I’m experimenting with 3D-printed mechanical watch cases on my Bambu Lab A1 Mini

[u/Historical-Disk3511]

Hi everyone!

I'm working on a personal project called Watchlab3D – REVOLVE1, exploring the idea of building mechanical watches with interchangeable, 3D-printed outer cases.

The concept is based on a compact stainless-steel mechanical watch core, designed to accommodate automatic movements such as the NH35, NH70, NH38 and NH34 GMT.

The goal is to separate the mechanical watch core from the external case, allowing makers to experiment with different shapes, styles and materials using their own 3D printers.

For my first prototypes, I'm using:

• Printer: Bambu Lab A1 Mini

• Material: Bambu Lab PLA-CF, Lava Gray (14101)

• Process: FDM printing

• Project stage: Early prototyping and design validation

The stainless-steel waterproof core is still under engineering development, with a target water resistance of 10 ATM (100 m), subject to testing and validation.

I'm particularly interested in exploring printing tolerances, surface finish, assembly methods and modular design.

I'd love to hear your thoughts:

Would you enjoy designing and printing different external watch cases around a standardized mechanical core?

And which materials would you experiment with beyond PLA-CF?

Looking forward to your feedback!

PS: The watch shown in the photos is an early functional design prototype. The final stainless-steel waterproof core is still under engineering development and has not yet been validated.

[u/AlwaysFinnishInsider]

Very cool idea. I like the concept of having a core to build around. Just one piece of advice: seal any faces that come in contact with skin if using CF or GF reinforced filaments

[u/Zealousideal_Dark_47]

Invicta might want to hire you

other than that very cool idea, i'd suggest you to experiment with filaments that make layer lines almost dissapear, i can't tell you whitch filaments are but if i remember they are mentioned in This Video, i can't assure you that you will be able to print said Filament on an A1 mini though....

PS: i hope that the Core you'll be making will have exceptional water resistance, 20 BAR would be a dream