3D Printed Chain Converts the Pebble Time into a Pocket Watch

Styles come and go…and come again and the pocket watch is no exception. There’s something about a pocket watch that is really appealing and whether it’s a statement of nostalgia or a response to an irritated wrist that makes it the timepiece of choice, there’s no need for it to be out of touch with technology. As we’ve seen recently, 3D printing can help turn even the smartest of watches into a pocket watch. And now, Alex Maund has created a 3D printed watch chain that converts any watch with a 20-22 millimeter watchband into a pocket watch.

This includes the groundbreaking Pebble Time Smartwatch. The Pebble Time burst on to the scene with an explosive Kickstarter campaign that raised $20,338,986 from over 78,000 backers just this past month. During the short time between then and now, they have managed to sell out of their first batch and are already hard at work creating more of their e-paper faced watch. The watch also boasts a seven-day battery life (tag line: no voodoo, we swear). Scrolling through the possibilities for the watch can leave you feeling sufficiently optimistic to briefly lose touch with reality and so the makers of the Pebble have kindly included a reminder: “Just to recap: We made a watch. We didn’t solve climate change.” Then they helpfully include a link to Greenpeace.

This is the kind of watch that is particularly appealing to a 3D printing crowd as it embraces the possibilities for customization, perfectly complemented by Maund’s pocket watch converter. As a result of this innovation, pocket watch enthusiasts can enjoy the latest, sleekest technology combined with even more of the latest, sleekest technology. Available for download through the My Mini Factory website, the entire piece is 3D printed with the exception of the spring loaded quick release system necessary to easily attach the stylish accessory in appropriate sartorial splendor.

Three different sizes of the printed chain, making it print ready for watches receiving 20mm, 21mm, or 22mm bands. So, while the Pebble is definitely the coolest watch I can think of to hang this way, the design allows for a variety of watches to be converted.

The entire print takes 30 to 45 minutes, all while using only 4 grams of material – not a bad way to spend a lunch break. The convertor is created in a single print but has a great deal of flexibility due to the unique design. Given the wide variety of print materials available, there’s room for a great deal more personalization and some pretty high class alternatives to the traditional white plastic.

Now, get out your spats and a top hat and step out on the town!

Is this the kind of dapper project you’re looking for to liven up your own ensemble? Let us know what you think over at the 3D Printed Pocket Watch Converter forum thread at 3DPB.com.