Rapid Prototyping through 3D Printing Lends a Helping Hand to Startup Garibaldi Japanese Selvedge Denim Watches

In 1972, Japan’s first ever selvedge denim was produced in Kojima at Kurabo Mills. Since then, Japanese selvedge denim has become well-known and well-loved by denim enthusiasts the world over for its premium construction and the artistry involved in its creation. For denim-lovers, the names Evisu, Samurai, and Japan Blue represent the gold standard and Garibaldi Watches hopes to join the ranks of the denim-elite with their line of Japanese Selvedge Denim watches.

Garibaldi, a newly developed brand that hopes to bridge the gap between streetwear and high-luxury goods, is hoping to raise $10,000 through Indiegogo to take their product to the public. You have to crawl before you run and before Garibaldi was ever ready to consider the possibility that they could produce these watches on the scale that demand will set, they needed to fully develop their idea and convince others that it was worth an initial investment.

3D printing allowed the team at Garibaldi to rapidly produce prototypes and work through the development process down to its finest scale of detail.

Founding member Shane McDonnell described the role 3D printing played in the design process:

“When conceptualizing our product, we used our two Makerbot Replicator 2 printers and Polymaker materials to print the different cases we were considering. I’m aware that the more recent Replicator printers have been receiving a lot of bad press lately, but honestly, I found our Replicator 2 to be invaluable in the development stage of our process.”

Using their ability to rapidly create and recreate was an invaluable aid as the designers tested the way the watch would feel, move, and rest on the arms of individuals. Without 3D printing, the initial investment required to test their idea would have been prohibitively high. For over a year, the team at Garibaldi have been working with a leading manufacturer of watches to bring their product to fruition. For the final push toward production, they have turned to Indiegogo and have currently raised over half of the money necessary to fund their campaign, which runs through September 23rd.

“We were able to minimize costs by 3D printing all our favorite designs before deciding on the winner. We did extensive development in the ergonomics of the casing to ensure it would be comfortable for both men’s and women’s wrist sizes. This mean optimizing the weight distribution and wall thickness. Our 3D printed strap even shoed the denim and stitch detailing!”

As rewards for those who demonstrate faith in their product through financial support, the watches are available at a significant discount to those who back them in the next two weeks. And if you’ve got the spirit of a salesperson in you, you can earn free watches by referring people who pledge to the campaign.