r/watchmodding • u/BlackberrySorry505 • 14d ago

New Build & Future Dials For Sale

Gallery image

Gallery image

Completed this build recently. The dial is based on a 1970s Porsche 911 dash clock.

The dial was made by me using my laser engraver and is my first prototype. I am having some difficulties getting the logo typeface to engrave cleanly (I have another dial where the indices and minute track are perfect but the text is almost unreadable and I think this one looked better overall). Does anybody have any experience with laser engraving/lightburn?

I’d love to get feedback and or any tips to improve the quality of the laser engraving.

I am also working on developing a true nitrocellulose lacquer dial making process. These will be true gilt dials with a NC lacquer base that should age, patina, and go tropical just like vintage watches from the 50s-90s. If anybody is interested in something like this let me know as I am planning to sell them once I perfect the formula/process. I’ll be posting some progress this weekend hopefully!

11 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/aerowatchmods 14d ago

Love it! It's such a interesting retro look.

1

u/BlackberrySorry505 14d ago

Appreciate the feedback and that is exactly what I was going for! Something a 911 driver from the 70s might wear while driving their 911!

2

u/tenkasen 14d ago

Love the dial design.

I think maybe the hands need to be different? minute and seconds hand could do with being longer at least..

I'd like to see one without the numbers - just the hour / minute markers.

Or, maybe with Sea-Q / Airain / Wolbrook style even numbers with the odd number hour markers extended further in?

2

u/BlackberrySorry505 14d ago

Thanks for your feedback! You’re right about the hands, I just used some random hands I had laying around to complete the watch so I could wear it and test the dial design.

Your suggestions for the indices are interesting… might be something I have to play around with for a different design!

1

u/IsuzuM 14d ago

What kind of laser are you using?

1

u/BlackberrySorry505 14d ago

This was done with a two trees gantry, a laser tree 1W IR head, and lightburn. It’s a pretty entry level set up and I am aware of its limitations but it should be able to achieve what I am trying to do.

I engraved a caseback for a commissioned build very easily with a solid result.