SwissPL Watch Company Harnesses the Power of CNC Machining
When we think of rapid prototyping in aluminum with our Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine, SwissPL Watch Company immediately comes to mind. They use our high-performance desktop CNC to prototype parts for their gorgeous timepieces. SwissPL Watch Company works with military and law enforcement to produce quintessential custom timepieces, designed specifically for the watch owner. For them, it’s less about putting their logo front and center and more about celebrating milestones in the owner’s life: their callsign and squadron patch, as well as their company emblem and years of service. Honoring their achievements and creating the perfect heirloom timepiece is the top priority.
They’ve produced timepieces for Captain Dale “Snort” Snodgrass (legendary F-14 Tomcat Topgun pilot, who Tom Cruise famously portrayed), former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, comedian Ron White, actor Dennis Haysbert, NASA astronauts, professional race car drivers, and more.
How did you get into watchmaking and CNC machining?
I’ve been in the watch industry for close to 20 years and have been making custom watches since 2010. What fascinates me about watchmaking is the combination of disciplines that go into making the pieces. From metallurgy and jewelry casting to CNC machining and mechanical designs, all go into creating a custom watch — it’s an art form.
I’d been fascinated with machining for years, watching hours of videos, the metal chips flying, the intricate designs being cut from raw metal. Originally, I had planned to add machining to our workflow in 2 to 3 years, but thanks to Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine, we made that jump early — and thank God we did.
How have you been incorporating the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine into your workflow?
The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine is magic, plain and simple. It’s such a great tool; if you’re even slightly curious about machining, get one. I’ve incorporated it into every aspect of our daily workflow and it’s changed our mindset. If we need a fixture, we machine it.
I’ve used the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine to mill a ton of things including, alignment fixtures for our fiber laser and drill press, workholding for cerakote coating and polishing machine, watch components, and more.
I’ve also used it to machine various watchmaker tool holders and parts to solve assembly issues. And the icing on the cake is that I’ve machined multiple watch cases that I’ve been developing for years! I feel like the sorcerer’s apprentice with the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine — stumbled on magic I shouldn’t be able to control.
What’s your favorite feature of the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine and software?
I really like how the software is laid out. It’s a pleasure to use. The probing routines and touch-offs are probably my favorite features; they’re convenient and accurate. The ready-made conversational CAM is brilliant.
Aside from the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine, what are some tools you can’t live without?
I would have to say the fiber laser. I use it in so many operations, among them deep engravings for parts like our casebacks. And our Swiss vacuum pressure tester, which is a crucial piece of equipment in the watchmaking world.
What are three tips you’d offer machinists or designers using the machine for the first time?
YouTube is your friend. Personally, I’ve watched a metric ton of YouTube videos from NYC CNC, Lars Christensen, and This Old Tony. I’ve also watched most of the Fusion 360 CAM series and Titans of CNC educational series.
I also deconstructed the Bantam Tools Getting Started Projects. I would advise people to really dive deep into these. Understanding why and when certain tools are used, the workflow, the thought process behind each decision, and then replicating the project is very helpful.
Bantam Tools Knotting Tool Getting Started Project
Something I often do is put painter’s tape on the front lid of the machine to catch chips that sometimes sneak under the plexi edge. Just helps make cleanup and moving to the next job faster and easier.
About Swiss PL Watch Company
SwissPL Watch Company is committed to telling your story. Like the people who wear them, they believe every timepiece has a soul and is more than just something that tells time.
Follow SwissPL Watch Company on Instagram.
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