Schaffen Reference 65 Collection – Custom Made Mechanical Timepieces with 3D-Printed Rotors

Schaffen, the Singapore based label specialised in custom made watches has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of a collection featuring bespoke mechanical self-winding timepieces featuring 3D printed rotors.

Established in 2015 by brothers Nicholas & Jonathan, the watch brand has been associated with many bespoke projects starting from commissioning unique watches for founders’ own family to special orders from the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The customisations include signatures, texts or motifs embossed or engraved on different watch parts like dial.

During the Kickstarter campaign the brand brings the Reference 65 collection to customers from all over the world. This collection avails the same choice of unique signatures, text or motifs imprinted on the dial. To create value in the space of mass customisation, the brand desires to explore not only frontal appearances but also the movement section of the watch.

The rotor of self-winding movements provides sufficient space to express creativity. In addition, customised rotors can be cast from18K gold (yellow, red or white) or machined out of the more inexpensive 316L stainless steel. Compared to conventional CNC machining that generates significant waste material, precision 3D-printing provides an efficient and sustainable way to manufacture individual rotors.

The Reference 65 watches use the Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 movement. By working with reliable manufacturers in Belgium, precision 3D-printing allows two methods of rotor customisation: open-cut or engraved. The former machines a rotor with the design skeletonised, while the latter applies an engraved effect without perforating the rotor. The rotors are then rebuffed and finished, along with timepiece assembly, by watchmakers in Singapore.

The Reference 65 Collection consists of two series: the A65 Dress Watch and the S65 Sport Watch. Both present the option to personalise the rotor and dial, while differing in customisable components such as hands colours.

Inspired by two-toned dials popular in the 50s & 60s, the A65 Dress Watch is vertically brushed in the centre, with a matte outer ring containing the appliqués. The appliqués, as well as the watch hands, are faceted to catch light at different angles when rotating the watch. For additional contrast, the case-side is horizontally brushed while the bezel is polished. The watch is then completed with sapphire crystals to the top and the case-back.

The S65 Sport Watch is designed with an integrated bracelet while keeping the case at a versatile 39.5mm. Machined out of 316L stainless steel, the case comprises two bezels; a matte brushed round bezel sitting atop a polished, rounded hexagon sub-bezel. This contrast is repeated in the bracelet, with vertically brushed links and polished edges. The dial is finished with a horizontally-ridged texture.

The brand launched a Kickstarter online crowd funding campaign for Reference 65 Collection on 8 January 2018, with subsequent delivery in June. Upon completion of the campaign, promoters of the campaign will collect designs from backers for rotor & dial personalisations, which can be text, images or vectors.

The team will then work on individual designs, following up with mock ups for each order. Other customisable choices such as dial and hands colours will be collected via a form or an interactive online platform.

Please visit Schaffen Reference 65 Collection Kickstarter Project for more details.

Technical details
Reference A65 Dress Watch
Customisation Options
Individualised movement rotor
Choice of personalised text or motif on dial
Choice of date window: white/black date ring or no date window
3 dial colours: taupe grey, royal blue or matte silver
2 hands colours: polished steel or blue
3 strap colours: dark brown, tan brown or deep navy

Movement
Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1
3-hands, self-winding, 28800 bph
38 hours power reserve
Heated-blue screws
Rotor: Individually machined via high precision 3D-printing; Available in 18K Gold (Red/Yellow/White) or 316L Stainless Steel

Case
40mm x 9.8mm
316L stainless steel
6-screws case-back
Glass: Sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating
Exhibition case-back with sapphire crystal
Water Resistance: 5atm, approx. 50m

Dial
Two-toned dial with vertically brushed centre & matte outer ring

Straps
Full-grain calf leather, lightly distressed

Warranty
2-year warranty for hardware & manufacturing defects

Kickstarter Price
USD 449 – Super Early-bird Supporters
USD 499 – Early-bird Supporters
USD 649 – Supporters opting for 14k gold rotor

Reference S65 Sport Watch
Customisation Options
Individualised movement rotor
Choice of personalised text or motif on dial
Choice of date window: white/black date ring or no date window
3 dial colours: anthracite grey, azure blue or silvery white

Movement
Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1
3-hands, self-winding, 28800 bph
38 hours power reserve
Heated-blue screws
Rotor: Individually machined via high precision 3D-printing; Available in 18K Gold (Red/Yellow/White) -or- 316L Stainless Steel

Case
39.5mm x 9.8mm
316L stainless steel
6-screws case-back
Glass: Sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating
Exhibition case-back with sapphire crystal
Water Resistance: 5atm, approx. 50m

Dial
Horizontally-ridged dial texture

Band
316L stainless steel

Warranty
2-year warranty for hardware & manufacturing defects

Kickstarter Price
USD 549 – Super Early-bird Supporters
USD 599 – Early-bird Supporters
USD 749 – Supporters opting for 14k gold rotor