Rivkah – The 3D Printed Watch: Case Design
By: Kaz Mirza
Please use the interactive 3D CAD rendering below (point and drag) to check out the current iteration of the Rivkah MTP-1 case. I’ve also included a rendering of the type of acrylic crystal I’ll be using so you can get a full sense of the profile (#datdome). The current case dimensions are approximately 40mm x 40mm and please note that this rendering doesn’t feature the case back yet. The 4 holes you’ll see in the back are for the threaded inserts that will be used to screw in the case back. I’ve made the rendering white here because it’s easier to see the nuances on a screen easier, but the final product will most likely be black (due to the nature of the carbon fiber nylon I’ll be using).
Please Note: the interactive rendering may be difficult to see on mobile – best bet would be to view this piece on desktop. However, while on mobile clicking the white square in the left hand bottom of the CAD viewer and then clicking “3D view” next to it will center the case design and allow you to use the directional arrows in the top left corner.
What was important for me to achieve here was balance. You’ll note that the case features a blend of aggressive angles and gentle slopes – sometimes these contrasting elements stand alone but then there are some parts where they’ll be blended. My favorite contour is the beveled slope that spans the case sides from north lug to south lug. At the apex of the curve close to the bezel the bevel is non-existent, but then as the slope grows the bevel begins to grow.
Keeping the idea of balance in mind, I wanted the Rivkah MTP-1 to feel both refreshingly unique and familiar. So from the case sides you’ll see a profile that’s symmetrical (which is unusual for watches – usually the lug to lug distance is longer than the normal East to West diameter. However, when you look at the case from the dial side (as if you’re reading the time) the profile is super classic and you don’t get the impression that the overall dimensions are that of a square (40mm x 40mm).
I’ll be adding more info to this page when I’m able to show real-time photographs of the case when it’s printed. But I just wanted to update the #watchfam on where the case design is at. There’s also been progress on the dial, hands, and applied chapter ring/indices. So stay tuned for written updates on those too.
Please feel free to let me know your thoughts, good, bad, indifferent – all are welcome! I’d be happy to get a reading about where the current case design is and have you all be involved since, well, you know – I’m making this for the #watchfam!
Stay awesome, everyone.
Co-Founder and Senior Editor
Kaz has been collecting watches since 2015, but he’s been fascinated by product design, the Collector’s psychology, and brand marketing his whole life. While sharing the same strong fondness for all things horologically-affordable as Mike (his TBWS partner in crime), Kaz’s collection niche is also focused on vintage Soviet watches as well as watches that feature a unique, but well-designed quirk or visual hook.
Glad to see the progress! I like the size and the look so far, and I’m looking forward to see the development and progress. I also dig the dome 🙂
Awesome – thanks, man! Yea the dome is such an awesome point for me – I know the big lunge these days is to go sapphire but there’s something just badass about a sweet, high acrylic dome
Kaz, really like the way you were able to maintain a classic look while still being able to make the lug to lug dimensions the same as the case diameter. Looks great so far. Looking forward to how the whole thing comes together.
Matt! Thanks, man – yea didn’t want it to feel too over-designed or under-designed so I thought a good way to straddle that was to mix familiar shapes with unique contours. Right now I’m pretty happy with the progress – the next written update will be the dial, I think – will keep you in the loop!
You know how, when a friend or colleague tells you they’ve made a thing and they’re going to show you that thing, and you psych yourself up to say something nice about the thing when it turns out to be some macaroni stuck to a piece of paper that’s been scrawled over with coloured pencils?
This is totally not that. This is genuinely cool and interesting, dude. My first impression is that this isn’t something I’ve seen before. The angles and planes come together as a while nicely and I love the flat sides to the lugs. Great stuff.
You know how, when a friend or colleague tells you they’ve made a thing and they’re going to show you that thing, and you psych yourself up to say something nice about the thing when it turns out to be some macaroni stuck to a piece of paper that’s been scrawled over with coloured pencils?
This is totally not that. This is genuinely cool and interesting, dude. My first impression is that this isn’t something I’ve seen before. The angles and planes come together as a while nicely and I love the flat sides to the lugs. Great stuff
Hey, dude! I’m glad you think it’s better than macaroni art!
lol but seriously yea I’m happy with where the case is at and I’m glad you dig it. For the lugs I gave them that wide/flat of a profile because I didn’t want the lugs to look and feel dinky since the Watch may be smaller than what most folks are into. Those flat sides combined with the hooded lugs give it some cool flavor.
I can’t wait to show more elements of the watch through these write ups for folks to see. I think that’ll help people visualize it easier. Also be on the lookout for wristshots of the Rivkah MTP 1 prototype on the IG in the next month
It’s great man, looks derivative of nothing I’ve seen, which is pretty unique in my mind.
If it’s going to be black carbon fibre does that allow for different finishes or will it be a patterned overlay sort of thing you see on fancy car dashboards? Different finishes on a dark surface could help differentiate the different flows and edges.
I like the general design, particularly the undercut on either side. Is there going to be a cutout for the crown? I’d think that otherwise, the exposed winding stem would look kind of awkward from the underside, even in the winding position. Aside from that, I’m excited to see a prototype!
Kaz, you crazy bastard, I love the design. Can’t wait to see more of it!
Thanks, man! More details to come soon – I’m basically running on fumes right now to make sure I get the full, operational prototype done by June 30th! I’ll keep you in the loop, man!
Looks great. Can’t wait to see the prototype!
Hey, thanks man! Working nonestop to get it up and running – updates should follow shortly!
I’ve been listening to the podcasts, up to episode 35, and also been listening to current epsiodes. Love listening on my long commute during the week, I’ll be sad when I’m completely caught up on episodes. What’s the latest on your project? Haven’t seen much posted on the Rivkah IG.
Hey man i was just looking around the website and i remembered you talking about this watch and i would buy it in a heartbeat. i love the desion of the case and that pretty much makes or breaks a watch for me. I would love to see this watch made and for sale.
lol Design*