Pocket Watch

Maple and Bocote Pocket Watch. The watch is 2 1/4" by 3/4" This is a pretty easy project that can be done in about an hour. I used a chuck, but it can be done with a faceplate. Start with a piece of wood at least 1" by 2 1/2".

Parts Needed

Clock insert

A small piece of wire measuring 3/8" by 1 1/2"

Tools Needed

Lathe

Easy Wood Rougher

Parting tool

Easy Wood Finisher

Spindle gouge

Calipers

Depth Gauge

SandPaper

Wax Finish

1/4" Forstner bit

V groove carving chisel

Wood Glue

Needle nose pliers

I put a waste block of wood, 3"x 3/4", in the chuck, and then using a generous amount of hot glue, about the size of a silver dollar, hot glue the piece of Maple, measuring 4" by 3 1/2", to the waste block. You then slide the tailstock up to the block and apply pressure for three minutes until the glue sets up. I had a few defects in the wood that I needed to remove but if you have a clean piece it doesn't need to be as big. You can use wood glue for this step if you'd prefer but it will take longer to dry.

After the glue drys turn the piece of maple down to about 2 1/2". This will leave enough room for sanding.

I used a parting tool to cut the recess for the back of the Watch. The center hole needs to be 1/4" deep and 1 1/4" in diameter. The outer recess is 1/8" deep and 1 7/8" in diameter. Make sure the Watch face you insert fits snuggly so the Watch doesn't fall out. I used a set of calipers to measure this accurately.

To give the rounded shape to the back of the case I measured 3/4" with a depth gage and started shaping the back using an Easy Wood Finisher to shape the sides, and back. After shaping begin sanding using a 150 grit sandpaper and work up to 600 grit sandpaper until smooth. I parted it off with a 1/8" parting tool.

I remounted the piece in the Chuck using the 1 1/4" recess to complete the finishing work on the back side. You can do this with a Jam Chuck or by expanding the jaws of the Chuck. Finish shaping the back, and sand up to 600 grit sandpaper and then apply a finish. I finished this project with a wax finish that's very easy to apply. Howard beeswax and orange oil Drill a 1/4" hole in the side of the case using a 1/4" forstner bit. Drill 1/4" deep hole for the knob.

I made the knob/winding crown out of a piece of Bocote 2 1/2" by 3/4". Mount the Bocote in the Chuck, and bring it down to 1/2" with a spindle gouge. Shape the top of the knob/winding crown with the spindle gouge so it resembles a winding knob. Be sure to turn down the bottom of the knob to 1/4" so it fits in the 1/4" hole you drilled with the forstner bit. I used a small V groove carving chisel to add some detail to the sides of the knob. Sand through all the grits up to 600 grit sandpaper and cut off with a saw.

Drill a 1/8" hole in the stem or base of the knob/winding crown to place the "bow" or handle/top loop. The Loop or bow was made out of the 1/8" wire. I bent the wire with a pair of needlenose pliers and closed the open ends of the wire inside the stem hiding the open ends. Then glue the stem to the body. I used a clamp to apply a little pressure while the glue dried.

The watch has a rubber gasket that holds it in place. Just apply a little pressure to install.

I hope you will enjoy this project!