Less is more or big is more?

[CH007]

Hello All,

I have been playing with some designs albeit slowly while learning Rhino 3D package. I have a design theme worked out in my head but mine was based on a very industrial look. The more i look at it the more I see some cheap piece of tat that would sell for £20 except for a decent movement inside. Reason being the more you try to be big and bold the more it reminds me of the cheap end of market and also fashion watches. This leads me to the question: Is watch design all about the dial, hands and crown?

it seems there is little to change with the case itself bar a few tweaks with bezel and crown position etc. Is this because the most successful case designs are already all but done and it's the details that change?

I realise maybe there aren't answers to these questions more opinions but would be glad to hear yours?

On the note of my current design I am going to knock one up in aluminium in the lathe and see how it looks as I doubt my 3D skills are doing it any justice. I have a 3D printer on the way for faster prototyping and for playing with proportion.

Please discuss any contribution great fully received.

Cheers,

Colin

[James Roettger]

I think for small scale producers the last thing you want to do is compete with the likes of Rolex etc. One has to focus on unique, niche products applying your particular forte. Here's a watch I just finished using Rhino for the case. The niche appeal I'm seeking here is portraits on the dial, hand engraved. My technology limited me to "dust proof case"

[CH007]

I think for small scale producers the last thing you want to do is compete with the likes of Rolex etc. One has to focus on unique, niche products applying your particular forte. Here's a watch I just finished using Rhino for the case. The niche appeal I'm seeking here is portraits on the dial, hand engraved. My technology limited me to "dust proof case"

Hi James,

Thanks for the input. I agree I certainly don't want a rolex sub mariner homage or any other homage really. I can pick up the bits for one of those and assemble it for quite low cost but just doesn't appeal. Same with the military pilots watches as they all have same case, same dials, same movement just one is hundreds of pounds more than next??

I will hopefully get some time to knock up my prototype soon and then see how the real life proportions feel.

Cheers,

Colin

[Gordon Fraser]

Hello All,

I have been playing with some designs albeit slowly while learning Rhino 3D package. I have a design theme worked out in my head but mine was based on a very industrial look. The more i look at it the more I see some cheap piece of tat that would sell for £20 except for a decent movement inside. Reason being the more you try to be big and bold the more it reminds me of the cheap end of market and also fashion watches. This leads me to the question: Is watch design all about the dial, hands and crown?

it seems there is little to change with the case itself bar a few tweaks with bezel and crown position etc. Is this because the most successful case designs are already all but done and it's the details that change?

I realise maybe there aren't answers to these questions more opinions but would be glad to hear yours?

On the note of my current design I am going to knock one up in aluminium in the lathe and see how it looks as I doubt my 3D skills are doing it any justice. I have a 3D printer on the way for faster prototyping and for playing with proportion.

Please discuss any contribution great fully received.

Cheers,

Colin

Hi Colin


How big is too big is the question I think. But then it is completely down to the wrist a watch is on.


Proportion is the absolute holy grail when it comes to watch design and if you get it wrong, on something as visually crucial as a watch dial, it's game over before you've even begun.

I think watch design should be all about the whole presentation - visually that is. Yes there are the people who like to know what is under the hood more than what's on the outside but a good design attracts people enough to ask that question. If you don't have a good design there's no questions asked. The case should sing with the dial, and the hands and the colour of the piece. It should all work together because eyes are unbelievably good at picking up on tiny discrepancies in design, whether it be off-center circles or clusters of sub-dials in the middle of a watch...the eye never lies.

So yes, it's all about the dial, hands and to a lesser extent the crown. Think more about the proportion of the dial in relation to the case and hands. Does it look clustered around a certain area? Does it give off the wrong look in material or shape or colour? Does anything look too small or too big within the dial?

You can have a big watch that is a long way from cheap looking, fashion watch territory. It's just a case of balance and proportion.


All my opinion of course.


G

[CH007]

Hi Colin


How big is too big is the question I think. But then it is completely down to the wrist a watch is on.


Proportion is the absolute holy grail when it comes to watch design and if you get it wrong, on something as visually crucial as a watch dial, it's game over before you've even begun.

I think watch design should be all about the whole presentation - visually that is. Yes there are the people who like to know what is under the hood more than what's on the outside but a good design attracts people enough to ask that question. If you don't have a good design there's no questions asked. The case should sing with the dial, and the hands and the colour of the piece. It should all work together because eyes are unbelievably good at picking up on tiny discrepancies in design, whether it be off-center circles or clusters of sub-dials in the middle of a watch...the eye never lies.

So yes, it's all about the dial, hands and to a lesser extent the crown. Think more about the proportion of the dial in relation to the case and hands. Does it look clustered around a certain area? Does it give off the wrong look in material or shape or colour? Does anything look too small or too big within the dial?

You can have a big watch that is a long way from cheap looking, fashion watch territory. It's just a case of balance and proportion.


All my opinion of course.


G

Thanks Gordon, it was reading your thread that really sparked my interest in designing my own timepiece. The design I have is very chunky and tool watch looking almost. I think your right about the dial and I feel its the face of the watch. I am currently trying to read up on how to actually make a dial as I won't be able to purchase what I require or shouldn't be able to or I have failed in original design.

I am thinking of O2 free copper fro the material but beyond this really not sure. I think plating may be an option following making the suitable scribes for minutes etc its how you treat the dial following this (hand painted, machine printed etc)

I have a seagull movement coming as it's the same size as 2824 and that was my intended movement but seagull is cheap enough to break if I am ham fisted with it. Maybe I will start playing around with a few copper cutouts and start laying a design out on the rotary table with a scribe.