DWO software?

[GenTLe 1,501]

Hi guys,

I would like to try doing some DWO for the watches that needed them in my collection, but first step is to find a SW able to create them.

I have already tried with MS Publisher, and it is not exactly ok, because 1st it can do only date @12 layouts and 2nd the numbers are angled...

 

Here an example:

 

 

Are you aware of any other SW that could be used for this scope?

 

Tnx, GenTLe

[JSJ 0]

You need a decent dtp package. I use Pageplus which is powerful enough and not eye-wateringly expensive. Usually the old versions were free or cheaper.

Edit: old as in previous.

[Phizzy 0]

You could make these in CAD or any other technical drawing application. You could even draw to scale with the date window positioned virtually so you can rotate through each date to make sure it fits the window.

[GenTLe 1,501]

Ok, let's see if I can find something like a free cad or so

Thanks!

[greg_r 81]

You need a decent vector drawing package rather than DTP.

[JSJ 0]

The bigger challenge will be to print them.

[GenTLe 1,501]

Laser printing on vinile white sheet? I know it is not raised... But without a loupe who can see?

[Irishcain 0]

I use Solidworks CAD program for most of this. It works well for me.

[JSJ 0]

I use Solidworks CAD program for most of this. It works well for me.

How do you print them?

[GenTLe 1,501]

I use Solidworks CAD program for most of this. It works well for me.

Don't get if you are ironic or serious

Isn't it "a bit" expensive for that?

[Haltec 0]

CATIA V5 is also very "Solid"

 

[elp 26]

Adobe Fireworks?

 

[Haltec 0]

Adobe Fireworks?

 

 

 

That can be done in Photoshop in 15 seconds.

 

 

He needs sw for date window other than one on 12 o clock position.

 

P.s when is Vratislavia expected to arrive?

 

[GenTLe 1,501]

Adobe Fireworks?

 

:D

[Haltec 0]

Maybe creating a 33 layer and make dial window on first semi transparent and than rest of 31 layers rotated for 360deg/31 each?

 

It seems possible in PS

 

 

One layer is dial with window

One is datewheel base

Other 31 are numerals

 

Prior the flattening make dial layer invisible - flatten - and that's it.

 

No?

 

[BenjaminButton 149]

I use Solidworks CAD program for most of this. It works well for me.

Don't get if you are ironic or serious

Isn't it "a bit" expensive for that?

 

If all your doing is printing the file then it doesn't 'need' to be vector. Bitmap or raster, same thing, will do and in fact is all thats required.

 

You sound from this and other posts Mr G like you'd like to play more with things like this. I work with CAD software - I'd strongly suggest getting yourself on a course for basic training in CAD. Not sure how it is in Italy but lots of colleges offer evening courses here. My experience is with Vectorworks although Rhino seems to be very popular and I think is considerably cheaper..... not cheap just cheaper.

 

There are a lot of programs out there so the choice is rather endless. Knowing how to use it is the key.

 

Edit: The first responses, apologies if this is stuff you already know, were saying use vector. Although not required for printing - I'd agree because I know how to use a vector based program. Design software basically divides between raster and vector. Google it - it is interesting and forms the basics of design software. Fonts, interestingly (or not) are always essentially vector based files.

[GenTLe 1,501]

Thanks Sir BB, I doubt I'll have the time to go for a Cad training: even if I'd surely like it (and it is something I missed already in the past) now I am more focused to IT training. I am keen to take ITIL certification and eventually do a university course over IT management: the company I am working for has the vision of the whole IT externalized and in these years I am already and sadly loosing a lot of professionally due to migration of all our expertise to Sofia people who overtake and practically "steal" all that we have done until now. I am 40 in 1 month and I struggling to change my career path and Company in order to go back to those days when I was enjoying the challenges I had to deal with, when I was executive in my field and not like now doing just stupid bureaucracy and see my past year works trashed by others who "command&conquer" my team.

Sorry for personal rant...

[elp 26]

Adobe Fireworks?

 

 

 

That can be done in Photoshop in 15 seconds.

 

 

He needs sw for date window other than one on 12 o clock position.

 

P.s when is Vratislavia expected to arrive?

 

PS or FW IMO, similarly to how you describe in your other post

 

Vratislavia blue/grey release date dunno, haven't had any updates for a while. BTW I have the green one and am going to sell it, nothing wrong with it, just lusting over the green Seiko recraft, and the Vratislavia is similar in shape to the Prometheus I own

[BenjaminButton 149]

Thanks Sir BB, I doubt I'll have the time to go for a Cad training: even if I'd surely like it

 

Sorry for personal rant...

 

Mr G this is a safe place to share..... well may be not!?! Work nay life is a challenge. I can help a little with design and manufacture processes but I cannot offer any insight into IT.... Not that your asking.

Back to your date wheel and in light of your work rant - if you'd like some help let me know I will see what I can do

 

[JSJ 0]

I still reckon producing the file will be the easy bit.

[Irishcain 0]

I use Solidworks CAD program for most of this. It works well for me.

Don't get if you are ironic or serious

Isn't it "a bit" expensive for that?

I actually have a copy of the program from when I took a training course (part of tuition). My Older brother was trying to convince me to turn my workshop into a CNC setup at the time. Then my wife gets pregnant, we move, and life went in another direction. I agree with BB to though. There's a lot of different programs out there (Rhino is certainly a good one and I think it may still have the 30 free trial).

[kennycoder 97]

Photoshop all the way. My issue is with finding a decent printer and paper/vynil.

[JSJ 0]

The normal printing process will be the same as dials. Tampo. It's specialist and not something that will be available on Amazon as a kit.

 

I've printed datewheel overlays on my standard laser a while ago when I was looking for an IWC white on black for a Mk XVII. There's no way to get the raised white of course.

 

Interested to see how this goes.

[BenjaminButton 149]

There is a printing process called thermographic has come and gone in fashion over the decades but essentially it's raised. But I'm not sure if one would even notice on a date wheel without using a loupe!

[agl1 0]

Can easy do this in InDesign! If you get the measurements of the date window and an example of the date font it's not tough at all. Designing the Date wheel print file is easy.

 

The tough bit is printing enough of them to make it financially ok! Most of the processes used to create raised prints requiring a metal printing plate to be manufactured which is costly the first time round. Then the actual stock the print is going onto can also be expensive once you've included cutting etc...

Edited August 30, 2015 by agl1