This cool self-locking watch display case costs around $55, but you need a 3D printer

A MakerWorld designer is crowdfunding a three-watch display case that holds its contents without a single screw, hinge or even a spring. The Watch Caddy Case Display, listed as CWS01, is the work of Smackmax. Backers receive print files instead of a finished object.

The mechanism is why a display case like this should stand out. Each of the three cradles is held by interlocking printed geometry. Ordinary hair ties supply the tension needed (seven of them in total). Closing the lid moves internal levers that capture each watch and stop them moving. The cradles mount in multiple positions. This means that tension can be set individually for a bracelet, a rubber strap or leather, and for different wrist sizes. Smackmax pitches the three slots for a dress watch, a diver and a daily. However, that shouldn't be a hard line.

Printing it needs a machine with at least 250 by 200 by 130 mm of build volume, roughly 1.1 kg of PLA and a 0.4 mm nozzle at 0.2 mm layers, with tree supports on some parts. No multi-material unit is required.

The entry tier is $35 for the STL and 3MF files and an illustrated assembly guide. A carry handle module costs $39 for the first 50 backers or $48 after that, and a $128 tier adds a license to print and sell physical copies, capped at 100 and barely touched. Filament for one case will cost roughly $20 at bulk PLA prices — all that puts the first unit near $55 and every one after that at the cost of plastic. A comparable three-watch leather travel roll sells for around $70 — however, the whole 3D printing aspect is something you can't really ignore here.

The campaign isn't doing too well as of writing. It stands at $1,289 of a $3,000 goal from 24 backers, and funding is all or nothing on 11 November. Smackmax concedes on the page that the project is niche and may not get there.