I'm designing a wristwatch!

[Amihai]

It's quite funny how I got to that point:
I've contacted the factory which makes TruStone (RT Research), as I wanted to create custom TruStone from local Jerusalem stone, in order to make a new line of pens from it. I also contacted Dayacom and Woodturningz for custom Jerusalem themed pen kits, but it didn't take off.

Then, the entrepreneur inside me thought to himself: why start and end with pens? I've been interested in watches and watchmaking for several years now, so the idea to create dials from that stone immediately came to my mind!

That's a first sketch. the movement will be Japanese Miyota and the watch itself manufactured in China. The stone will be supplied from the holy land, of course. Please wish me luck!

Thanks for taking a look,
Amihai Fishman.

 

[Kenny Durrant]

Very cool and great idea. I wish you well!!

 

[jttheclockman]

It's quite funny how I got to that point:
I've contacted the factory which makes TruStone (RT Research), as I wanted to create custom TruStone from local Jerusalem stone, in order to make a new line of pens from it. I also contacted Dayacom and Woodturningz for custom Jerusalem themed pen kits, but it didn't take off.

Then, the entrepreneur inside me thought to himself: why start and end with pens? I've been interested in watches and watchmaking for several years now, so the idea to create dials from that stone immediately came to my mind!

That's a first sketch. the movement will be Japanese Miyota and the watch itself manufactured in China. The stone will be supplied from the holy land, of course. Please wish me luck!

Thanks for taking a look,
Amihai Fishman.

Looks great

 

[KMCloonan]

I wish you success! I also got bit earlier this year by the watchmaking bug, but mine was less challenging than what you are working towards which sounds inspiring.
I just matched a case, stainless band, dial, hands, and a Seiko NH35 mechanical movement. I wear the watch every day, and it keeps really good time (maybe gains 1 minute per week). There's no branding on the watch, which is what I wanted. And, the finished product cost less than $150, which met my budget.

 

[Bryguy]

B'Hatslachah

 

[EricRN]

I wish you success! I also got bit earlier this year by the watchmaking bug, but mine was less challenging than what you are working towards which sounds inspiring.
I just matched a case, stainless band, dial, hands, and a Seiko NH35 mechanical movement. I wear the watch every day, and it keeps really good time (maybe gains 1 minute per week). There's no branding on the watch, which is what I wanted. And, the finished product cost less than $150, which met my budget.

Same here!! I ordered a Chinese Seagull movement, paired it with case, dial, and hands--all ordered off eBay--and assembled it myself. I did three of them. One to give each of my kids on their First Communion. The two oldest have theirs; the youngest has a few years to go. The dials were all in their favorite colors. I thought it'd be a nice way to get them into mechanical watches at a reasonable price while still giving them something meaningful as their first "real" watch. It was a cool experience to do, but really took me a long time. The tiny parts were a difficult for me to properly assemble but I ultimately got it. I've been thinking about ordering some parts and making one for myself, but have too many ongoing projects that I need to finish up.

I also toyed with designing my own watch and trying to get that manufactured elsewhere. But the cost was too much to justify. There were either minimum order quantities that raised the price beyond what I was willing to do, given the materials used. Or one-off, custom manufacturers were WAY WAY above my price range. I realized that there were some awesome, horologically significant watches that I could get for way less than a custom design so I abandoned my plan. If I can find someone to make a custom dial and handset for a reasonable price, I may pick up the project again. I'd pair it with off-the-shelf movements and cases. That might make it more affordable. But, like I said, got too many projects underway as it is.

I love your design and the idea to use the Jerusalem tru-stone. Great idea. Very cool design. Please keep us posted. I look forward to seeing pics of prototypes when you get that first watch in the metal!

 

[EricRN]

Been thinking more about this post and the similarities between wristwatches and pens. Both are highly functional items with a single purpose that has largely been replaced by technology. You could easily go days--or longer--without ever picking up a pen and be just fine. And, really, who needs a wristwatch when you can get the time with constantly perfect accuracy, a chrono that can time for hours down to a millisecond, and a gazillion other functions just by looking at your phone? And yet, both these things endure and have become a vehicle for functional, artistic expression.

Awhile back when I was exploring my own watch design, I was trading emails with the owner of one of the small movement manufacturers in Switzerland. I mentioned my work with pens and woodworking and he commented that it's no surprise that people who labor to make beautiful things--above and beyond what's necessary to make those things function--are drawn to watches. There's something about making something that is beautiful and elegant but that ALSO provides utility and function.

Growing up, I never really considered myself artistic. I probably still don't. I've never had an interest in painting or drawing or creating something just for the sake of creating. But I am passionate about building things that function, that are used, that are appreciate--AND about making those things different, unique, elegant, and aesthetically pleasing.

 

[jttheclockman]

I too love watches and continue to wear them to this day. Both your analogy and that of the watch maker are spot on. It is the craftsmanship and complexity but also the simple use of both items that is amazing. Maybe that is why I am so enamored with making watch part pens. I have been working on a bunch and have a ton of watches to choose from to continue with this idea. As I do this though I have noticed that not all watch dials are made to be cast in resin and this has led to some unexpected expense that is thrown away but I still march on. Buying cheap broken watches mainly from ebay has been a challenge because it seems many people think they have gold or they caught onto why people seek such watches because I have noticed over the years prices have gone up with some of the same watches.

As with you I never did consider myself an artist but having done what I have over the years and compared myself to others in the same fields I have now adopted the label Artisan and wear it proud. never undersell yourself is what i learned. Believe in what you do and you will project that confident look and attitude. So as this Artisan gets back to make some pens I bid you a farewell.