Making Your BWC Watch: Engineering, Construction, and Prototyping

In the world of watchmaking, the process is as intricate and precise as any luxury automobile. It’s no longer just about craftsmanship today, it’s a sophisticated industry with engineering precision at the heart of every piece. The modern watchmaking landscape has evolved into an ecosystem of specialized manufacturers, each pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity. And the best part? This once-exclusive world of horology has been democratized. No longer is the expertise confined to a handful of prestigious brands or regions. Now, a global network of talented manufacturers is shaping the future of watches, many of them creating components for the very watch you’re proudly wearing today.

For smaller brands like us, this new era of industrialized manufacturing offers both flexibility and freedom. We can choose to be as hands-on or as detached as we like in the design and manufacturing process. If you've been following our journey, you already know that we thrive on being intimately involved in every stage. So, let’s take you behind the scenes once again and dive into the fascinating world of Design and Prototyping - the foundation of how we bring a BWC watch to life.

Every watch begins as an idea. But unlike the polished, precision-driven end result, the initial phase is far more fluid. Sketching is where the imagination runs wild. No measurements, no constraints - just raw creativity. We sketch, we exaggerate, we let the design speak for itself. The first sketches capture the essence of the watch we envision, focusing on its soul and the unique qualities that will set it apart.

But here’s where it gets interesting. The next step takes us from imagination to reality. Modeling is where we bring those sketches into the 3D realm. Using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, our sketches are transformed into highly detailed, dimensioned models. This stage is where precision is king. Height, thickness, and depth are all meticulously calculated. From the case diameter to lug size, every millimeter matters. Once the modeling phase is complete, the design starts to take on a more tangible, almost lifelike quality, but we’re just getting started.

At this stage, the real technical magic happens. While the design is crafted in-house, the manufacturing process involves specialists - masters of their craft, each with a singular focus. Experts who are dedicated solely to creating cases, dials, hands, and buckles, ensuring each component meets the highest standards.

But here's the twist: despite the specialization, we don’t just rely on a single manufacturer for all the parts. Instead, after extensive factory visits and discussions, we’ve handpicked a group of the finest specialists - each one a leader in their area. This means that after the design and modeling, we find ourselves coordinating with up to 8 different manufacturers to build each component, ensuring perfect alignment.

Engineering, at this level, requires absolute precision. Every component - whether it’s the case, the crystal, the bezel, or the hands - is engineered to a tolerance as fine as thirds of a millimeter. And it’s not just about each part standing on its own. All components must seamlessly align with one another. For example, the hands of the watch need to be engineered in tandem with the dial and case. One minor miscalculation of even 0.5mm can derail the entire project. It’s a delicate balance that demands constant checks and recalibrations to ensure everything fits together perfectly.

We spend countless hours in this phase—pouring over every minute detail, working tirelessly to manage the project, and ensuring the assembly of a watch that isn’t just functional, but an epitome of precision engineering.

Every step of this process is carefully monitored. Once the samples are ready, we examine them against our engineering blueprints to ensure every detail matches. We check for any deviations, any imperfections. This is the moment where the final vision begins to materialize, and the excitement builds. At this point, we have physical samples of the case, dial, hands, sapphire crystal, strap, and buckles.

Once we’re satisfied, we give the green light for production to begin. But as you can imagine, this phase is fraught with challenges. A small misstep—whether it’s a misaligned dial or an imbalanced case - can set the timeline back by months and cost thousands of dollars in rework. That’s why we take immense care in managing every step of the process.

The creation of a BWC watch is not a quick affair. Most of that time is spent perfecting the design, engineering, and prototyping phases. Every small detail matters, and a mistake can delay the project for months and incur significant costs. 

We believe in the process, in the artistry, and in the precision that goes into making an Indian luxury watch. It’s not just about the final product - it’s about the craftsmanship and innovation that drives us. 

After the watch is crafted, whether it’s a pilot watch, space watch, outdoor watch, cricket watch, or any limited edition watch, it undergoes a series of essential tests to ensure its reliability and accuracy. This includes Space testing to simulate extreme conditions, water-tightness checks for resistance to water, and demagnetising to prevent magnetic interference. The power reserve is tested to ensure longevity, while accuracy tests confirm precise timekeeping. A thorough quality control process is conducted to check the functionality and integrity of each watch, ensuring it meets the required standards for performance.