Hey there CP Bob Vilas...
So I've got a watch case at home, it's a four-barrel winder with 12 storage spots for other timepieces. It's made out of MDF for the most part, and looks like it has this wood veneer on it to give it a wood grain finish. Bought it off eBay primarily for a place to store/wind/showcase my preciouses, but I was never really happy with the finishing on it. I've decided to turn it up a notch and either refinish or create a new one, using the existing electronics and winder barrels (they're whisper quiet, which is important).
Pictures of the current case:
Front view:
http://torquedog.dyndns.org/watchcase/front.jpg
Open view:
http://torquedog.dyndns.org/watchcase/open.jpg
Edge view:
http://torquedog.dyndns.org/watchcase/edge.jpg
Innards 1:
http://torquedog.dyndns.org/watchcase/rear1.jpg
Innards 2:
http://torquedog.dyndns.org/watchcase/rear2.jpg
CF material:
http://torquedog.dyndns.org/watchcase/cf.jpg (I'd like to reupholster it with this.)
Unfortunately, I have no garage or tools, being a high-rise dweller. I'm also a bit rubbish at this sort of thing... I'm good at envisioning and aesthetics.
I'll await judgement on whether or not it's worth redoing the old one (doubtful), but assuming we forge ahead with a new one:
What I want to do:
Anthracite wood grain exterior - I'll be looking to your expertise in the type of wood and stain/gloss used.
Slide-out shelf/shelves - My current case has no space for any accessories (straps and strap-changing screwdrivers, polishing cloths, etc.) so I'd like to add one in.
New hardware - Hinges and such, polished/chrome
Carbon Fibre and Black Leather/Alcantara Upholstery - I've got the CF material here so I can handle that. Leather or alcantara, I will have to source from somewhere, not a big deal, not really something we need to worry about yet.
I've done a preliminary sketch of what it might look like if I place a second shelf for the manual/quartz watches:
http://torquedog.dyndns.org/watchcase/sketch.jpg
Also threw in some ideas about perhaps lighting the underside watch tray with LEDs when the case is opened, assuming I sit the winders on tinted glass instead of wood. This is all stuff we can chat about. I have tons of ideas but whether or not they're practical is another story. Feel free to call out anything on here that might be a bit over-ambitious and silly.
Essentially what I need is a wicked shell that I can then upholster to my liking. How that shell is built, I'd work with you on.
Some 'inspiration' photos:
Note: Could I buy one for cheaper? Perhaps, but I already went down that road and wasn't happy with the finishing. I'd really like to build something kick-ass this time and do it properly.
Any takers? I'm easy to work with, honest.
LF: Skilled woodworker for a Watch-case project
