The manufacturing process of metal watch cases usually includes die casting, precision casting, stamping, CNC machining, etc. Different brands and designs may use different process combinations, depending on the material, complexity and appearance requirements of the watch case.
Die casting is usually used for mass production, especially for parts with complex shapes and high precision requirements. It is suitable for efficient mass production, and can produce fine metal cases with smooth surfaces and complex shapes. It is suitable for entry-level or mid-range metal watch cases, especially when pursuing cost-effectiveness and large production volumes. Investment Casting can produce very fine and complex cases with high precision, which is suitable for high-end watches or high-precision parts. It can meet the needs of precision and beauty, especially in the luxury watch industry. Due to the relatively simple stamping process, it is not suitable for the production of parts with complex shapes, and the surface accuracy and details may not be as good as other high-precision processes. It is mainly used to produce simpler metal parts, such as the back cover of the watch case, the strap joint, etc., and is usually used in combination with other processes. CNC machining is usually used for milling and turning of metal blocks to produce complex and precise watch cases. CNC machining is a very important process in the production of high-end watches, especially when making watch cases that require complex designs and high precision requirements. It is widely used in the production of luxury brands and precision watches.
With the advancement of 3D printing technology, more and more watch brands have begun to use 3D printing technology for parts manufacturing, especially in the early stages of shell design. 3D printing can help manufacturers to carry out rapid prototyping and small-batch customized production. This technology is particularly suitable for the high-end customized watch market. With the rise of the smartwatch market, the demand for metal watch cases has also begun to expand to the field of smartwatches. Many smartwatch brands (such as Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, etc.) have begun to use aluminum alloys, titanium alloys and other materials to manufacture metal cases. These metal cases are not only beautiful and durable, but also enhance the high-end feel of smartwatches.
As consumers' requirements for high quality and personalization continue to increase, the metal watch case market will continue to develop in the direction of high-end and customized. At the same time, the integration of environmentally friendly materials and intelligent functions will also become an important trend in the future market. The market for metal watch cases will not only continue to grow in the field of traditional mechanical watches, but will also usher in new development opportunities in the fields of smartwatches and high-tech.