Behind the scenes: the fascinating process of manufacturing an Adina watch.

The fascinating process of manufacturing an Adina watch came into the spot light when I was recently asked “How does Adina go about creating a new model?” When my answer took about 10 minutes I knew it was a great question to explore further.

Being our 50th year we have been releasing new model constantly to celebrate this auspicious milestone. No matter the new release the same amount of energy is put into bringing it to life. I am going to focus on a new amphibian that we will be releasing in July. The Adina vintage Amphibian dive watch CT119. As many would know is that each component is made to our strict standards and specifications. Well before any component starts taking shape on the cnc machine, we have to dream up a design. In this case we want a diver to complement our long running NK167 series but also add 2nd time zone functionality which had proved very popular in a previous Amphibian. There is a lot of energy currently in the “vintage” space so we felt there would be a good angle to pursue without making it look like a reproduction or worse “old fashioned”. The watch even though we wanted a vintage feel, still needs relevance and be attractive to the discerning watch eye on top combining all the Adina practicalities we are know so well for.

The place to start me therefore was always going to be the case. The first step is to sketch it up with all the features you really want it to have, then incorporate all things we can’t change. Like the movement. It was to house the Swiss Made Ronda 505-24hr movement. A distinctive feature of many older divers was the plexi-glass. Now we had no intention to put a plastic glass on this watch but the look is very cool. Thus we settled on the ‘box sapphire crystal’. Now this adds some expense to the case but from our point of view it had to be sapphire, as this style of glass sits a little prouder it will be prone to more bumps and bruising so a sapphire glass will give the watch the best chance to stay looking good longer.

The case itself also needed that retro feel which brings into play tapered curved case lugs. These will look great but as the case diameter is 43mm it will also sit really well on the wrist. All our cases are “cold stamped” from premium marine grade stainless steel. In case production the first step is to create the tool that will do the stamping. Each tool we make costs a bomb so the goal is always create a model that will be produced ongoing which over time reduces your upfront tooling costs. There no guarantees that this will be the case ( no pun intended) but it is great when it happens! The rotating bezel which is pretty important on any dive watch also takes on the 2nd time zone function on the CT119. The premium nature of this model ensured the bezel would be ceramic with plated numerals. Last but not least, when it comes to the case is the crown, it will be of course rated 20ATM like the case and made from premium steel. Each case is tested piece by piece to ensure water resistance.

The dial actually begins with the case drawings. One sheet of the case specifications deals with the dial. Which determines the location of the date and where the dial feet will be. Now comes the fun stuff. The dial has to catch the eye when it sits in the retailers window but of course be functional when you get it home! We wanted to cater to both a conservative person as well as those who are a little more adventurous. The result is a range of beautiful colours to suit almost any taste. Constant however is the luminous, it has to be bright and long lasting and of course match the lume on the hands.

The hands also, as simple as it sounds are critical, without them you don’t have a watch and much besides time telling relies upon them. For such a small component the design, length and colour will play a large part in the overall success of the aesthetics of the watch.

Finishing out the critical major component of any watch we produce is the bracelet and or strap. This model will have both. The bracelet needed to be classical in look yet robust with a luxurious feel. Answer it must be solid stamped steel like the case. As for the strap, I have been inspired by straps that we around in the 70s and 80s. The PU “Tropic” with tapered holes was the inspiration. However we are making it with a special end piece to ensure seamless integration.

Our watches don’t just happen. They take months of hard work behind the scenes ensuring every component is exactly right. This all before our Brisbane team of trained watchmakers and apprentices build each by hand.

For fifty years we have been making our watch this way. Thanks for supporting us.

Find Out More:
www.adinawatches.com.au