u/Milionwatches

Hi everyone,

An enthusiast recently reached out wanting to improve his rendering skills, so we collaborated on some new concepts for my microbrand, MilionWatches. I thought you would appreciate these.

Note: These are based on an earlier version of the case; since then, the lugs have been changed to a flatter, more refined design. Also, please keep in mind that these renderings are conceptual, finishes and dial colours are still being explored.

/Mike, MilionWatches

I’ve been spending all day tracing a map for the Constantine I caseback. The design is built around the concept "Omnes viae apud Milion incipiunt" (All roads start from Milion), with the routes flowing outward from that center point.

I’m curious to hear your take on decorated casebacks. Do you appreciate the extra detail, or do you prefer a cleaner look? Also, which microbrands do you think are doing this particularly well?

/Mike, MilionWatches

Hey everyone, just pulled the latest Constantine I prototype off the printer.

After listening to feedback on the lug geometry, I’ve reworked the design to improve wearability, which pushed the case to 38mm. Sharing some quick shots of how it sits on the wrist.

Curious to hear what you think of the new proportions!

/Mike, MilionWatches

Hey everyone,

I’m back with a quick update on the Constantine I. In one of my previous posts, I got some really good feedback about the lugs. The first version looked great on screen, but a few of you pointed out that the sharp angle would dig into flatter wrists and be uncomfortable to wear.

When I tried to fix this to make the watch fit better, it caused a chain reaction in my 3D model. The line from the lugs up to the bezel was no longer straight.

I tried to fix the line so it became straight again, but that made the metal wall around the glass way too thin and tight. It's crazy how every small part of a mm matters when you can barely see it with your eyes.

The final solution to solve everything was to increase the case size slightly to 38mm x 38mm (up from 37mm). This gives the glass the space it needs, keeps the clean design lines, and most importantly: it will make the watch fit much more comfortably on many more wrists.

Next step: I am starting a new 3D print right now to test the new 38mm size and see how the bezel looks in reality.

I'll post some wrist shots of the print as soon as it's done.

I'd love to hear, what are your thoughts on the new dimensions?

/Mike, MilionWatches

Hi everyone,

It’s been a while since my last update on the Constantine I. I wanted to share some of the decisions we've just made and currently facing. Building this from the ground up has been a steep learning curve, and I’d love to get your input on a few things:

1. Lug Ergonomics: Based on some great feedback, we realized the lug angle was too aggressive for flatter wrists. (Big thanks to u/UncleComputer for pointing it out!) Currently increasing the bezel width to allow the case to slope straight down while relaxing the lug angle for better comfort.

2. Dial Texture vs. Finish: I wanted a sunburst finish on a highly textured 3D dial, which is technically quite difficult. We’ve settled on a two-component dial solution: the textured part and the sunburst part will be manufactured separately, finished in the same batch, and then bonded.

3. Finishing: I'm debating the finish. I initially wanted classic brushed, but I'm leaning towards glass-blasted with polished chamfers for a more robust, historical tool-watch aesthetic. You can see the comparison in the first image (glass-blasted left, brushed right).

I’m sharing this because I believe in being transparent about the process. What are your thoughts, are you team glass-blasted or team brushed for an integrated sport watch?

/Mike, MilionWatches

Hi watchlovers!

It's been a while since my last update, but I’ve been deep in the prototyping details with the Constantine I. 

Yesterday, I identified an issue with the integrated bracelet design as I assembled the 3D printed bracelet with the case.
The end link was laying completely flat against the case, allowing it to rotate away from the watch case, which for an integrated design, is a big no no.

I’ve spent the morning back at the drawing board to figure out a solution. I've designed a small lip at the bottom of the end link that fixates it firmly under the case, ensuring that solid, high-quality feel we’re aiming for.

As I’m refining this detail, I’m I'd like to hear your thoughts on it:
Which brands do you think handle integrated bracelets flawlessly? Who sets the gold standard for that seamless case to bracelet connection according to you?
Preferably other microbrands but I'd love to hear if you have any references to bigger brands as well.

/Mike, MilionWatches

When designing the Constantine I, I had a choice. We needed 1200 screws in total to go in the bezel of the watches.
The easy way would be to get standard industrial screws for next to nothing.
That comes with a price, a industrial, rougher look.
I did not want that with the Constantine I.

We chose to manufacture custom screws from 316L stainless steel.
The plan is to mirror polish them to act like tiny jewels against the brushed surface.
It's a cost increase by 1000% per screw, but its the only way to reach the finishing I'm aiming for.

I would like your take on it: On a robust sports watch, do you prefer the contrast of polished details or would you rather prefer that we go for a full matte look (brushed, sandblasted, bead blasted, vapour blasted) on the screws? Following the same finish as on the bezel top.

/Mike, MilionWatches

When designing the Constantine I, I had a choice. We needed 1200 screws in total to go in the bezel of the watches.
The easy way would be to get standard industrial screws for next to nothing.
That comes with a price, a industrial, rougher look.
I did not want that with the Constantine I.

We chose to manufacture custom screws from 316L stainless steel.
The plan is to mirror polish them to act like tiny jewels against the brushed surface.
It's a cost increase by 1000% per screw, but its the only way to reach the finishing I'm aiming for.

I would like your take on it: On a robust sports watch, do you prefer the contrast of polished details or would you rather prefer that we go for a full matte look (brushed, sandblasted, bead blasted, vapour blasted) on the screws? Following the same finish as on the bezel top.

/Mike, MilionWatches

Hi watchlovers!

I wanted to share with you the latest 3D print of the Constantine I.

I've spent the last year learning CAD and web design on the side of my 9-5 to bring this vision to life.
The goal is to blend modern watchmaking with historical cues in the details - specifically from the ancient Roman and Greece era.
I just did the print on my Anycubic printer this morning, its an amazing feeling to see the design live, the bracelet was even bending slightly as well due to the built in pins which was printed in place. I'm so impressed by the amount of details you can achieve with resin printing!

The prototypes already give a great sense of the final watch proportions.

What do you think of the patterns (meander border around the dial, mosaic crown) and case shape?

This is a passionate "build in public" project and I greatly appreciate all the feedback I've received so far.
The aim is to launch via Kickstarter once the real prototypes are finalized.

Thanks for looking!

/Mike, MilionWatches

My goal today is to get the bracelet to come out of the Anycubic printer as a fully functional "print in place" piece. I’m currently offsetting the internal holes in Autodesk Fusion to allow the resin to wash out properly. It doesn’t look like a big gap on the screen, but it makes all the difference for flexibility once cured.

It’s all about the details on the road to a finished watch, symbolized by the Milion of Constantinople, once the starting point of all roads in the empire.

It’s a constant cycle of printing, adjusting, and refining. If you want to join the journey, sign up for the newsletter to follow the progress and enjoy a discount on the finished watch when we launch.
https://milionwatches.com/

/Mike, MilionWatches

Hi everyone,

I just summarized the results from the color poll sent out to everyone following the journey toward our first model, the Constantine I.

A big thank you to all of you who participated!

I’m a huge fan of Aegean Turquoise myself, but I was surprised to see Charcoal Black receive just as much love. Now it’s a tie between these two, which one is your favorite?

/Mike, MilionWatches

Visiting the Roman roots of ancient Philippopolis (modern-day Plovdiv). There’s no better place to find inspiration for a brand rooted in history.

​Milion, is named after the "Mile 0" marker in Constantinople, the golden milestone from which all roads in the Byzantine Empire began, for me, a metaphor for the beginning of our journey.

Standing here among these 2000 year old pillars, the connection feels incredibly vivid. I want to capture that Roman design language, the details and geometric precision of their architecture in the form of a modern sports watch.

​The project is moving forward with prototyping, and being surrounded by this ancient environment is the perfect boost for the final design stages.

​Featuring my Sinn 556 as a temporary stand-in until the first Constantime I prototype arrives!

What are your favorite historical inspired watches?

/Mike, MilionWatches

Visiting the Roman roots of ancient Philippopolis (modern-day Plovdiv). There’s no better place to find inspiration for a brand rooted in history.

​Milion, is named after the "Mile 0" marker in Constantinople, the golden milestone from which all roads in the Byzantine Empire began, for me, a metaphor for the beginning of our journey.

Standing here among these 2000 year old pillars, the connection feels incredibly vivid. I want to capture that Roman design language, the details and geometric precision of their architecture in the form of a modern sports watch.

​The project is moving forward with prototyping, and being surrounded by this ancient environment is the perfect boost for the final design stages.

​Featuring my Sinn 556 as a temporary stand-in until the first Constantime I prototype arrives!

/Mike, MilionWatches