DESIGN NAME: Quantum
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Watch
INSPIRATION: I wanted to create a watch design that I would love to personally wear. Classic, round watches don't appeal to me. I wanted a different shape,, a shape that evoked thoughts of sports cars and speed boats. I've always loved the look of sharp lines and angles, and that showed up in my design. I wanted the dial to constitute a 3D experience for the viewer, and so there are multiple "levels" within the dial that are visible from any angle the watch may be viewed at.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The watch features a unique case shape and multi-part case construction that allows for varied finishes (polished, brushed, and bead-blasted) to create an aesthetically contrasting look. It contains numerous features including a date mechanism, 1/100th second chronograph, 60 second chronograph subdial, 60 minute chronograph subdial, and 24 hour hand. The strap is specially cut to integrate into the case with the custom strap attachment, and fits comfortably on any wrist size.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The watch is chiefly operated through the crown. It allows the user to change the time, as well as a quick-set date mechanism that allows the user to quickly change the date. The 1/100th second chronograph is started and stopped by the upper pusher, while the lower pusher resets the chronograph.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: This project started in November of 2012 and is currently ongoing, as it goes into production.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Product Engineering and Technical Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: This design was made in Google sketchup, since it was the first 3D modelling software that I got used to and the most user-friendly. Once the design was fully rendered, it was transferred to SolidWorks and converted to a STP format, in order to be converted to a CAM format in conjunction with a CNC machine. The machine would then cut out the pieces of the watch in 316L stainless steel. After coming out of the machine, each piece is hand-finished in a jewelry studio to achieve the desired finish, and then assembled.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The width is 40.9mm.
The length (depth) is 46.3mm.
The thickness (height) is 9.9mm.
TAGS: Watch, Sport, waterproof, hand-finished, CNC milled, architectually designed,
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Waterproofing was one of the most important aspects. In order to understand how to waterproof a watch, I took apart a number of old, broken, or otherwise useless watches that I had laying around. Taking apart these watches taught me how these watches had been waterproofed, and allowed me to see what elements I needed to have in my design. I also had to research the parts that I had available, looking at Ofrei and Esslinger as my major parts suppliers.
CHALLENGE: The hardest part of designing this watch was waterproofing the case. This was something that I had never done before, and didn't exactly know how to go about. I researched online and found information about gaskets and waterproofing. Then I integrated these aspects into my design. The most valuable part of this experience was the understanding that not every new problem needed a new solution, and that sometimes trusted techniques work perfectly to solve a problem.
ADDED DATE: 2013-02-19 20:23:15
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Elbert Han, 2012.
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