An innovative crafting process for watch appearance design with reinforcement of new technologies

As 3D printing technologies have become more affordable, there is a significant tendency for “makers” to create and produce their own design of the same quality as products available in the market without engaging large manufacturers. This research conducted an innovative design and production process for watch products. Facilities including free form a virtual sculpting system, a DLP 3D printer and an optical laser were introduced to enable the metal watch cases to be more organic with luxury and high-tech looks. From virtual sculpting to high precision prototyping and casting with laser color labeling of the watch panel, this process demonstrated the possibility to provide a high degree of customization. The complexity of the metal shape was also enhanced without higher costs. In addition to the process, design concepts in this research also represent the images of Taiwan with special animal species. Additionally, decoration of wrist bands can also be applied by laser engraving or UV printing. Overall, this research demonstrates a high-tech craft design method for the tendency to personalization targeting on upcoming long-tail markets.