Texas Watchmaker, Handmade, 1440 hours in 6 minutes.

This video captures 1,440 hours of work in six minutes, detailing the process from CAD design to manufacturing - from scratch, and nearly completely handmade using traditional watchmaking methods. For his first watch, Dr. Roysdon chose the style of the Hamilton 945 because the parts are a bit larger than other movements, e.g., the ETA 2824. Over 50 jigs and fixtures were made to build this watch. There are 122 hand-made pieces in the Model One, while the Inca-bloc jewels, hairspring, mainspring, springs inside the spring bars, front/back sapphire crystal were purchased.
More photos and details are located here:
www.roysdonwatchco.com
Content Timestamps
-----------------------------------------
0:00 - Intro & Unveiling
0:39 - CAD & CAM
0:54 - CNC machining
1:10 - Lathe work
1:35 - Pearlage
1:39 - Geneva Stripes
1:43 - Angelage & Polishing chamfers
2:00 - Press-fit ruby jewels
2:09 - Handmade gear (wheel & pinion) cutting
2:26 - Chamfer & polishing gears
2:46 - 24k gold plating (electroplating)
3:01 - Staking wheels & pinions
3:14 - Poising the balance wheel
3:23 - Adjusting the hairspring
3:28 - Movement assembly & timing adjustments
3:32 - Guilloche watch dial, hour markers, chapter rings, and more pearlage
4:01 - Hour, minute and second hands
4:10 - 22 handmade screws & black (mirror) polishing
4:46 - 2 handmade banking pins
4:56 - Watch case
5:06 - Buckle & buckle tongue
5:15 - Handmade leather watch strap (watch band)
5:38 - Scraps from many iterations
5:45 - 122 handmade parts
5:51 - Glamor shots
Acknowledgements
-----------------------------------------
While this project was entirely self-funded, and all tools were purchased, the following people and companies are gratefully acknowledged:
- The entire Roysdon family and friends (especially Todd) for their continuous verbal support throughout this project
- "silverkidd46036ryan" on eBay for the Boley F1 lathe and accessories
- "trader51" on eBay for the polishing frog, topping-off tool, and Boley drill-press
- "burty0_0" on eBay for the K&D 18R Inverto Deluxe staking set, and many other tools
- "dr_woolacott" on eBay for the Luthy Hirt hairspring adjustment tool
- "b_line55cc" on eBay for the assorted parts used during prototyping
- www.GoldPlating.com for the Jewel Master Pro HD Kit
- and many others whose names will be added at their permission
Tags
-----------------------------------------
#watchmaking, #watchmaker, #texaswatchmaker, #watchenthusiast, #watchrestoration, #watchbuilding, #watches, #handmade, #watch, #guilloche, #guillochedial, #pearlage, #cnc, #cad, #cam, #lathe, #workshop, #horology, #watches, #watchdial, #customdial, #watchproject, #watchcomplications, #watchesofyoutube, #3dprinting, #bergeon, #boley, #carbide3d, #fusion360, #matlab, #electroplating, #leather, #leatherband, #watchband, #watchstrap, #engineturning,

[@captainhogseye]

This video made me quite emotional, and that has never happened with a youtube video before. I cannot put into words how impressed I am by your work. Im a watchmaker based in the UK and can only dream of creating something this beautiful. Thank you so much for posting this. Truly inspirational.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. I would very much like to see your work. Most people cannot appreciate how much work is required to make a simple watch from scratch. Just writing "1440 hours of labor" sounds trite. Check out more content from our Lab: www.roysdonwatchco.com/lone-star-lab

[@kuongsam2314]

Are you working in the Isle of Mann?

[@roysdonwatchco]

No. Texas, USA. :)

[@krielow08]

@Roysdon Watch Co. is there anyway you'd ever tolerate an apprentice one day?!? I live in Lake Charles and I've been seeking a real mentor for years. I would absolutely be thrilled to even have a chat with you over lunch or something one day! This really, truly is incredible work! I'm 32 now and my dream/goal is to be able to become a watchmaker, I was absolutely devastated that the iosw school in Dallas was shut down. Just to get to watch you work would teach me so many things!

[@roysdonwatchco]

@@krielow08 Sir, please reach out to me via email and we can chat.

[@Trevorpartington-yc6ri]

Stunning!, this is something that 99% of watchmakers can't do, actually design and build a watch.

[@Not-a-bot222]

This video almost made me tear up. I have so much respect for you and the rest of the watchmakers out there. Such a beautiful talent and incredible feat of will to create such a piece.

[@roysdonwatchco]

I am flattered. Yes, making the watch is a lot of work (1440 hours!), this also required making over 50 jigs or fixtures to make 122 watch parts. Lots of work, lots of patience, and lots of focus. Thanks for the comment.

[@danelgegeev4144]

I’m sure you’re a good man based on your work. Great example of what a faithful work is.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you for your kind words. I have dedicated my life to achieving excellence in everything, watchmaking is just one expression of that. I am not perfect, and neither is this watch, but that is fine because it always provides room for improvement. The most difficult things about watchmaking are the time and patience required over extended periods, e.g., 2 years for this watch, and during times of failure (and there were many failures) it can be difficult to continue. The important thing is how you approach failure, and what you do next. Excellence requires a unique type of fortitude. Best wishes to you in your journey, whatever it may be.

[@thelogicmatrix]

I can't even begin to imagine the countless hours going into learning the craft, forget actually making this materpiece

[@thelogicmatrix]

On that note where's a good place to start learning how to do this 🤔

[@roysdonwatchco]

I started by restoring old pocket watches, then made a few parts, e.g., a balance staff or a screw. Then purchased George Daniels book "Watchmaking" and the quest for true watchmaking started.

[@drgunsmith4099]

Watch making from scratch is not just skill it’s a work of art mind body and soul.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. I am glad you appreciate the hard work.

[@lawrenceberry8116]

I am a pipefitter by trade and a good one . This video made me question whether I am a craftsman or not . This is the most compelling video I have ever seen.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you for your kind words. You are definitely a craftsman (or tradesman). Prior to this video I spent many years learning many skills in watchmaking, e.g., CNC machining, lathe, CAD, CAM, finishing, leather work, etc. This video only captures the 1440 hours it took to make this watch and the other 21 prototypes just like it. And like any craft, you learn to improvise with tools and techniques when certain things are not available (this was the case many times on this project). I firmly believe that anyone can do this very same thing.

[@ASWCo09]

As a young watchmaker (13 Y/O) This is the stuff that I aspire to be able to do, The level of craftsmanship in this is impeccable, combining Anglage Pelage and Côtes De Geneve into one movement is very cool as well. Good luck on making more amazing watches. -Ben Edit: The only one thing I would add on this would be a Swan Neck regulator for improved accuracy.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Stay the course! 1440 hours was just the making of this watch and did not include the thousands of hours of restoring old watches and learning the craft. You will learn a great deal if you read books, and get at the bench restoring watches and making parts. Start small before you try to make the whole thing. There are many aspects that need to be understood before making everything, and this takes time. As I said, stay the course! :)

[@ASWCo09]

@@roysdonwatchco Yeah I've been fixing up old watches for a while, I say I've spent at least 500+ hours restoring old ones and I've built a few custom watches with old movements/new movements. And yet there's still new things to be done! I'm doing my hardest restoration so far, a triple calendar but so far every thing is going well. Thanks for the comment!

[@johnnyboy1586]

Wow this guy is a true watch maker master,he make everything in house, all the watch internals and case to the leather strap

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. Yes, everything was made from scratch, even the screws and spring bars!

[@MrJdubbya36]

Stunning craftsmanship!!

[@tomthompson7400]

Thats stunning.

[@waxload]

What a wonderful work of art and everything looks amazing.

[@legacywatchguy8333]

My grandfather was a watch repairman...I have taken up the self-taught hobby at 61. Your work is gorgeous...absolutely. I wonder what I might have done if I had started as a young man. It is what it is, and I love coming late to my grandpa's game. Your work us art. Well done.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you for the compliments. While I am not a "young man" (I have been working as an mathematician and engineer for 25 years), I am a few years younger than you. Nevertheless, I feel that it is never too late to start a new hobby. :) Best wishes to you in your journey. I hope the video was helpful, and maybe inspirational. There are more to come.

[@chrisblight6069]

Beautifully done.

[@PyroniousIndustries]

Astonishing, beautiful work. Thank you for sharing!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Many thanks!

[@pauldiaz4273]

Pure art at it’s finest! 👍🏽

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. Stay tuned for more in the months to come.

[@omar10213245]

What a stunning timepiece! Thank you for sharing

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thanks for watching!

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-ne9ps]

Amazing watch. Props for it. I would love to have it in my "koleksion"

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you Sir.

[@fattern_]

Awesome work, love it.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@scottlalonde2878]

Beautiful watch, thank you for sharing 👍

[@roysdonwatchco]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sky173]

Just beautiful. Love the design.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Glad you like it!

[@switchhit3774]

Quality. Amazing work. Kudos.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johnburgess6572]

Wow ! Beautiful ! Thank you !

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you too!

[@shredwell2326]

Good to know there is at least one human who can still do this.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@2Dropss]

Beautiful work and beautiful time piece.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you very much!

[@SPWD1198]

Amazing work 👏👏

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@worldtreehouses2692]

excellent work!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!

[@johnnyarsenault9124]

Magnificent watchmaking!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you! I have more on the way, but making watch parts and video editing both take a long time. 😉

[@superfast30]

Outstanding!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!

[@pipodorologio1648]

what a great insight in the making of a watch, absolutely amazing to see the handwork.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shanemeyer9224]

This is absolutely amazing, just fantastic work!!! You really blew me alway

[@roysdonwatchco]

Wow, thank you!

[@shanemeyer9224]

@@roysdonwatchco absolutely my pleasure, it’s truly gorgeous, as a fellow hobby watchmaker I respect that hard work and unbelievable amount of time that went into it!

[@supremeskiies773]

This is an absolute master piece. Not only bc it has my last name on it but just so profoundly beautiful. So elegant, smooth, and classic with a modern touch. Doc. I commend you, this is a brilliant and beautiful piece!!

[@mtnvalley9298]

Beautiful efforts!! Congratulations.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you very much!

[@laurencebrathwaite584]

This is so beautiful, it brought me to literal tears. Thanks for posting!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Wow, thank you!

[@mathi6943]

Beautiful work and watch... im speechless

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you very much!

[@sylversyrfer6894]

What a beautiful video documenting an amazing process. Such extraordinary craftsmanship. I wish you all the best in your future horological endeavors!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you very much!

[@davidb5720]

I was transfixed watching this, just incredible seeing a master of his craft at work 👌

[@roysdonwatchco]

Wow, thank you!

[@joshuamorales1546]

Beautiful watch. The quality of the process looks on point.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you kindly!

[@thedolt9215]

Amazing! Just amazing! Beautiful photography as well…

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you very much!

[@Thrillrider10]

The level of commitment to your craft is astonishing. Absolutely beautiful work, sir.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!

[@garyjohn1956]

Beautiful and amazing. I can’t express how much I appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into this piece. Just wish I could afford one.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you so much 😀

[@magohl]

Really impressive and the effort put in is mind boggling. Reminds me of seeing an early video of @rwsmithwatches making hand made watches on Isle of man. I'm subscribed and are looking forward to more of your videos!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. There is more to come.

[@stonermcboner3298]

This is a piece of artwork. 😮

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. It is a very meticulous process and I take great pride in this work. I am glad you like it.

[@mercuriall2810]

Beautiful watch, great design, stunning craftsmanship and presented perfectly in this video. Thank you for sharing & I look forward to more content from you.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mercuriall2810]

Very much so, I found it inspiring! As one of the many ‘watchmakers’ who has not (yet) made a watch from scratch myself, I seriously admire those who have done so. To design and build a watch myself is a long term goal of my own. I will be very proud if I can achieve something similar in terms of quality and finishing to what you have accomplished here. Well done!

[@makethat4coffins856]

That is absolutely beautiful, the watch and the fact that you took the time to do this, the absolute engineering prowess and skill involved in something like this is truly beautiful. I truly hope you get the recognition you deserve

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. I sincerely appreciate your kind words.

[@donaldstewart8303]

As a proud Texan and number 100 to join. Thank you

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you Sir. Nice to see another Texan here.

[@sabeaniebaby]

This is the most beautiful and mesmerizing video.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Wow, thank you!

[@brunocraighero2460]

Astonishing! The single and only thing I will change is the colour of the hands, it'll look GORGEOUS with blue hands!

[@roysdonwatchco]

The hands are blue (using the traditional tempering process) with mirror polished boss and tip. This is difficult to show in the video.

[@brunocraighero2460]

@@roysdonwatchco Ok, so... It's perfect! When you'll send me it? 😝

[@jackallread]

Thanks for the video! I often wondered how the various parts were made and the tools used!

[@roysdonwatchco]

You are welcome!

[@elgatto3133]

Great work! I look forward to seeing more from you. I think we're in the beginnings of an american horology rennaisance.

[@roysdonwatchco]

I hope so!

[@thestoryteller9327]

Hats off to you, you are my inspiration

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!

[@Heretic_Dezign]

Respect Sir, I humbly bow to your skill and dedication, thank for showing us your vision

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. I appreciate that

[@ekinoksart2866]

As an artist, I have always admired and envied artists, You are a genius, congratulations

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Your attention to details is a sign of excellence in the same fashion as greatest American watchmakers of the past. It's heartwarming to see!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you kindly.

[@FZHANGLFE]

Very incredible to watch. As a watch collectors and watch lover, I’m amazed by the dedication, skill, and precision it takes to create watches from scratch. Independent watch making is exploding right now with many great independent watch makers around the world. It’s great to see one coming from the US. Keep up the great work and I hope to add one of your pieces into my collection in the future!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you very much!

[@vaughanatkinson8421]

Great content

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you Sir.

[@StefeligaFlavius]

Stunning!!!!!!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!!

[@johndeorian6654]

I love this. Very cool.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!

[@davidfranklin1885]

Loving mechanical watches, and being a natural born mechanic, your video gave me a supreme thrill to experience. Thank You Good Sir Roysdon !

[@roysdonwatchco]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@matthewwood6973]

I've always claimed machining is art. This is on another level. Just beautiful.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@tugbutker1951]

I am a Mechanical Engineering student with a passion for watches. This video has served as a great inspiration for me to pursue and work towards one day creating my own watch & movement. I have a lot of learning to do, but one day I hope I can achieve a level of perfection you have. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. I too have a mechanical engineering degree (BS and MS), as well as a few other degrees. Keep up the hard work in your studies, it's worth it! Watchmaking is a great challenge, and engineers truly appreciate the challenge. I hope you pursue this some day.

[@statlerwaldorf7130]

Stunning

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!

[@jamesgarci]

Good job and good video

[@roysdonwatchco]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@anthonymarino4260]

A GOD GIVEN SKILL

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you Sir.

[@giancarloscanu736]

Amazing!!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thanks!!

[@johnjenin3279]

Now that's a real handbuilt watch, case, dial movement except perhaps the hairspring and the jewels. A disappearing art of the traditional way. Bravo!!!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. Correct, the sapphire crystal (front and back), inca bloc jewels, hairspring and mainspring are all purchased. Eventually I will have the equipment to make these as well. Overall 122 parts were made in my shop.

[@Vedat4747-ru5yl]

Muhteşem bir tasarım tebrik ederim bayım👏🤝🤝 çok emek vermişsiniz eliniz dert görmesin ❤❤

[@MarvinParnell]

Dude! Perfection!!! I for one would be proud to own such an exquisite U.S.A. made timepiece. What a work of art. Bravo!!!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Wow, thank you! And from the heart of TEXAS. :)

[@milkerreklim]

Beautiful, loved watching all this passion+craftmanship+engineering+art in just 6 minutes, thank you, how cool it would be for us to see you colaborate with other craftsman, artists on themed watches just like the Tally Ho ⛵ and a violin maker 🎻 made. The guy builds a boat out of violin scraps. Would love to see a watch using some parts or materials of a classic or historic vehicle .

[@roysdonwatchco]

That would be cool!

[@Prockski]

Watchfinder sent me here and I must say, I’m very impressed. Kudos to you!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. I am glad you like it. I will have more videos soon.

[@TroubledTimes2024]

Speechless !

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thanks!

[@busterbiloxi3833]

STUPENDOUS!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!

[@2manysigns]

Super nice .

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you

[@seangerst6561]

Ohhhhh man, i always had the dream of making (handcrafting) my own movement and case. You and your beautiful work gave me the courage to start my projekt. I hope that i can get it done. PS. Realy realy beautiful.

[@roysdonwatchco]

It is a LOT of hard work and persistence, but you can do it!

[@seangerst6561]

@@roysdonwatchco Up to this point i do not have the right tools for that, but i will look forward into a futur wiht much hard work and many falls but also with fun. I love to work hard for my dreams. But i think i will start with something a ,,Bit,, easyer🤣🤣😅

[@CaskStrength777]

Heard about you from David. Apparently you're self taught. Interesting. I can imagine how much research you've actually done based on the specific tools & techniques I see you encompassing. Much respect. I hope you'll be in NY in the fall...I'd enjoy meeting you.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thanks! Yeah David is a great guy. Yes, I spent several years doing clock and watch restoration. Then a few years of research, purchasing tools, etc., and then started the watch. This, my first watch, took 2 years start to finish (from initial CAD design to final assembly of the watch). I made 21 complete movements until I felt that the result was acceptable. Similarly I made 6 watch cases, 10 buckles, and 5 watch bands, before I was pleased enough with the result. It was a lot of hard work, with many iterations, but overall I am pleased. I have already started the next watch design, a from-scratch chronograph movement, complete with a new 316L steel case and bracelet. I will post "how to" videos as this progresses. Send me an email via the website and we can connect. www.roysdonwatchco.com

[@CaskStrength777]

@@roysdonwatchco will do soon. I have professional horological training but work as a machinist.

[@pas71953]

Wonderful video, I have concluded that you are The Faberge of Texas

[@roysdonwatchco]

Wow, thanks

[@667hodge]

Damn,that is one freakin badass watch🤘

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you. Check out the other videos as I prepare to make the next model.

[@Wmu5]

Ok - when does production start! When can I buy one! TRUELY MAGNIFICENT - SO PROUD to see the “Made in USA” on it!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you! At over 1000 hours for each watch, I can only make a few each year.

[@carlossolis6209]

I can't decide if the world in this watch is a microcosm or macrocosm. A mystery and marvel at the same time. Either way amazing presentation and craftsmanship.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you Sir. Stay tuned for the next one, the Model Two, already prototyped and in the workshop.

[@Shaithis-rb4br]

Words are very poor to express the feeling,I am a jewelry artist and I almost cried.Alll the best to your eyes and hands for a lifetime!...

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you kindly.

[@IAmTheMegaMan]

Amazing

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you Sir.

[@TheTarrMan]

Bravo!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you!

[@GentlemenThinker]

I really would like to know what types of machines and tools had been needed to make the watch/how they are called, is somewhere a list maybe? It‘s really an incredible piece of art.

[@roysdonwatchco]

I have tried to list the most important machines on the website. Go check it out. :)

[@mikewedgwood697]

I see you started with a gold dial and decided to switch to silver. I think that was a great idea. 🤘 This was so interesting to watch. Best watchmaking video I've seen, at least. I would literally work for this guy for free to learn everything he just did and make my own watch. I can't imagine how much all those tools cost. I can't say enough, this was dope as shit.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you Sir. I will have tutorial videos in the near future. I hope you find them useful.

[@mikewedgwood697]

You should make a masterclass with step by step directions, tools used, methods used, etc. I'd pay good money for that. I want to build a watch one day.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thanks for the idea!

[@FkinRage]

Wow, this is incredible. I want to see all of the footage that you have. I feel like there are too many intricate details that are breezed over. I'd watch all of your footage. Timepiece gentleman (they just changed their name to something else) started hour, long day in in the life, episodes (they focus on the business side of watches) and blew up. I'm sure even am hour long video (with little editing) would be a big hit

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you! In time I will publish complete start-to-finish videos on things like "how to make wheels & pinions" i.e. gears, "how to black polish", "how to make screws", "how to make a band and buckle", and "how to make a case", etc. I have 400 hours of footage of everything, but it takes a lot of time to make a nice video to post on KZbin.

[@mikewedgwood697]

@@roysdonwatchco I can't speak for everyone but I appreciate the immense dedication it takes to make videos like this. I can't imagine how much extra time it takes to capture the experience as it's happening. As I see it, your 'how to' videos will be a benchmark series on KZbin for years to come. Especially with this quality. I'm asking too much! I'll be subbed and waiting patiently.

[@zmarcantel]

Absolutely gorgeous. I’m in Austin, so not far from you, and looking to get started in watchmaking as well. I actually found you through the Carbide3D forums where you talk about the lack of accuracy/repeatability of the Nomad. Do you feel something like the PocketNC which has (claimed) 0.00024” resolution and 0.002” repeatability is worth nearly 3x the price? Obviously there are tons of other tools to buy so saving money makes sense when you can, but with a more accurate CNC would you be able to do more on the CNC which would save time and/or needing to buy more manual tools? Or is the 20/80 split you describe just a fact of life and accuracy wouldn’t bring much more to the table? Thanks!

[@roysdonwatchco]

I am working with NS CNC and using the Elara 4-axis mill and lathe ( nscnc.com/elara/ ). PocketNC is not suitable for watchmaking. Please go to our website and read the description of the watchmaking process to get a better idea of the tools and materials you will need ( www.roysdonwatchco.com/ ). It is one thing to make a watch case, it is entirely another to make the movement; you will need many tools, and hundreds of hours of practice. Just like a sport, or studying mathematics, it takes time to develop the skills to work at micro-scale. With patience and dedication, you can do it! :) As for the CNC and the 80/20 split you mentioned. This is difficult to answer. As stated on the website and on the forum, you will likely drill the jewel hole locations with the CNC and not a precision drill press (e.g. a "Boley sensitive precision drill press"), and these jewel holes need to be exactly placed, or the wheels and pinions will either mesh to tightly or not at all. A cheap, or low-precision CNC will turn a movement into a fancy paperweight, and you will spend hundreds of hours chasing what is known as "tolerance stack up". This will be very discouraging. So invest in the right tools, or wait until you can afford them, because incorrectly placed jewel holes (among other issues) will result in a watch movement that will never run correctly (e.g. large error, drift, intermittent running, etc.). Note that nearly all movement manufacturing operations, including jewel holes, can be performed on a watchmaker lathe (you don't actually need a CNC). There is a reason most people only make watch cases or bands... the tolerances are not as crucial as they are in the movement. I honestly could not appreciate the level of difficulty of watchmaking until I was nearly finished with my first watch. After final assembly, when every part was complete and I had time to reflect, I realized just how difficult the entire process really was. Again, I encourage you to be patient and don't give up.

[@mrgyani]

Dr Roysdon, this is a labor of love, and I cannot imagine how much work went into it. 1440 hours is insane. So it breaks my heart that this video has so few views (its actually not bad for a first video on a brand new channel). This also seems to be your main channel for this new watch brand of yours. Is there any other channel/ medium where we could offer some feedback or even critique ? Sir, you need to make this commercially viable. At present it doesn't seem like it can be - 1440 hours even at minimum wages, not including the investment in equipment etc, not including the marketing & advertising - would make this watch $14K or more.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you for your kind words. I have a manufacturing background and I am not interested in making this a commercial operation. I only plan to make a few of each watch design after the hard work is done (design, iterative refinements, and making jigs and fixtures... all of which are done for the Model One). I will make 4 of the Model One. I have already started the Model Two which is a sport watch with several complications. Stay tuned.

[@MexicoBeachFloridaLiving]

From a fellow Texan I say, well done!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you and Howdy!

[@davidhunternyc1]

Incredible. I didn't know there were great American watchmakers.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Indeed, and we are in the great state of Texas!

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@roysdonwatchco I bow. My Stetson hat is off to you. If I could afford a watch I would be honored to support you. Unfortunately, it's a Casio F-91W for me.

[@tonyparete6892]

WOW...WOW!

[@kyleeames8229]

Some things in Texas are tiny and meticulously, perfectly crafted. Don’t believe the stereotypes, folks! Some things ain’t bigger in Texas.

[@LeadDennis]

Wow that is fancy.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you.

[@nicholasriviello3899]

Hello Roy , excellent work. I just received my SAWTA “Watchmaker” certificate. You sir however are the real thing. Such impressive work. Such craftsmanship. Well done!!!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Nicholas, congrats on the SAWTA cert! I know you can appreciate the level of effort to make every component of a wrist watch. Stay tuned, I have over 400 hours of video footage from this build, and I plan to make a series of videos documenting each part from start to finish, e.g. all steps to make a wheel from raw sheet brass to a finished and decorated part ready for a watch.

[@TimRobertsen]

That was way beyond impressive! If you every have time off, you should do some sort of podcast-ish videos/talks about your thoughtprocess. You could probably make a youtube channel dedicated to only that, and it would take off!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Maybe one day!

[@Schuisadrummist]

Fabulous work! Incredible detail, and incredible to have handmade watches like this in the US! What part of Texas are you in? I'm located in Austin and working on figuring out how to create my own hands and dials for my watches (how I found your video!). I'd love to know more about your CNC setup for the machine-made parts. All the best, JS

[@roysdonwatchco]

Reach out to me on the website.

[@home-dp6oh]

In a word "WOW!!!" I have worked on watches and clock since 2001. I too am entirely self-taught. I can not tell you how impressed I am with your work. You truly are a "watch MAKER". I am happy when I can just restore an antique timepiece to working order. I could only dream of being able to make one from scratch. One question I do have is that I noticed you applying Geneva Stripes to the parts but the finished movement lack them. Any particular reason you decided not to finish the plates without them? The other decorations were beautiful! I'd love to see more videos of how you did the snailing on the ratchet wheel for example. Nice touch applying pearlage to the under side of the dial. By the way, I too live in Texas 🙂 I will definitely subscribe.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Good catch! You will also notice that I made 21 movements (notice the pile of scraps at the end of the video?) before I had one that I was happy with. Consequently, the video is compiled from footage of all 22 movements. The Geneva stripes did not have the aesthetic that I wanted, so the final movement had a brushed finish on the bridges instead of Geneva stripes.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Bravo 🙏

[@roysdonwatchco]

Thank you.

[@gbiscuits]

It is amazing what humans can do.

[@roysdonwatchco]

It is just a lot of patience. 1440 hours over 2 years to be exact (roughly 4 hrs every day for 2 years straight). :)

[@guilesivann1949]

How did you attach hour indices ? Hopefully not glued to the dial. I suppose they have two pins on the back side and pressed into small holes bored in the dial.

[@roysdonwatchco]

Great question! Yes, you are correct, 2 pins. The pins are staked on the back, producing a permanent mechanical connection. Gluing the indices is acceptable, which is why most manufacturers use glue, but as you will see with old pocket watches, the pins are staked or marred with a burr tool. My 100 year old pocket watches all have no dial issues (disconnected indices or numbers). If they have lasted 100 years, I hope mine will too.

[@orionsuker9854]

Super !!!!!

[@roysdonwatchco]

Many thanks!!