27/10/2026
ALPHA. BETA. PROTOTYPE. REPEAT.
A little insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
Take the bezel, for example. On paper, a relatively simple component. In reality, an almost ridiculous amount of trial and error.
It starts with sketches, CAD models and 3D prints before moving onto CNC-machined aluminium prototypes. Different profiles, grip patterns, angles, depths, tolerances and finishes. Tiny changes that can completely transform how a component looks, feels and functions.
Something can look absolutely brilliant on a CAD render, but feel completely wrong in your hand. Equally, a design might feel fantastic to operate but look terrible once fitted to the case
Then there’s the finish.
A bezel might look incredible in raw brushed stainless steel, with every edge and machining detail catching the light exactly as intended. Apply a black DLC coating and suddenly the whole thing looks completely different. Details disappear, proportions look wrong, and something that looked spot-on a few days earlier is heading straight back to the drawing board.
And sometimes it’s the complete opposite.
Rev A. Rev B. Rev C. Change a radius by half a millimetre. Adjust the knurling. Alter the chamfer. Modify the toolpath. Machine another prototype. Deburr it, finish it, fit it, test it.
Repeat until it looks right, feels right and works right.
It’s a lot of work for something most people will probably never give a second thought to.
But that’s the bit I enjoy. The designing, experimenting, getting things wrong, figuring out why, and having another go.
I’m a maker at heart. I enjoy the process just as much as the finished product.
FARQUHAR WATCH COMPANY.
BUILT DIFFERENT.
Designed, developed and finished in Buckie, Scotland 🏴
