Making a Watch Collection Display Case | Custom Watch Holders

I’m not a watch collector. But for some reason a watch display case has been a bucket list project for me. Maybe it’s the complexity of the built. This video shows how I made a display case to hold a 15 watch collection, along with custom watch holders made from walnut and leather. There is a sneaky amount of woodworking involved in something like this. There are design elements, but also functional considerations. The box has to hold watches, and do so in a way that truly shows them off.

I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to finally make one. I decided to mix walnut and brass. It’s a combination made in heaven. I incorporated brass splines in all of the corners. The glass in the lid is held in place with brass screws. And I used some beautiful brass hinges from Brusso Hardware.

I could have purchased watch pillows, and I made the spaces inside the box so that the client could add pillows later if desired. But I thought it would be a nice touch to make my own watch holders. These were a little tricky. I decided on an oval profile, with a flat surface on top. These were then wrapped with leather and capped with ends that elevate the watch. I learned as much making the watch holders as I did making the box itself.

If you make something similar let us know in the comments below so we can all learn together. Here is a list of the tools and materials I used in case you want to make this project yourself. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

•• Tools & Materials ••
1/8” thick brass flat stock: https://www.mcmaster.com/metals/coppe...
Brass screws: https://amzn.to/3dWzjYi
Brusso hinges: https://amzn.to/3aGT4ku
Aerosol Activator: https://amzn.to/36AvS4I
Osmo Top Oil: https://amzn.to/2xQG2SW
Howard Wood Polish & Conditioner: https://amzn.to/2uFQVFO
Microjig Grr-ripper: https://amzn.to/38J7Buz
Woodpeckers 851 Square: https://amzn.to/36CuUoF
Starrett 6” combination square: https://amzn.to/3aPMN6n
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iGaging Machinist Square: https://amzn.to/2V5ksCg
Stick Fast medium CA glue: https://amzn.to/38VSy0V
Titebond Quick & Thick: https://amzn.to/2U0SGrc
Titebond Liquid Hide Glue: https://amzn.to/2U2o4pM
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Makita drill: https://amzn.to/2U6DJnP
Rikon 14" Bandsaw https://amzn.to/3168ElS
Jet Table Saw: https://amzn.to/2RwQTJa
Dewalt planer: https://amzn.to/38LarPW
Diablo Ripping Saw Blade: https://amzn.to/30ZOJEV
Forrest Woodworker II Saw Blade: https://amzn.to/2RYWPtk
Jet 8” Jointer: https://amzn.to/310uabK
Festool ETS 150/3 Random Orbit Sander https://amzn.to/2RxjkXo
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Rigid Shop Vac: https://amzn.to/2U1V6Gz

•• Tech Gear ••
Nikon DSLR Camera: https://amzn.to/2vtIJJ5
HP Omen PC: https://amzn.to/2RxxXtH
Asus 24” Monitors: https://amzn.to/2RVGky9

•• My Links ••
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