Mechanical Watches by Rick Ellis

10/13/2026

https://www.rickson.works

Discover Model 2. An original mechanical timepiece, designed and built by an independent watchmaker.

06/21/2026

The watch locking mechanism inside the box.

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06/07/2026

These spring-loaded shock absorbers are designed to protect the watch during transport and handling. If the box is bumped, dropped, or subjected to sudden acceleration, they help isolate the watch cradle from the impact, reducing the forces transmitted to the watch itself. The goal is simple: keep the watch secure, protected, and undisturbed, even when the unexpected happens.

05/27/2026

Polishing the numeral faces.

Using a custom tool called Vector Arm, a polishing disk is held perfectly parallel to the horizontal plane. This does two things at once: it finishes the raised numeral faces and brings them into the same plane.

Tiny parts. Simple operation. Very unforgiving.

Next test: brass on black vs. nickel on black.

05/27/2026

Making Tiny Screws

These are not bought.

Each screw is made here, in small batches, from raw metal.

Turned. Cut. Threaded. Finished. Rejected if wrong.

At this scale, every mistake is visible. Every burr matters. Every thread has to earn its place.

05/25/2026

The case tube.

Small part. Serious job.

This tiny stainless steel component carries the crown, guides the stem, and protects the opening into the case.

The O-ring sits on the outside of the tube, sealing between the tube and the crown. Simple in appearance. Critical in function.

It is not decorative.
It is not purchased.
It is not an afterthought.

Every diameter, shoulder, groove, and face has a job: alignment, retention, sealing, and long-term service.

Most people will never notice it.

Unless it fails.

Small enough to overlook.
Important enough to change everything.

05/25/2026

In final stages of production.

05/25/2026

The early stages of designing and building a high precision CNC machine.

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05/25/2026

The delicate process of applying numerals to the dial. Each digit must be carefully seated.