Watch Design: Prototype to Production

FROM PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCTION

The making of Series No. 1 — The Layne

The Layne didn't go straight from a drawing to production.

The physical prototypes gave us the opportunity to wear, examine and test the watch in the real world—and identify the details that needed to be improved before production began.

Here are some of the changes we're making as the Layne moves from prototype to production.

PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE

Development sample shown

Some details differ from the final production model

A CLEANER, CRISPER DIAL

The biggest change from prototype to production is on the dial.

The prototype used metal labeling surrounding each hour marker and numeral. We found that these metal surrounds could appear blurry and soften the crispness of the dial.

For production, we're removing those metal borders.

Instead, the hour numerals and markers will use multiple layers of printed lume while keeping the dial clean and highly legible.

SMALL DETAILS, REAL CHANGES

CASE & CROWN

LUG EDGES
Smoothing the lug tips to eliminate the sharp edges found on the prototypes.

CROWN
Refining the crown's feel and finish. We're exploring a brushed finish on the crown end to create greater contrast and make the engraving appear more defined.