CARLOW, INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Product Design, Prototyping
Concorde 1969 – 2003
The Concorde was seen as a design and innovation milestone of the 19th century. The idea of supersonic travel fascinated the world and a collaboration united Britain and France to try to break the sound barrier before the soviets. What followed was Industrial espionage, test flights and innovation kept the world at the edge of its seat.
Focused Brief:
Design and develop a watch to commemorate the milestone that was the 1969 Concorde supersonic jet
Identification.
Who:
• Businessman
• Collector
• Concorde pilot
• Enthusiasts
Design Goals:
The watch is designed to commemorate the success of the 1969 Concorde. Its aesthetic should suggest subtle links with the Concorde and its lavish interior and exterior. The watch is designed to use a ETA Chronograph mechanical movement which is visible at the rear of the case.
The watch was required to conform to the usual standards including withstanding the elements and everyday wear and tear.
Sketches
Inspiration:
They were many dials and instruments in the cockpit of the Concorde aircraft. These dials were the idea starting point for the base of a design.
Shape:
The shape of the Mach 2 speedometer in the Concordes cockpit was the inspiration for the watch case. The square shape represents the breaking of the sound barrier as the instrument set many world records.
Choices:
Material choices:
The choice of materials are important for the watch as the original Concorde was finished to a very high standard. The images below inspire material finish and texture.
Choices:
The watch body will be made from aircraft grade aluminium from the now decommissioned Concorde chassis which would be a main feature giving the consumer some D.N.A of a real Concorde and as interesting product personality.
Scale:
After the main characteristics of the watch shape was decided upon a file was built using 3D modelling software. This file was then printed out on an SLA 3D printer. A watch strap was added and the whole unit was tested for size and wear ability by the user. The file was then readjusted and fine tuned to find to desired size.
Size and Scale:
Using this prototype file the other components in the watch could be sized accordingly and the design could advance to a rendering stage to show a final rendered image of the watch
Modelling:
With the use of Solidworks 3D modelling software,a 3D model of the watch was created. This dimension accurate model allows for fine tuning of the watch components. This file can then be used for 3D printing, rendering or manufacturing plans.
Rendering:
A rendered watch showing textures, colours and other fine detail created with the use of Keyshot Rendering software.
This program can also be used to create animations, movable part files and 360 degree viewer files.
Exploded Detail:
The exploded view showing the components of the watch. Each component fits together as the watch is assembled in both directions. The top down assembly is held firm with the glass seal while the bottom up assembly is push fitted holding the components firmly in place.
Fine Details:
Straps:
The final watch with the strap added. The strap is a rubberised tyre texture, this specific strap was chosen to commemorate the only crash Concorde experienced when a tyre burst due to metal debris left on the runway from another plane.
The alternative strap is a genuine black leather strap that would pay homage to the luxury interior of the jet.
The Clasp:
A Concorde embossed clasp is used for none enthusiasts to recognise the watch, this clasp is made from aluminium to match the main watch body. On the inside of the clasp is three rectangles inside each other, This shape commemorates the small But extra thick windows used in the supersonic jet.
Paying Tribute:
The gold weave on the back of the watch represents the fly by wire controls that early versions of the Concorde used.
It also pays tribute to the technical engineering that developed the Concorde without the use of modern computers.
The weave is created in the same way a parabola is constructed by hand on an engineering board which is how the curve of the aircraft wing was developed.
Prototype:
Prototype
– SLA model
– Watch Body
– Crown and pushers
– Watch Face
– Back press
Finishing Model:
Once the rapid prototyping of parts was finished, each part was sanded and primed.
Over six layers of primer was used and then a top coat. The parts were then heated and pressed together to make the compression fit. The watch was assembled and then the purchased movement and straps were added. The hole unit was polished and displayed.
The watch is wearable and is quite comfortable. The files that produced this model could be used to build a fully running aluminium version.
