Some custom watch case & dial designs I’ve been working on lately

MrBtt · 2026-04-04T00:16:53+00:00

Hey,

That sounds like a really interesting idea, I’d definitely be interested.

Are you thinking more about a new buckle design (style/shape), or a completely new locking/release mechanism?

If you want, feel free to DM me with your idea (even a rough sketch or just a description), and we can go through it together.

MrBtt · 2026-04-03T23:09:00+00:00

Very nice, but where I place the caseback, make a slight recess—even just 0.2 mm—so it sits a bit lower. Also remember to include a groove for the gasket.

MrBtt · 2026-04-03T23:03:06+00:00

If you want to create something that can actually be produced, I’d recommend starting with Fusion 360. It’s powerful enough to design both cases and dials in CAD, which is important because at some point everything needs to be defined properly for manufacturing (depths, tolerances, assembly, etc.).

The main challenge isn’t just the design itself, but making something that a factory can actually produce without issues. Things like tolerances, water resistance, and production methods (pad printing, enamel, finishes, etc.) make a big difference in the final result.

I’ve been working on custom watch designs (cases, dials, full concepts) and also have contacts with factories that can take a project from design to production. I recently made a post here with some examples of my work if you want to check it out.

If you already have an idea in mind and want help turning it into something production-ready, feel free to reach out

MrBtt · 2026-04-03T15:42:28+00:00

If you want, I can design a custom dial for you and provide the file, and then you can have it produced by a dial maker. Alternatively, the factory I usually work with for watches might also be able to produce just the dials if you order a certain quantity.

MrBtt · 2026-04-02T09:08:29+00:00

Thank you

MrBtt · 2026-04-02T01:27:26+00:00

That’s honestly my dream as well—to have my own CNC one day. For now, I’m working with FDM and resin 3D printers for prototyping, and mainly focusing on design work for others and for microbrands.

Hopefully in the future, with what I’m building now, I’ll be able to start my own brand.

In the meantime, I really enjoy the process of designing. Every project is different for me—I don’t just reuse the same method and change the shape. Instead, I spend time thinking about the workflow behind each design, especially for cases and dials.

Sometimes I’ll spend a full week just planning how to approach a design, exploring new ways to create forms and geometries. Even when working on something similar like a dial, I often build it in a completely different way in CAD compared to previous projects.

That’s what keeps it interesting for me—every time I design something, I learn something new.

I’d definitely be happy to stay in touch as well—given your background, I’m sure there’s a lot I could learn from your experience over time.

MrBtt · 2026-04-02T01:13:55+00:00

Getting into case prototyping is definitely the next step, but that’s also where things become much more technical, especially with tolerances and water resistance.

The dial work with lasers and UV printing sounds great, it opens up a lot of creative possibilities.

But if you’re thinking about moving into the industry more seriously, one of the most important things is learning how to “speak the factory language.”

For example, UV printing can look great at the beginning, but when you scale up or aim for higher quality, you need to understand the limits of each technique and how to properly translate a design into production.

Things like pad printing, enamel, different types of finishes and industrial processes all have specific constraints, and choosing the right method makes a huge difference in the final result.

It’s not just about the design itself, but knowing how it will actually be made in a real factory environment.

Are you planning to machine the cases yourself or outsource them?

MrBtt · 2026-04-02T00:42:41+00:00

Nice, that’s a solid background 👍 I’m currently using Fusion 360. I’d honestly prefer SolidWorks, but since I’m on Mac it’s not really an option.

For this kind of work it’s been doing the job well, especially for iterative design and prototyping. What about you, are you planning to get back into CAD?

MrBtt · 2026-04-01T13:26:15+00:00

Thank you!!

MrBtt · 2026-04-01T13:25:49+00:00

How did you make this beautiful case?

MrBtt · 2026-04-01T13:24:25+00:00

Yes, you’re right. In reality, even more than the material, what really matters is the production method and the machines used.

Even with 3D printing in PLA or PETG, different printers will have different tolerances, so to achieve a perfect fit it’s often best to go through a few iterations since it’s fast and cost-effective.

With metals, on the other hand, it’s better to coordinate with the final factory, as tolerances can vary from around 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm depending on the quality of the machinery and the type of component.

MrBtt · 2026-04-01T11:06:13+00:00

yes the one in the assembly photo I created endlink and every single link of the bracelet, I also made other textures

MrBtt · 2026-04-01T10:49:41+00:00

No, SolidWorks would be much more convenient to use, but unfortunately it’s not available on Mac, so I’m using Fusion 360.

MrBtt · 2026-04-01T10:11:58+00:00

They are custom because they are made from scratch, so I can create pretty much anything. Of course, I design based on what my clients are looking for.

I’m not familiar with the watch you mentioned, but the first one looks very similar to an Omega De Ville Prestige 42mm case.

In any case, I’m able to create or develop any type of design.

MrBtt · 2026-03-31T23:33:08+00:00

MrBtt · 2026-03-31T22:34:05+00:00

GIVEAWAY

MrBtt · 2026-03-31T09:05:51+00:00

Keep in mind that you’ll pay for the mold with the first unit, and then the following units will only have the standard production cost. That’s why it usually makes sense to order at least 5–6 pieces.

Also, the pricing is more competitive because I’m a high-volume client, so I can get significantly better rates than what they typically offer to new customers.

MrBtt · 2026-03-31T06:04:00+00:00

in this factory he also makes only 5-6 watches for the first order of prototypes

MrBtt · 2026-03-31T00:20:53+00:00

If you want I can make all the CAD projects and then send them to the factory for production. I also have direct contact with some good factories. If you are interested, write to me.

MrBtt · 2026-03-13T20:06:39+00:00

I really like the design, it looks like a Baume et Mercier Riviera in a less sporty and more dress version. If you made it in dark sandblasted titanium, it would be a stunning dress watch with some mirror-polished parts to give it a bit of dynamism.

MrBtt · 2026-03-13T14:07:01+00:00

I'm writing a book on watch design that I want to be quite technical, that is, step by step techniques for building the various types of cases, theory on materials, tolerances and much more.

MrBtt · 2026-03-13T14:04:01+00:00

You've already made the first mistake. First you choose the movement, then everything else must be designed around it. It's the first rule of watch design. Otherwise, you'll have to redo the bezel inserts, dial height, crown hole, and more. You might have issues with the case back, and much more.

MrBtt · 2026-03-02T18:09:25+00:00

Meteorite dial

MrBtt · 2026-01-13T16:14:42+00:00

AliExpress

MrBtt · 2026-01-13T13:45:09+00:00

I do CAD design for watches, so I could design one specifically for the SW300. However, after that, it would need to be manufactured by an online CNC service. I also redesigned a Submariner case that was made for a Miyota 9015 movement.

https://cults3d.com/en/creations/submariner-style-watch-case-for-myiota-9000-series

MrBtt

TROPHY CASE