Making a Watch Collection Display Case | Custom Watch Holders

I’m not a watch collector. But for some reason a watch display case has been a bucket list project for me. Maybe it’s the complexity of the built. This video shows how I made a display case to hold a 15 watch collection, along with custom watch holders made from walnut and leather. There is a sneaky amount of woodworking involved in something like this. There are design elements, but also functional considerations. The box has to hold watches, and do so in a way that truly shows them off.
I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to finally make one. I decided to mix walnut and brass. It’s a combination made in heaven. I incorporated brass splines in all of the corners. The glass in the lid is held in place with brass screws. And I used some beautiful brass hinges from Brusso Hardware.
I could have purchased watch pillows, and I made the spaces inside the box so that the client could add pillows later if desired. But I thought it would be a nice touch to make my own watch holders. These were a little tricky. I decided on an oval profile, with a flat surface on top. These were then wrapped with leather and capped with ends that elevate the watch. I learned as much making the watch holders as I did making the box itself.
If you make something similar let us know in the comments below so we can all learn together. Here is a list of the tools and materials I used in case you want to make this project yourself. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
•• Tools & Materials ••
1/8” thick brass flat stock: www.mcmaster.c...
Brass screws: amzn.to/3dWzjYi
Brusso hinges: amzn.to/3aGT4ku
Aerosol Activator: amzn.to/36AvS4I
Osmo Top Oil: amzn.to/2xQG2SW
Howard Wood Polish & Conditioner: amzn.to/2uFQVFO
Microjig Grr-ripper: amzn.to/38J7Buz
Woodpeckers 851 Square: amzn.to/36CuUoF
Starrett 6” combination square: amzn.to/3aPMN6n
Starrett 12” combination square: amzn.to/2U04x9d
iGaging Machinist Square: amzn.to/2V5ksCg
Stick Fast medium CA glue: amzn.to/38VSy0V
Titebond Quick & Thick: amzn.to/2U0SGrc
Titebond Liquid Hide Glue: amzn.to/2U2o4pM
Dust mask: amzn.to/2O4x3Tx
Eye protection: amzn.to/37F5M1N
Hearing Protection: amzn.to/31JRpHa
Makita drill: amzn.to/2U6DJnP
Rikon 14" Bandsaw amzn.to/3168ElS
Jet Table Saw: amzn.to/2RwQTJa
Dewalt planer: amzn.to/38LarPW
Diablo Ripping Saw Blade: amzn.to/30ZOJEV
Forrest Woodworker II Saw Blade: amzn.to/2RYWPtk
Jet 8” Jointer: amzn.to/310uabK
Festool ETS 150/3 Random Orbit Sander amzn.to/2RxjkXo
Dust Deputy: amzn.to/3aXeqe6
Rigid Shop Vac: amzn.to/2U1V6Gz
•• Tech Gear ••
Nikon DSLR Camera: amzn.to/2vtIJJ5
HP Omen PC: amzn.to/2RxxXtH
Asus 24” Monitors: amzn.to/2RVGky9
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Website: newtonmakes.com
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[@andrewlaughbon9468]

Ok how many expected the glas to shatter when he dropped it onto the brass? 😂 Still an excellent build. Good work.

[@jamesanderson9441]

Billy, For the brass screws, I predrill the holes as you but then I used the right sized Gimlet for the screw to thread the hole for the brass screw. A tab of wax on the screw and it goes in with out a problem. I have not twisted off a brass screw since I started using the Gimlets. You can purchase a set of Gimlets at Woodcraft for about six bucks. Worth the investment!

[@bernierossi8062]

I’ve been making those watch insert/holder things for years. Very nice

[@grapplergirl10]

I jumped a little when you threw the glass on the boards 😂 ❤️great watch box!

[@nasarazam]

Love it

[@trustno1785]

LOL! " I Don't even own watches" just great dude!

[@jerrypowell784]

Beautiful work I wish I could build that good.

[@NewtonMakes]

Watch my latest video. I made another one and have an online class on my website showing how to make it!

[@TheRealMafoo]

As a woodworking project, this is really great stuff! You did a fantastic job. As a box to hold watches, it could use some improvement. For one, there is no play in the watch holders themselves. This means if your watch is on a bracelet, it needs to be the perfect length to fit snug, but not be too tight. for watches on a strap, it doesn't matter as much. Also, the only way to get the watch out is to grab it by the head. This is ok, but with the added weight of the holders themselves over just pillows, it means you might end up dropping your watch if it slips out of your hand. I really like the hard sides to the holders though, that's pretty cool. It secures the watch in the middle. If you ever make another one, I suggest making the middle wood to the holders a lot smaller, and then adding a piece of foam around it, along with the leather. Also, while more work (cnc would make quick work of it), finger holes in the dividers would be awesome. You don't see this on watch boxes, but they don't have the wood around the holders like yours, that secures the watch into the middle of the hole.

[@derekdodson5623]

Wow! Turned out really well.

[@StardustLegacyFighter]

I thought about getting one of these for my watch collection, but for me protection is much more important than having a display. I think this would be a great option for private watch dealers, who like to show off their luxury watches to potential buyers.

[@boblasley5640]

Another great video Billy! I really like the combination of wood and leather! Brusso hinges are without a doubt the best brass hinges made. High priced, but worth every penny!!

[@UGA.D]

WOW! That's AWESOME!

[@dazlarg]

Stunning work my friend.. it looks amazing

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks! It was a lot of fun.

[@ThisoldWoody]

Top notch display case and a really nice build video. Well done.

[@interiorsmartdesigner]

Very good job

[@elizabethwatson71]

On the next one, I’d love to see you use carnauba wax. A nice good buff, then amazement on why you’ve never done this before. The depth it gives the wood is amazing

[@Stu81]

I wonder if oval handrail would be a good size for the watch pillows 🤔 it has the right profile I guess

[@naughtymark7372]

That is awesome mate, would love one of those, great job 👍

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks! It was a bucket list project. I always wanted to make one so I'm thrilled that I finally got the chance.

[@ezequielortuno1278]

Nice box nice dad shoes

[@anthonydtobias]

Nice job man! Brass splines were a great choice... brass and Walnut looks great together. Now you just need more watches and girl scout cookies

[@anthonydtobias]

@@NewtonMakes I understand...we all have our weakness 😂

[@dariushmilani6760]

Excellent presentation and a great project . You made a right decision to go with the quality hinges. Liked and subscribed. 👍

[@CustomCraftedDesigns]

Wow great work

[@kc2sc776]

Nice job... loved the step by step. Don't know about the rave music🤔

[@FXAllThingsFun]

I am a woodworking enthusiast and watch collector. I am spot on in this venn diagram

[@NewtonMakes]

Then, this video was meant to be.

[@johnhayes6414]

I like the glass. The pillows don't look soft enough. Maybe few more layers

[@jasonfredricks7224]

Could you elaborate a bit more about how you did the divider pieces? Specifically how you got the measurements for each cut width and depth and made them all exactly the same so they fit so nicely? I’ve been meaning to make a big wall shelf thing using the same technique of those (half lap I think?) joints for the shelves so they all lock together and make little squares for the kids to display various rocks and small items in.

[@treycalcutt5031]

The brass really turned out awesome! The corner keys set off the brass screws. Everything went together really well. Was your table saw fence factory or aftermarket? Thanks abs keep videos coming.

I liked your attention to detail very much since I have a small case of OCD 🙂 and there are some things that bugs me. But you ticked all the boxes 👍🏼 I didn’t like the solution for holding the glass in place although I haven’t thought of any better solution yet... hey, but at least you used brass screws 😉

[@NewtonMakes]

I also tried to have the screws turned the same direction so they match. 🙃

[@thereseczislowski3777]

Thanks

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks so much!

[@koalafan1576]

Girl Scout cookies are like chips. You can’t have just one 🤤 Also like crack. You eat one and you’re addicted 🤷‍♂️

[@NewtonMakes]

It's true. You should need a prescription. Gotta ration that stuff out.

[@jamiecornwell7479]

your project turned out awesome! looks like the jig worked well for the splines. any plans available for that?

[@NewtonMakes]

Well, you are in luck! Check out my latest video in which I show exactly how to make that jig, including the dimensions. 👍

[@johnpiano5226]

Curious to know if the leather you used was vegetable-tanned or chrome-tanned? if it is chrome tanned over time it will discolor the metal on the watch bands..

[@Bearded-Viking-WoodWorks]

What’s the exterior dimensions?

[@bobsherunkle4591]

Hi Billy, how do you know how high to set the blade when cutting splines, so that you don't just cut into the inside of the box? Do you do any calculations or just estimate it and creep up if the cut is too low? Edit: Also, why do you sometimes cut mitres with the blade at 45* (with a straight fence) versus sometimes with the blade at 90* and an angled fence? I'm totally new to woodworking but hoping to understand these things! Cheers

[@NewtonMakes]

Good questions. I'm going to release a multi video tutorial on this project that explains every step in detail. To briefly answer the questions, set the blade height so it isn't higher than the half of the thickness of the wood. I prefer to cut my miters by pivoting my miter gauge. But the blade is only so tall. If I need to cut a board taller than the blade then I have to lay it flat and tilt the blade instead.

[@jamiecornwell7479]

I was trying to see what the adhesive was that you glued the brass in with, does it say stick fast? just curious! I bought some padauk off the internet and am going to attempt to copy your project... thank you!

[@NewtonMakes]

I used medium thickness ca glue. Stick fast or starbond work well. I think links are in the video description. I think...

[@jzco5513]

What pencil are you using?

[@jasongrandy4190]

What would something like that sell for?

[@dazlarg]

What thickness did you make the box sides in the end?

[@NewtonMakes]

I don't remember off the top of my head. About 3/4" I think.

[@MrSloika]

I hope you used tempered glass for the top.

[@Kennadi-ws]

Can you make me a watch box like that

[@fonchoql]

Someone have the measures?

[@everettbonine8398]

How would I find the plans for this box?

[@NewtonMakes]

Working on them now. No estimated time though. They need to be right.

[@stephaniescreationsllc]

@@NewtonMakes did you ever post the plans?

[@mohammadfaysal8688]

What is the length and width.pls reply

[@NewtonMakes]

Check out my website or the video description for more details.

[@flippinzippo9670]

I know guys who would pay big for these..

[@Martin-pb7ts]

It looks like you've got 14 watches you need to buy....

[@JackMoskowitz]

Great video. Obnoxious music.

Fala muito e demonstra pouco.

[@user-bu8nt2cd9v]

очень много болтовни