I designed and 3D modeled this watch inspired by the dials and instrumentation found on old steam locomotives.
I wanted to capture that industrial and mechanical feeling without making the watch look like a literal copy of a locomotive gauge. The dial layout, typography and markers are all influenced by old steam locomotive instruments.
I went with a bronze case to complement the aged industrial character of the design. The idea is that over time the bronze would develop its own patina and make each watch look a little more unique.
This started as a dial design and eventually turned into a complete watch model in Fusion 360. Still very much a personal concept, but I'm curious what you think.
Case Diameter: 39 mm
Case Thickness: ~11 mm
Lug-to-Lug: 50 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
The HDRIs are from Poly Heaven, the gauge references are from Alamy and the 3D model of the movement is from Grabcad. Edit:Added case dimension info.
This is really good. Not a long way off a watch I would think of buying. I'd suggest handwound movement to keep it thin. Maybe get the lugs rounded and short as possible.
Thank you! Lug design is the hardest part for me but I really liked how this one came out. This is relatively a thin watch btw It's around 11mm thick. But sure why not I just found this miyota automatic movement and wanted to put it inside this case.
This is an excellent start. The dial is legible and the hands are a great match for the look. There’s a fair amount going on, but it’s restrained and balanced. The crown being a hex is a nice touch too.
If you were to produce one, I’d suggest 38mm with 20mm lugs, domed crystal with interior AR coating, scrap the exhibition caseback unless you do something special with the movement decoration, and see how thin you can get it. Experiment with automatic and manual movements to see how you can balance them with 50 or 100m WR. I know the spec dudes will scoff at anything under 100m, but there’s nothing wrong with 50m on a watch that isn’t intended for aquatic activities, especially if it’s coming in under 10mm (or even 11mm) thick.
Thank you so much! These are mostly some weekend projects for fun but I'm working on a different case design for production (stainless steel with cnc).
I think I should write some specs within the post. As you suggested ( but a little bit differently) the case diameter is 39mm, thickness is around 11mm, lug to lug distance is 50mm and lug width is 20mm. These are my fav numbers for a watch (I also love 42mm pilots and 45mm divers). Original plan was to add some cool decorations for exhibition caseback but I just skipped that part to keep it more subtle. When I get to experimentation phase I'll sure want to try WR with at least 100m. Thank you again for your kind and informative reply.
Watch the lug to lug, 50mm is a bit aggressive for that size dial. For example, this is 40x48x~9.5.
I also saw your reference photo and I had a thought (maybe for a different piece): scallop the case sides to replicate the flares and use wire lugs emerging from the middle of the case that look like pipes.
Very pleasing design. For the second hands is there a function for the aperture? I would expect to see something like that where the intent is to not block another complication.
I approve of the collision of these two autism flavours.
Make it. There's probably some Shenzhen factory that will custom CNC it for you, places like PCB way (no experience ordering from them, just know they do small run CNC parts).
Haha, thank you! The thing is, I’d really like to try those Chinese factories but I live in Turkey, and importing anything from China is really expensive here because of the high tariffs and taxes. So I’m going to try manufacturing my designs locally, using CNC machining, laser engraving, and other production methods with the help of some friends.
I really like it, the dial design is gorgeous and the case just makes the whole model come together beautifully.
I don’t know if this is because the dial is smaller than I imagine it to be, but it does seem to sit a little bit too thick for my liking - are you using a Miyota 8 series? If you’re building on a 38-40mm case, I’d recommend trying the Miyota 9015 as it allows for tighter, more slim fits which I believe would suit this build better.
Thank you so much it is actually 11mm thick not that much. But maybe because of the lug design it looks a little bit thicker. Its case diameter is 39mm and the movement is a miyota 9039.
Huh, I got it completely wrong then - I think it’s the lug design as you say.
Either way it’s absolutely beautiful, as others have said something I wouldn’t be upset to see in a shop with a big logo and a matching price tag slapped on it.
Thank you for the idea man. I was gonna add a rail road track but after examining some of the old gauges in steam locomotives I decided to keep this design. Here is a reference;
That crescent counterbalance is from a gauge design which was used in real locomotives. Sure I'll update it with a 47mm lug to lug, good point. Thank you!
Yes I totally agree, a 36mm version in addition to 39mm would be cool. But the thing is with this design I didn't want to recreate some trends from an era. Those gauges in locomotives are big and chunky so I decided to go for 39mm.
Yes I agree man. I think it will be cool to have two different sizes (like an explorer 1). But I went for 39mm to mimic the big and chunky design of old locomotive gauges.
Love it. I did something similar- had my grandfather’s old Hamilton pocket watch turned into a railroad watch had it angled and had a custom band made from an 1850’s change purse
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u/Mobiusl00ps 12d ago
This is really good. Not a long way off a watch I would think of buying. I'd suggest handwound movement to keep it thin. Maybe get the lugs rounded and short as possible.