Overview

A long-term craft project to design and assemble a small series of unique wristwatches meant to be passed down. Each piece blends reliable mechanics, thoughtful materials, and symbolism that matters to our family.

Backstory

The idea started as a personal promise: build something durable that carries a story. Watches became the canvas — time you can hold. The first two motifs are Phoenix and Griffin: rebirth after setbacks, and guardianship of what matters. This project is about learning the craft, choosing what’s worth keeping, and leaving a tangible heirloom.

Goals

• Longevity: prioritize reliable movements, easy servicing, and parts availability.
• Symbolism: motifs (Phoenix, Griffin) expressed through dial, hands, or caseback.
• Wearability: 38–41mm target, balanced thickness, everyday versatility.
• Honest materials: steel cases, sapphire, leather or FKM straps.

Movement Options (Exploratory)

• Automatic: NH35/SW200 family for serviceability and cost-effective reliability.
• Hand-wind: for a thinner profile and ritual feel.
• Quartz (select builds): ultra-reliable, thin, budget-friendly dailies.

Dial & Hands

• Applied indices; legible contrast; tasteful lume.
• Phoenix: rising-arc seconds, warm sunburst or enamel-style dial.
• Griffin: bolder indices, cool brushed dial, guardian crest on seconds.

Case & Strap

• 316L steel, brushed with polished accents; sapphire crystal.
• Caseback with engraved motif (Phoenix/Griffin).
• Quick-release straps: leather (dress), FKM (daily), steel bracelet (option).

Build Plan (High-Level)

• Finalize design language for Phoenix & Griffin (dial, seconds, caseback).
• Select movement family and case size; source test cases.
• Prototype dials (print or pad), match hands, lume test.
• Assemble pilot units; wear test; iterate.
• Document service notes and parts sources.

Notes

• Budget ranges by build path (mod vs. custom dial).
• Keep tooling minimal; prioritize serviceability.
• Each watch ships with a story card explaining its symbolism.