In today’s world, watches are more than just a tool to tell time – they have become a fashion accessory and a statement of personal style. If you have planned to create own watch brand, then design your own watch style is a crucial first step. In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps to how to build a watch from scratch, from research and ideation to prototyping and branding. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to design a watch and start a watch brand that reflects your unique vision and style.

Watch market research and competior analyisis

In order to better design watches that meet the market demand, you should first understand the current trends in the watch market, which watches are popular in the market and why.
Do market research carefully, study your competitors-other watch brand, and actively adopt the parts that your competitors do well and improve the bad parts.

Watch scratch

After market research, you will have a rough idea and design sketch for your watch design. Watch sketches can be in many styles and forms, and produce as many styles as possible.
But most of the guests are not professional watch engineers so you still need to communicate with the watch designer to determine the feasibility of your ideas to avoid detours.
At this time you need to find a professional watch manufacturer such as watchessy to assist you.

Watch design

T he process of finalizing the watch scratch to the completion of the watch design is bringing the idea to the ground.
First, the watch maker will verify the feasibility of the design by checking the data of the watch against the standards and experience of the watch industry.
Once the watch sketch is determined to be feasible, the watch manufacturer will have the design team create a preliminary design drawing for the customer to check.

Choose the watch parts

Once the watch design is confirmed, you will also need to choose the right watch accessories to complete the design on the ground according to your budget. For example, if the function of a watch is a simple 2 watch hand (hour and minute hand), then many models of movements can meet this demand, so which movement to choose?Next we will detail how to choose the right parts of a watch.

Case of a watch

The case is the component that holds the watch dial and movement. The case helps protect your watch mechanism from the elements and keeps everything running smoothly. The watch case is composed of several parts, including the main body of the case, bezel, lug, the watch glass covering the dial, and the case back.

When determining the case, it is important to consider whether the case material meets the needs of the design while not exceeding the budget.
Mainstream case materials include stainless steel, titanium, carbon fiber, ceramic, bronze,alloy, and plastic.
For example, if your watch is 20ATM water resistant, then you can choose 904L stainless steel or titanium material.
In addition to the material you also need to consider the realization of the watch function, most of the multi-function watches are equipped with a bezel. Similarly the cost of aluminum bezel and ceramic bezel for the same function is not the same.

Watch movement

There are three watch movement types: quartz, automatic and mechanical. Quartz movement watches are battery powered and use an electronic oscillator to tell time. Quartz movement watches are known for their accuracy and low maintenance. Automatic mechanical watches are powered by the movement of the wrist. Manual mechanical watches, on the other hand, are powered by manually winding the watch by twisting the crown.

How do you choose between a quartz vs mechanical movement? It depends on the niche of your watch design. If your watch is an affordable, accurate and convenient watch, then quartz movement may be the right choice for you. However, if you value complex mechanics and appreciate the art of watchmaking, a mechanical movement watch may be more in line with the design requirements.

Once you have determined the watch movement type, you must also consider the country where the watch movement manufacturer is located. Currently, the mainstream movement manufacturers are mainly in China, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. The best representative of Chinese movements is the Chinese brand Seagull, Japanese movements are represented by Miyota and Seiko, and the more famous Swiss movement are Swiss ETA, Sellita, and so on. Pay special attention to Swiss movements. When choosing Swiss movements, pay special attention to the difference between Swiss movements and Swiss made and Swiss parts.

After choosing the country of the movement, you also need to determine which manufacturer. For example, Japanese GMT watch movement,Seiko NH34 movement and Miyota 9075 movement can realize GMT function, so which movement is more suitable should be chosen according to the budget.

Watch band

The choice of watch band will depend on the desired aesthetic and functionality of the wrist watch. There are several materials to consider. Here are a few common options:

Genuine leather strap: This is a classic choice for a watch band, offering a timeless look and comfortable feel. Leather straps can come in a range of colors and finishes, from glossy to matte.

Mesh bracelet: A mesh bracelet comprises a series of interlocking metal links, creating a breathable and flexible band. Sporty or dress watches choose the mesh bracelet.

Solid stainless steel band: This type of band is highly durable and can provide a sleek and modern look. Stainless steel band can come in a variety of finishes, including brushed, polished, or matte.

Titanium watch band: Titanium’s high strength, lightweight and hypoallergenic properties make it an ideal material for making watch cases and straps. Titanium watch band can be worn daily and can also withstand harsh environments such as seawater. That’s why titanium straps are the perfect match for diving watches.

Rubber or silicone strap: Sport or diving watches often use rubber bands because of their water-resistant and durable properties. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and can come in a range of colors.

Resin band: Resin watch bands are made of a high impact plastic. Resin band is stronger and available in a variety of colors. They are also resistant to wear and tear, lightweight, and have a fashionable and sporty appearance. However, resin watch bands have a hard texture, and some wearers don’t like the hardness.

For example, if your watch is diver watch, then choose a stainless steel strap or rubber strap instead of a leather strap.

Or if your style of watch is a dress watch, then instead of a rubber strap choose a stainless steel strap or leather strap. There is also a popular trend in the last few years to pair a watch case with 2 or 3 straps as a combination. So the strap is with a switch spring bar.

Watch dial

Once the watch dial design is finalized, the details of the watch face are determined according to the function and style of the design.
First, if the watch is multi-functional like chronograph, then he will have 2 or 3 sub dials.If the watch is a moon phase, then it will usually have a moon phase sub dial at the 6 o “clock postion.
Secondly, choose the right pattern of dial according to the style of the watch. For example, if your watch is luxury watch for ladies, then you can consider pearl dial.
Third, determine the shape and color of the hour marker and minute marker. If your watch is used in some low light environment such as diving, caving, etc., then the hour marker and minute marker are luminescent.
If your watch is a luxury watch, then the hour markers can be diamonds, currently more popular Swarovski, Czech diamonds.
It is not enough to determine these parts of the watch dial, but you need to determine more details, such as how the diamonds are set on the dial whether they are glued or clawed.
For example, whether the luminous matter of the hour marker is made of Hong Kong luminous material or Swiss luminova.

Watch hand

The watch hands not only indicate the time, but also contribute to the overall design and style of the watch.
When choosing watch hands, there are several factors to consider, such as the intended use of the watch and the desired aesthetic. Some common types of watch hands include sword hand, leaf hand, baton hand, and skeleton hands, luminous hand.Each type offers its own unique look and feel, and can be tailored to fit the style of the watch.
It should be pointed out here that luminescent watch hands are special, most of them are filled with luminescent materials, but tube watch hands have become popular in the past few years.

Crown of a watch

The watch crown is typically located on the side of the watch case. It serves to wind and set the watch, as well as adjust any additional features or complications (Chronograph, Dual time, GMT, date/window, etc).Crown types include push/pull, screw-down, and screw-in crowns.

The choice of crown is also based on the design of the watch and the positioning of the watch brand. For example, the characteristic crownof Cartier watches makes you associate Cartier as soon as you see this crown with cabochon.

Conclusion-How to design a watch

To design a watch from scratch can be a complex and challenging process, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. Our watch company can help our customer who want to create own watch brand by providing expert guidance throughout the design process. From selecting materials and components to watch manufacturing and package, we can help bring your vision to life.By working with our team, you can create a unique and high-quality watch that will stand out in the marketplace and appeal to your target audience.

Hello,customers
My name is Momo Cheng. I am the business manager of Watchessy. have been in watches industry since 2012. Feel free to contact us. I am happy to provide your the professional solution, the best watches products and service.

Email : info@watchessy.com