First watch build!

[RSG]

Attempting to build some watches as gifts for my best reel collectors. I'm nowhere near capable (yet) of making the movements so I'm using movements from a Japanese company named Miyota! The bodies, bracelets and all indices will be made in my shop though. While I'd prefer to use 303 for it's maintainability I will start with 316 and go from there. Since I doubt they will ever wear the watches in salt water I have my doubts it's worth using it. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them.

For starters I had to design a fixture that would hold the parts for "second side" operation on the lathe and serve as a fixture for the mill. I borrowed an idea I saw a guy do on YT and am very pleased with the outcome. Having never machined S7 tool steel until now I can say it's a pleasure to work with. The 1/2"-20 bolt in the center has been turned and ground with a 12 deg taper to match the inner bore of the fixture.








Did I mention I hate slitter saws.....LOL



Thanks for looking!

[sid pileski]

Interesting. I looked up the company you mentioned.
I see they publish drawing specs in PDF form. I wonder if they would provide CAD files if contacted?
What series are you going to use?
I’ll be following. This has peaked my interest as it would be a different type of project for me too. I’ve built two clocks. I wrist watch would be cool.

Sid

[nc5a]

Very interesting project and I think you are certainly up to the task. Like Sid, I will be following your watch project as I've done with your other works of art. Keep them coming.

[RSG]

I see they publish drawing specs in PDF form. I wonder if they would provide CAD files if contacted?
What series are you going to use?

Sid

I'm using the 8N24C Skeleton movement. The PDF's files are actually vector so they import right into most software. I used them.

[old mart]

When you make the watch cases, the stainless can be passivated to increase its corrosion resistance. You can use citric acid followed by a good rinse in hot water.

[RSG]

Thanks for the tip Old Mart!

[Dan Dubeau]

Looking forward to following this build.

[mochinist]

Timascus will probably be a pain for any small holes and small taps, sure is pretty though.

https://www.cj-titaniums.com/titanium-material-1/titanium-bar-1/timascus-mokuti-titanium-damascus-sheet-and.html

[RSG]

Timascus sure looks pretty.......but I'l bet it's a deal breaker for the M1 screws I plan to use, for me anyway 😂

[mochinist]

Timascus sure looks pretty.......but I'l bet it's a deal breaker for the M1 screws I plan to use, for me anyway 😂

yeah looks like only a few watchmakers are using it according to this article. Ive only worked with it once, and was just making a basic wedding ring out of it. It was easy enough to work with for making the ring, but no small holes or taps were needed.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/what-is-timascus/

[JRouche]

Sweet! These should be some good projects. Thanks for posting the pics. JR

[old mart]

When you make the watch cases, the stainless can be passivated to increase its corrosion resistance. You can use citric acid followed by a good rinse in hot water.

I found this interesting and informative site for those interested in passivating stainless steel, plenty of info there.

https://www.besttechnologyinc.com/passivation-systems/citrisurf-citric-acid-passivation-solution/

[RSG]

A board member asked to see one of the movements I'm using so I'll post it here.

[RSG]

Now that the fixtures are done I started on the case parts....

[RSG]

These are the smallest holes I've ever drilled and tapped! M1x.25 and a 66 wire gau drill. Notice the double set of holes.....I forgot to dial up the RPM on my mill to it's max (4200) and snap! First plunge 😓😆.





One of the screws set in place...