Hi Mark,

Thanks for your kind comment. Yes you’re right, I think I would use a 6497 if I was going to go for the 3 & 9 subdials. I’ll start with them at 12 & 6 first, and then if that works out I can start to experiment.

Colin

I am interested in adding this retrograde stuff to a 6498. I have access to all the manufacturing equipment you can think of. Including 1 micron precision laser cutters. I can make this for you at no cost. However, I need all the 3d dimensions. I’m serious. I’m not trying to bs you. Let me know.

Hi Mark and Sharon,

Thanks for your message.

Do you already have the design? How many units are you looking at?

For cheaper watches, the only realistic option is having it made in China, although if you are low quantity it will be very difficult to go below the £200 mark.

we are looking for a watch maker that can produce a cheap fashion watch in the uk if that is even possible.

Thanks Peter, you’ve given some really great advice and encouragement.

Unforutnately I’ve not been able to make an update since February as I’ve been occupied with exams, plus some mostly negative experiences. But despite all that there’s been lots of thoughts going on in my head, and in many ways everything that has gone on will accelerate this project.

I’ve recently made the bold move and splashed out on a lathe with all the gubbins. That way I can do everything I want at home now and only be held back by my own time.

I’m going to start with my standard regulator layout to begin with, and not bother with any aesthetic modifications to the movement at all. I’ll concentrate on getting the dial, hands and case just right; as they’re the most visible parts of the watch anyway. I think I’ll make the dial two-tone though, rather than just all white as I’ve shown, plus the sub dial hands are too thin at the moment too.

That should be done before the end of the year at the latest.

If the first watch is successful, I may produce a small batch (5-10) of the design, to raise some money and also to get in the frame of mind of the types of production line methods I will want to be moving onto later. I can then start on my more ambitious designs.

Possibly towards the end of June, after my exams are over, I should be able to have a decent update of where I’m at.

Thanks for your encouragement again!

Colin

I had a similar kind of project some time ago, on a 6497 base. Just kile you, I had many ideas, neat designs, and so on. BTW, I really like your classic PS/Adobe designs.

Since february, I hope you made a few parts on the lathe, did you ?

But the main key -as you already guessed it well- is time. This will be VERY frustrating, as you’ll have to make unpleasant choices.

Play it safe: the fewer parts you’ll have to make, the better. If you can access a laser cutting machine, that’s not glorious, but you can save great time making parts easily and accurately.
Use already-made parts if you can, especially screws. Timesaver once more.

Engine turning, bluing screw, black polish is nice, but for the moment, don’t think about Daniels/RWSmith and other watchmaking gods; your project must be simple and functional. If it looks nice, that’s a bonus.

Thinking about the movement and its complication is mandatory, but don’t forget about :

–> If you need corrector(s), their design, where they’ll be and… how you’ll drill the the case.
–> the hand’s heights, the dial thickness. The space between the complication/added parts and the dial. You’ll need at least a higher cannon pinion and hour wheel.
–> adding some space (new parts, hands clearance, dial) on the dial side means some “reworking” of the watch case, or you won’t be able to put the stem in.
–> making regular wheels in the Schaublin lathe is really doable (main point: a perfect centering of the cutting wheel). Steel pinions aren’t that fun. And star wheels are easy, but be prepared to do a bit of basic trigonometry before. Be the first on the Schaublin lathe, or you’ll have to eagerly wait for your turn…

Keep in mind where you’ll precisely drill the mainplate, as some areas are thin, or already crowded with parts.

Very soon, I hope to read good news about your project.
Good luck Colin !