access to apps market

optional:
7) Sand paper
8) Paint pens or acrylic paints, buttons, gears, or whatever to jazz up the look of your pocket watch phone.
9) piece of cardboard or newspaper to avoid making a mess



*Not responsible if you get fired or suspended for stealing office supplies

Step 2: Step 1: Prep and Painting

First you want to prep your cheap phone case. I highly recommend using sandpaper to scratch up the case. This will allow the paint to stick better and hopefully prevent it from flaking off later. Obviously, it is not something you have to do but I find it produces a better finished product.

Next place the case on your cardboard or newspaper and spray it with the paint.  Because of the size this should take about 30 seconds to complete. While you wait for it to dry go watch an episode or three of you favorite British comedy on Netflix; Simon Pegg is brilliant in "Spaced."

Step 3: Step 2: Adding the Chain

For style purposes I broke my chain in to 2 unequal pieces, then connected one end with a twist tie from a loaf of bread (I got hungry while watching Netflix). Yup it's that simple. 

Step 4: Step 3: Connecting the Chain to the Case

My particular case had a tiny hole at the bottom to allow unimpeded access to the rear receiver. I never really use it anyway so it was perfect for me because it meant I didn't need to physically modify the case. If your cheap case doesn't have this, then you can make a hole in the case with a drill.

**Note: Not responsible for damage to your case caused by negligent drilling. Also be sure to remove the phone from the case before you drill (can you tell I work in IT?)**

Insert your twist tied end through your case hole (you in the back, stop giggling!). Using this method should still allow the case to fasten securely around the phone and the phone itself will hold the chain in place. If you really want you can add a bit of glue but it might make the fit of the case on the phone wonky.

Step 5: Step 4: the Other Ends of the Chain

Slide the links on the other ends of the chain through your clip.

Step 6: Step 5: Download a Pocket Watch App

Connect to the Google Play Store* and download a pocket watch app. I recommend the free app "Pocket Watch" by Jim Hendricks as it does everything you need your phone to do for this i.e. be a pocket watch.


*standard data rates may apply

Step 7: Optional Step 6: Spruce It Up

You can really get creative here and fancy up the rear of the case by painting a scene of an old locomotive or a horse and buggy or steampunk it up by attaching gears or something. Or just leave it plain and enjoy it as it is. I just did a quick random freehand drawing on the back of my case with a black paint pen and it was a massive, if yet a little subversive, success.

Total time on my build including time for the paint to dry, take pictures, and write this ible was about 90 minutes. Total cost was about $10 and most of that was the spray paint which I have used on numerous other small projects so the actual cost is probably closer to $6. Hope you enjoyed it.