Building a Wooden Watch Case with a Hobby CNC Machine

About this project:

It all started with a simple question: could I use my hobby CNC machine to make a working watch? Having seen wooden watches online for years, I decided to try making one myself. Using my entry-level Genmitsu 3020 Pro Max V2 machine, I set out to combine traditional watchmaking techniques with modern digital tools in order to create my first wooden timepiece.

The project presented three main challenges: sourcing the right watch components; achieving precise CNC woodworking for the case; and overcoming the engineering challenges of working with wood instead of traditional metal.

Design and Prototyping

The first phase involved identifying the necessary components. I needed to purchase the watch movement, hands, crown, dial and crystal, as well as some specialised watchmaking tools for assembly.

Rather than investing in expensive CAD software, I used my experience as a 3D artist to design the case in Blender, free software that, when combined with the Fabex CNC add-on, proved to be surprisingly effective for creating CNC toolpaths. However, it took me some time to figure out the most effective design for toolpaths.

Testing on my Genmitsu 3020 Pro Max V2 helped me find the right settings: a feed rate of 28 cm per minute at 10,000 RPM produced the best results in terms of both precision and surface finish. Working with wood presented its own challenges, such as determining the optimal thickness of the parts to ensure they were both functional and sturdy without breaking.

Engineering Challenges

Making the wooden case presented two main technical challenges: achieving the correct alignment for two-sided milling and creating a secure yet removable case back.

Two-Sided Milling

The biggest challenge was two-sided milling. First, I had to mill the front details, then flip the wood 180 degrees and mill the back features. It was crucial to get the wood positioned exactly right after flipping it, as any small misalignment would mean the holes wouldn't line up properly. After a few attempts, I found that creating a central reference hole was the most effective solution. This hole served as an alignment point for both the front and back milling, providing the accuracy I needed.

Threading Solutions

For the case back, I wanted a solution that was both secure and removable. Rather than using simple screws, I created custom threading in the wood. This was more challenging, but the result looked better. It took several attempts to achieve the correct hole sizes and cutting pattern to avoid damaging the wooden threads.

Assembly and Final Thoughts

The final assembly required careful work: fitting the crystal, installing the movement, aligning the dial and hands, and attaching the case back. Each step needed to be done precisely.

This project demonstrated the potential of a hobby CNC machine and free software. Although there are things I would do differently next time, I'm happy with how this first wooden watch turned out. It's a good example of what you can make with basic equipment if you're willing to spend time figuring things out.