David L. Handmade Watch Prototype Update

David L. · 2019-03-15T03:13:33Z

David L. shares his handmade watch prototype's design and finishing updates. Community feedback on aesthetics, size, and movement details.

David L.

WPS member · Independents forum

43 replies5827 views3 photos

David L. shares an update on his handmade watch prototype, detailing significant design and finishing refinements. His post invites the community to provide feedback on the evolving piece, highlighting the iterative process of independent watchmaking. The discussion offers valuable insights into the technical and aesthetic considerations involved in bringing a unique timepiece to fruition.

Hello everyone,

Here is a quick update and a couple of more decent pictures of my new handmade piece. (Prototype)

I decided to make a new stainless steel case because the first one wasn't too user friendly. The crystal on the front is now enclosed and the edges of the case on both the front and back

are chamfered to a 45 degree angle to soften the lines. The case measures 45.00x26.00x9.50mm. The strap is 18.00mm wide.

Regarding the movement, I repolished a couple of components and also bevelled and polished (anglage) the edges of each bridge by hand. (seven bridge all together)

At the moment I'm experimenting with different hands and various color combinations.

I'm interested to hear what you think of the watch.

Cheers,

David

Key Points from the Discussion

Suggestions for improvement include using white stones instead of rubies for a more industrial look, more extreme anglage, Grand Seiko-like finishing on the case back, enlarged screw sink areas, and sharper hands.
The watch's hand-made aesthetic is appreciated, with a caution against over-cleaning that might diminish its unique charm. The current dimensions, however, might be too large for some wrists, even with curved lugs.
The narrow layout of the bridges presents a challenge for achieving more dramatic anglage, as the available space for beveling is extremely limited.
The watch's size is dictated by the relatively large movement; a smaller case would require a complete redesign with different lug positioning to achieve a reduction to 41-42mm.
The wearability of the watch is noted as not the most comfortable but also not terrible, with a wristshot provided for context.
The main plate on the back could benefit from Côtes de Genève finishing to enhance its visual appeal.

The Discussion

mahesh

Mar 15, 2019

one question, is there access to change the strap easily ? keep us posted as you progress. Godspeed ! mahesh.,

David L.

Mar 15, 2019

You can't see it on the pictures but there are holes on the side of the case where the spring bar snaps in place. These holes are also used when the spring bar needs to be removed.

mahesh

Mar 15, 2019

Like the simple aesthetics very much !!

andrewluff

Mar 15, 2019

Great work indeed... really nice. Cheers Andrew

sklim8

Mar 15, 2019

Couple thoughts 1. I do wonder how it looks on the wrist (wearability) 2. I think a similar concept round watch would also look great

xyz123abc

Mar 15, 2019

I really like the industrial look combined with the trademarks of true workmanship. Very well done! And regulators are quite scarcely distributed.

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