The premise of the watch was this:
"The basic idea for this project is that I myself want one of this watches but I cannot get them anymore. The people who made this watch is not interested to revisit this design and as such I was thinking about the possibility of making one. However, no one would just make one piece as the design is rather unique and it would not be cost effective.
There are many ways we can approach this project. But the main idea is to make one as cheap as possible but not at the cost of quality. I would like to be upfront with this project to say that I will not be making any money on this project, as that is not the idea behind the project. The main idea is to get one for myself and in order to do that, the watch has to be manufactured in bulk.
I have not contacted any manufacturer at the moment to cost the watch but based on past experience and experience of others, the minimum order is 200 pieces as it would not be cost effective for the manufacturer to tool up for a basic run of anything less. The basic issue would be the case design. I expect if we do go forward with the project, it may take somewhere between 3 to 6 months before we actually see the fruits of our labour.
The original design of the watch calls for a 22 mm lug width, but I agree that a 24 mm lug width would be better and perhaps make the watch more balanced. Also as highlighted by terrenceterrence and Friday, it would facilitate strap change. Although the watch will be a 'diver' watch (exploring getting the depth rating up to 300M), I have decided to go with straps by Wotancraft (assuming James is interested). It important to note that the cost of a case rated to 300M is more expensive as the design has to be more robust and requires better and thicker gaskets.
I have chosen the basic bezel design as it looks like the divers of the 70s. It is basic and simple to reduce the cost. The 12 o'clock marker will be filled with luminous material and it will be staked (to ensure it will not fall off).
As for it being a MWF project, we will need the approval of the forum owners/ moderators/ administrators. I intend to have the MWF logo on the solid case back (if approved) and leave the dial as sterile as possible. Do note that the idea of a california dial is on the book as an alternate dial. The choice of solid case back is to reduce cost."
However as this project will not be a MWF project, I am sure there are concerns on the project, its justifications, warranty, delivery, manufacturing schedules, responsibilities and more so when money is involved.
As such, I believe I should withdraw this project from the forum, as I do not want to cause undue concerns with the owners, moderators, administrators and members of the forum and put this great forum in any unnecessary risks or repercussions.
The owners, moderators and administrators have been kind enough in allowing me the latitude to post the watch project on the forum. They have been very supportive and interested from the start of the project.
I appreciate and respect that the forum is non-commercial in nature and such the project perhaps could have been better served if it was done outside the realm of the forum. I guess the excitement in this has gotten the better of me.
With this in mind, I have decided it is better that I withdraw the watch project from the forum. Additionally I would like to apologise to all who has shown an interest in the project as the project is no longer on and have wasted your time and energy.
