I think at some point in learning to model, everyone attempts to make a watch.

I designed and modeled this Damascus steel body watch in MoI. The background cloth is modeled in MoI as well.

Damascus steel is used for swords and knife blades of course, but there are some expensive watches that utilize this layered, patterned metal.

The subtle raised pattern in Damascus steel is created with an acid etch. I used a bump map to create this effect.

I choose to use geometry for the background cloth rather than use a back plate. This allows background lighting, shadow and reflections to match the watch.

I kept the watch face design fairly unadorned, as the Damascus body is the main attraction.

The watch body is an ISECT from two profiles (Michael will recognize the shape from a post he made showing how to make a watch body), with fillets and notch for winder added after.

The background cloth is made by lofting two free-form squiggly lines, then deformed with a twist for curvature.

Finally, circular array makes easy work of creating the tick marks.

Rendered in KeyShot.

I learned a lot from this project. Hope you enjoy.

Ed

> I think at some point in learning to model, everyone attempts to make a watch.

Man, that's uncanny. I want to make a nice one but I still need to come up with a concept.

Here is a really awesome site that sells arts watches. Some good examples: http://www.watchismo.com/

Yeah Mike - There's some amazing designs on the watch sites. I have expensive tastes, but a Timex budget :(

I'm sure you'll come up with a 1930's retro design.

Ed

Cool design!

And cool site!
What a choice!

:D

Hi Ed, it looks great! I knew about Damascus steel swords and knives before but I never knew about watches.

- Michael

Yeah - you can buy a slab of it from a knife makers supply house. Many different patterns.

I have a CNC mill & lathe - someday maybe I'll machine a prototype body from aluminum, then make the real deal.

The watch movement would be purchased. Watchmaking is a skill way beyond my means :)

Ed