Latest from JWC stable : India's first 3D printed watch

“It’s a great way to create only a few watches, different models and on-demand, while avoiding a mass manufacturing process.”

When friends from the Jaipur Watch Company shared their latest creation with ‘Vishawatch’, it turned out to be more exciting than we thought it would be. India’s very own micro-brand known for watchmaking of fine engravings, hand paintings and antique coins, JWC has a pleasantly surprising new addition to the bouquet : A 3D Printed Watch!

Printed in stainless steel and covered by a sapphire crystal, this watch is an eye catcher for several reasons. For starters, the way it comes to life. Bespoke by the sheer nature, this timepiece does not go through the usual process of a pair of hands working on it for hours and days. Thanks to the artificial intelligence of modern-day computers, JWC claims to have mastered the technique to create a piece you desire with the help of a three-dimensional printer.

Why 3D printing? Well, because it allows JWC to create highly personalised designs in less time and cost. So, if you thought that getting a bespoke watch will burn a hole in your pocket, consider this one. We spent some quality time with this watch and must say, quite like it both for the looks and the concept.

“This is India’s first 3D printed watch,” claims Gaurav Mehta, the founder of Jaipur Watch Company, who is very upbeat about having cracked the code of making cost-effective but highly bespoke watches in no time. “It’s a great way to create only a few watches, different models, on-demand watches while avoiding a mass manufacturing process,” he adds. With the use of this technology, JWC hopes to tap into a larger base of bespoke watch lovers and collectors who may not be able or willing to spend a fortune or wait long for their desired personalised piece. It has taken JWC months of research and development before unveiling this to the world.

The Watch

The dial of the watch is 3D printed with motifs and numbers given a high polished surface. Powered by a premium Japanese Miyota mechanical movement of 9015, it comes with a genuine high-quality hand-crafted leather. The outer dimension of the case is 40 mm and the thickness is 8mm. The lugs of the watch are 20mm in size. The dial has Hindi numerics, a nice element for the Made In India story and legacy that JWC is attempting to create. Made to order, the watch is priced around Rs 65,000 or upwards, depending on the design and the level of customisation.

The Technology

3D printing is a process in which material is joined or solidified under computer control to create a three dimensional object, with material being added together (powder grains being fused together), typically layer by layer. Because of the precision, repeatability and material range, 3D printing is considered as an industrial production technology, with the name of additive manufacturing. 3D printed objects can have a very complex shape or geometry and are always produced starting from a digital 3D model or a CAD file. It offers the opportunities to create new shapes. Impressive designs can be created just in one part. Many popular and big names in the international watches industry have started using and experimenting with this technology to create prototypes.

The Process

3D Rendering is the process of producing an image based on three-dimensional data stored within a computer. 3D rendering is a creative process that is similar to photography or cinematography, because you are lighting and staging scenes and producing images. Then comes selective laser melting (SLM) or rapid prototyping, technique designed to use a high power-density laser to melt and fuse metallic powders together. Here is how the renders are created on CAD to craft this novelty!