u/Trust_issues_29

I’m considering purchasing the Makera Z1 and would like to ask a few questions before making my decision.

My long-term goal is to manufacture a very simple manual mechanical watch movement (around 28–30 mm for a 38 mm watch case).

I’ll be purchasing the jewels, mainspring, and hairspring separately, but I’d like to machine as many of the remaining parts as possible myself.

I understand this won’t be easy, and I’m completely fine spending months on manual finishing, fitting, polishing, and adjusting parts if necessary.

My main question is about precision.

Can the Makera Z1 machine watch gears accurately enough for a functional movement?

What about plates, bridges, and pinions?

Are there any movement parts that you think are unrealistic to manufacture on the Z1?

Would adding the 4th axis significantly improve its capabilities for this type of work?

I’m looking for feedback from people who have actual experience with the Z1 or have machined very small precision parts.

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to decide whether the Makera Z1 is the right machine for my project.

My goal isn’t to make a high-end movement right away. I just want to build a very simple manual watch movement (around 28–30 mm, for a 38 mm case).

I’ll be buying the jewels, mainspring, and hairspring, but I’d like to manufacture as many of the remaining parts as possible myself.

I know this won’t be easy, and I’m completely fine spending months on manual finishing, fitting, polishing, and adjusting parts if needed.

My biggest question is about the gears. Can the Z1 actually machine watch gears with enough precision to make a working movement? What about plates, bridges, pinions, and the other small parts?

I know a traditional watchmaker’s lathe is the obvious answer, but the problem is that once you start buying all the attachments and accessories, the total cost becomes much higher than I can afford.

So I’m wondering if the Z1 is a realistic alternative, or if I’m heading in the wrong direction.

If anyone has actually tried machining watch movement parts on a Makera Z1 (or a similar desktop CNC), I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Also, if you know of an easier or better approach within roughly the same budget, I’d love to hear your suggestions.