Alright, let me tell you about this crazy project I got myself into – the “Bart Simpson Watch.” It all started with me randomly stumbling upon this term “Bart Simpson dial” while browsing some vintage watch forums. Turns out, it’s a nickname for a specific Rolex dial with a distinct crown logo. And, being a massive Simpsons fan (who isn’t?), I thought, “I gotta have this, or at least, make something inspired by it.”
So, first things first, I started digging. I spent hours online, trying to understand what made this “Bart Simpson dial” so special. From what I gathered, it was mainly about the shape of the crown. Then I started thinking about Bart Simpson himself, the mischievous prankster.
Next, I fired up my 3D modeling software. I decided I wasn’t going to just copy the Rolex dial. No, I wanted to make something original, something that screamed “Bart Simpson.” I messed around with different crown shapes, adding a bit of Bart’s spiky hair to the design. It was tricky getting the balance right – I wanted it to be recognizable but not a blatant ripoff.
After what felt like a million revisions, I had a 3D model I was happy with. Time to print! I used my trusty resin printer. The first few prints were… rough. Layer lines, imperfections, you name it. I tweaked the settings, played around with supports, and finally got a decent print.
The real fun began – painting! I carefully applied layers of yellow, making sure to get that signature Simpsons skin tone just right. Then came the details: the eyes, the mouth, the mischievous grin. I even added a tiny skateboard to the second hand, because, why not?
Now, for the movement. I bought a cheap quartz movement online. Nothing fancy, just something that would keep time. I carefully fitted the movement into the 3D-printed case, making sure everything lined up. It was a bit of a tight squeeze, but I managed to get it in without breaking anything.
Finally, the moment of truth. I put in a battery, and… it ticked! The Bart Simpson watch was alive! I strapped it on my wrist and couldn’t help but grin. It was ridiculous, over-the-top, and exactly what I had envisioned.
Lessons learned? A ton! 3D printing can be a pain, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Painting small details requires a steady hand and a lot of patience. And most importantly, never be afraid to embrace your inner weirdo and create something completely unique.
Would I wear this watch every day? Probably not. But it’s a fun conversation starter, a testament to my love for The Simpsons, and a reminder that sometimes, the silliest projects are the most fun.
- 3D Modeling: Tinkercad
- 3D Printer: Elegoo Mars 3 Pro
- Paint: Acrylics
- Movement: Generic Quartz Movement